When hunting in the Choctawhatchee River WMA, a quota permit is required during spring turkey season. Recreational access is allowed.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission says that the Choctawhatchee River Wildlife Management Area consists of over 57,000 acres along more than 30 miles of the river in Bay, Holmes, Walton, and Washington counties.
"Choctawhatchee" means river of the Choctaw, from one of the original Indian groups in the area.
The river originates in Alabama and flows 170 miles to Choctawhatchee Bay, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico at Destin. The boundary of the area is highly variable so pay particular attention to maps and brochures of the WMA (overview) when you plan activities.
Most of the area consists of floodplain forests with access primarily by boat and there are numerous boat landings along the river and along Holmes Creek. Vehicle access is available at the Gritney and Warehouse Landings (Holmes County), the Bunker area (Walton County), Tilley Landing/Lost Lakes (Walton County), and at Gum Creek and Cotton Landing on Holmes Creek (Washington County). Future vehicle access location is currently being developed at Westville (Holmes County).
Please call the District at 850-539-5999 for further information. Recreational opportunities include seasonal hunting, primitive camping, bank and river fishing, paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Fishing is outstanding on Holmes Creek, a major spring-fed tributary of the Choctawhatchee and it is one of Florida’s state-designated canoe trails, flowing through miles of wilderness.
