A quota permit is required to hunt on the Lafayette Creek WMA during archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, family and spring turkey seasons. Fishing and recreational access is allowed only during non-hunting periods.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission says that in Walton County, the Lafayette Creek WMA is a 3,160-acre tract east of Eglin Air Force Base and west of the Choctawhatchee River. The area lies within the Choctawhatchee River watershed, which spans 5,350 square miles in Florida and southeastern Alabama.
Lafayette Creek and its tributaries, Magnolia Creek and Wolf Creek, run through the WMA. After leaving the site, Lafayette Creek flows to Choctawhatchee Bay.
Steephead ravines along portions of Magnolia Creek are closed to hunting to protect the steep slopes, the shallow, clear water and state-threatened Baltzell’s sedge and Mountain laurel that thrive in this fragile habitat.
Lafayette Creek is owned and operated by the Northwest Florida Water Management District and is open for public use year-around, during daylight hours only, when hunting is not allowed. Recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Scheduled hunts include archery, muzzleloading gun, small game, family hunt, general gun and spring turkey. Fishing is permitted year-round during daylight hours only, when hunting is not allowed. A quota hunt permit is required for archery, muzzleloading gun, family hunt, general gun and spring turkey. Motorized vehicles may be operated on named or numbered roads during hunting season; ATVs are prohibited. Equestrian use is currently prohibited, but may be permitted in the future when designated horse trails are developed.
