Welcome to the forum EndersDrift. I know how it feels trying to learn the ropes by yourself as I went through the same 3 years ago when I started hunting. I'm still learning, but I can give you some pointers from my experience. Before I start let me say that I'm no expert and I'm sure others here can give you more and better advice.
1. Start by reading the hunting regulations, WMA brochures quota hunt process etc. from the FWC website,
www.myfwc.com. All you need to know regarding regulations permits needed, camping, quotas, etc. is there. Read the regulations as many times as needed as they change year by year.
2 Take the hunter's education class. You'll learn a lot and have a chance to shoot a 22 rifle, shotgun, bow and muzzle loader.
3. If you can not afford a lease or have access to private land, your option is a wildlife Management Area (WMA). Hunting in Florida, specially public land, is challenging. Focus in one WMA, one that is close to where you live, and scout as much as possible. The first 2 years hunting FL, I made the mistake of going to too many different WMA's thinking I had better chance of finding game. Guess what, I wasn't learning much and never saw anything other than squirrels. This season I was about to quit hunting (I'm serious, and I really enjoy hunting) but decided to give it one more try. As I live in Riverview, Green Swamp is the closest to me. I spend quite a few weekends scouting there and I've been hunting every single weekend since archery, with the exception of the first weekend of Upper Hillsborough small game. The results, I saw game every weekend during archery and mostly every weekend during General Gun. The first weekend of general gun I killed my first hog, a 90 pound sow.Also killed my share of squirrels during small game. That is why I think its important to spend your time learning one area.
4. If you can afford, get a compound bow and a shotgun. I started with a bow because I though I'll try to hunt only during bow season and/or areas were only bows are allowed. Later I found that while I was having a good time walking around trying to find/kill some game, I was limiting myself in regards to distance. I don't own an expensive bow, its a Parker form Bass pro shops, but it works for me (aprox- $600 after arrows, release, etc.). I also got a Remington 870 Express shotgun. I can't be happier with it. I pay $235 at Dicks Sporting goods. I can't afford, neither I want to, have multiple guns. I bought a set of chokes from improve cylinder to extra full. That gives me the options of shooting from #6 shot for squirrels, rabbits and birds, 00 buckshot for small hogs (although I don't recommend buckshot) and 1 oz. riffled slugs with an improve cylinder choke, which is the one I used to kill my hog.
5. Buy a good tree stand. At first you'll feel tempted to start by still hunting, but its not easy in the Florida woods. At the beginning I bough a blind just to find out that although its easy to set up, it offers limited range due to the FL vegetation. Go ready to spend all day on the tree stand. That means bring enough water, things to eat, and empty water bottle for disposing of the "waste water". Most people leave their stands early (9-11 am) and sometimes they make game move your way.
6. Get yourself a good backpack and put together a first aid kit.
7. Buy a GPS and a compass. You can get lost very easy and a GPS or compass is your way out. The GPS is also good to mark your favorite spots and any important location. As an example, 3 weeks ago I went to Upper Hillsboroug to chase the hogs. I came across some human remains and the only way LE was able to find the location was because i gave them the GPS coordinates and they send a helicopter to lead the ground units to the place.
8. Get yourself some snake boots and a pair of rubber boots. I bough mine from Bass Pro in Orlando. Lots of options.
I can keep going, but I think these are the basics based on my experience and mistakes. Don't be afraid to ask questions here as you'll find people willing to help. However, don't ask other to give you their hunting spots.
If at one point you want to hunt the Green Swamp (which is close to Orlando) during spring turkey (March-April), send me a PM and I can show you around. I'm no expert and I haven't killed a turkey yet, but I'm trying and I'm sure sooner or later I'll succed. I have a camp site on the Rock Ridge side and you are more than welcome to stay there if you want.
Complete beginner in FL please advise
