Refuge manager Andrew Gude can be reached at 703.622.3896 or andrew_gude@fws.gov ​

Hunting

Our Refuge has 200+ days across 11 different hunts from September to April.
2023-2024 Refuge Hunt Dates
Archery
16 Sept. - 15 Oct.
Muzzleloader
21 Oct. - 29 Oct.
General Gun No. 1
4 Nov. - 12 Nov.
Thanksgiving Family Hunt
17 Nov. - 19 Nov.
Thanksgiving General Gun No. 2
20 Nov. - 26 Nov.
Feral Hog/Small Game
27 Jan. - 11 Feb.
Youth Turkey
9 Mar. - 10 Mar.
Spring Turkey
16 Mar. - 7 Apr.

Helpful Links and Information


  • Hunt Permit Application

  • The Permit Vendor Code is 7800.

  • Hunting permits can only be purchased through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) licensing website, myfwc.com, a county tax office, or other outlets that sell State licenses.

  • Report deer taken to FWC’s Harvest Report within 24 hours of harvest.

Maps

OVERVIEW MAPS
GEOSPATIAL MAPS
Import these into the Avenza app for offline use on your mobile phone. Instructions

Special Hunt Events

Operation Outdoor Freedom 
​Supported by the FL Forest Service and the Dept. of Agriculture, OOF provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans at no cost.
NonTypical Outdoorsman
In January 2022, N.onT.ypical Outdoorsman brought a group of hunters to the Lower Suwannee NWR to help increase the racial diversity of hunters that visit the refuge.

Stories

Former Friends president Greg Lang hunting
Greg Lang with a nice-sized hog. Photo by Paul Ramey.

The Fish and Wildlife Service featured the Lower Suwannee Refuge and former Friends president Greg Lang in a recent story about hunting on national wildlife refuges:

"Not even Swamp Ape legend deters hunters from flocking to Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge"

Redfishing, Hog and Deer Hunting in a Day

'A great way to spend an 18 hour day.'