Top Hunting Place in Lakeland, Florida

May 21, 2025

Lakeland, Florida, is more than just a charming central Florida city nestled between Tampa and Orlando—it's a prime hunting destination for sportsmen seeking game diversity, easy access, and thrilling hunting opportunities. Surrounded by lakes, swamps, prairies, and woodlands, this area provides hunters with the perfect combination of rich wildlife, accessible public land, and well-managed hunting zones. Whether you’re after deer, hogs, turkey, or small game, Lakeland offers some of the best hunting spots in Central Florida.

Best Public Hunting Land Near Lakeland

Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Located just northwest of Lakeland, Green Swamp WMA spans more than 50,000 acres and is one of Florida's most iconic public hunting areas. Managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), this area offers permitted quota hunts for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, feral hogs, and small game.

Highlights:

Archery, muzzleloader, and general gun seasons
Abundant hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, and cypress domes
Primitive camping available within designated areas
Special-opportunity hunts for trophy bucks and Osceola turkeys

Hunters flock to Green Swamp for its coveted Osceola turkey population, a subspecies found only in Florida.

Top Species to Hunt in Lakeland

White-Tailed Deer

Lakeland’s public hunting areas—especially Green Swamp East and West Units—are known for healthy deer populations. Deer season typically starts with archery in late September and ends with the general gun season in January or early February.

Key tips:

Hunt during early mornings and evenings, especially during rut periods
Use climbing tree stands in dense cover zones
Scent control is critical due to the dense brush and moisture

Wild Turkey (Osceola Subspecies)

The Osceola turkey is a coveted trophy for hunters from across the country. Lakeland provides access to public lands where this bird thrives in flatwoods and oak hammocks.

Seasons:

Spring turkey season: Typically March through April
Fall turkey season: Limited areas and dates

Hunting success improves with strategic decoy placement and slate call use at dawn.

Feral Hogs

Feral hogs can be hunted year-round without a quota permit on most WMAs. These invasive animals are abundant and destructive, making them a favorite among locals for both sport and population control.

Recommended areas:

Hilochee WMA (a short drive from Lakeland)
Upper Hillsborough WMA
Avon Park Air Force Range (permit required)

Spot-and-stalk and thermal night hunting (where legal) are both effective.

Private Hunting Preserves Around Lakeland

Gator Creek Reserve

Gator Creek offers guided hunts for deer and turkey in a low-pressure, high-success environment. It's a great option for newer hunters or those seeking guaranteed game opportunities.

River Ranch Hunt Club

This private club offers members exclusive access to thousands of acres of managed hunting land, including ATV trails, primitive campsites, and food plots. While membership comes at a premium, the limited access ensures high-quality game management.

Central Florida Trophy Hunts

For those looking to bag an exotic or trophy animal, this outfitter provides guided hunts for:

Axis deer
Blackbuck antelope
Trophy wild boar
Osceola turkeys

They offer customized hunt packages, ideal for out-of-state visitors or corporate retreats.

Essential Hunting Regulations in Polk County

Before heading out, hunters must be familiar with Florida’s regulations, especially in WMAs:

Hunting license and management area permit required
All harvested deer must be tagged and reported via the FWC Harvest Reporting System
Hunting hours typically run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
Legal weapons vary by season (archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, general gun)
No baiting allowed on public land

Always check the WMA brochures on the FWC website for area-specific rules.

Gear Checklist for Hunting in Lakeland

Because Lakeland’s terrain is humid, marshy, and wooded, proper preparation is key:

Breathable, scent-controlling camouflage clothing
Waterproof boots with snake protection
High-lumen flashlight or headlamp
Insect repellent and tick prevention spray
Mobile hunting app (like onX Hunt or HuntStand)
Tree stand or blind (many hunters use climbers or pop-up blinds)
Binoculars and rangefinder
Field dressing kit
Tactical Soft Rifle Cases (for secure firearm transport in dense brush)

Also, always bring ample water and snacks, especially during early archery season when heat and humidity peak.

Where to Buy Hunting Supplies in Lakeland

Bass Pro Shops (Brandon) – Just under 45 minutes away, this mega-store has everything from firearms to boots.
Rural King (Winter Haven) – Great for ammo, hunting blinds, and budget gear.
Local gun stores like Lakeland Gun Emporium – Ideal for expert advice, scope mounting, and last-minute items.

Lodging and Camping for Hunters

Primitive Camping

Available within Green Swamp WMA and Hilochee WMA with appropriate permits.
Expect minimal amenities—bring everything you need.

RV Parks and Campgrounds

Sanlan RV & Golf Resort – Popular with seasonal outdoorsmen
Lakeland RV Resort – Centrally located with hookups and showers

Hotels and Motels

Best Western Mulberry and Hampton Inn Lakeland offer convenient access to hunting grounds and early check-out options.

Local Hunting Community and Events

Lakeland has a strong outdoor sporting community, with clubs and events year-round:

Florida Backwoods Hunting Expo – A regional favorite with gear demos and wild game cook-offs
Central Florida Hunting Club Meetups – Join via Facebook or local gun shops
FWC Youth Hunt Programs – Held in Polk County for junior hunters

Networking with local hunters often leads to private land access and hunt trades—a great way to expand opportunities beyond public land.

Why Lakeland, FL Is a Hunter’s Paradise

What makes Lakeland stand out is its balance between access and game abundance. You’re not far from major cities, yet still surrounded by untouched wild areas filled with diverse game species. Whether you’re a traditionalist using a longbow or a modern hunter with a thermal scope, Lakeland offers the perfect landscape to chase your passion.