Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division of Hunting and Game Management
Mission:
To manage and conserve game wildlife for the future, while fostering safe and responsible hunting. Strategies:
The Division uses scientifically proven game-management strategies and professional expertise to perpetuate safe, sustainable hunting opportunities statewide, with an emphasis on waterfow
l, small game, deer, wild turkey and alligators. The Division also develops rules and recommends wildlife management policies on over 6 million acres of public hunting lands, which provide a variety of hunting opportunities. Division staff participate in national, state and regional advisory groups to support management and regulation of Florida’s game wildlife. The Division also manages public shooting sports facilities throughout the state and offers hunter safety courses to help students become safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters and learn about conservation. In addition, the Division oversees Florida’s initiatives to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters and target shooters. FWC staff coordinates with conservation agencies, industry partners and nongovernmental organizations to increase participation in hunting, the shooting sports and conservation. The focus of these efforts is outreach to new audiences and identifying what new participants need to become involved. Game Management and Public Hunting Section
Managing Florida’s wild game populations using science, leadership and key partnerships occurs in this section. Section staff use scientific research to develop sound management practices to conserve game wildlife species while providing opportunities for responsible and sustainable hunting. The section also develops partnerships, rules, regulations and publications that facilitate safe and sustainable public hunting opportunities on over 6 million public acres in Florida. Section staff coordinate the distribution of rule-related information and publications, provide technical assistance to the hunting public, and work with stakeholders and partners to coordinate support for hunting-related activities on public lands. Hunter Safety and Public Shooting Ranges Section
In this section, programs are offered throughout the state to address the Division’s mission. Florida Statutes require most hunters to complete hunter safety training. The section provides hunter safety courses as well as workshops and special events to ensure Florida hunters are well prepared to be safe, responsible and conservation-minded. Specialized courses include Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, advanced archery, basic muzzleloading firearms and safety training camps for young hunters. To safely support the needs of recreational target shooters, hunters and hunter safety students, the Division manages 11 public shooting ranges located throughout the state. The newest FWC-managed range was constructed in Palm Beach County to meet the growing demand for safe, clean and family-friendly public shooting sports facilities.
