Ocala is more high and dry than the Green Swamp where I hunt at. As Reb. has said ..you may need snake boots in that area.The Green Swamp is more wet too... I prefer good rubber boots.

When buying a knife..the old folding Buck knife is hard to beat.Do not buy a seraded knife for skinning a deer. You also want to buy a pair of rubber gloves . Since Florida is so hot most hunters carry a cooler in their truck and 1/4 the deer at the checking station.Then..when they get home they can steak itor roast it out. The most important part of the meat is the back strap. That is a loin that runs along the back bone. There is also a small loinin the inside as well.I'm not sure if Ocala has a check station. There are a few videos on the net that show you step by step instructions on how to clean a deer ..it's very easy.

You will need to purchase some trail tacks. These are glow in the dark tacks to help you find your stand when it's pitch dark. 3.00 for 50.The tacks glow very nice. Don't buy red flag tape..because then all the other hunters will see where you hunt at. The tacks are hard to see in daylight but shine very nicely whena flashlight shines on them. I have about 10 different spots tacked up where I hunt. yOu also want to hunt with the wind in your face..this is why you need a few differnt spots. The deer's nose is their best defense. Most Florida hunters hunt from a tree or still hunt. Still hunt is where you take 3 steps and stop for about 60 seconds looking intently all aourind you. I do this unti I find a good spot and then I tack it up and lock my climber in the swamp.
You will probably end up hunting with qa bow as well.At first it is very expensive but..you get in the woods a month early and you can use that time for scouting.I also see more game during archery. Teh bows these days are about as accurate as a rifle. They shoot very straight.

Most of my shots are under 50 yards so I only use my Marlin 30-30. I've killed 3 deer with a 30-30 and all 3 stopped dead in thier tracks.

Florida is generally too darn thick for blind hunting. Most guys hunt anywhere from 14- 30 feet high. I'm a 14 footer.Summit is one of the best stands out there. They cost between 250-300 dollars.