Florida Hunting Preserve

If you're planning a trip to the Sunshine State, you'll be glad to know that there are several great hunting preserves to choose from. From the Duette Preserve to the Grand Bar Ranch, you'll find plenty of options. If you're looking for a place to stay while you're in the area, you might also be interested in a lodge, such as Dixie Sportsmans.

Lightsey Family Ranch

Lightsey Family Ranch Florida Hunting Preserve offers hunters one-of-a-kind hunting experiences. This family ranch provides open pastures, guided hunts, and swamp buggy rides.

Lightsey's family has been associated with cattle ranching for 12 generations. The Lightseys are working to preserve a way of life. In addition to their cattle herd, the Lightsey family also harvests palmetto berries for nutraceutical purposes. They have also planted 540 acres of the citrus grove at Tiger Lake Ranch. Check it out here

The Lightsey family started raising cows in central Florida in the 1850s. Today, their herd includes more than 7,000 head of cattle. They also grow more than 420 acres of citrus and sod. They have also partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to develop criteria for guided hunting.

Dixie Sportsmans Hunting Lodge

The Dixie Sportsmans Hunting Lodge is a high-fenced recreational property located in Florida. The company offers hunts for native deer and exotic animals like water buffalo, African elephants, and even dolphins. The 320-acre preserve is located in Cross City, Florida, and is only 35 miles from the beaches of Horseshoe Bay. The company was started by a former military officer and a self-described "hunter of the natural world," and has been operating in this particular niche since 1998. The lodge has hosted over 20 hunting groups in the past year and has a rich history of generating revenue.

The company boasts several accolades including being a runner-up in the Florida Observation Trail Competition. In addition to its 320 acres, the preserve has a 700-acre section dedicated to exotic animals.

Magnolia Ranch Hunting Preserve

The Magnolia Ranch Hunting Preserve is one of the best places to hunt in Northwest Florida. The property boasts some of the most prolific Whitetail deer in the state, but the real fun starts when you get off the beaten path and explore the many trails, ponds, and sand dunes that dot the lands. The area is also home to several other species of mammals and numerous flora and fauna.

The aptly named RHR offers something for everyone. It's also a short drive to many of the Gulf's best beaches, as well as the granddaddy of all the coastal communities, Pensacola. There is no shortage of upscale dining in the area, and the surrounding towns are filled with shopping, entertainment, and the occasional oomph. The nearest metropolis is only about an hour away, and the Grand Parkway 99 is a mere ten minutes west. 

Three Pines Preserve

Three Pines Preserve has a lot to offer. This 1,800-acre cattle ranch in the heart of the Sunshine State boasts some of the best wing shooting in the country. It's also one of the few places in the Tampa area where you can get away from the hustle and bustle and still have the chance to get up close and personal with nature. The good news is that you can do it on your schedule.

The most impressive thing about Three Pines is its ability to accommodate the most discriminating of hunters. A large portion of the property is inaccessible to the general public, but you can make the most of your time on the farm by booking a guided tour. You'll see a plethora of bird species, many of which are native to Florida. It's also home to a slew of trophies, including the state's largest black bear and the country's loneliest panther. A great post

Grand Bar Ranch

The Grand Bar Ranch in Florida hunting preserve is one of the best in the state. The Barthle family has been in the cattle business for decades. They are one of the few families to make it in this industry. You will find a wide variety of games including black bears, wildcats, hogs, javelina, antelope, and whitetail deer.

The Grand Bar is a 1,800-acre hunting preserve, and the aforementioned grand lodge is the glitzy gizmo. The ranch has a number of ponds and streams on the property. The most popular feature of the property is its proximity to the world-renowned Grand Teton National Park. The nearby Snake River is also home to a goodly amount of cutthroat trout.

Duette Preserve

Duette Preserve is a 21,000-acre Florida hunting preserve located in northeastern Manatee County. It contains native vegetation, wildlife, and cultural resources. It also provides for public enjoyment through hunting, horseback riding, and other recreation. The Preserve is open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily.

The Preserve's land management plan was developed by The Nature Conservancy. It includes a range of habitats, including dry prairie, oak Flatwoods, and depression marshes. It also provides a habitat for the endangered Florida scrub jay, quail, turkey, and Florida panthers.

The Preserve offers managed hunting and primitive camping. Hunters must attend an orientation. They will learn about the rules and regulations, the habitats, and funding. Applicants must provide a Hunter Safety Certificate, as well as an address and telephone number.