Ask FWC About Contact News Calendar Get Involved HomeGOFlorida Fish and WildlifeConservation CommissionFishingBoatingHuntingLicenses &PermitsWildlifeViewingWildlife &HabitatsResearchEducationConservationViewing AdventuresRecreation on Wild LandsExplore By ActivityExplore by LocationExplore by NameWhat are Wildlife ManagementAreas?Cooperative AreasLead AreasMitigation ParksAbout ORSAdditional ResourcesOpen/Closed StatusAdditional ResourcesGreat Florida Birding TrailGet Outdoors FloridaPublicationsNorthwest FloridaWater Management DistrictManaged in cooperation withNorthwest Florida Water Management DistrictThe 6,261-acre Perdido River Wildlife ManagementArea includes 15 miles offrontage on the PerdidoRiver, which forms the border between Alabama andFlorida, west of Pensacola.Habitats include hardwoodswamps in the river floodplain, eight perennialstreams, mixed hardwood/pine, and commercialforestland. The latter will be restored, primarily, tonative longleaf pine/wiregrass habitat. Seepageslopes, flatwoods and wet prairie areas within theriver basin are home to rare pitcher plants.The Perdido River discharges into Perdido Bay, ashallow estuary about 15 miles west of Pensacola.Protection of habitat along the river helps protectwater quality in the bay, which provides spawning, nursery and adult habitat for a variety ofcommercially and recreationally important species. The river and its tributaries also supportseveral species of rare and imperiled fish including the saltmarsh topminnow and theAtlanticsturgeon. Wildlife species on the area includewhite-tailed deer,feral hogs,turkeyand avariety of resident and migratory birds.Home:Wildlife Viewing:Recreation on Wild Lands:What are Wildlife Management Areas?:Cooperative Areas:Perdido RiverPage 1 of 3Perdido River8/18/2011http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/cooperative/perdido-river/Outfitters & GuidesThis land, acquired in 2006, is owned and managed by the Northwest Florida WaterManagement District, and is open for publicuse year-around. Recreational opportunitiesinclude hunting, fishing, picnicking and wildlifeviewing. Future plans call for a recreationalwater trail with several access points for canoes, kayaks and small boats and designatedtrails for equestrians and hikers. Two canoe/kayak landings and one small boat ramp arecurrently open for use. Scheduled hunts include archery, muzzleloading gun, small game,family hunt, general gun, archery/muzzleloadinggun and spring turkey. Fishing and froggingare permitted year-round. A quota hunt permit isrequired for archery,muzzleloading gun,family hunt, general gun, archery/muzzleloading gun and spring turkey. Motorized vehiclesmay be operated on named or numbered roads; horses are allowed on designated horsetrails. Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding onpublic lands. For more detailed information go toNicole's Law. All horseback riders musthave proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.ATVs and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Camping is not currently permitted, but may bein the future.Rules Regarding DogsFor purposes other than hunting, dogs are allowed, but must be kept under physicalrestraint at all times. Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access"by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest anywildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs isprohibited.■Hunting dogs may be taken onto the WMA after 8 a.m. the day before the opening ofa season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. one day after the end of the season.Hunting with dogs, other than bird dogs or retrievers, is prohibited. Dogs areprohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action.No person shall allow any dog to pursue ormolest any wildlife during any period inwhich the taking of wildlife by the use ofdogs is prohibited. Dogs on leashes may beused for trailing wounded game.■Visit the Northwest Florida Water Management District's Web page forPerdido River.■View FWC'sRegulations Summary for Perdido Riverfor an area map, huntingseasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.■Page 2 of 3Perdido River8/18/2011http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/cooperative/perdido-river/Follow Us OnGet FWC News FeedsFlorida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommission • Farris Bryant Building620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL32399-1600 • (850) 488-4676Copyright © 1999-2011 State of Florida• Technical Help • EEO/AA/ADA • PrivacyStatement • Advertising Statement & Disclaimer •Site MapEmployee Resources (Password required)SharePoint | Outlook E-Mail | Retiree InfoFWC Facts:Studies indicate fish-and-wildlife activities contribute almost $34 billion a year to Florida's economy.Learn More at AskFWCPage 3 of 3Perdido River8/18/2011http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/cooperative/perdido-river/