DMU C3, Florida

Central-west Florida ranchland and flatwoods covering Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Landscape is predominantly improved cattle pasture, cabbage palm and palmetto prairie, oak and pine flatwoods, and live oak hammocks. The Peace River drains northward through Hardee and DeSoto counties, while the Myakka River system runs through Sarasota and Manatee. Elevation is low and flat, with seasonal wetlands and cypress ponds providing key wildlife cover. Dense saw palmetto and brushy fence lines concentrate deer movement. Trophy genetics are solid due to limited harvest pressure on private ranchland.

Low to moderate on public WMAs due to quota permit systems; low on private ranchland which makes up the bulk of the unit. Limited public acreage relative to unit size keeps overall pressure manageable on WMA tracts.

Annual bag limit: 5 deer, of which only 2 may be antlerless. Antlered deer must have at least 3 points (each measuring 1 inch or more) OR a main beam length of 10 inches or more on one side. Youth hunters (15 and under) may harvest one non-qualifying antlered deer per season if it has at least one antler of 5 inches. Antlerless deer are open during archery, crossbow, and muzzleloader seasons; a 9-day antlerless window is available during the general gun season for DMU C1 (the FWC zone covering this region). No antlerless permit required during open antlerless periods — harvest counts toward the 2-antlerless annual cap.

DEER: Archery season Sept. 19 – Oct. 18; crossbow season Sept. 19 – Oct. 23; muzzleloader season Oct. 24 – Nov. 6; general gun season Nov. 7 – Jan. 24 (dates per FWC Zone C / DMU C1 for lands outside WMA system; individual WMAs may have different calendar dates — always check WMA brochure). Antlered minimum: 3 points or 10-inch main beam. Antlerless open archery, crossbow, muzzleloader seasons and a 9-day general gun window. Bag limit 5/season, max 2 antlerless. HOG: Wild hog hunting available on most WMAs during open seasons (prohibited during spring turkey season). No bag limit, no size limit. Management area permit required; quota permit may be required — check individual WMA brochure. Year-round on private land with landowner permission; no license required on private land. Dogs, any legal rifle/shotgun/bow/crossbow/air gun allowed. TURKEY: Spring turkey south of State Road 70 — youth hunts late February, general season March 7 – April 12 (2026 dates). Turkey permit required in addition to hunting license. Quota hunts on Orange Hammock and Hickory Hammock WMAs. BEAR: No black bear season in this unit; DMU C3 is outside the designated bear hunting zones (D1 and D2 in north/central Florida).

Expansive Peace River and Myakka River corridor ranchlands holding strong whitetail populations with good genetics; year-round hog action on multiple WMAs; spring turkey hunting on Orange Hammock and Hickory Hammock with solid bird numbers; mobility-impaired deer and turkey hunts at Hickory Hammock; no centerfire rifle required — shotgun and muzzleloader hunters have full access during all seasons. Sarasota County's Myakka State Forest is a top regional hog destination.