Florida is not for the faint of heart. From the alligators slicing through the swamplands to the dense and challenging forest environments, Florida is the place for deer hunters who want to test themselves and be rewarded with up to five deer per season to fill the fridge.
While the hot weather can be a turn-off for some, the high population of whitetail deer and generous public land allocations (it has one of the largest wildlife management areas in the country) provide ample opportunities for success.
Understanding hunting seasons, allocations of antler vs. antlerless periods, permits, bag limits, and more is not only important but essential for a successful, ethical, and legal hunt.
If you're ready for an adventure, keep reading for everything you need to know to prepare for a successful deer season, Florida!
Florida Deer Hunting Zones Explained
Florida deer hunting zones are geographically allocated locations specifically managed by distinct hunting seasons. Different dates are also assigned to the various firearm uses within these zones. While they are distinct, most deer seasons kick off around October.
The four zones are:
- Zone A: This zone consists of South Florida Counties, including Palm Beach, Glades, and Lee. It borders Zone C hunting counties.
- Zone B: Zone B is the smallest of the four zones. Zone B is a small cutout surrounded by southern zone C counties; it comprises counties and portions of counties, including Osceola, Sumter, and Polk counties.
- Zone C: This is the largest of all wildlife management areas, made up of over 30 counties. It's a central zone that stretches the entire width of the state, from Leon all the way down to Sarasota on the west coast.
- Zone D: This zone borders Zone C in the northern region and covers the majority of the Florida panhandle, sharing some zones with Zone C.
With an understanding of the zones, let's get into the dates for deer hunting in Florida.
Deer Hunting Seasons By Zone for 2024
As dates are subject to change, both regarding the zone and the respective year, you'll find both the general season dates for guidelines and specific allocations for the 2024 season.
Zone A 2024
- Archery: August 3 – September 1
- Crossbow: August 3 – September 6
- Muzzleloader: September 7–20
- Youth Weekend: September 14–15
- General Gun: September 21 – October 20 and November 23 – January 5
Zone B 2024
- Archery: October 19 – November 17
- Crossbow: October 19 – November 22
- Muzzleloader: November 23 – December 6
- Youth Weekend: November 30 – December 1
- General Gun: December 7 – February 23
Zone C 2024
- Archery: September 14 – October 13
- Crossbow: September 14 – October 18
- Muzzleloader: October 19 – November 1
- Youth Weekend: Oct. 26–27
- General Gun: November 2 – January 19
Zone D 2024
- Archery: October 26 – November 27
- Crossbow: October 26 – November 27 and December 2 – 6
- General Gun: November 28 – December 1 and December 14 – February 23
- Youth Weekend: December 7 – 8
- Muzzleloader: December 7 – 13 and February 24 – March 2
Dates and regulations are always subject to change, so if you're in doubt about the zoning and regulations, check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website for the latest information.
Bag Limits and Legal Hunting Methods
The statewide bag limit for deer in Florida is five per hunter; up to two can be antlerless.
Season windows are set aside for hunting permits for archery, crossbows, guns, youth, and muzzleloading.
License and Permits
Visitors and out-of-state hunters must have a Florida hunting license and additional deer hunting permits, such as an entry permit for a wildlife management area (WMA). A deer permit costs $5.00 annually.
Please also note that hunters born on or after June 1, 1975, and 16 years old must pass a hunter safety course before purchasing a license.
Scouting and Preparation
Due to the diverse natural environment and nearly six million acres of wildlife management areas, you'll need to be clever and leverage technology to locate elite hunting locations in Florida.
While deer can be found throughout the state, understanding their preference for habitats with young, low-growing vegetation is critical. To demonstrate your knowledge and skill in the hunt, look for deer signs in different habitats, like dense forest that edges onto waterways or agricultural lands.
Finding these distinct locations is easier said than done, and hitting that sweet spot between locations that offer food, shelter, and water can be challenging, especially on foot. To kickstart your search, leverage the HuntWise app's mapping feature using the customizable option to set and plot potential paths deer may make to target these essential needs.
Make Sure You Have the Right Gear and Equipment
When preparing for a Florida hunt, always consider the climate. Cool, breathable fabrics are essential, as are quality waterproof boots, especially if you're hunting the swamplands.
Bug spray, sunscreen, and sun protection are all essentials, as is a quality first aid kit and plenty of water and electrolyte-based drinks.
Regarding hunting equipment, essential gear includes:
- Rifle, bow, crossbow or muzzleloader
- Quality hunting knife
- Camo and blaze orange
- Backpack
| For deer-specific gear, including calls, a spotting scope, and more, check out our trusted HuntWise partners for special deals on quality equipment. |
Use HuntWise to Bring Home a Big Buck During Deer Season, Florida
While they may not be the biggest bucks in the U.S., deer season, Florida's unique environment, hunting challenge, and generous bag limit (which allows hunters to harvest multiple deer) make it a hunting hotspot for many.
With the opportunity to target a vast expanse of land and even get some fishing or additional hunting, Florida makes an excellent spot for hunting trips for locals and out-of-staters alike.
Starting your preparation early is crucial for a successful deer hunting trip in Florida. The HuntWise mapping feature is a valuable tool for planning and exploring the six million acres of land available for hunting. You can also use in-app markers and different map layers to understand the terrain and plot your approach into the area for a successful hunt.
If you don't have the app, now is the time to download it and try every feature – free – for a week!