Season Dates And Species - FWC

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Buy and Apply
- Recreational
  - Fishing & Hunting
    - How to Order
    - Do I Need a License?
    - Limited Entry/Quota Hunts
  - Public Land Use
  - Accessibility Accommodations
- Commercial
  - Commercial Licenses
    - Commercial Saltwater
    - Commercial Freshwater
    - CLS Online Login
  - Charter Licenses
  - Vessel Pier Licenses
- Wildlife
  - Wildlife Permits
  - Nuisance Wildlife Permits
  - Captive Wildlife Permits
- More ...
  - Application Forms
  - Boating & Navigation
Resolve a Wildlife Conflict
- Wildlife Alert
  - Report a Violation
  - Know the Rules
    - Captive Wildlife
    - Saltwater Recreational Regulations
    - Freshwater Recreational Regulations
    - Hunting Regulations
    - Boating Regulations
    - See All
- Resolve Wildlife Conflict
  - Learn to Unhook Seabirds
  - Living with Wildlife
    - Bear
    - Bats
    - Coyote
    - Alligators and Crocodiles
    - Shorebirds/Seabirds
    - Snakes
    - See All
- Report Issues
  - Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc.
    - Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program
    - Report Fish Kills
    - Red Tide Status
    - Report Sightings of Nonnative Species
    - Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees
    - See All
Engaging in Conservation
- Conservation
  - Value of Conservation
  - Living with Wildlife
  - Freshwater Programs
  - Saltwater Programs
  - Terrestrial Programs
  - Stash the trash
  - Special Initiatives
    - Coastal Wildlife
    - State Wildlife Action Plan
    - See All
- Wildlife and Habitats
  - Wildlife Conservation
  - Nonnative Species
  - Species Profiles
    - Alligator
    - Bald Eagle
    - Bear
    - Gopher Tortoise
    - Manatee
    - Panther
    - Sea Turtle
    - See All
- How You Can Conserve
  - Install Wildlife Lighting
  - Exotic Pet Amnesty
  - Habitat Management
    - Working with Private Landowners
    - Invasive Plants
    - Prescribed Fire
    - Management Plans
    - Aquatic Habitat Conservation
    - See All
  - Education
    - Educators
    - Outdoor Skills
    - Learn about Wildlife
    - See All
- Research
  - Freshwater
  - GIS and Mapping
  - Habitat
  - Manatee
  - Red Tide
  - Saltwater
  - Wildlife
  - Publications
  - About
Things To Do
- Fishing
  - Freshwater Fishing
    - Recreational Regulations
    - Commercial Regulations
    - Fish Identification
    - Fishing Education
    - Sites & Forecasts
    - See All
  - Saltwater Fishing
    - Recreational Regulations
    - Commercial Regulations
    - Fish Identification
    - Saltwater Fishing Clinics
    - Provide Comments
    - See All
- Hunting
  - Regulations
    - WMA Brochures
    - Season Dates
    - Hunter Safety
    - Limited Entry Hunts
  - New Hunter
  - Public Shooting Ranges
  - Alligator
  - Deer
  - Dove
  - Turkey
  - Quail
  - Waterfowl
  - Wild Hog
- Wildlife Recreation
  - Wildlife Viewing
    - Where to View Wildlife
    - How to View Wildlife
    - Backyards and Beyond
    - Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail
    - See All
  - Recreation on Wild Lands
    - What are WMAS?
    - Explore by name
    - Explore by map
    - What to Do
    - See All
- Boating
  - Regulations
  - Safety & Education
    - Safety Equipment
    - ID Cards
    - Courses
    - See All
  - Boat Ramps & Access
  - Derelict Vessels
  - Stash the trash
  - Wear It Florida
  - Wildlife Alert
Places To Go
- WMAs
  - WMA Brochures
    - Area Opened/Closed Status
  - What are Wildlife Management Areas?
    - Explore By Name
    - Explore the Map
    - See All
- Recreation
  - Where to Go
    - Hunting
    - Fishing
    - Wildlife Viewing
    - Hiking
    - See All
  - Outfitters and Guides
- Public Shooting Ranges
  - Range Safety Rules
  - Safety & Education
  - Map of public shooting ranges
- Go Outdoors Florida!
  - Discover Wildlands
  - Fishing Sites & Forecasts
  - Boating Ramps & Access
  - Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail
  - Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network
  - Calendar of Events
  - Artificial Reefs
About Us
- About
  - Inside FWC
    - Research Institute
    - Hunting and Game Management
    - Freshwater Fisheries Management
    - Law Enforcement
    - Habitat and Species Conservation
    - Marine Fisheries Management
    - See All
- Commission
  - Commission Meetings
  - Commissioners
  - Agency Overview
  - Strategic Planning
  - Rules & Regulations
  - News
    - Sign up for news releases
- Contact
  - Social Media
  - FWC Offices
  - Law Enforcement
  - Wildlife Alert
  - Tell Us What You Think
  - Rule Change Comments
  - Public Records Requests
  - Order Publications
  - Signs
  - Participation at Your Event
- Get Involved
  - Volunteer
  - Internships
  - Employment
    - Law Enforcement
    - Career Opportunities
  - Support FWC
    - Gift Ideas
    - Youth Programs and Activities
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Home
Hunting in Florida
Season Dates and Species

