Veterans, active military and youth waterfowl hunting opportunities
To show our appreciation for veterans and active duty service members, the FWC offers Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Days. This special waterfowl hunting weekend, which is part of Florida’s statewide seasons, occurs Feb. 4 – 5. The opportunity allows veterans and members of the Armed Forces on active duty ─ including members of the National Guard and Reserves ─ to hunt ducks, geese, mergansers, coots and common gallinules (moorhens).
Waterfowl hunting is permitted on private property with landowner permission and on any water body with public access, though, some public water bodies may be closed for specific reasons, such as being in a park or area where discharging firearms is prohibited.
Wildlife management areas that offer duck hunting may have special permit requirements and restrictions on when and where you can hunt. It’s important to carefully review the WMA regulations brochure for the area you want to hunt for information about license and permit requirements, bag limits and other rules. Find more information about this opportunity including a list of WMAs available for hunting during Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Days.
Youth waterfowl hunting day
Witnessing a wetland come to life at first light and watching ducks work a decoy spread are just a few reasons to take a young person duck hunting. You can provide those experiences during the FWC’s second Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day, which is Saturday, Feb. 11.
This opportunity allows youth 15-years-old and younger to hunt ducks, light geese, Canada geese, mergansers, coots and common gallinules (moorhens) while supervised by a nonhunting adult 18 years old or older.
In addition to hunting on private property with landowner permission and on most waterbodies that have a public boating landing/launch, the FWC also offers youth hunts at the following areas:
T.M. Goodwin Public Small Game Hunting Area,
Stormwater treatment areas (STA-1W, STA 2 and STA 3/4)
Guana River – Lake Ponte Vedra PSGHA
A-1 FEB Impoundment PSGHA
In addition, special events will be held at T.M. Goodwin, STA 1W, and Guana River – Lake Ponte Vedra hunt. These fun, family-oriented events include raffles, free food and great waterfowl hunting. For more information about the T.M. Goodwin PSGHA and STA-1W hunts, call 321-726-2862. For information on the Guana River – Lake Ponte Vedra hunt, call 904-825-6877.
