Archery season for white tailed deer opened Saturday, October 24 in Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Hunting Zone D (basically the Panhandle west of Tallahassee, see figure 1). Before you go hunting be sure that you have a plan in place for logging and reporting your harvest. Last year FWC implemented a mandatory harvest reporting system. That system is still in effect this year, but with some modifications.

Figure 1. FWC Hunting Zone D From: myfwc.com

The most notable change to the harvest reporting system this year is with the associated smart phone app. There is a new app this year – Fish|Hunt Florida. This new app will replace the Survey123 for ArcGIS app that was used last year.

In my opinion, the logging and reporting function on the Fish|Hunt Florida app is simpler to use than the previous app. Additionally the Fish|Hunt Florida app has many other useful features. A few highlights include; the ability to view and purchase hunting and fishing licenses/permits through the app, interactive versions of hunting and fishing regulations, and several other handy resources for sportsmen including, marine forecasts, tides, wildlife feeding times, sunrise & sunset times, boat ramp locator, and a current location feature. Screenshots from the app are included below. The Fish|Hunt Florida app is available for free through the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Remember, the current regulations state that your deer harvest must be logged before the animal is moved. Take a minute or two to install the app on your phone before you go hunting. Using the app allows logging and reporting to happen simultaneously. The app can be used for logging and reporting a harvest even in areas where cell service is poor. Harvest information will be saved and the app will automatically complete the process as soon as adequate cell service is available. The alternative to using the app is a two-step process, the harvest can be logged (prior to being moved) on a paper form and then reported by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356) or going to GoOutdoorsFlorida.com within 24 hours.

Follow the link for specific instructions for logging and reporting a harvested deer using the Fish|Hunt Florida app; don’t worry, it’s easy. Fish|Hunt Florida app instructions

Download the Fish|Hunt Florida mobile app from the Apple App Store for iPhones, or through on Google Play, for Android phones.

 

For more information on the Fish|Hunt Florida app and the FWC Deer Harvest Reporting System visit  myfwc.com.

 

Screenshot of the Home screen from the Hunt|Fish Florida App.

Screenshot of the Home screen from the Hunt|Fish Florida App. Click on the image to make it larger.

Screenshot of the Hunting screen from the Hunt|Fish Florida App.

Screenshot of the Hunting screen from the Hunt|Fish Florida App. Click on the image to make it larger.

Screenshot of the Fishing screen from the Hunt|Fish Florida App.

Screenshot of the Fishing screen from the Hunt|Fish Florida App. Click on the image to make it larger.

Screenshot of the Boat Info screen from the Hunt|Fish Florida App.

Screenshot of the Boat Info screen from the Hunt|Fish Florida App. Click on the image to make it larger.

             

Mark Mauldin