If you’re looking for a hunting opportunity this time of year, consider wild hog hunting. During spring and summer, the FWC offers public hunting opportunities for wild hog at 26 wildlife management areas. Wild hog hunting is a good way to sharpen hunting skills, test new equipment and scout a WMA to hunt later. It’s also a chance to restock the freezer for summer cookouts.
You don’t need a hunting license to hunt wild hogs at a WMA, though you will need a management area permit, unless exempt. Many spring and summer wild hog hunts on WMAs don’t require a quota permit; however, some do.
Review the WMA regulations brochure for the area you want to hunt for allowed methods of take, bag limits and other pertinent rules. Find a list of WMAs (with links to individual brochures) that offer spring/summer wild hog hunting at MyFWC.com/Hunting.
On lands outside the WMA system, wild hogs may be hunted year-round with landowner permission. A hunting license is not required, and there is no size or bag limit, and either sex may be harvested. Hunters may use dogs and any legal rifle, shotgun, crossbow, bow, pistol or air gun (including airbow).
The FWC encourages hunters to take precautions when handling or field dressing wild hogs. Learn more here.
Don’t forget to apply for opportunities to hunt deer or wild hog this fall at a Florida wildlife management area or national wildlife refuge. The phase I application period for fall quota hunts, special-opportunity fall hunts and national wildlife refuge fall and winter hunts closes June 15. Worksheets and permit details are available here.
Apply for limited entry permits at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office.