There are lots of hunting opportunities for Space Coast hunters -- starting with wingshooting for rail and common moorhen in September, then big game such as whitetail deer and wild hogs in November and continuing through the closure of spring gobbler season in late April.
The fall seasons include a month of bow hunting; nine weeks for dove; more than eight weeks for deer, turkey, wild hog, squirrel and quail; 60 days for waterfowl; and 15 weeks of snipe hunting.
Many in Florida's army of hunters use the more than 60 state wildlife management areas. They are separate from private hunting areas, which are open only to landowners or those who purchase hunting leases.
A reference to public hunting zones is available at county tax collector's offices and at www.myfwc.com/hunting
Several of Florida's best management areas are within a short drive of Brevard County, including Bull Creek and Three Lakes in Osceola County. In nearby Orange County, hunters use Seminole Ranch and the Tosohatchee State Reserve.
Some of the Southeast's finest duck hunting is available at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and at the T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, south of Palm Bay.
Merritt Island features brackish and saltwater bays and marshes, and freshwater impoundments, which provide excellent habitat for waterfowl.
The 3,870-acre Goodwin area, which consists of 20 managed shallow-water impoundments, was enlarged by another 2,400 acres with the addition of the Broadmoor Marsh Unit north of the impoundments.
The Goodwin section is strictly a walk-in area. Hunting is allowed on a quota system two days a week during waterfowl season.
Dove hunting is allowed in the wildlife management areas, but the hunting is less rewarding because special dove fields are not planted. As a result, most dove hunters secure private leases, which are offered by some area farmers and cattle ranchers.
State hunting guidelines
To obtain a hunting license call 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356) or visit www3.wildlifelicense.com/fl/start.php. Licenses also can be purchased at county tax collector's offices:
Central Brevard Service Complex: 2575 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, 321-455-1412.
Indian Harbour Place Shopping Center: 240 E. Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach, 7321-79-4009.
North Brevard Service Complex: 700 Park Ave., Titusville, 321-264-5224.
Palm Bay Interchange Square: 1155 Malabar Road N.E., 321-952-4540.
Rockledge Square: 1840 S. U.S. 1, 321-633-1897.
South Brevard Service Complex: 1515 Sarno Road, Melbourne, 321-255-4410.
*Information courtesy of Florida today Fact Book 2008