Season Dates and Species

Hunting Zones and Deer Management UnitsMaps and Boundaries

Antler Regulations by DMU

DMU A 1-3 | DMU B1 | DMU C 1-6 | DMU D 1-2

2025-2026 Florida Resident Game and Furbearer Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits

Seasons, dates and bag limits do not apply to wildlife management areas.

2025-2026 Florida migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits

Archery season
Crossbow season
Muzzleloading gun season
General gun season
Trapping season

Only bows may be used.

Only crossbows, bows and airbows may be used.

Only muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and airbows may be used. Only muzzleloading guns designed to have projectiles (bullets) loaded through the muzzle and fired by wheel lock, flintlock, percussion cap or centerfire primer (including 209 primers) may be used. Muzzleloading guns designed to allow accelerant (gun powder) to be loaded at the breech may be used during muzzleloading gun seasons.

Centerfire rifles, shotguns, centerfire pistols, muzzleloaders, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, crossbows and bows may be used.

Live traps and snares (including power snares) can be used to take furbearers and wild hogs, but must be checked every 24 hours. The use of steel leg-hold traps, dog-proof raccoon traps and body-grip (conibear) traps is prohibited, except when permitted by the FWC.

Deer
Turkey
Quail
Bobcat and Otter
Gray Squirrels, Rabbits, Wild Hogs, Raccoons, Opossums, Skunks, Nutrias, Beaver, & Coyotes

ANTLERED DEER - antler regulations vary by deer management unit.

Find hunting zone map and DMU-specific antler regulations

Zone A

Archery season: Aug. 2-31
Crossbow season: Aug. 2 – Sept. 5
Muzzleloading gun season: Sept. 6-19
Youth deer hunt weekend: Sept. 13-14 (1)
General gun season: Sept. 20 – Oct. 19, Nov. 22 – Jan. 4

Zone B

Archery season: Oct. 18 – Nov. 16
Crossbow season: Oct. 18 – Nov. 21
Muzzleloading gun season: Nov. 22 – Dec. 5
Youth deer hunt weekend: Nov. 29-30 (1)
General gun season: Dec. 6 – Feb. 22

Zone C

Archery season: Sept. 13 – Oct. 12
Crossbow season: Sept. 13 – Oct. 17
Muzzleloading gun season: Oct. 18-31
Youth deer hunt weekend: Oct. 25-26 (1)
General gun season: Nov. 1 – Jan. 18

Zone D

Archery season: Oct. 25 – Nov. 26
Crossbow season: Oct. 25 – Nov. 26, Dec. 1-5
General gun season: Nov. 27-30, Dec. 13 – Feb. 22
Youth deer hunt weekend: Dec. 6-7 (1)
Muzzleloading gun season: Dec. 6-12, Feb. 23 – March 1

ANTLERLESS DEER – deer (except spotted fawn) without antlers or antlers less than 5 inches

Zone A

Archery season:
- DMU A2: Aug. 2-10
- DMU A3: Aug. 2-17
Crossbow season:
- DMU A2: Aug. 2-10
- DMU A3: Aug. 2-17
Youth deer hunt weekend:
- DMU A2 and DMU A3: Sept. 13-14 (1)
General gun season:
- DMU A2: Nov. 22-23
- DMU A3: Nov. 22-25

Zone B

Archery season: Oct. 18 – Nov. 16
Crossbow season: Oct. 18 – Nov. 21
Muzzleloading gun season: Nov. 22 – Dec. 5
Youth deer hunt weekend: Nov. 29-30 (1)
General gun season: Dec. 27 – Jan. 4

Zone C

Archery season: Sept. 13 – Oct. 12
Crossbow season: Sept. 13 – Oct. 17
Muzzleloading gun season: Oct. 18-31
Youth deer hunt weekend: Oct. 25-26 (1)
General gun season: DMU C1: Nov. 22-30DMU C2: Nov. 22-30DMU C3: Nov. 22-30DMU C4: Nov. 22-30DMU C5: Nov. 1-30DMU C6: Nov. 22-30

Zone D

Archery season: Oct. 25 – Nov. 26
Crossbow season: Oct. 25 – Nov. 26, Dec. 1-5
General gun season: Nov. 27-30, Dec. 13 – Feb. 22
Youth deer hunt weekend: Dec. 6-7 (1)
Muzzleloading gun season: Dec. 6-12, Feb. 23 – March 1

Bag Limit

Daily bag limit: 2 deer

Possession limit: 4 deer

Annual bag limit: 5 deer of which only 2 can be antlerless. However, in DMU D2, 3 of the 5 deer may be antlerless.

