Feral Hog Hunts

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) considers feral hogs an invasive exotic species. Hogs negatively impact wetlands and other habitats by “rooting” up the soil while searching for food. They prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the spread of exotic plant species by transporting seeds and/or providing germination sites through rooting.

Hog hunts are being conducted on District lands to alleviate and decrease these impacts. Removing the animals from the landscape through hunting or trapping is the only viable method of hog control in Florida. For more information about feral hogs on District lands, see the “frequently asked questions” page.

2023–2024 Feral Hog Dog Hunt Incentive Program

The District has a three-phase hunting system. The first two phases of hunts will have separate registration processes. The single top producer from each Phase 1 and Phase 2 hunt will be asked to participate in hog management activities for Phase 3. 

Phase 1 Hunts

  • Registration will occur on October 3, 2023 at 9 a.m.
  • Includes five hunts that occur October-November 2023.
  • A $75 nonrefundable fee must be paid for each permit.
  • Permits are transferable.
  • The top producer on each Phase 1 hunt will be placed on the District’s ‘top producer’ list and will be awarded participation in our Phase 3 hunts, free of charge. We no longer award free admission into Phase 2 for our top two producers of the Phase 1 hunt.
  • Failure to follow regulations or poor behavior issues will disqualify registrant for incentive consideration at the sole discretion of District staff. Participants will be provided the opportunity to refute the decision. 

Phase 2 Hunts

  • Registration will occur on December 5, 2023 at 9 a.m.
  • Includes six hunts that occur January through February 2024.
  • A $75 nonrefundable fee must be paid for each permit.
  • Permits are transferable.
  • The top producer on each Phase 2 hunt will be placed on the District’s ‘top producer’ list and will be awarded participation in our Phase 3 hunts, free of charge. We no longer award free admission into Phase 2 for our top two producers of the Phase 1 hunt.
  • Failure to follow regulations or poor behavior issues will disqualify registrant for incentive consideration at the sole discretion of District staff. Participants will be provided the opportunity to refute the decision.

Phase 3 “As-Needed” Management Hunts

  • Includes management hunts that can occur between March through October 2024.
  • Only those registrants that qualify as top producers following the Phase 1 and 2 hunts will be contacted to take part in management hunts during this period.
  • Management hunts offered to top producers will be free of charge and non-transferable.
  • Phase 1 and Phase 2 top producers, without rule violations, will be offered participation on a minimum of four management hunts occurring March through October 2024.

Phase 1 Hunts Schedule (October - November 2023)

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on October 3, 2023, and ends when all permits are sold (or at midnight Thursday following the registration date—whichever comes first). Be advised, permits typically sell out quickly.

Hunt AreaHunt DateDurationTypePermits
Alston Tract 
at Upper Hillsborough Preserve (2,698 ac.)
Nov. 7-9, 20233-day hunthog dog11
Chito Branch Reserve (5,515 ac.)Nov. 7-9, 20233-day hunthog dog10
Flying Eagle Nature Center
formerly McGregor Smith Scout Reservation(4,964 ac.)
Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, 20233-day hunthog dog20
Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve
(7,736 ac.)
Nov. 14-16, 20233-day hunthog dog25
Hampton Tract
and Closed-Area Tracts at Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve (10,316 ac.)
Nov. 14-16, 20233-day hunthog dog30

Dog hunt only: One hunter, two assistants and three dogs per hunter; please see “Regulations” for each hunt for more information.

Phase 2 Hunts Schedule (January - February 2024)

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on December 5, 2023, and ends when all permits are sold (or at midnight Thursday following the registration date—whichever comes first). Be advised, permits typically sell out quickly.

Hunt AreaHunt DateDurationTypePermits
Alston Tract 
at Upper Hillsborough Preserve (2,698 ac.)
Jan. 2-4, 20243-day hunthog dog11
Chito Branch Reserve (5,515 ac.)Jan. 2-4, 20243-day hunthog dog10
Flying Eagle Nature Center
formerly McGregor Smith Scout Reservation(4,964 ac.)
Jan. 9-11, 20243-day hunthog dog20
Edward W. Chance Reserve — Gilley Creek TractJan. 9-11, 20243-day hunthog dog12
Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve
(7,736 ac.)
Jan. 23-25, 20243-day hunthog dog25
Hampton Tract
and Closed-Area Tracts at Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve (10,316 ac.)
Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 20243-day hunthog dog30

Dog hunt only: One hunter, two assistants and three dogs per hunter; please see “Regulations” for each hunt for more information.