Florida, overflowing with wetlands and coastlines, is a sanctuary for migrant waterfowl. It’s no wonder duck hunters find this place intriguing. Its mix of testing and rewarding experiences make it a top pick for a memorable journey. This all-inclusive guide ensures you’re ready to dive into Florida’s duck hunting scene. It aids in fostering a victorious and honorable season.
Encountering Florida’s Ducks: A Species Spotlight
Florida is home to various types of ducks, all unique and with different hunting rules. It’s essential to learn about these wonderful birds for correct identification and responsible hunting habits.
Common & Coveted Species:
- Mallard: Known across North America, mallards are popular for their large size and tasty meat. Drakes (males) have a bright green head, hens (females) are a speckled brown. Their “quack” echoes in wetlands.
- Wood Duck: These are smaller, known for their shiny feathers. Males have a crest and detailed face patterns, females are less colorful. They make a whistling “zipper” sound.
- Teal: There are many types of teal ducks in Florida. Some are the Green-winged, Blue-winged, and Cinnamon Teal. They’re small, agile, and speedy flyers. They also produce different sounds, including whistles and trills.
- Mergansers: A different breed of large ducks, known as Mergansers, is noted for its elongated, tooth-like bills, making them great fish eaters. Common and Hooded Mergansers are often seen in Florida. They create unique and loud calls. For instance, the Common Merganser makes a “sawbill” noise, and the Hooded Merganser makes a “hoo-ee” sound.
Sustainable Hunting Practices:
Remember, good hunting keeps our waterfowl safe and growing. Stick to daily limits–they change with each bird and hunting season. Know all the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules. Hunting the right way is lasting and respects all life–this is the FWC’s vision.
Dates and Bag Limits for Florida Ducks
In Florida, duck season follows a schedule structured around various species of waterfowl and their migration times. Let’s go through the important dates and bag limits:
| Species/Season | Date Range | Daily Limit | Possession Cap |
| Ducks (W) – Teal and Wood Ducks | September 21-25 | Not Specified | 3 x Daily Limit |
| Ducks (W) – Teal Only | September 26-29 | Not Specified | 3 x Daily Limit |
| Ducks (W) | November 23 – December 1 December 7 – Jan. 26 | Not Specified | 3 x Daily Limit |
| Mergansers (Common, Red-breasted, Hooded) (W) | November 23 – December 1 December 7 – Jan. 26 | 5 | 15 |
| Coot | November 23 – December 1, December 7 – Jan. 26 | 15 | 45 |
| Youth Waterfowl Hunt | November 16 and Feb. 8 | – | – |
| Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunt | February 1-2 | – | – |
Gearing Up for Success: Essential Licenses & Permits
Double-check before you head out. Make sure you have all the required hunting licenses and permissions for Florida. Let’s quickly understand what you need:
- Florida Hunting License: If you’re planning to hunt in Florida, you’ll need a license. No matter your age, a license is a must. You can get one either online at the FWC website or at your local county tax offices. The cost? Around $25 for those living in Florida and about $150 for folks from out of state (note: prices may vary).
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $57 |
| Non-Resident Hunting License (7-day) | $165 |
| Non-Resident Hunting License (Annual) | $325 |
Additional Considerations: Age requirements and hunter safety courses are important factors to consider. Hunters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a licensed adult mentor while hunting. In addition, most hunters born after June 1, 1975, are required to complete a hunter safety course approved by the FWC.
Regulation
- 2024-2025 Hunting Regulations Handbook: (https://myfwc.com/) (available online and in printed format)
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): https://myfwc.com/
- FWC Hunting mobile app (IOS & Android): Provides hunting regulations, hunting zone maps, and licensing information.
Scouting for Success: Top Duck Locations in Florida
Florida is known for its abundance of public and private areas perfect for duck hunting. Let’s take a peek at some top-notch spots:
Public Hunting Gems:
- St. Johns River Water Management District (WMA): Is a huge space, it’s filled with close to a million acres of damp lands, tree-filled areas, and swamplands. It’s famous for varied hunting chances. This large place is great for finding mallards, wood ducks, teal, and mergansers.
- Everglades National Park: Don’t usually think of the Everglades for duck hunting? You should. It’s super rewarding for pro hunters. It’s big and the variety of waterbirds is unmatched. Remember, it’s important to review park rules and get needed permits first before hunting there.
Exploring Private Hunting Leases:
Private hunting leases give a guided hunting adventure. These leases can lead you to top-notch hunting spots with set blinds and food plots. Here are some tools to guide you in finding private hunting leases in Florida:
- Florida Wildlife Federation: Check out the Florida Wildlife Federation website for private hunting leases
- Local Hunting Guides and Outfitters: Reach out to trustworthy hunting experts and facilitators in your preferred area. They can share useful details about local hunting possibilities and might know about private leases.
Regional Hotspots:
- North Florida: You’ll find plenty of duck hunting options around Lake Okeechobee’s freshwater marshes and St. Johns River’s impoundments.
- Central Florida: There’s a whole different hunting scene. With the expansive Everglades’ wetlands and scattered WMAs, the hunting experience is diverse.
- South Florida: The coast draws a mix of diving duck species at places like Florida Bay and Indian River Lagoon. Plus, if you’re after puddle ducks, the freshwater marshes continue to be a top-notch spot.
