As the new year begins, hunting enthusiasts across Florida are gearing up for the start of the 2023 hunting season, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities while also contributing to wildlife conservation. Florida offers over 5.9 million acres of public land for hunters to explore, with a variety of permits and license options available to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and exciting hunt. If you're planning to participate in Florida hunting season 2023, here's what you need to know.
The Season and Bag Limits
Archery season begins on July 31st and runs through August 29th across zone A, with general gun seasons resuming following muzzleloading seasons that end on January 2nd (zone A) and February 20th (zone B). Hunters must be aware of the bag limits for their respective zones, such as a daily limit of two deer, regardless of antlered or antlerless, and a possession limit of four deer for all hunts combined in a calendar year. Turkey permit costs have increased from prior years, with a cost of $10 per resident and a higher price of $125 for nonresidents due to limited tags available each spring/fall session, depending on your zone.
Permits and Licenses Required
Before heading out to the great outdoors, hunters must obtain the appropriate permits and licenses to ensure they are participating in the hunt legally and safely. A valid Florida driver's license or ID card is required to purchase a recreational hunting/fishing license online through Go Outdoors Florida, which costs $17 for residents and $151.50 for non-residents. Additionally, a management area permit is required and costs an additional $26.50. Depending on the type of hunt, such as archery or muzzleloading gun seasons, hunters must also obtain respective permits costing $5 each from designated zones before embarking on their adventure.
Regulations to Keep in Mind
Hunters must also familiarize themselves with the regulations set by wildlife conservation to ensure they are operating within the legal limits of the hunt. For instance, deer taken under the Deer Depredation Permit Program, Private Lands Deer Management Permit Program, and Antlerless Deer Permit Program (antlerless deer only) and on licensed game farms/hunting preserves are excluded from the bag (daily & annual) and possession limits set by state law. During muzzleloading gun or general gun seasons when antlerless deer may be taken, only one can be harvested, while at all other times of the year, antlered prey must remain unharmed during hunts. Finally, specific dates apply for small game hunting such as gray squirrels or quail, with their respective seasons beginning on October 9th through March 6th, respectively.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're an experienced hunter or a beginner, Florida hunting season 2023 offers something for everyone, with a variety of license/permit options available, along with regulations that ensure everyone's safety while having fun. With over 5 million acres of public lands available throughout zones A-D, hunters can look forward to stalking big game such as white-tailed deer or smaller critters like rabbits and bobcats. So, if you're eager to get outdoors and explore Florida's wilderness, be sure to obtain the necessary permits and licenses and follow the regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.
