Hunting in Florida: Regulations for Hunting With Dogs

In Florida, dogs may be used in hunting certain species during specific times. Some of Florida’s hunting regulations coincide with regular hunting laws, while some are specific to dog hunters.

Florida dog-hunting regulations have been strengthened in recent years to address complaints from landowners and others who oppose the sport, according to North American Whitetail.

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Here’s a guide to Florida’s regulations on hunting with dogs.

1. General Regulations

Dog hunters must follow regular season guidelines for all game species. At no time is the use of dogs permitted in turkey hunting.

When using archery equipment and muzzleloaders during their respective archery, crossbow and muzzleloader gun season, the taking of deer and hogs by the use or aid of dogs is not permitted.

Deer hunters must register their dogs with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, at no cost, if they wish to hunt with their dogs on private property. Applications for deer hunting dogs must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the final day of general gun season in the hunting zone where the private property is situated. The use of leashed dogs to trail wounded animals is permitted during all seasons.

2. Identification

Animals must wear a collar that clearly states the owner’s name and address. Registration numbers must be affixed to the hunting dog collar for all deer hunting dogs. The owner must also maintain a physical copy of the animal’s registration with the FWC.

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3. Permission

Anyone who wishes to hunt on private land with a dog must gain permission from the landowner. On private land, hunters may use free running dogs throughout the year to chase rabbit, raccoon, opossum, skunk, nutria, beaver, coyote, hog, fox and bobcat.

4. Training

If you are training your bird dog and the season is closed, it is allowable to use banded birds and firing blanks while on private property. Birds must also be banded with the owner’s name prior to release. Deer dogs may be trained during the closed season as long as they are leashed. During deer dog training season, the dogs are allowed to run free. At no time while training dogs can wildlife, including deer, be taken.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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