Opportunities to hunt small game are available this year at a new area in northwest Florida. The FWC is establishing Tate’s Hell – St. James Island Public Small Game Hunting Area in cooperation with the lead land manger, the Florida Forest Service. This 8,182-acre area is located in Franklin County, east of U.S. Route 319 and south of Ochlockonee River State Park.

This year, opportunities for dove, duck, geese, snipe, woodcock and coots are available during statewide season dates. In addition, gray squirrel, quail, rabbits, and wild hog may be hunted now through March 6. Please review the St. James Island PSGHA brochure for information about season dates, bag limits and other regulations before hunting that area.

Tate’s Hell – St. James Island Unit is being established as a PSGHA this year to provide immediate hunting opportunities. Moving forward, a proposal for the area to become a new wildlife management area is part of the annual package of proposed rule amendments for the 2022-23 hunting seasons. The FWC is seeking input via an online commenting tool on proposed rule amendments, including the one to establish hunting seasons and regulations at Tate’s Hell: St. James Island Unit WMA. You’re invited to provide your input using the FWC’s online commenting tool.

 

quail hunting book coverThis fascinating anthology showcases 38 wonderful stories from those halcyon days when sporting gentlemen pursued the noble bobwhite quail with their favorite shotguns and their elegant canine companions. The 368-page book opens with compelling tales by the literary giants from quail hunting’s golden era, including Nash Buckingham, Robert Ruark, Havilah Babcock, Archibald Rutledge, and Horatio Bigelow. The book’s second section presents reminiscences by sporting scribes of the modern era, among them Jack O’Connor, Gene Hill, Joseph Greenfield, Dave Henderson, and Mike Gaddis. The third section is comprised of unforgettable short stories on quail hunting and bird dogs by James Street, Bob Matthews, Dan O’Brien, and Caroline Gordon. Buy Now