Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by Eric Bonneman
Fall and winter hunting in St. Augustine offers solid opportunities for folks who want to get out into the woods without the intense heat of summer breathing down their necks. Anyone who’s spent a day out there in August knows exactly what I’m talking about. You can barely breathe through the humidity, and by the end of the day, you’re soaked head to toe.
Fall and winter, though, that’s when the woods around here start to feel like they’re finally giving you a break. You can actually enjoy being outside—no more sweating bullets, fighting off swarms of mosquitoes every five seconds, or counting down the minutes to when you’ll be back in the truck cranking up the AC. It’s a welcome change.
Northeast Florida has a reputation for being a place where you can bag a decent deer or get into some small game. That said, I’ve known guys who’ve come down from up north thinking they’d clean house, and they leave with nothing because they didn’t respect the game. The deer here might not be as big, but they’re not dumb. St. Augustine isn’t going to throw game at your feet, but if you’re willing to put in some time walking the woods, checking for signs, and finding a good stand location, you can have some real success out here.
Now, let’s talk specifics…
Deer Hunting
Deer season kicks off in the fall, and in this part of Florida, you’re looking at whitetail deer as your main target. No, we don’t have the huge racks like they get up in Kentucky or the Midwest, but a good-sized whitetail here will still make you proud.
In this part of the state, the general deer season typically runs from late September through January, but it depends on the zone you’re hunting in. For most of Northeast Florida, which includes St. Augustine, the bow season kicks off in late September, then you’ve got muzzleloader and general gun season following that into the winter months.
As for hunting tactics, the deer down here aren’t going to make it easy for you. They’ve been hunted enough to know where to avoid if they don’t want to end up on someone’s wall. But if you’re willing to put in some time and scout a bit (and maybe make friends with some landowners to get access to better spots) you’ve got a shot at bagging something decent.
The best times to hunt them tend to be early morning and late afternoon, especially when it starts cooling off. It’s smart to set up near food sources or trails, because these deer generally don’t stray too far from their usual spots.
Having a good tree stand or ground blind set up helps you stay out of sight. Also, scent control is important, since it’s humid enough here to carry your scent farther than you’d think.
Hunting Wild Hogs
Wild hog hunting is a big deal in North Florida. Those things are tearing up land all over the state, and most folks are more than happy to let you hunt them.
Fortunately, because they’re a year-round problem here, tearing up land and ruining crops, there’s no shortage of places to hunt them. Hunting them is typically legal year-round on private land with permission, and on public land during specific seasons.
They can be tricky to hunt since they tend to move around a lot and are more active at night. You’ll need to get out there and scout the land ahead of time, look for rooting signs, and be ready to cover some ground.
A good rifle with a decent scope is important. They’ve got thick hides, and you need something with enough stopping power to take them down quickly and cleanly. A .30-06 or .308, something in that range, tends to do the job well enough.
Having a light source helps, too, if you’re hunting near dusk. Just keep in mind that hogs are smart—smarter than dogs—and they can spook easily. If you’re shining a light around like a lighthouse, you’re probably going to send them running. But a good, focused light at the right moment can be the difference between a hog on the ground and one disappearing back into the woods.
Some hunters track them for miles before even getting a shot off, and they’ll tell you, it’s not easy keeping up with them. But the reward is worth it. Bacon, sausage, ribs—you’re filling your freezer with quality meat. Just make sure you’re prepared to track, stalk, and haul them out of wherever you find them, which isn’t always easy if you shoot one in some thick swamp.
Squirrels
Squirrel hunting is another option around Northeast FL during the fall and winter. Gray squirrels are all over the place here, especially in the hammocks where oak trees dominate. They’re sneaky little guys, but if you’re patient and can pick out their movement, it’s not too tough to bring a couple home. They’re also active during the day, so you don’t have to worry about getting up at the crack of dawn.
A .22 rifle or a shotgun works just fine for them, and it’s a good way to sharpen your skills if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require as much waiting around or tracking as deer or hog hunting does.
Keep in mind those little critters can move fast, and trying to nail them with a .22 while they’re hopping from branch to branch can be a challenge. Most folks hunting squirrels with a shotgun use light birdshot. That’s small enough that it won’t destroy the meat as long as you’re at a reasonable distance, but still gets the job done. That said, air rifles work too if you want to keep things a little quieter.
Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl season runs through winter, and St. Augustine’s location along the coast means you have a shot at a variety of ducks. You’ve got access to rivers and marshes where teal, wood ducks, and mallards like to hang out. You’ll need to make sure you’re up to speed on regulations, though, as bag limits and hunting zones can change.
