The state of Florida is one of the most famous states in the United States in terms of its natural beauty and glamorous lifestyle. Moreover, the vibrant multicultural state full of wonderful outdoor activities makes this state one of the tourist destinations in the country.
Interestingly, one of the most popular outdoor activities in Florida is animal hunting. In fact, the state is home to some of the largest public hunting lands and wildlife centers in the US, due to its incredible exotic wildlife.
The best public hunting lands in Florida to hunt these incredible animals are mentioned below.
1. National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center
Monroe County’s public hunting land is operated by National Wildlife Refuges(NWR) and is one of the largest hunting lands in Florida. Situated across an area of 400,000 acres, this is one of the best hunting lands in the country.
Popular species of animals that can be found here include Whitetail Deer, Duck, predators and exotics. Moreover, the weapons of choice inside this hunting land are archery, rifles and shotguns. National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center is located near Key West town.
2. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Located in St. Marks County, this is one of the largest wildlife refuges in Florida. Spanning an incredible 68,000 acres of land, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is full of exotic animals, predators and birds.
But, it is mostly famous for its deer hunting opportunities and the most popular species of deer available in this area is the Whitetail Deer. Additionally, you can use an array of weapons that include rifles, shotguns and archery while hunting.
3. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Located in stunning Vero Beach, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge offers world-class hunting opportunities along with beautiful scenic views. Its proximity to the beach means it is home to some unique birds.
The most popular species of animals in this 5,376-acre wildlife refuge are Whitetail Deer, Doves, Duck, exotics and predators. While hunting these animals, you can use weapons like rifles, shotguns and archery.
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4. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
The whole area of Crystal River county is full of exotic animals and birds that can be found year-round or seasonally. Established in 1983, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is just 80 acres in the area, but hunting is permitted by NWR on a total of 61,000 acres of land around the town of Crystal River.
Alongside trophy hunting, bird shooting is also quite popular in this area. Moreover, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is famous for its exotic wildlife and allows both archery and rifles for hunting.
5. Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Another public hunting land located around Crystal River, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is a 31,000-acre stunning hunting land, featuring a wide variety of wildlife animals.
Popular species of animals that can be found for hunting are Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, exotics and predators. Moreover, weapons like archery, rifles and shotguns are allowed for hunting purposes in this area.
6. St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge
St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge, a 6,255-acre wildlife area operated by the NWR, is one of the best hunting lands in Florida. Situated in Titusville County, this hunting land is one of its biggest tourist attractions.
Alongside exotic animals, Turkey and ducks can also be hunted in this area. Moreover, primary weapons of choice in this hunting land are rifles, shotguns and archery.
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7. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Located in Goodland County, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a massive public hunting area. With an area of over 35,000 acres, it is one of the largest hunting lands in Florida.
Operated by the NWR, this wildlife refuge is situated close to Immokalee town. The most popular species of animals found in this hunting land are exotic animals, hunted using weapons like rifles and archery.
8. Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1908, this national public hunting land is located in Lee County, near the iconic town of Fort Myers. With over one hundred years of experience, Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular wildlife refuges in Florida and stretches over 500 acres.
It is mainly known for hunting exotic animals with the use of rifles and archery. Additionally, trophy hunting is also allowed here.
9. Pine Island Egret Hunting Land
Famous for its Egret hunting facilities, this public hunting land in Sanibel County is very highly-rated. Located near Sanibel town, Pine Island Egret Hunting Land is a 602-acre hunting land popular for its exotic animals and birds, but none more so than Egrets.
Pine Island Egret Hunting Land is an NWR designated hunting area and allows the use of archery and rifles as its hunting weapons.
10. Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Martin County’s 229-acre public hunting land is operated by the NWR and is situated close to one of Florida’s best cities, Jupiter. The primary choices of animals for hunting are exotics and predators.
Additionally, popular weapons used in this wildlife refuge are archery and rifles. Furthermore, trophy hunting is also allowed in Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge.
Most of the hunting lands in Florida are famed for their Whitetail Deer and Exotic animals. Additionally, unique species of predators that can be found only in North America are also available in these hunting lands. But, one thing that everyone has to remember when hunting on these public lands is that abiding by the restrictions and regulations of these areas is a must.