FWC Opens Everglades WMA's

Press Release - FWC

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has rescinded a previously issued executive order that established special restrictions on portions of the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

The order, which takes effect Oct. 18, once again permits public access to these three WMAs, which lie in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

However, because the high-water event caused extreme stress to area wildlife, the general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons are canceled for this year. The archery and muzzleloading seasons have already been canceled as a result of this continued high-water event.

During high-water events, area wildlife seek refuge on tree islands and levees. The long duration of this high-water event caused more stress than usual for these animals, resulting in a prolonged recovery period.

This order does not apply to people permitted to participate in the statewide alligator and migratory bird hunts.