While the Sunshine State is often associated with its bustling theme parks and sandy beaches, it offers much more, especially for hunters. Florida’s diverse landscapes create a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a wide range of animals to hunt. Let’s uncover the hidden gems of Florida’s hunting scene and discover what makes this state a hunter’s paradise.
Blackwater River State Forest’s Untamed Wilderness
Blackwater River State Forest presents an unrivaled opportunity for those looking to explore North Florida’s rich hunting grounds. Spanning nearly 200,000 acres, this forest is a testament to the region’s natural splendor and diversity; hunters can pursue diverse game and enjoy fishing! The forest’s diverse terrain ensures an engaging experience, where every outing is filled with promise.
Hunting in the Everglades
The Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretches over 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness. This natural wonder is a spectacular sight and a hunting hotspot. Hunting here often means tracking animals, from ducks to wild hogs to invasive Burmese pythons.
Pythons create challenges for the Florida ecosystem, and hunting them serves a dual purpose of adventure and environmental conservation! You’ll love the thrill of navigating mangroves and wetlands while on the lookout for your target and watching out for other dangerous snakes in the Everglades, such as eastern diamondback rattlesnakes.
Ocala National Forest’s Bounty
Ocala National Forest, one of the oldest national forests in the United States, is another treasure trove for hunters. Covering over 600 square miles, this forest offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and challenging yet rewarding hunting grounds.
Hunters can find white-tailed deer, wild hogs, and small game like squirrels and quail. The forest’s trails and clearings make it an accessible spot for hunting expeditions, and the breathtaking views are a bonus.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Nature exists in its most raw form within the Big Cypress National Preserve. This expansive preserve, located west of Miami, spans over 700,000 acres and has unparalleled hunting opportunities. This natural oasis is a treasure trove of wildlife, from the majestic white-tailed deer to the nimble Florida turkey. Hunters can also find feral hogs, rabbits, and squirrels here.
Apalachicola National Forest’s Pristine Beauty
Nestled in the panhandle of Florida, the Apalachicola National Forest beckons hunters with its captivating landscapes and rich biodiversity. This sprawling forest, the largest in the state, covers nearly 600,000 acres.
Here, hunters are challenged to pursue wild game, such as the ever-popular white-tailed deer, opossums, and quail darting through the underbrush. There’s also the thrill of tracking wild turkeys, so mastering turkey calls adds an exciting layer to the hunt.
The Unique Opportunities Florida Offers
Florida is much more than a vacation spot; it’s a vibrant hunting paradise with unique opportunities for adventurers seeking the thrill of the chase amid stunning landscapes. If you’re one of these folks, the question isn’t if you should go hunting but where to go hunting in Florida. Prepare for an unforgettable journey across the Sunshine State’s hidden gems.