NOTE: Deer taken on private lands under the Antlerless Deer Permit Program (antlerless deer only), Private Lands Deer Management Permit Program and Deer Depredation Permit Program and on licensed game farms and hunting preserves are excluded from bag (daily and annual) and possession limits. Any deer testing positive for CWD also is excluded from all bag limits.

Deer Dog Training Season

Zone A: Aug. 16 – Sept. 4

Zone B: Nov. 1-20

Zone C: Sept. 27 – Oct. 16

Zone D: Oct. 25 – Nov. 13

(1) Youth deer hunt weekend

Youth 15-years-old and younger can harvest any deer except spotted fawn, but youth must be supervised by an adult, 18 years or older. Youth may use any legal method of take (including dogs) for deer, with a limit of 1 deer for the weekend that counts towards the youth’s annual statewide bag limit. This weekend does not apply to wildlife management areas.Learn more about the youth deer hunting weekend.

TURKEY (gobblers and bearded turkeys only)

Fall Seasons

Daily bag limit: 2 turkeys

Season and possession limit: 2 for all fall seasons combined

Zone A

Archery season: Aug. 2-31
Crossbow season: Aug. 2 – Sept. 5
Muzzleloading gun season: Sept. 6-19
Fall turkey season: Oct. 6-19, Nov. 22 – Jan. 4 (2)

Zone B

Archery season: Oct. 18 – Nov. 16
Crossbow season: Oct. 18 – Nov. 21
Muzzleloading gun season: Nov. 22 – Dec. 5
Fall turkey season: Dec. 6 – Feb. 1 (2)

Zone C

Archery season: Sept. 13 – Oct. 12
Crossbow season: Sept. 13 – Oct. 17
Muzzleloading gun season: Oct. 18-31
Fall turkey season: Nov. 1 – Dec. 28 (2)

Zone D

Archery season: Oct. 25 – Nov. 26
Crossbow season: Oct. 25 – Nov. 26, Dec. 1-5
Muzzleloading gun season: Dec. 6-12
Fall turkey season: Nov. 27-30, Dec. 13 – Jan. 18 (2)

Spring seasons (2)

Daily bag limit: 2 turkeys

Season and possession limit: 2 for all spring seasons

North of State Road 70

Youth turkey hunt: March 13-16 (3)
Spring turkey season: March 21 – April 26

South of State Road 70

Youth turkey hunt: Feb. 27 – March 2 (3)
Spring turkey season: March 7 – April 12

(2) Fall and spring turkey seasons - Shotguns, rifles, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, pistols, muzzleloaders, crossbows or bows may be used.

(3) Youth turkey hunt – Youth 15-years-old and younger can harvest turkey, but youth must be supervised by an adult, 18 years or older. However, adult supervisors with a hunting license and turkey permit can “call in” the turkey and otherwise participate in the hunt, but they cannot shoot or shoot at turkey. Learn more about the youth turkey hunt.

QUAIL

Statewide Nov. 8 – March 1

Daily bag limit: 12

Possession limit: 24

Rifles, shotguns, pistols, muzzleloaders, air guns, crossbows and bows may be used. Quail may also be taken during archery, crossbow and muzzleloading gun seasons using the respective methods of take allowed during those seasons.

BOBCAT

Statewide Dec. 1 – March 31

OTTER

Statewide Dec. 1 – March 1

Bobcats and otters may be taken by rifle, shotgun, pistol, muzzleloader, air gun, crossbow or bow.

Bag limits: No limit on bobcats and otters

may be taken year round by rifle, shotgun, pistol, muzzleloader, air gun, crossbow or bow.

Daily bag limits: 12 gray squirrels; 12 rabbits. No limits on other species.

Possession limits: 24 gray squirrels; 24 rabbits. No limits on other species.

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2025-2026 Florida Resident Game and Furbearer Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits

ANTLERED DEER - antler regulations vary by deer management unit.

Zone A

Zone B

Zone C

Zone D

ANTLERLESS DEER – deer (except spotted fawn) without antlers or antlers less than 5 inches

Zone A

Zone B

Zone C

Zone D

Bag Limit

Deer Dog Training Season

(1) Youth deer hunt weekend

TURKEY (gobblers and bearded turkeys only)

Fall Seasons

Zone A

Zone B

Zone C

Zone D

Spring seasons (2)

North of State Road 70

South of State Road 70

QUAIL

BOBCAT

OTTER

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