I just moved to SW Florida last year and this was my first year hunting down here. I didnt apply for any quota permits becuase I still travel to my dad's lease in Central Florida. I hunted in Picayune Strand in archery since there is not a quota permit requirement and was able to take 4 point opening day. It doesnt have a huge rack but it is my first archery deer and my first public land deer.

I never stepped in a drop of water that day (spot and stalk). I know it has been fairly dry but there are plenty of dry areas when it is a wet season. I always wear snake boots so I am not to concerned about them.

If you see a gator, dont walk up to it. If water is over shin/knee deep, I dont walk through it unless it is just a ditch. Dont walk through spiders webs, carry a thermo cell and buy a bug tamer jacket.

Definelty check out Big Cypress and the other local areas. There seems to be less people down here than the Central Florida WMA which I enjoy.