Where Can I Hunt Hogs for Free in Florida?

It all started way back when those Spanish explorers brought in the first batch of hog seed stock.

Little did they know, those hogs were determined to take over the state.

Fast forward to today, and we’ve got ourselves a bona fide feral hog frenzy in various parts of Florida.

Now, if you’re wondering where you can embark on a hog-hunting adventure without breaking the bank, I’ve got just the spot for you.

The Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area is the place to be, my friends.

Not only can you hunt hogs there for free, but you can also have a go at ’em on private lands.

Talk about a hunter’s paradise!

But before you grab your gear and set off on a hog-hunting extravaganza, let me fill you in on a couple of things.

While the rules might be a bit relaxed when it comes to hunting these feral hogs, it’s essential to remember that Florida state law still applies.

Now, hold on to your bacon, ’cause here’s the good news: if you’re hunting those wild hogs, you’re exempt from the regular hunting regulations.

No license needed, and you can even chase ’em down at night.

It’s like a thrilling nocturnal treasure hunt, except your treasure has tusks.

Oh, and a word of advice for you landowners out there.

If someone decides to trespass on your property and hunt without permission, you’ve got every right to charge ’em for trespassing.

Having a hunting license won’t save ’em from the consequences of invading your land.

So, protect your territory, my friends, and keep those hog hunters at bay.

Here’s a recap:

• Every hunter in Florida must be regulated by state law even when hunting on private property.
• The only people exempted from this rule are people that are hunting for feral wild hogs.
• Your are free to hunt feral wild hogs on private properties without a state license, even at the night.
• You can charge any hunter who hunts on your property without permission for trespass.
• A hunter having a hunting license does not permit him to hunt on private property.

Best Hog Hunting Gear: Gear up for the Swine Showdown!

Hog hunting isn’t your average stroll in the woods.

It’s a thrilling adventure that demands top-notch gear to conquer those wild swine.

So, get ready to gear up, hog hunters!

Here’s the arsenal you need to dominate the hunt.

Firearms: Taming the Beast

• When it comes to hog hunting, you need a firearm that’s as fierce as the hogs themselves.
• Consider a reliable and hard-hitting rifle like the Smith & Wesson M&P 10 chambered in .308 Winchester or the Remington 700 ADL in .223 Remington.
• These rifles offer exceptional accuracy and stopping power to bring down those bristly beasts.

Ammunition: Making Every Shot Count

• Don’t let those hogs brush off your bullets like a tickling sensation!
• Load up with premium ammunition designed for hogs, such as the Hornady Superformance SST or Federal Fusion rounds.
• These specialized loads deliver devastating impact and controlled expansion, ensuring you have the stopping power needed for a successful takedown.

Hunting Knives: Cutting Through the Tough Stuff

• When it’s time to field dress a hog, you need a blade that’s sharp enough to make a samurai blush.
• Choose a rugged hunting knife like the Buck Knives 119 Special or the Gerber StrongArm.
• These knives boast sturdy fixed blades, ergonomic grips, and razor-sharp edges, allowing you to effortlessly carve through hide and flesh.

Camouflage Clothing: Master of Disguise

• To outwit those crafty hogs, you must blend into their natural habitat like a secret agent on a covert mission.
• Outfit yourself in top-of-the-line camouflage clothing like the Sitka Gear Fanatic or the Under Armour Ridge Reaper patterns.
• These high-performance camo suits offer advanced features like scent control, moisture-wicking fabric, and articulated designs, keeping you hidden from prying swine eyes and giving you the upper hand.

Boots: Conquering the Hog Territory

• Hogs don’t roam the plush carpeted hallways of fancy hotels; they dwell in rugged terrains that demand tough boots.
• Step into the fray with confidence by donning sturdy and waterproof hunting boots like the Irish Setter Elk Tracker or the Danner Pronghorn.
• These boots feature durable construction, superior traction, and insulation, keeping your feet comfortable and dry as you traverse the treacherous hog-infested lands.

Remember, my fellow hog hunters, the right gear can mean the difference between triumph and defeat in the hog-hunting arena.

So, equip yourself with these mighty tools and embark on a thrilling hog-hunting journey like no other!

The Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area.

The Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area is seated on 564,000 acres of land and situated in Franklin, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties.

It is a part of the Apalachicola National Forest and a perfect destination for hog hunting.

The Apalachicola Bradwell Unit is seated on 1,420 acres of land and located along the Ochlockonee River.

This is where you will see old-fashioned Hog Management Dog Hunts.

Only on selected weekends between May and September are hunters allowed to hunt hogs there.

You have to have a quota-hunt permit to hunt there.

Another nice destination for hog hunting is the Aucilla WMA which is located in Jefferson and Taylor counties.

Public hunting lands in Florida runes into millions of acres.

There are wild hogs virtually in all wildlife management areas, federally managed land, or paper company land in Florida.

According to the law of Florida, some people are exempted from recreational hunting, and freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing licenses.

They are also exempted from Florida waterfowl, migratory birds, deer, turkey, snook, spiny lobster, archery, crossbow, muzzleloading, and management area permit requirements.

However, the exemption does not apply to federal duck stamp requirements.

• Young people under the age of 16 years of age.

  They are also exempt from the requirements of the federal duck stamp.

• Resident senior citizens aged 65 years or above who have proof of age or residency.

  They can use a valid Florida Driver’s License or ID Card as their proof.

  Alternatively, if they have an optional Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate.

• Those on freshwater fishing or hunting in their county of residence on their homestead (or the homestead of their spouse or minor child), or if they are on child freshwater fishing or hunting on the homestead of their parent.
• Those Floridians who are certified to be totally and permanently disabled and possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person’s Hunting and Fishing License.
• American soldiers who are Florida residents, but not living in Florida, but came home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
• Any person who is viewing or recording a video of people who are fishing or hunting, but himself is not assisting the fishers or hunters in any way.

