Top Hunting Place in Orlando, Florida

May 13, 2025

Orlando may be globally recognized for its theme parks and family attractions, but for those who crave the adrenaline of the hunt, the Central Florida region surrounding Orlando offers a thrilling variety of hunting experiences. Whether you're tracking whitetail deer through pine flatwoods, setting up for waterfowl near wetlands, or stalking feral hogs in dense hammocks, Orlando provides easy access to top-tier hunting grounds rich in game and Southern heritage.

Best Public Hunting Lands Near Orlando, FL

Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Located about an hour south of Orlando, the Three Lakes WMA spans over 62,000 acres and is one of the premier public hunting spots in Florida. Known for its robust population of Osceola turkeys, it's a top destination for turkey hunters aiming to complete a Grand Slam. The area also supports a strong population of whitetail deer, feral hogs, ducks, and small game.

Game available: Osceola turkey, white-tailed deer, feral hogs, squirrels, rabbits, and waterfowl
Hunting methods: Still hunting, turkey calling, duck blinds
Permits required: Management area permit, hunting license, and quota hunt permits for certain seasons

Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area

Just east of Orlando, Tosohatchee WMA covers over 30,000 acres of pristine Florida habitat. It’s a favorite among local hunters for its abundant hog population and seasonal waterfowl. The area also offers archery and muzzleloading seasons, making it ideal for those looking for varied hunting experiences.

Game available: Feral hogs, deer, turkey, waterfowl
Season highlights: Archery season in early fall, followed by muzzleloading and general gun
Habitat: Swampy lowlands, pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks

Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area

Adjacent to Three Lakes WMA, Bull Creek WMA offers 23,000 acres of diverse terrain and excellent game opportunities. This location is known for frequent deer sightings and an expanding population of wild hogs. Hunters praise the solitude and accessibility of this area, with multiple access points and primitive camping available.

Game available: Deer, hogs, turkeys, and small game
Camping: Primitive camping permitted—perfect for weekend hunting getaways
Accessibility: Multiple vehicle-access trails, walk-in areas

Rich Hunting Opportunities on Private Lands Near Orlando

Osceola Outfitters

For hunters seeking a more curated experience, Osceola Outfitters offers guided hunting packages on over 10,000 acres of private land. This is a great choice for those targeting trophy-class Osceola turkeys, or those new to hunting who want expert guidance. Their hog hunting is especially popular for off-season action.

Specialties: Osceola turkey hunts, hog hunts (day and night), deer
Lodging: On-site lodging with meals included
Additional offerings: Bowhunting packages, youth hunts, group rates

Black Hammock Wilderness Area

Located just north of Orlando in Oviedo, this area blends nature conservation with private guided hunts. Known for its scenic beauty, Black Hammock is ideal for hog hunts and bird hunting, including quail and dove shoots in season.

Best for: First-timers and casual hunters
Amenities: Guided service, field dressing, cleaning station
Special note: Bird hunts are scheduled seasonally—check availability in advance

Year-Round Hog Hunting: A Florida Favorite

One of the unique advantages of hunting in the Orlando region is the year-round feral hog hunting. Unlike deer or turkey, hogs have no closed season and no bag limits on private land, making them the perfect choice for hunters who want consistent action.

Best methods: Night hunts with thermal scopes, baiting (where legal), stalking
Recommended outfitters: Central Florida Trophy Hunts, Hog Pro Inc., Florida Hog Hunts

Duck and Waterfowl Hunting in Orlando Wetlands

The network of lakes and marshes near Orlando makes it ideal for waterfowl hunting. Public lands like Upper St. Johns River Marsh WMA and Lake Jesup offer morning hunts for seasoned waterfowlers targeting mottled ducks, teal, and wood ducks.

Peak season: Late fall through early winter
Tips: Use camo blinds, scout early for migration patterns, decoy placement is key
Licensing: Federal duck stamp, Florida waterfowl permit, and a hunting license are required

Duck and Waterfowl Hunting in Orlando Wetlands

Bowhunting in Central Florida

Florida’s archery season kicks off earlier than gun season, and Orlando is surrounded by areas where bowhunters thrive. Tosohatchee and Bull Creek WMAs offer extended archery-only seasons for deer and hogs. Bowhunting also opens up urban hunting options in designated management zones where firearms are prohibited.

Gear tip: Practice from tree stands and ground blinds due to Florida's flat terrain
Targets: Deer, hogs, turkey (in spring archery season)
Regulations: Minimum draw weights apply; check FWC for current rules

Hunting Gear and Local Outfitters in Orlando

Orlando offers numerous local hunting supply stores, from big-name chains to specialty shops:

Bass Pro Shops – Orlando: Massive selection of hunting gear, clothing, and firearms
Easton Outdoors: Bowhunting specialists, great for tune-ups and arrow fitting
Gander RV & Outdoors – Kissimmee: Offers outdoor and hunting gear, including Tactical Soft Rifle Cases, near south Orlando

Before any hunt, make sure your gear is legal and well-maintained. Always check for updated regulations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Licensing, Permits & Ethical Hunting Practices

All hunters in Florida must carry the appropriate licenses and permits, which can be purchased online via the FWC website or at most sporting goods stores. Quota permits are required for certain WMAs and are distributed via lottery.

Always practice ethical hunting:

Follow bag limits
Respect property lines
Recover and utilize game
Report harvests as required

Final Thoughts: Why Orlando is a Hunter’s Hidden Gem

While Orlando may be famous for roller coasters, savvy hunters know that the region offers a thrilling ride of its own in the wild. From WMA lands teeming with game to expertly guided hunts on private ranches, Central Florida offers year-round opportunities for ethical and exhilarating hunting experiences.

Whether you're planning a solo archery hunt, a group hog outing, or afamily-friendly turkey hunt, Orlando has the access, variety, and game to deliver unforgettable hunting adventures.