DMU C4, Florida

Dominated by the Ocala National Forest — the largest sand pine scrub ecosystem in the world — interspersed with longleaf pine sandhills, wet prairie, hardwood swamps along the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers, and numerous lakes and spring-fed streams. Flat to gently rolling with sandy soils and limited elevation change. Thick scrub and palmettos provide dense deer cover; open pine flatwoods and forest edges are prime food-plot alternatives.

Moderate to high near trailheads and forest road access points, especially during gun season opener. Remote interior tracts and areas accessible only by boat or on foot see significantly lower pressure. Midweek hunting and moving 1-2 miles from roads dramatically improves deer encounters.

Annual bag limit is 5 deer, of which no more than 2 may be antlerless. Antlered deer in C4 must have at least 3 antler points (each at least 1 inch) on one side. Antlerless deer may be taken during archery and muzzleloader seasons on private lands without a permit. A 9-day antlerless period is open during general gun season in C4. WMA-specific antlerless rules vary — check individual WMA brochures.

DEER (2025-2026): Archery/Crossbow Oct 25 – Nov 26; Crossbow extension Nov 26 – Dec 5; Muzzleloader Dec 6-12; General Gun Nov 27-30 and Dec 13 – Feb 22. Antlerless open archery/muzzleloader on private land; 9-day antlerless window during gun season. WILD TURKEY (Spring 2026): North of SR 70 statewide season March 21 – April 26; youth weekend March 13. Ocala NF Hopkins Prairie Unit has quota-controlled dates (Mar 14-16, 26-29; Apr 2-5, 9-12, 16-19). Osceola subspecies present. No quota permit required on many non-quota WMAs. WILD HOG: Year-round on most WMAs during open hunting seasons (not during spring turkey season); WMA management-area permit required on FWC-managed lands; no bag limit or season restriction on Ocala NF with valid hunting license. BLACK BEAR: Present throughout C4 but bear hunting is NOT permitted in Zone C — bear tags are only issued in Zones A and D.

Home to the largest contiguous block of public hunting land in Florida. Ocala NF holds one of the highest densities of Osceola wild turkey in the state. Year-round hog hunting provides off-season action. Black bear are present and frequently encountered, though C4 is not a designated bear hunting zone. Spring-fed rivers and forest roads create natural funnels that concentrate deer movement.