One of the things I enjoy most about recreating on Florida’s forests is seeing other people recreating as well; taking photos, hiking, biking, riding horses, paddling, and fishing. It’s especially refreshing to see younger generations participating in recreation activities. It is important that youth appreciate and find value in the outdoors.
Personally, I don’t often stop and talk to other recreationalists. Perhaps it’s my personality; as I am more introverted than I would like to admit. However, my lack of interaction is not a reflection on my attitude towards other recreationalists, as I am glad they are out there and believe respecting one another is important.
Being deep in the woods and surrounded by the silence is cleansing; it helps me relax and clear my mind. I enjoy watching the woods come alive, listening to the sounds, and watching the squirrels scamper; jumping from branch to branch. I occasionally spot a hawk, perched and scanning for its next meal. I can sit quietly and soak up my surroundings for hours; often so quiet and still that I go undetected. I recreate often enough that I notice differences in how wildlife moves about during different weather conditions, moon phases, and even hours of the day.
What is it that I enjoy doing out there in the woods? Most of the time, you will find me hiking, paddling, fishing, and camping. This time of the year though, I also enjoy hunting, though I spend more days observing wildlife than taking wildlife. I am continually learning new skills to make me better adapted to the forest. As an ethical hunter, when I have an opportunity to legally take wild game, I do so knowing that I intend on using it to feed my family.
Hunting is a great privilege. Like most recreationalists, I am concerned with habitat protection and worry about urban sprawl. The fees paid for my license and permits go towards wildlife conservation programs. I choose to help care for public lands so that my children and grandchildren will get to enjoy them also.
As hunting season gets underway in Florida, please, let’s all keep mutual respect in our forefront for each other as recreationists. Let’s remember that hunters spend most their time deep in the woods, appreciating nature just as much as when they are participating in other recreational activities. As a hunter, I need to remind myself that I probably look a little intimidating carrying a weapon. I need to remember to at least wave at others, letting them know I am glad to see them out recreating also in nature as well.
User conflicts during hunting season may be minimized by considering the following tips. Hunters should set up stands away from hiking, biking, and horse trails. Hikers, bikers, and horse riders should stay on trails during hunting dates. Also, most hunters are sitting from before sunrise to mid-morning and again from mid-afternoon to sunset. This is beneficial information to other recreationalists who wish to avoid possible conflicts because they can focus their activities between mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
To learn more about the hunting dates in the state forest wildlife management areas that you plan to visit, go to MyFWC.com and click on the hunting tab.
I hope to see you in the forests, enjoying and appreciating nature as much as I do.
