Florida Deer Season 2025-2026: Latest Hunting Schedules, Regulations & Bag Limits!
Planning your outdoor adventure in the Sunshine State? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Florida’s white-tailed deer seasons for 2025-2026, including key dates, regulations, and tips for a successful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned tracker or new to the sport, we’ve got you covered!
🗓️ At a Glance: Florida Deer Seasons
Here’s a quick overview of the key periods for pursuing white-tailed deer across Florida’s four zones:
| Zone | Archery | Crossbow | Muzzleloader | General Gun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Aug 2–31 | Aug 2–Sept 5 | Sept 6–19 | Sept 20–Oct 19, Nov 22–Jan 4 |
| B | Oct 18–Nov 16 | Oct 18–Nov 21 | Nov 22–Dec 5 | Dec 6–Feb 22 |
| C | Sept 13–Oct 12 | Sept 13–Oct 17 | Oct 18–31 | Nov 1–Jan 18 |
| D | Oct 25–Nov 26 | Oct 25–Nov 26, Dec 1–5 | Dec 6–12, Feb 23–Mar 1 | Nov 27–30, Dec 13–Feb 22 |
📅 Detailed Breakdown: All Deer Seasons
🏹 Archery Season
- Zone A: August 2–31, 2025
- Zone B: October 18–November 16, 2025
- Zone C: September 13–October 12, 2025
- Zone D: October 25–November 26, 2025
Equipment: Only bows may be used during this period .
🏹 Crossbow Season
- Zone A: August 2–September 5, 2025
- Zone B: October 18–November 21, 2025
- Zone C: September 13–October 17, 2025
- Zone D: October 25–November 26, December 1–5, 2025
Details: Crossbows, bows, and airbows are permitted .
💨 Muzzleloader Season
- Zone A: September 6–19, 2025
- Zone B: November 22–December 5, 2025
- Zone C: October 18–31, 2025
- Zone D: December 6–12, 2025 and February 23–March 1, 2026
Equipment: Only muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows, and airbows may be used .
🔫 General Gun Season
- Zone A: September 20–October 19, November 22–January 4, 2026
- Zone B: December 6–February 22, 2026
- Zone C: November 1–January 18, 2026
- Zone D: November 27–30, December 13–February 22, 2026
Allowed Equipment: Centerfire rifles, shotguns, centerfire pistols, muzzleloaders, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, crossbows, and bows .
👨👧 Youth Deer Hunt Weekends
- Zone A: September 13–14, 2025
- Zone B: November 29–30, 2025
- Zone C: October 25–26, 2025
- Zone D: December 6–7, 2025
Details: Youth 15 years and younger may harvest any deer except spotted fawn, supervised by an adult 18 or older. Youth may use any legal method of take .
🦌 Other Game Species in Florida
While Florida is primarily known for its white-tailed deer, the state doesn’t have populations of elk, moose, caribou, or exotic/non-native deer species. The focus is on white-tailed deer management, with other popular game species including wild turkey, feral hogs (no closed season on private land), and various small game animals .
📜 Key Regulations for Deer Hunting in Florida
To ensure a safe and legal experience, adhere to these rules:
- Bag Limits: Daily limit: 2 deer. Possession limit: 4 deer. Annual limit: 5 deer, of which only 2 can be antlerless (except in DMU D2, where 3 of 5 may be antlerless) .
- Harvest Reporting: Mandatory for all deer and turkey hunters .
- Hunter Orange: Required during deer gun seasons (500 square inches above waist) .
- Legal Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset .
- Antlerless Deer: Special seasons apply in specific DMUs during archery, crossbow, and general gun seasons .
- Deer-Dog Training Seasons: Vary by zone (Zone A: Aug 16–Sept 4; Zone B: Nov 1–20; Zone C: Sept 27–Oct 16; Zone D: Oct 25–Nov 13) .
💰 License and Tag Fees for 2025-2026
Here’s a breakdown of costs:
- Resident Hunting License: $17.00
- Non-Resident Hunting License: $151.50 (annual)
- Deer Permit: $5.00 (both residents and non-residents)
- Management Area Permit: $26.50 (required for most WMAs)
- Archery Permit: $5.00
- Crossbow Permit: $5.00
- Lifetime Sportsman License: $301.50+ (residents only)
Note: All hunters aged 16 and older must have a hunting license .
📋 License Requirements
- Hunter Education: Required for anyone born on or after June 1, 1975 .
- Deer Permit: Required to hunt deer in addition to hunting license .
- Management Area Permit: Required to hunt in most Wildlife Management Areas .
- Method-Specific Permits: Archery and crossbow permits required during those respective seasons .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays in Florida?
A: Sunday hunting is generally permitted in Florida, but always check specific WMA regulations as some areas may have restrictions.
Q: Are there any antler restrictions?
A: Antler regulations vary by Deer Management Unit (DMU). Check the FWC regulations for specific DMU requirements .
Q: What are the either-sex days in my zone?
A: Either-sex days vary by zone and DMU. Consult the official FWC regulations for your specific area .
Q: Can non-residents purchase licenses over-the-counter?
A: Yes, non-residents can purchase licenses online or from licensed agents .
Q: Is baiting allowed?
A: Regulations regarding baiting vary by area. Check specific WMA regulations for restrictions .
✅ Conclusion
Florida’s 2025-2026 white-tailed deer seasons offer diverse opportunities across four zones with varied dates for archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, and general gun periods. The state’s unique climate and habitats provide extended hunting opportunities compared to many other states. Remember to obtain proper licenses and permits, follow all regulations including harvest reporting, and respect bag limits. With proper planning, Florida offers fantastic whitetail pursuits for hunters of all experience levels.
🔗 Always verify details with official sources. For the most accurate and updated information, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website.
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