Hunting and Hiking

I am a hiker, not a hunter - but I believe both activities should coexist in the outdoors. As you may have noticed by now, I have ventured into many areas. As I decide where to hike, I always look to see if any hunting is scheduled for the day I expect to be in an area. I do this for two reasons, one I do not want to disturb hunters and two I don’t want hunters to mistake me for something to shoot. I always carry something orange with me when I go out hiking in the winter, be it an orange hat or vest - just in case. I have come across a few hunters in my day, most all of them were very courteous and friendly. I’m sure they were not happy to see me, but they didn’t show it. I also have come across the remnants of bad hunters, piles of trash and beer cans - those are the ones that worry me. They may even be poachers, which I’m sure are the most dangerous people out there. I have found the remains of dead deer and hogs in the woods; I would suspect they were killed just for the fun of it. This is not the norm, like everyone else; the majority of hunters must pay for the sins of the minority!
I am asked many times about hiking and hunting - I wish there was an easy answer. I tell everyone to avoid hunters, just because they have guns. In most areas there are blocks of time when hunting is not allowed in an area, try and visit areas during that time period. If you do encounter a hunter, be friendly and move on as soon as possible. Remember that their license fees are helping to support many areas. That said; remember also to support your local hiking group to ensure that land remains open to both hikers and hunters.

You can see a calendar of hunting schedules I've created by clicking here (Hunting Schedule). You also can view this calendar from any browser, anytime by using the address - www.tinyurl.com/techunts

You also can view hunting documents supplied by the State of Florida by clicking here (Florida Hunting Information). You can go directly there at any time by using this address in your browser - http://myfwc.com/RECREATION/Hunt_WMABrochs.htm

Happy trails to all, hikers and hunters.......

Moccasin Island Hunting Data

This entry tries to address the hunting activity in the Moccasin Island Tract in Viera. I hiked it quite a few times during the winter of 2008-2009. Talking to people, hunters are always mentioned. I can see why if you try hiking it in the early winter months of November and December. During those months I have encountered a number of hunters heading out to try and bag their "trophy". Some had shotguns, while others carried some pretty impressive centerfire rifles. Most all of them where heading up into the northern section, around the Lake Winder area. While hiking up that way I have come across some of the hunters waiting for there beast of choice. Just about all of them where very nice and friendly, but I still didn't like there firepower! If you look at the map of the area you will see what areas are open to hunting, if you see a lot of vehicles in the parking lot - be aware of those areas! the SJRWMD seems to have hunting going on all winter, so be aware of the (see my hunting schedule in this blog). I would not go into their areas during deer hunting season - I have come across deer "stands" all over the St Johns River Area (SJRWMD). This is part of the River Lakes Conservation Area. So, my gemeral advice is just be watchful when you go to this area. The hunting activity is hight during the early winter and then slacks off to just about nothing after the first of the year. I have hiked the whole area and never had any trouble. I do keep an orange vest in my kit, just in case. I also try and wear brighter clothes. I always contend that it is more dangerous in a shopping center parking lot than out there hiking and enjoying the bueatiful area.

Here is a breakdown of some of those hikes to give you an idea of what I encountered - I selected one from each month.
November - A lot of hunter activity. The parking lot was full of hunters, all of them heading into the northern sections. I hiked up the northern corridor, out to Moccasin Island area. There certainly where more hunters than I felt comfortable with - but I still hiked. November is a very active hunting month
December - The hunter activity seemed to be dropping off, didn't see that many hunters or their vehicles, but some where there. I hiked south, out towards Lake Washington
January - No hunters noticed. I hiked south, out towards SJRWMD Persimmon Campsite and back to parking lot
Febuary - Some hunters, not sure what they were hunting - snipe I believe along the river. I hiked south and around conservation area
March - No hunters around, place to myself just about. I hiked up the northern corridor to Lake Winder and then back around Moccasin Island.
April - No hunters noticed. I hiked the southern loop

I suggest that you review my hunting calendar (Hunting Schedule) to see if any hunting is scheduled in the area. Hope this information helps.

Hunting Schedules in Eastern/Central Florida

Note: 2020-2021 Hunting Schedules Have Been Loaded

If you elect to hike in any of the Florida areas listed below you might want to check out the hunting schedules for that area. You will be able to click on the day you want to hike and it will show you if there is hunting going on in that area that day. Just go to  www.tinyurl.com/techunt to see information for these areas -

• Buck Lake
• Bull Creek
• Charles Bronson State Forest
• FT Drum WMA
• Little Big Econ
• Prairie Lakes Unit
• Salt Lake
• Seminole Ranch
• St Johns River Area
• TM Goodwin-SGA
• Three Lakes
• Tosohatchee
• Triple N Ranch

You can download all the detail data about theses areas, as well as all areas at
https://ocean.floridamarine.org/HGMSearch/Search.aspx

Updated each July using FWC Published Data