St. Marks quota hunt -

by Jim
(Florida)

January 6, 2010, QUESTION: I am relatively new to Fla hunting and was fortunate to pull a St. Marks quota hunt permit (Gen Gun) for Dec. 12-14, 2009 ---BUT my hunting buddy did NOT :) ( we did enjoy Green Swamp last weekend)- next year we'll be more careful to apply for a group...my question is this: If I still go what would be my best use of my time and experience be? Is there any way to hook up with another permitted hunter to buddy up with? Any direction or tips would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: Congratulations on your selection in the quota hunt permit process. You are correct in applying as a group next year. There have been changes to the quota permit process. Your best place to get answers on hooking up with another hunter or additional tips would best come from the contacts on your permit and/or forms that you submitted. With the permitting changes, you may still be able to bring your friend, but he would probably have to share in your bag limit and stay with you. One shoot a buck, one shoot a doe, unlimited hogs; but you need to get your answer from your permitting authority.


I'm glad you enjoyed Green Swamp with your buddy last weekend. But you didn't specify whether you hunted the 50,692 acre Green Swamp or the 34,335 acre Green Swamp West Unit. Because the West Unit also has hogs and allows hog hunting dogs if pork's on your menu.


Welcome to Florida and good luck in all your hunting and life endeavors.