Is your family looking for outdoor adventure this summer? If so, there’s no need to travel far. Florida has one of the largest wildlife management area systems in the country at nearly 6 million acres. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the lead manager or landowner of over 1.4 million acres and works in partnership with other governmental or private landowners on another 4.5 million acres. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) provide essential habitat for wildlife and offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including paddling, fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, horseback riding, photography and wildlife viewing. Many of them are only a short drive from our city. Here are five adventurous ideas to inspire your family this summer:
1. Hone your photography skills at L. Kirk Edwards WEA
Just 20 minutes from the capitol in Leon County, L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area is right in Tallahassee’s back yard. Whether you’re hiking the trails, paddling beautiful Lake Lafayette or riding your horse or your bike, you’re bound to have some memorable wildlife sightings. This unique piece of land is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including wood storks, southern fox squirrels and green herons. Pack a lunch and your camera, and see what you can capture. Your photos can also make a difference for wildlife. When you share your photos of plants and wildlife using the free iNaturalist app or on iNaturalist.org, you help FWC scientists and other researchers learn more about Florida wildlife and make informed habitat management decisions.
2. Discover a hidden spring at Aucilla WMA
Paddle down the winding Wacissa River to beautiful Blue Spring. The chilly, crystal-clear water of the spring is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Paddle up to the small floating dock and enjoy a picnic lunch or take a bold leap from the rope swing. This secluded spot feels like an exclusive private retreat. This trip is also perfect for birdwatchers. As you paddle down the river, watch for wood ducks, little blue herons, ibises and limpkins. Remember to bring your binoculars! Blue Spring can only be accessed by boat or kayak from the river. You can rent a canoe or kayak, or launch your own, at Wacissa River Canoe & Kayak Rentals in Monticello. This local business also offers a shuttle service from several locations downriver. For those who enjoy hunting, Aucilla WMA offers summer hog hunting opportunities. Wild Hog-Dog Season takes place July 12-14 and August 12-19. Visit MyFWC.com/Hunting for more information.
3. Cast a line at Joe Budd WMA
If you’re hoping to take the kids fishing this summer, Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area offers great fishing opportunities only 30 minutes from downtown Tallahassee. Joe Budd is adjacent to Lake Talquin, an 8,850-acre lake that’s a local favorite spot for crappie and bluegill. Anglers can enjoy fishing from the pier or launch their boat or kayak for a delightful day out on the water. The WMA also features Joe Budd Pond, a 20-acre impoundment stocked with channel catfish, sunshine bass and native sunfish. The pond is open to fishing on Saturdays and Sundays only during daylight hours, beginning the first Saturday in July (July 6, 2019) and ending the Sunday before Labor Day (Sept. 1, 2019). In addition, fishing is allowed on Labor Day. Appropriate licenses and permits are required to fish at Joe Budd. Visit MyFWC.com/License for more information.
4. Explore Leon Sinks at Apalachicola National Forest/ Apalachicola WMA
Only 17 miles south of the Capitol, just off U.S. 319, Leon Sinks Geological Area is a unique place that highlights our area’s interesting geology. Over millions of years, the layer of limestone beneath this part of Florida has been worn away by water, forming sinkholes, caves, tunnels and natural bridges. At Leon Sinks, five miles of trails showcase these geological features. It’s the perfect place for a fun and educational family hike. The Geological Area is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, so as you traverse the trail, keep an eye out for turkey, deer, salamanders and gopher tortoises. You never know what you might find. Leon Sinks is part of Apalachicola National Forest, which includes over 580,000 acres in Leon, Liberty, Franklin and Wakulla Counties. After checking out Leon sinks, there is much more to explore!
5. See 100 butterfly species at Big Bend WMA
Big Bend WMA is nestled along the Gulf Coast in Taylor and Dixie Counties. This remote area, a little over an hour from Tallahassee, is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and it’s a butterfly-lover’s paradise. One hundred different butterfly species have been reported there. Birds also abound in this beautiful natural area. Butterflies and birds are hardly Big Bend’s only attraction. You can also enjoy hiking, biking and horseback riding on over 300 miles of roads, take a scenic drive or enjoy the salty air on the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. Summer is a great time for crabbing and scalloping at Big Bend. Visit MyFWC.com for up-to-date information on crabbing and scalloping seasons, licenses and more. After your trip, you can be rewarded for your butterfly and bird sightings. The Wings Over Florida program awards wildlife viewing achievements with beautiful certificates. More information about the Wings Over Florida Program and checklists of Florida’s birds and butterflies are available at FloridaBirdingTrail.com.
No matter what your interests, Florida’s WMAs have something to offer. Visit MyFWC.com/WMAs to learn more about these lands and begin planning your next adventure. When you get home, be sure to share photos of your WMA adventure on social media using the hashtag #WMAzing. 
Jamie Rager
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
