The Florida deer hunting season of 2024 is near, and hunters are preparing. They’re brushing up on all new rules for a safe, successful season. This includes a significant new rule: hunters using dogs need to use tracking devices like GPS collars.
Florida’s diverse wildlife management areas (WMAs) present a wide range of hunting opportunities, each having unique regulations and seasons. If you’re involved in archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, or general gun season, knowing the specific rules for each is crucial. For instance, WMAs might have extra restrictions, even while crossbows and bows can be used on non-WMA lands during muzzleloading season. It’s always good to examine the local regulations to ensure you’re following the rules and will have a problem-free hunt.
It kicks off around August and September and goes into next year. There are various methods to pick from like archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, and gun hunting. Every method holds its unique rules and pursuing periods. So, you must understand the regulations well before stepping into the great outdoors.
Deer Hunting Schedule in Florida
Antlered Season by Zone
Zone A
- Archery: August 3 – September 1
- Crossbow: August 3 – September 6
- Muzzleloading Firearm: September 7 – 20
- Youth Hunt Weekend: September 14-15
- General Firearm:
- First Phase: September 21 – October 20
- Second Phase: November 23 – January 5
Zone B
- Archery: October 19 – November 17
- Crossbow: October 19 – November 22
- Muzzleloading Firearm: November 23 – December 6
- Youth Hunt Weekend: November 30 – December 1
- General Firearm: December 7 – February 23
Zone C
- Archery: September 14 – October 13
- Crossbow: September 14 – October 18
- Muzzleloading Firearm: October 19 – November 1
- Youth Hunt Weekend: October 26-27
- General Firearm: November 2 – January 19
Zone D
- Archery: October 26 – November 27
- Crossbow: October 26 – November 27, and December 2 – 6
- General Firearm:
- First Phase: November 28 – December 1
- Second Phase: December 14 – February 23
- Youth Hunt Weekend: December 7-8
- Muzzleloading Firearm: December 7 – 13, and February 24 – March 2
Antlerless Season by Zone and DMU
Zone A
- DMU A2:
- Archery/Crossbow: August 3 – 11
- Youth Hunt Weekend: September 14-15
- General Firearm: November 23 – 24
- DMU A3:
- Archery/Crossbow: August 3 – 18
- Youth Hunt Weekend: September 14-15
- General Firearm: November 23 – 26
Zone B
- Archery/Crossbow: October 19 – November 17
- Youth Hunt Weekend: November 30 – December 1
- General Firearm: December 27 – 29
Zone C
- Archery/Crossbow: September 14 – October 13
- Muzzleloading Firearm (DMU C5): October 19 – 20
- Youth Hunt Weekend: October 26-27
- General Firearm:
- DMU’s:
- C1: November 22 – 25
- C2/C3: November 22 – 24
- C4: November 22 – 25
- C5: November 2 – 3, and November 16 – 17
- C6: November 22 – 25
- DMU’s:
Zone D (Recent Updates)
- DMU D1:
- Archery/Crossbow: October 26 – November 27
- Youth Hunt Weekend: December 7-8
- General Firearm: November 30 – December 1, and December 28 – 29
- DMU D2:
- Archery/Crossbow: October 26 – November 27, and December 2 – 6
- General Firearm: November 28 – December 1, and December 14 – February 23
- Youth Hunt Weekend: December 7-8
- Muzzleloading Firearm: December 7 – 13, and February 24 – March 2
Deer Dog Training Seasons by Zone
- Zone A: August 17 – September 5
- Zone B: November 2 – 21
- Zone C: September 28 – October 17
- Zone D: October 26 – November 14
Bag Limit Summary
- Daily Bag Limit: 2 deer
- Possession Limit: 4 deer
- Annual Bag Limit: 5 deer, with a maximum of 2 antlerless (3 antlerless allowed in DMU D2 outside WMA lands)
- Youth (15 and younger): May harvest any deer except spotted fawn, with a limit of 1 deer per youth hunt weekend, which counts toward the annual bag limit.
Florida Deer Regulations Summary
- New Rules for Dog Hunters:
- Hunting dogs need GPS or telemetry collars. Messing with these gears is not allowed and could lead to penalty charges up to $500.
- Bow Use During Muzzleloader Season:
- You can use bows and crossbows outside forest reserves during the muzzleloading gun season. Always consult specific reserve rules.
- Approved Muzzleloaders:
- Muzzleloaders using wheel lock, flintlock, percussion cap, or centerfire primer only are allowed. Breech-loading firearms are okay to use. Single bullet firearms need to be .30-caliber or larger, while firearms firing more than one bullet must be 20-gauge or above.
