DMU C2, Florida

East-central Florida Atlantic coastal plain; dominated by pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, and oak hammocks interspersed with cypress swamps, freshwater marshes, and bay swamps. The St. Johns River corridor and its associated wetlands run through much of the unit, creating classic hammock-to-marsh edge habitat. Upland scrub ridges near the coast in Volusia and St. Johns counties hold Florida scrub-jay habitat and deer-holding palmetto thickets. Agricultural edges (pasture, citrus remnants) occur in the southern and western portions toward Osceola County. Terrain is uniformly low and flat, rarely exceeding 50 feet elevation.

moderate

Antler restriction in effect: antlered deer must have at least 3 points (each 1 inch+) on one antler OR a main beam of 10 inches or more — this is a meaningful quality restriction that protects young bucks. Annual bag limit is 5 deer, of which only 2 may be antlerless. Antlerless harvest is open during archery, crossbow, and muzzleloader seasons and during the general gun season window (approximately the 8-day period opening the Saturday before the fourth Thursday in November). No antlerless permit required on private lands during open antlerless seasons; WMAs may have additional restrictions per individual brochures. Youth (15 and under) may harvest 1 antlered deer with at least one antler 5 inches long regardless of the DMU antler rule, and have a dedicated youth hunt weekend (Oct 31–Nov 1 in 2026–27). Population management goal for C2 is maintain or increase.

DEER (Zone C): Archery Sept 19–Oct 18. Crossbow Sept 19–Oct 23. Muzzleloader Oct 24–Nov 6. Youth weekend Oct 31–Nov 1. General gun Nov 7–Jan 24 (antlered); antlerless window approx Nov 21–29. Season limit 5 deer, max 2 antlerless. Antler rule: 3 points on one antler (each 1+ inch) OR main beam 10+ inches. TURKEY (Osceola subspecies): Spring quota permits required on WMAs; private land requires a $10 turkey permit. Spring south of SR-70 approx March 7–April 12; north of SR-70 approx March 21–April 26. Fall season runs first 58 days of antlered deer season. Bag limit 2 bearded birds per day, 2 per season. HOG: Year-round with no bag limit; no license required on private land with landowner permission. WMA brochures govern specific hog seasons and methods. BEAR: Present in adjacent Tiger Bay WMA and Ocala National Forest areas but DMU C2 is not a designated bear hunt zone (D1 and D2 are Florida's bear hunt units).

One of Florida's best units for Osceola wild turkey — the pure Florida subspecies that is one of the most sought-after Grand Slam birds, found only on the Florida peninsula. DMU C2 straddles the Osceola recognition line and holds excellent populations on multiple large WMAs. Deer hunting features classic pine flatwoods edge hunting and swamp-bottom stand hunting; the antler restriction has improved buck quality over recent seasons. Wild hogs are abundant throughout the unit and can be hunted year-round on WMAs with appropriate permits, providing action outside deer season. Lake George WMA's size and diversity make it a standout public land destination in northeast Florida.