Looking for some FL public land advice for 2016

[bdesanto16]

My buddy and I are considering a public land Osceola hunt. We are trying to get some advice on which wma's would be better to check into. Also would be willing to trade a private land eastern hunt for a private land Osceola hunt. 

[bdesanto16]

wow with 61 views I figured I would at least get a comment.

[JHoyle]

If I were you I would check into some of the special opportunity hunts that are available. They charge a small fee for applications and a fee if u get drawed but are typically better than just the regular quota hunts. Pm me if you have any questions.


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[alloutdoors]

If I were you I would check into some of the special opportunity hunts that are available. They charge a small fee for applications and a fee if u get drawed but are typically better than just the regular quota hunts. Pm me if you have any questions.


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I would not look at special opportunity hunts as a serious strategy. Nonresidents are limited to 10% of the available permits, and it's luck of the draw with no preference point system. To even come close to guaranteeing a draw you would probably spend so much that you might as well just get an outfitter. It doesn't hurt to buy a chance or two, but treat it like playing the lottery.

I would do some research into quota hunts. I got drawn my second year and was able to take a bird through a mix of persistence and being in the right place at the right time. You can look up harvest reports for each quota hunt going back quite a few years on the FWC website. I recommend starting there to get an idea of which areas are consistent producers.

[saltysenior]

  how long would your stay in fl. be

[Tail Feathers]

Not to be rude, but it takes a lot of research.  Most folks won't give away their preferred WMA because it will attract more applicants, thus taking more years for them to get drawn.

I recommend starting out with WMA locations, pick the area and research harvest numbers, etc.

Good luck.

[Greg Massey]

See if you can find out from the area you want to hunt the forester's of that area he can tell you more in 30 min of taking to him about public land too hunt.

[g8rvet]

I doubt anyone will give away any WMA info as the internet is forever.  But you can find all you need to know by check station data.  Then do your homework online.  There are some sites that are Florida specific that you can figure out some info on too, just where to start.  Good luck.

I am in Florida, but Easterns are in my area here in the north.   

[pogo]

Like others have said, public land Osceolas are a challenge due to how heavily hunted the areas are, and also how hard and intense the hunters can be (lots of people want an Osceola).  I live down here and play the public land game every year, and sometimes I've been successful, sometimes not.  If you want to go the public land route, and are patient, my suggestion would be to start putting in every year for quota hunts, without expecting to get drawn for a year or two, simply to build up your preference points.  That way a few years from now you can have access to a decent piece of public land with far less hunting pressure and a better chance to get a bird.  Send me a PM and I can give you some advice, even if you want to come next year and don't mind the crowds and crazys

[Tailwalk]

Although it is quota hunts only and you have to draw a permit. Fish Eating Creek is some of the prettiest land and best WMA turkey hunting in the state of Florida. It's the only place I put in for permits and in south Florida Fish Eating Creek is the most sought after permit area to hunt. Hope this helps