Hunting Preserves

Hunting preserves can offer very unique and specialized opportunities for hunters to harvest both native and exotic species. Hunting preserves may be operated in several ways, but typically involve more intensive management of wildlife and their habitat than lease situations. Like hunting leases, hunters may pay a fee for simple access to your property for a few hours to days, pursuing native game following general state and federal wildlife seasons and laws.

More often, hunting preserves provide hunters with the opportunity to pursue exotic or, in some cases, propagated native wildlife. Hunters pay for the opportunity to harvest such animals, or, more often, for each animal harvested--with better "trophies" fetching higher fees. Certain trophy animals may yield thousands of dollars apiece for the privilege of harvesting them.

In Florida, many game birds and a limited list of game mammals are allowed to be harvested on hunting preserves. There are strict licensing, operating, and inspection guidelines that must be followed to establish and operate a preserve. Before considering a hunting preserve enterprise, thoroughly research local regulations, in addition to state and federal guidelines that may prohibit or restrict this type of operation in your area. Below we have provided links to the state rules and regulations, as well as examples of hunting preserve informational websites.

State & Federal Agencies

• Hunting Preserve Regulations--Florida FWC (pdf)
• Outfitters and Guides List--Florida FWC

Other University Sites

• Shooting Preserves

Organizations & Associations

• North American Gamebird Association

Related Links

• Hunting and Fishing Lodges and Resorts--The Outpost Mall
• Hunting Guides and Outfitters Worldwide--GameCalls.net
• Hunting Links Galore--Ident-I-Card Company: Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Products
• Setting up a Hunting Preserve--Deer & Elk Farmers' Information Network

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