When is Florida Deer Season?
The deer season in Florida varies depending on whether you are hunting antlered deer or antlerless deer. The seasons then change, depending on the type of weapon you use, as well as what area you are hunting in. Florida is a large state that varies significantly from one zone to another. First, it’s essential to understand the Deer Management Units (DMUs). Read on to discover when deer season is and the vital details to remember.
Florida Deer Seasons by Weapon Type
Spending time in nature can be great for your health, but knowing where and when to go is essential during hunting season. In southern Florida, hunting areas are grouped into Zone A (Units 1–3). Just north of Zone A lies a large cluster of hunting areas known as Zone C (Units 1–6). Positioned between these zones—just above C1—is Zone B (Unit B1). Finally, at the northern end of the state, on the western side, are Zones D1 and D2.
Antlered Deer
For antlered deer, Zone A typically starts with archery and crossbows in August, followed by muzzleloaders in September for a couple of weeks, and general gun seasons towards the end of September through to October, then again in November through to January. Likewise, Zone B follows the same sequence for the season; however, it is a month or two behind Zone A. Where archery starts in August for Zone A, it’s not until October for Zone B. Then, the general gun season lasts until November for Zone B, whereas it starts in September for Zone A.
Zone C is closer to Zone A in that its weapons follow the same sequence, yet they are only a month behind Zone A. For Zone A, archery and crossbow season begins in August, whereas for Zone C, it starts in September. On the other hand, Zones B and D are similar to each other in their seasons, except that Zone D has a few more specifics. For example, the muzzleloader doesn’t start in Zone D until December and then returns to the season for a week in February. Likewise, the general gun season is typically at the end of November for Zone D. It’s then restarted in mid-December and continues through to the end of February.
Antlerless Deer
Zone A (Only A2 and A3)
For both archery and crossbow seasons, the dates are August 2-10 in Zone A2 and August 2-17 in Zone A3. For the general gun season, Zone A2 runs from November 22-23, while Zone A3 runs from November 22-25.
Zone B
Archery: October 18 – November 16
Crossbow: October 18 – November 21
Muzzleloader: November 22 – December 5
General Gun: December 27 – January 4
Zone C
Archery: September 13 – October 12
Crossbow: September 13 – October 17
Muzzleloader: October 18 – October 31
General Gun:
C1, C2, C3, & C4: November 22 – November 30
C5: November 1 – November 30
C6: November 22 – November 30
Zone D
Archery: October 25 – November 26
Crossbow: October 25 – November 26 and December 1 – December 5
Muzzleloader: December 6 – December 12 and February 23 – March 1
General Gun: November 27 – November 30 and December 13 – February 22
Antler Regulations Across DMUs
The antler regulations vary across the DMUs, so you'll need to be familiarized with these before you begin a hunting adventure.
DMUs: A1, A2, C3, D1,
Legally, all antlered deer must have at least one antler (5 inches or more) with at least three points. Each point must be at least one inch or longer in length.
DMUs: A3, B1, C1, C2, C4-6, D2
For the hunt to be legal, all antlered deer need to have an antler with at least three points, and each point must measure at least one inch. Alternatively, the main beam should be at least 10 inches in length.
Youth Deer Hunt Weekend Rules
Every zone has its own deer hunt weekend, so it’s important to research which one you’d like to participate in and ensure you have all the necessary gear.
Youth participants are allowed to harvest one antlered or antlerless deer.
No license or permit is required for youth hunters (15 years old and younger) or accompanying adults (18 years or older) who are only supervising.
If adults or persons 16 years of age or older participate in the hunt, they are required to have a hunting license and deer permit, along with a muzzleloading gun permit.
Must use either a muzzleloader, bow, or crossbow.
Tip: When you’re out hunting, make sure you have the EcoFlow Rapid Pro X Power Bank to ensure your phone stays charged up in case of emergencies.
Bag Limits and Exemptions
It's crucial for sustainable hunting that there are limits to how much one can hunt in a year:
Daily bag limit: Two deer
Possession limit: Four deer
Annual bag limit: Five deer (two of these can be antlerless, but in D2, three can be antlerless). The exception to this limit is if deer is hunted on private lands under the Private Lands Deer Management Permit Program, the Antlerless Deer Permit Program, or the Deer Depredation Permit Program. Likewise, deer are taken on licensed game farms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Deer Can You Shoot a Year in Florida?
The limit in Florida is five, and at least two of these can be antlerless unless you are in the D2 zone, in which case there’s a little more flexibility, and you can have up to three antlerless deer. There are some exceptions to bag rules depending on what permit you have and what land you hunt on.
How Much Is a Non-Resident Deer License in Florida?
The price of the non-resident deer license changes depending on whether you opt for an annual or a ten-day license. For the yearly license, the cost is $151.50, whereas the ten-day permit costs $46.50. With various seasons, the price will depend significantly on when you plan to hunt and where.
Can I Hunt on My Own Land Without a License in Florida?
Generally speaking, all people, hunting, resident or non-resident, need to secure a hunting license; otherwise, their hunting is rendered illegal. There are various exemptions to the license for deer hunting, but these are very specific, and you should always check before hunting.
Florida Deer Hunting Requires Preparation, Awareness, and the Right Gear
Whether you want to hunt alone or with friends, don't let the rules and regulations confuse you; instead, stay informed to ensure that you are constantly hunting safely and legally. With some hunting windows lasting only a week, it's essential not to let the minor inconveniences of the wilderness get in the way. Consider investing in an EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer to keep all your food and drinks cool while enjoying a day outdoors.