DMU D2, Florida

Longleaf pine flatwoods and sandhills dominate the uplands, transitioning to titi and cypress swamps, bayheads, and hardwood bottoms along the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee river drainages. The unit is low-relief with expansive wet flatwoods interspersed by creek drainages and seepage bogs. Soils are sandy and well-suited to native wiregrass understory maintained by frequent fire. Coastal marsh and tidal flats border the Gulf in the southern reaches of the unit.

low to moderate

Annual bag limit is 5 deer of which up to 3 may be antlerless (more generous than most other DMUs which cap antlerless at 2). Antlered deer must have at least 3 points each measuring 1 inch or more, OR a main beam of 10 inches or more. Youth hunters 15 and under may take one buck that does not meet antler criteria provided it has at least one antler 5 inches or longer. Antlerless deer follow the same season dates as antlered deer throughout archery, muzzleloader, and gun seasons on private/non-WMA land. WMA-specific antlerless regulations may differ — consult the Apalachicola WMA brochure.

DEER — Zone D seasons apply: Archery Oct 24–Nov 25; Crossbow Oct 24–Nov 25 and Nov 30–Dec 4; Muzzleloader Dec 5–11 and Feb 22–28; General Gun Nov 26–29 and Dec 12–Feb 21. Bag limit 5/year, up to 3 antlerless. Antler restriction: 3 points (1 inch each) or 10-inch main beam. WMA deer hunts may require quota permits and follow separate WMA-specific dates — check Apalachicola WMA hunt calendar at app.myfwc.com. || TURKEY — Spring season (panhandle zone, north of SR 70): youth weekend mid-March, general season approximately Mar 21–Apr 26. Bag limit 2 bearded turkeys/gobblers statewide; 1/day on WMAs. No quota permit required for general season on Apalachicola WMA. Shooting hours on WMAs typically 30 min before sunrise to 1 pm. || HOG — Wild hogs present throughout the unit. On WMAs hogs may be taken during most open hunting seasons except spring turkey season. A Management Area Permit ($26.50) is required on FWC-managed WMAs (not required on National Forest lands with valid hunting license). No bag limit. || BEAR — DMU D2 falls within the East Panhandle Bear Harvest Zone (bounded I-10 north, Gulf south, Aucilla River east, SR 79 west). The 2025 bear season ran Dec 6–28 on private/non-WMA lands; permits issued by lottery (limited quota). Hunt occurs on private land outside WMA system. Check myfwc.com/hunting/bear for 2026 season announcement and permit application details.

One of Florida's best large-acreage public land deer hunts; the Apalachicola NF/WMA complex offers solitude and mature buck potential. DMU D2 holds the East Panhandle Black Bear Harvest Zone — a rare permit-only opportunity. Spring turkey hunting on Apalachicola WMA is quota-free for general season. Wild hogs are widespread and huntable during most open seasons. The Florida National Scenic Trail traverses the unit for hunters willing to pack in.