Summertime in the sunshine state is a great time for residents and visitors to take advantage of the great outdoors. Long, sun-soaked days provide countless outdoor activities such as boating, biking, going to the beach and hunting. Yep, you read that correctly – hunting. Whether you’re a first-time hunter or someone who is looking to diversify their hunting options, Florida allows you to get an early start on your hunting season during the summer under one condition – no rifles. Did you know that bow hunters are allowed in the woods a month and a half earlier than those hunting with a rifle? This gives bow hunters the opportunity to hunt for several months compared to those hunting with a gun who typically get two weekends, depending on their zone.

If you’re interested in summertime hunting in Southwest Florida, here are some things you need to know before you bow:

Season dates by zone: As we previously mentioned, bow hunting and archery season begin earlier than the regular hunting season, but season dates are determined by your hunting zone. Luckily, those in Southwest Florida are eligible to begin bow hunting right away because hunting season starts in Zone A (Southwest Florida’s zone). Both archery and crossbow season for Zone A begin in July. Archery season is from July 28-August 26 and Crossbow season runs from July 28-August 31. To find out what zone you are in and when your hunting season begins, check out the Hunting Zones Map on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation website.

License and permit requirements: Before you bow, you need to make sure your license and requirement permits are up-to-date. To hunt during archery season, you will need a Florida hunting license and an archery permit. The same thing applies during crossbow season - you will need your Florida hunting license and a crossbow permit. Both the license and permits can be easily purchased online or at any one of our tax collector office locations. Click here for more information on license and permit requirements or how you can obtain your Florida hunting license. Don’t forget, hunters born on or after June 1, 1975 who are at least 16 years old must complete a hunter safety course before purchasing a hunting license. This course can be completed on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

Whether you’re a Florida resident or simply a summertime visitor, get out and take advantage of the great outdoors and summer bow hunting!