Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
There are plenty of opportunities for hunting, fishing, and target shooting in the forest!
Lake and Pond Fishing
A fishing license is required to fish on the Apalachicola, Ocala and Osceola National Forests. Fishing licenses are available from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at https://myfwc.com
Apalachicola National Forest
The Apalachicola National Forest offers a variety of fishing experiences. The best fishing times occur in spring and summer as water temperature increases, but fishing is good year-round. Most anglers fish the lakes and rivers from boats, but there are opportunities for shoreline, bank, or wade fishing. Access to some of these larger lakes and rivers may be concrete boat ramps off of surfaced roads suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, but many are approachable only by 4 wheel drive vehicles on dirt roads or by walking.
Ocala National Forest
The Ocala is home to two of Florida's top lakes for lunkers - Lake George and Lake Kerr - as well as dozens of smaller lakes you can have all too yourself in the early morning. For the latest and greatest information on where to fish and what to catch on the Ocala, download our extremely popular guide to Fishing Opportunities on the Ocala National Forest.
Osceola National Forest
The Osceola's flatwoods (longleaf and slash pine ridges interspersed with bay and cypress hardwood swamps) are home to a surprising variety of fishing opportunities. From your boat or the banks, fishing your national forest can be enjoyable for you, your friends and your family.
- Borrow pits: Throughout the forest are constructed ponds, or borrow pits. We manage several of these ponds, up to ten acres in size, for fishing. Generally, access to the them is limited to unimproved roads that can be muddy or flooded after it rains. Water levels vary depending upon seasonal conditions. Johnboats or canoes will take you to deeper areas not accessible from the shoreline, but you may need to carry your boat to the water's edge.
- Creeks: Some swamps drain into slow moving, shallow creeks that meander through the forest. Several bridges span deeper creeks which are popular for cane-pole fishing.
Hunting
From small-game to big-game hunting, the National Forests in Florida offer something for everyone.
Hunters must following rules and regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). In addition, each national forest has different rules as outlined below.
Apalachicola National Forest
Most of the Apalachicola is a Florida wildlife management area (WMA). Hunting seasons, permits, limits and other rules are posted on the FWC website at Apalachicola WMA Brochure Detail.
Ocala National Forest
The FWC also manages the Ocala WMA. Please remember to get a valid hunting license and follow all regulations outlined by the FWC.
Hunt camps are available only during hunting season and require a special permit. Farles Lake, Clay Lake and South Tower Hunt Camps are closed.
Osceola National Forest
Hunting is very popular in the Osceola National Forest. General gun season runs from mid-November to early January. During that time all camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground. Dates are updated every year in the FWC WMA brochure for the Osceola National Forest.
Recreational and Target Shooting
Safety Reminders
More and more people enjoy target shooting everyday. Our shooting ranges are becoming more and more popular. Safety is paramount!
- All of our shooting ranges are unsupervised so cooperation between visitors is a must.
- Each shooting range is located within a wildlife management area boundary, so transporting firearms to and from the range is limited to state and county roads and prohibited on Forest Service roads.
Hours and Classes
- The ranges are operated by our partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under a special use permit.
- Please consult their website for operational hours and classes.
What to Bring
- Backboards are provided and must be maintained.
- Shooters must bring their own targets and tacks or staples.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Alexander Run
Alexander Springs Wilderness
Apalachicola National Forest
Apalachicola River
Apalachicola Shooting Range
Beakman Lake
Big Gully Landing
Billie Bay Wilderness
Buck Lake Group Camp
Camel Lake Recreation Area