Hunting Season: What You Should Know

The general gun season has begun throughout much of Florida. Here is what you should know about hunting in the Sunshine State and how to keep yourself safe during hunting season:

What Animals are Hunters Harvesting in Florida?

The most commonly hunted animals in Florida are deer, hogs, and birds. However, gray squirrels, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, skunks, and rabbits are also hunted in the state. To harvest these animals, hunters must have the proper licensing and permit to hunt. This ensures that there aren’t too many of any one type of animal harvested in an area during hunting season.

When is Hunting Season in Florida?

What animals can be hunted, when, and with what weapons can be used differs throughout the year. For example, deer hunting is in the fall, with archery season beginning in the summer. By fall, hunting season for deer opens throughout the state for hunters using guns. Some animals can be harvested year-round. This includes animals like wild hogs, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, skunks, nutrias, beavers, and coyotes.

Is Hunting Allowed on the Babcock Ranch Preserve?

Areas of the Babcock Ranch Preserve are part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Public Hunt Area. However, the huntable area on Babcock Ranch is not near the area you can tour with Babcock Ranch Eco Tours. You can learn more about the hunting areas and regulations on the Babcock Ranch Preserve here.

Is it Safe to Recreate Outside During Hunting Season?

While you may find hunters out and about any time of year, rifle hunting season for deer generally brings out many more hunters in Florida than you’ll see the rest of the year. While you shouldn’t stop enjoying the outdoors just because it’s hunting season, there are a few precautions you should take. Stick to designated trails, wear bright orange (called blaze orange) to be visible to hunters, and choose to recreate in wide-open or highly trafficked areas to be on the safe side.

Is It Safe To Go On A Babcock Ranch Eco-Tour During Hunting Season?

Going on a Babcock Ranch Eco Tour is one of the safest outdoor activities you can do during hunting season! That’s because Babcock Ranch Eco Tours operates far outside the boundaries where hunters are allowed to be. As a bonus, the animals often know the area surrounding Babcock Ranch Eco Tours is a safe haven too. That means you may see more deer and other hunted animals seeking refuge here during hunting season!