It’s also a good idea to invest in some decent decoys and calls if you’re serious about duck hunting. And with a little luck, you can have a pretty solid morning out there. Just don’t forget that the wind and weather can shift on you quick, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Quail Hunting
The population isn’t what it used to be decades ago, but if you know where to look or get access to the right land, you can still find some good quail hunting. They tend to thrive in areas with a mix of open fields and brushy cover, which is something NE Florida has plenty of.
Hunting quail usually means working with a good bird dog, because these birds like to stay hidden until they’re flushed out. They’re quick and fly low, so once you get them up, you need to be fast on the draw. A good shotgun will work, and it’s a fun hunt if you like moving around instead of sitting in a stand.
Bobcats
Bobcats are another story. They’re elusive and hard to track, but they are out there. That said, there’s a reason hunting bobcat isn’t as popular as hunting deer, hogs, or waterfowl.
These cats are stealthy, mostly nocturnal, and tend to avoid human contact. They also hang around wooded areas with plenty of cover, making them even trickier to spot. If you’re going hunting for bobcats, you’ll need a lot of patience, a good understanding of their habits, and the right calls.
Most hunters I know don’t go out specifically looking for bobcats. It’s more of an “if it happens, it happens” kind of thing. Maybe you’re out there for deer or hogs, and one just happens to cross your path. That’s when you take your shot. But there are a few guys who make it their mission to hunt bobcats. It’s a lot of work for something that can be so tough to even spot, let alone hunt. But, I suppose, that’s what makes it rewarding.
What about Turkeys?
Turkey hunting is more of a spring thing in St Augustine. The main turkey hunting season in this part of Florida generally kicks off in spring, not fall or winter.
That said, if you’re into turkey hunting, St. Augustine does have its fair share of Osceola turkeys, so when springtime rolls around, it’s definitely something to look into.
Outdoor/Hunting Gear Tips
If you’re heading out for some fall and winter hunting near the Nation’s Oldest City, you’re going to want to make sure you’ve got the right gear before you hit the woods. When you’re after deer, hogs, or even small game, having reliable equipment makes all the difference.
I’ve seen too many folks underestimate that, thinking they can wing it, and they end up frustrated when things don’t go as planned. You’re not going to last long in the field without the right gear, especially when the weather shifts or the game gets tricky.
It’s not just about the big-ticket hunting equipment, either. The smaller gear—like scent control, calls, and decoys—are just as important. You can have the best rifle in the world, but if a deer catches a whiff of you from 100 yards out, good luck.
And let’s be honest, even though it’s Florida, the mornings can be chilly around here during hunting season. Make sure you’ve got layers that’ll keep you warm without overheating as the day goes on.
Don’t skimp on a good pair of boots either—you never know when you’re going to find yourself knee-deep in mud trying to haul out a hog or track a deer.
Speaking of hogs, if you’re going after those wild ones, a good spotlight or rifle-mounted light is almost a must for dusk hunts. And if you have to track one through the brush after you hit it, you’re going to want a solid tracking kit to make life easier. For waterfowl hunters, you’ll need decoys, calls, and some good waders—especially if you’re planning on getting into the marshes. Waterfowl can be hit or miss depending on the weather, but when they’re flying, you want to be ready.
Outdoor stores in St Augustine like The Avid Angler know exactly what you’ll need for the terrain and the conditions. They stock the gear specific to hunting in this part of North Florida. They’ve got a good selection of guns, rifles, and bows, too. Browning, Remington, Ruger, Winchester, Marlin, Glock, S&W… Beretta… the list goes on.
If Avid Angler doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they can order it, and the prices are competitive enough that you won’t need to drive out of town for a better deal. They also do bow repairs, string adjustments, and hardware replacements, so you’re covered if something needs fixing. From rifles, shotguns, and ammo to scopes, stands, and blinds, you can find all the hunting gear you need to get set up there.
More Tips
- Weather can make or break a trip. A cold front can stir up deer movement or get the hogs moving at odd times, and a sudden warm snap might have you sweating like it’s summer again. Either way, be prepared and stay flexible.
- You need to make sure all your paperwork’s in order before you head out. The FWC is a stickler for rules, and the last thing you want is to get caught out there without the right permits or licenses. They don’t mess around when it comes to regulations, and they change from year to year, so it’s worth checking in when the hunting season starts.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a way to spend your fall and winter that doesn’t involve sitting on the couch or staring at a screen, hunting around St. Augustine is a solid way to get outside, clear your head, and bring home some meat for the freezer.
Whether you’re after deer, hogs, squirrels, or ducks, Northeast Florida’s woods and waterways have something for every kind of hunter.
Just make sure you’re prepared for whatever the day throws at you—because out here, it’s never exactly what you expect.
