This time of year holds so much promise! Hunting seasons give us the chance to shut out the stress of daily life and instead witness a sunrise, feel a soft breeze and listen to the sounds of nature. You may know people who don't hunt but are interested in finding out what makes hunting such a special experience. We've assembled the following events and resources with the hope you'll share them with interested friends, family, coworkers and neighbors. They may not become lifelong hunters, but those who learn more about hunting and the connection to conservation may become lifelong advocates. 

Do you know a college-aged friend or family member who is interested in learning more about hunting? Encourage them to register for the FWC’s free deer hunting 101 workshop, held Oct. 15 at the Austin Cary Forest Campus in Gainesville. Participants can learn about hunters’ role in conservation, gear and strategies, safety, wild game processing and cooking and get hands-on opportunities at the archery range. At the end of the workshop, students can be considered to take part in hunts offered Sunday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 4. Those who are interested should register now before this deer hunting 101 workshop fills up. 

The FWC is hosting a hunting and shooting sports seminar Oct. 8-9 at the Ocala Conservation Center, primarily for women as well as anyone 18 or older who is a beginner and wants to learn. Attendees will gain experience in shooting sports disciplines, hunting strategies, and Florida game wildlife. If you know someone who would enjoy this, encourage them to submit their application.

This program is being offered through our Outdoor Weekend Learning Seminars (O.W.L.S.), which provide hands-on opportunities for women, youth and families to learn the skills and knowledge needed to safely and responsibly enjoy fishing, paddling, camping, shooting sports, and other outdoor activities. Find upcoming seminars across the state at FYCCN.org/OWLS.

The Palm Beach County Shooting Sports Complex is hosting monthly First Shots seminars to introduce new shooters to safe. responsible firearms handling, rules and regulations, and recreational shooting sports opportunities. Participants will also receive hands-on training at the range from range safety experts. The first seminar will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon.  Those interested in attending must provide their own firearm, ear/eye protection, ammunition and targets. The fee for this seminar is $30 and includes one additional visit to the range after the training.

The FWC manages 11 ranges across the state. Depending on the facility, they offer rifle/handgun ranges, sporting clays courses, 5-stand or trap and skeet fields, and archery ranges. Find an FWC-managed range.

The FWC offers mentored hunts for youth who are interested but may not have the chance to experience hunting. Our Youth Hunting Program is designed to teach young people between the ages of 12 and 17 about conservation and safe, responsible hunting. To participate, youth must complete a hunter safety course and be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Find and register for fall youth hunts.

One of the reasons people are drawn to hunting is the chance to connect with nature and enjoy the many pleasures of a Florida morning - hearing the predawn chorus of insects and birds. And watching the sunrise paint the sky. If you’re interested in experiencing hunting, learn more and check out a new video that captures the essence of watching the world wake up!

We are at the early stages of developing rules for the 2023-24 hunting season. Proposed rule amendments include establishing open seasons for two new wildlife management areas: Garcon Point, a 3,245-acre WMA in Santa Rosa County and Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge WMA, Okeechobee Unit, a new 1,865-acre WMA in Okeechobee County. 

An essential part of this effort is seeking your input on these and other proposed rule amendments related to hunting and FWC-managed lands. Please take a few minutes to view proposed rule changes and provide your input. FWC staff will present its annual package of proposed hunting related rule amendments to Commissioners at their Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 meeting.