Post-Hurricane WMA/Shooting Range Updates

Press Release - FWC

On behalf of all of us at the FWC, we continue to keep Floridians and visitors who were affected by Hurricane Irma in our thoughts and prayers.



The impacts of Hurricane Irma continue to unfold, creating challenges throughout our state. Our number one priority during this time is the health and safety of our residents and visitors. With that in mind, the FWC and its land management partners are assessing wildlife management areas (WMAs) that are currently closed due to impacts from Hurricane Irma.



The open/closed status of our wildlife management areas, shooting ranges and other facilities are listed here: www.myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/notices/. Several WMAs and Merritt Island and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuges are reopening in time to allow hunting this weekend. As WMAs and ranges reopen, they will be removed from the list. This page will be updated as new information is available so please check back regularly.



At this time, we can provide the following updates:

All South Florida Water Management District managed lands and lands managed in partnership with the FWC remain closed to public use.

All St. John's River Water Management District managed lands and lands managed in partnership with the FWC remain closed to public use.

Some of the WMA closures have the potential to impact quota, special opportunity, statewide alligator, early waterfowl, and recreational use permit hunts. Closures also could impact hunting opportunities that don't require a permit. We recognize the importance of these opportunities and are working on options for impacted hunts such as restoring preference points, where applicable. The FWC will follow up with additional details about impacted quota, special opportunity, statewide alligator, early waterfowl, and recreational use permit hunts.



In addition, we wanted to provide the following updates regarding FWC-managed shooting ranges:

Southwest Region - Tenoroc Public Shooting Range and Cecil M. Webb Public Shooting Range remain closed to public use until further notice.

Northeast Region - Indian River County Public Shooting Range reopened Thursday, Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. EXCEPT for the air gun range and sporting clays course which will remain closed until further notice.

FWC is working hard to address storm impacts to our wildlife management areas and shooting ranges so these public lands and facilities are available for recreation while balancing the need for public safety.