The duck hunting regulations in Florida set limits on the number and species of ducks that can be legally harvested during duck hunting season. Understanding the duck limits helps ensure hunters stay within the law while enjoying the sport.
Overview of Duck Limits in Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) establishes the migratory bird hunting regulations each year. These regulations set daily bag limits and possession limits for duck hunting in Florida.
Some key points about duck limits in Florida include:
- The daily bag limit is the maximum number of ducks a hunter can harvest per day.
- The possession limit is the maximum number of ducks a hunter can have in possession at any time.
- Limits vary by duck species and whether or not the hunter is using an electronic duck call.
- There are higher limits during the first several days of the season called the “teal and wood duck” season.
- The duck season is divided into multiple phases with different regulations.
Understanding the specifics of the daily and possession limits based on species, season dates, and hunting equipment is critical to staying compliant with regulations.
Daily Bag Limits for Duck Hunting in Florida
The daily bag limit sets the maximum number of ducks a hunter can legally harvest per day during the open duck hunting season in Florida.
Here are the standard daily bag limits during regular duck season:
Species | Daily Bag Limit |
---|---|
Teal | 6 |
Wood duck | 3 |
Mottled duck | 1 |
Black duck | 2 |
Mallard (of which only 1 may be female) | 4 |
Pintail | 1 |
Canvasback | 1 |
Redhead | 2 |
Scaup | 5 |
Ring-necked duck | 5 |
Goldeneye | 5 |
Bufflehead | 5 |
Ruddy duck | 5 |
Long-tailed duck | 5 |
Eiders | 5 |
Scoters | 5 |
Hooded merganser | 5 |
Other mergansers | 5 |
Total daily bag limit | 25 |
As the table shows, there is an overall daily bag limit of 25 ducks total per person. This combined limit includes all species harvested in one day.
Teal and Wood Duck Season
During the teal and wood duck season at the start of the overall duck hunting period, the following daily bag limits apply:
Species | Daily Bag Limit |
---|---|
Teal | 6 |
Wood duck | 3 |
So the totals allowed are 6 teal and 3 wood ducks per person per day.
Use of Electronic Duck Calls
For hunters using electronic calls in Florida, the daily limit is reduced to:
Species | Daily Bag Limit with Electronic Duck Call |
---|---|
Teal | 6 |
Wood duck | 3 |
All other ducks combined | 4 |
Total daily limit | 13 |
So the total per person is restricted to just 13 ducks maximum if using an electronic duck call in Florida.
Possession Limits
The possession limit sets the maximum number of ducks a hunter may have in their possession at any time while in the field and during transport.
In Florida, the possession limit is twice the standard daily bag limit:
Possession Limit |
---|
50 ducks total |
However, within that overall 50 duck possession restrict, no more than:
- 12 may be teal
- 6 may be wood duck
- 10 may be scaup
- Only 1 may be a mottled duck (either sex)
- Only 2 may be female mallards
Following the daily bag limits while hunting and staying within the possession restrictions ensures Florida waterfowl hunters stay legal.
Florida Duck Season Phases
It’s also important to understand that Florida divides its duck seasons into multiple phases throughout the winter period.
The phases and corresponding dates for the 2022-2023 duck hunting season in Florida are:
Phase | Dates |
---|---|
Teal and Wood Duck | September 17 – September 30, 2022 |
North Zone | November 12, 2022 – January 29, 2023 |
South Zone | November 18, 2022 – January 31, 2023 |
Special Scaup | February 4 – February 18, 2023 |
The bag limits and species restrictions vary by zone, so it’s essential to consult the FWC migratory bird regulations document each season.
Conclusion
Understanding and following the specific duck hunting limits in Florida is critical for hunters. The daily bag limits set the allowed harvest per person and species, while possession limits restrict how many ducks can be in a hunter’s possession in the field and during transport.
Limits vary by duck species, hunting equipment, season phase, and zones. Consulting the official FWC duck hunting regulations ensures you stay within the law. Knowing the duck limits allows hunters to enjoy the sport to the fullest while adhering to conservation regulations.