Muzzleloading Gun Season ZONE C Brevard County October 21st through November 3rd
On behalf of Eisenmenger, Robinson & Peters, P.A. posted in Criminal Law on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
If you’re gearing up for Muzzleloading Gun Season in the beautiful state of Florida, it’s crucial to be well-prepared with the right licenses, permits, and knowledge of the applicable regulations. The season opens on October 21st and goes through November 3rd. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know, from licenses and permits to bag limits and safety regulations.
Florida Muzzleloading Season Guide: Licenses and Permits
Before you embark on your hunting journey, it’s essential to ensure you have the appropriate licenses and permits. For most hunting activities in Florida, you’ll need a Florida Hunting License, which is your ticket to legally hunt within the state.
Here are the key licenses and regulations to keep in mind:
- Florida Hunting License: This is your primary license to hunt in the state. However, for deer hunting, you’ll need more than just the basic license.
- Muzzleloading Gun Season Permit: If you plan to hunt during the muzzleloading gun season, make sure you obtain the necessary permit.
- Deer Permit: A Deer Permit is required for hunting deer.
- Turkey Permit: If you have your sights set on turkeys, remember to also purchase a Turkey Permit.
Muzzleloading Season: Deer
Understanding Antlered Deer Regulations
Deer hunting in Florida comes with specific rules for antlered deer. To legally harvest an antlered deer, it must have at least one antler 5 inches or longer and must have an antler with either:
- at least 3 points, with each point measuring one inch or more OR
- a main beam length of 10 inches or more.
Below is FWC’s example of what the Antlered and Antlerless deer looks like according to their rules:
Please note that hunters aged 16 and older are required to adhere to these regulations during any season and using any hunting method.
Youth Exception for Antlered Deer
Youth hunters aged 15 and under have a special allowance. They are permitted to harvest one deer annually that does not meet the antler criteria but has at least one antler measuring 5 inches or more.
Bag Limits for Deer Hunting
The daily bag limit for deer hunting in Florida is set at two deer.
Here is a link to the FWC webpage where you can find more information about these requirements: https://myfwc.com/hunting/season-dates/dmu-c/
Turkey Hunting in Florida
For turkey hunting enthusiasts, the regulations are as follows:
- Daily bag limit: Two turkeys (this limit applies to all fall seasons combined).
- Only gobblers and bearded turkeys may be taken.
Gray Squirrel Hunting in Florida
- Gray squirrel hunting is open statewide from October 14 to March 3, 2024.
- Daily bag limit: 12 (Possession limit: 24)
Wildlife Management Areas
It’s essential to be aware that seasons, dates, and bag limits may not apply to wildlife management areas. For detailed information on hunting in these areas, consult the FWC’s Wildlife Management Area brochures.
Safety First: The Importance of Visibility
Safety should always be a top priority during hunting season. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, it is mandatory to wear a minimum of 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent-orange material as an outer garment when hunting deer on public lands. Such clothing must be worn above the waistline and can include a head covering. However, this rule does not apply during an archery-only season or when hunting on private lands at any time.
In conclusion, your Florida Muzzleloading Gun hunting season experience can be both exciting and rewarding, but it requires careful planning and adherence to regulations. By obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, understanding bag limits, and prioritizing safety, you can enjoy a memorable and responsible hunting season in the Sunshine State. Be safe, have fun, and always wear your orange for visibility and safety. Happy hunting!