Veterans who are disabled, active people in military service, those on military reserve duty, members and their immediate family, and assistants who are taking part in an authorized outdoor recreational event, of which the organizer must have obtained a Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption Permit from the Commission.

Exempt from individual license requirements for the issue of a Hunting License are customers or patrons, both residents, and visitors, who are hunting on hunting preserved and are holders of a Blanket Hunt Preserve License.

They are exempt from Deer Permit; Florida Waterfowl Permit; Archery Season Permit; Crossbow Season Permit; Muzzleloading Gun Season Permit; and/or Turkey Permit.

In addition, the following are exempt from a freshwater fishing license:

• Floridians who are accepted by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities as a client for developmental disabilities services.
• Any property owner fishing in a fish pond that is up to 20 acres or less is located completely on his private property.

  Fish ponds are man-made ponds, constructed inside the owner’s private property, for the main purpose of fishing.

  It has no surface water that is connected to public water.

• Persons who have purchased a fish pond license of 20 acres or more, for $3 per surface acre, and fishing in the fish pond.
• People who have Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing Licenses.
• Anyone fishing in the St.

  Mary’s River or Lake Seminole who has a valid Georgia fishing license.

  This does not include tributary creeks in the state.

• The people that go on freshwater fishing during free freshwater fishing days.
• Floridians who are fishing with live or natural bait, with poles or lines that are not installed with the fishing-line-retrieval mechanism.

  They must not be fishing for commercial purposes.

  This is not inclusive of fish management areas within Florida.

Who needs a recreational hunting or fishing license or permit?

1. Anyone who wants to engage in hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing in Florida must have a license to do so, be he a resident or visitor.
2. You require a license if you want to go fishing.

   Casting a line or catch and release requires a fishing license.

3. For you to fish the many native or non-native marine organisms, like crabs, lobsters, and marine plants, you require a saltwater fishing license.
4. It is the licenses and permits that will help you in fishing.

   Anyone engaging in casual fishing or hunting like setting decoys, calling birds, or baiting hooks must have a license and the necessary permits.

You must have Florida recreational fishing license if you are listed on the National Saltwater Angler Registry, except if you are in the exempt list below.

FAQs

Can you hunt hogs in Florida without a license?

No!

You need a license.

With a license you are free to hunt wild hogs at night, and with a gun and light.

You do not require a license.

Can you eat wild Florida hog?

Yes, it is not bad to eat the meat of wild Florida hogs, but the harvesting and processing should be according to safety standards.

Wild hog hunting has the backing of wildlife agencies as a means of controlling their population.

It is also an activity loved by most hunters.

How much does it cost to hog hunt in Florida?

It can cost you between  $295 and  $1,495 to hunt hogs in Florida.

Are there any restrictions on hog hunting seasons in Florida?

Oh, you betcha!

Florida is a state with some rules, my friend.

When it comes to hog hunting, certain areas designated as wildlife management areas have specific days and seasons dedicated to these wild hogs.

So, keep an eye on the calendar and plan your hog-hunting escapades accordingly.

Can I hunt hogs on my own private property in Florida?

Well, partner, on your own private property, you’re the boss!

You have the freedom to hunt those hogs without any interference.

Just make sure you’re well-aware of the regulations and laws regarding hog hunting on private lands.

Respect the boundaries, enjoy the hunt, and show those hogs who’s the king of the castle!

Can you hunt hogs in Florida with any type of weapon?

You’re armed with questions, my friend!

When it comes to hog hunting in Florida, the choice of weapon is up to you, within legal limits, of course.

From rifles to shotguns, as long as it’s a lawful hunting weapon, you’re good to go.

Just remember to adhere to the regulations and use your chosen weapon responsibly.

What do I do with the hog once I’ve bagged it?

Ah, the spoils of victory!

Once you’ve successfully captured a wild hog, there are a few options.

Many hunters choose to enjoy the thrill of the hunt and leave the processing to the professionals.

However, if you’re feeling adventurous and have the know-how, you can process the hog yourself.

Just be sure to handle it safely, follow proper sanitation practices, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your hunting prowess.

Are there any specific hog hunting tips and strategies for success?

You bet there are, my aspiring hog hunter!

To increase your chances of hog-hunting success, consider a few handy tips.

Scout the hunting area beforehand, locating tracks and signs of hog activity.

Set up in strategic spots like feeding areas or wallows.

Use appropriate calls and scents to attract hogs.

And, of course, practice your patience and stealth skills.

Remember, hog hunting is a thrilling game of wits between you and those crafty swine!

What should I wear and bring on a hog hunt in Florida?

Time to dress for success, my friend!

When gearing up for a hog hunt in Florida, opt for suitable clothing that blends with the surroundings, providing camouflage.

Long sleeves, pants, and sturdy boots are a must to protect yourself from thorny brush and pesky insects.

Don’t forget essential gear like a reliable firearm, ammunition, a flashlight for those night hunts, a hunting knife, and any other accessories you may need.

And, of course, bring along a hearty dose of determination and a sense of adventure!

Are there any safety considerations when hog hunting in Florida?

Safety first, my fellow hog hunter!

When venturing into the wild to pursue these formidable creatures, always prioritize safety.

Be familiar with your chosen firearm, practice proper gun handling, and never forget your ear and eye protection.

Stay aware of your surroundings, and always be sure of your target before taking a shot.

Oh, and don’t forget to let someone know about your hunting plans, just in case.

I want your hog hunting experience to be thrilling, memorable, and above all, safe!