Hunting
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge offers surprisingly uncrowded hunting opportunities, given that the refuge lies in South Florida within 70 miles of 6 million people. The refuge offers hunting opportunities on a 145,000-acre impoundment created for flood protection and storm water control at the northern end of the Everglades. Hunters get around the wetlands and small tree islands by canoe or small johnboat.
Airboat Permits: A limited number of airboat permits are available for alligator, duck and coot, and deer hunting. Visit our Boating page to learn about airboat permits.
You must possess and carry a signed Refuge Hunt Permit (signed hunt brochure) while hunting. The hunt brochure includes hunting regulations, the hunt area map, and the Refuge Hunt Permit for alligator, deer, hog, duck, and coot hunting.
Alligator Hunt
Alligator hunting is permitted in designated hunt areas by permit only. Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to apply for this hunt.
Duck and Coot Hunt
Duck and coot hunting is permitted in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with Federal and State regulations. The open season for duck and coot is concurrent with seasons established by the state of Florida.
Strazzulla Archery and Crossbow Deer and Hog Hunt - August 2-4, 2024
An Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Strazzulla Deer/Hog Hunt Permit is required for a hunter who intends to archery or crossbow hunt deer and hog at the Strazzulla Unit on the Refuge. Strazzulla is a remote area and hunters should expect to travel several miles on foot, bicycle, or boat to reach the hunt area. Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to apply for this hunt.
Refuge Interior Deer and Hog Hunt - November 1-3, 2024
An Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Interior Deer/Hog Hunt permit is required for a hunter to participate in the Refuge Interior deer and hog hunt on the Refuge. The Refuge Interior includes over 141,000 acres of Everglades habitat and is accessible by non-motorized watercraft or airboat. Visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to apply for this hunt.
Mentored Youth Deer and Hog Hunt – November 1-3, 2024
Youth 12 to 17 years old will be able to have a safe, educational, mentored hunt. The hunt weekend will teach them marksmanship and firearm safety, tracking and processing game, how to hunt safely, legally, and ethically, and the relationship between hunting and conservation. Youth will have to show proof of completing their Hunter Safety Course and will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Event Calendar page to learn more.
Applying for a Hunt
Those interested in participating in a hunt should go to myfwc.com and search for "National Wildlife Refuge Hunts", then create an account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
The hunt application dates through FWC are as follows:
A.R.M Loxahatchee Interior Deer/Hog (Nov. 1-3, 2024)
- Phase I Applications 5/15/2024 – 6/15/2024
- Phase II Leftovers 6/20/2024 – until filled or the final hunt date
A.R.M. Loxahatchee Strazzulla Deer/Hog (Aug. 2-4, 2024)
- Phase I Applications 5/15/2024 – 6/15/2024
- Phase II Leftovers 6/20/2024 – until filled or the final hunt date
A.R.M Loxahatchee Duck and Coot Airboat Use (Dec. 7, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025)
- Phase I Applications 9/6/2024 – 9/16/2024
- Phase II Leftovers 9/19/2024 – until filled or the final hunt date
