DMU C6, Florida

Pine flatwoods, sandhills, cypress swamps, and bottomland hardwoods dominate northeast Florida. Low relief with seasonal wetlands and mixed timber stands. Deer use upland pine edges and cypress drains. The Osceola National Forest contains extensive wiregrass-longleaf pine communities interspersed with bay swamps.

Moderate. Osceola NF receives significant pressure during gun season due to its size and proximity to Jacksonville metro. Quota WMAs moderate pressure on managed units. Archery season sees lighter use. Private land access is limited in the suburban-rural fringe near Duval and Clay counties.

Annual statewide bag limit is 5 deer, of which no more than 2 may be antlerless. Antlered bucks must have at least 3 points on one side (each 1 inch or more) OR a main beam of 10 inches or more. Youth hunters (15 and under) may take one deer per season not meeting the antler criteria if it has at least one antler 5 inches or longer. Antlerless deer are open during archery, crossbow, and muzzleloader seasons; a limited 9-day antlerless window runs during general gun season (approx. Nov 21-29). No special antlerless permit required outside WMA system on private land during these open windows.

DEER (Zone C, 2025-2026): Archery Sept 13 - Oct 12; Crossbow Sept 13 - Oct 17; Muzzleloader Oct 18-31; General Gun Nov 22-30 (antlered); Antlerless general gun window approx. Nov 21-29; Second muzzleloader window Dec 5-11 and Feb 22-28. WMA-specific dates may differ — check individual brochures. WILD HOG: Year-round on most WMAs where authorized; no bag limit on private land; WMA hog hunts may have specific season windows or still-hunt permit requirements (check brochure). TURKEY: Spring season north of SR 70 runs March 20 - April 25 (2026); south of SR 70 March 6 - April 11. Bag limit 2 gobblers/bearded birds per season (1 per day on WMAs). Most WMAs require quota permit for spring turkey. Fall turkey seasons also available within deer season dates. BEAR: Not present in DMU C6; black bear hunting limited to D1 and D2 in Florida.

Osceola National Forest is one of Florida's premier public hunting destinations — huge acreage, diverse habitat, and quality buck potential in a longleaf pine/cypress landscape. Northeast Florida bucks benefit from relatively low overall deer density and the 3-point antler restriction, producing a higher proportion of mature deer than many southern Florida units. Hog hunting is an added bonus year-round. Spring turkey season (March 20 - April 25 north of SR 70) coincides with peak gobbling activity. Walk-in access available at Osceola NF outside quota periods.