- Hunter Orange Requirement:
- On public land, hunters should wear 500 square inches of neon orange above their waist, unless it’s bow-hunting season or they’re on private property.
- Definitions:
- Antlerless means any animals with no antlers or antlers smaller than 5 inches
- Antlered refers to animals with one or more 5 inch or longer antlers.
- Harvesting Antlerless Animals:
- These animals can only be hunted during special seasons or with particular permits, like the Antlerless Permit.
- Youth Hunting:
- Hunters aged under 16 are allowed to hunt one antlered animal a year that doesn’t meet normal antler point rules. This does count in their limit.
- Licenses and Permits:
- The requirement varies based on the season (archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, and general gun). There are extra rules for forest reserves.
- Use of Permit Revenue:
- The money assists with managing species, conducting research, preserving habitats, and preventing diseases.
- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD):
- CWD can spread via contaminated surroundings and remains harmful for years. There’s currently no cure or vaccine.
- Logging and Reporting Harvests:
- Wildlife caught through our programs should be noted and reported in the state’s system.
- Labeling When Transferred:
- If you pass an animal to someone else, make sure it has your name and the report receipt until it’s fully prepared.
Other Regulations
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Import Rules:
- Whole carcasses or high-risk parts from deer species outside Florida cannot be imported.
- Permitted imports include de-boned meat, finished taxidermy, clean hides, antlers, and skulls (with all soft tissue removed).
- Exception: Animals from Georgia or Alabama properties that cross into Florida and are under the same ownership.
Depredating Permit Guidelines:
- Landowners or lessees can apply for this permit if deer are causing agricultural damage.
- The permit allows pursuing with firearms (.223 caliber or larger), shotguns, bows, crossbows, and night hunting with lights.
- Antlers and heads must stay at the depredation site, but carcasses can be processed for personal use.
Registration for Hunting with Dogs:
- Anyone using dogs to hunt on private land must register.
- The registration number must be displayed on the dog’s collar.
- Dogs must stay on registered property.
- Applications are available online, with renewals starting July 1.
Antlerless Permit Regulations:
- Definition: Refers to any animal without antlers or with antlers under 5 inches (excluding spotted fawns).
- Program Overview: Allows a set number of antlerless animals to be harvested on approved properties during established hunting seasons.
Application Deadlines:
- Zone A: July 17, 2024
- Zone B: October 02, 2024
- Zone C: August 28, 2024
- Zone D: October 09, 2024
- Application Period: Opens May 15, 2024
Eligibility:
- Requires at least 640 contiguous acres, or 150 acres next to properties with permits.
- Agricultural land with a recent depredation permit may qualify without the acreage requirement.
Permit Guidelines:
- Permits authorize harvests on enrolled properties during hunting seasons.
- Tags are required for each harvested animal, and all information must be logged and reported within 24 hours.
- After the season ends, a final harvest report is due by April 1.
- FWC staff may conduct compliance checks on enrolled properties.
- Non-compliance can result in citations under state rules.
How to Apply:
- Applications can be submitted online at GoOutdoorsFlorida. Returning applicants can renew their permits through the same system.
Top Florida Deer Locations
- Apalachicola National Forest: A vast expanse in the Florida Panhandle and a favorite among hunters with its plentiful pine woods and wildlife. Perfect for bow and gun hunting.
- Osceola National Forest: Found in central Florida, it’s another excellent choice with its different landscapes like pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and wetlands.
- Withlacoochee State Forest: A state forest in northern Florida teeming with deer for those interested in archery, crossbow, or gun hunting.
- Lake Wales Ridge State Forest: Central Florida holds this forest, cherished for its unique geography and sundry wildlife, adding to the hunting choices.
- Big Cypress National Preserve: Set in southwestern Florida, this preserve appeals to hunting and wildlife lovers alike.
- Everglades National Park: Found in southern Florida, it’s a distinct ecosystem ideal for deer.
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: Located in northern Florida, it boasts various wildlife, including deer.
- Silver Springs State Park: Positioned in the heart of Florida, this park calls both vacationers and residents. You can try different options, like archery, crossbow, or gun hunting
- Cedar Key State Park: Found on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s famous for fishing and boating, with some deer hunting chances.
Author and Chief Editor at WikiDeer.Us
William Brantley, the lead writer and editor-in-chief at WikiDeer.Us, has more than ten years of deer hunting know-how. An outdoor enthusiast, William provides top recommendations, gear evaluation, and methods to assist hunters in sharpening their abilities and achieving fruitful pursuits.
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