Spirit-of-the-Wild Wildlife Management Area

With thousands of acres of restored pastures and grasslands, plus flatwoods, wetlands and hardwood/palm hammocks, Spirit-of-the-Wild WMA is another vital component in the region’s mosaic of conservation lands benefiting the Florida Black Bear, Florida Panther and other protected species. Miles of unpaved loop roads make this WMA a fun destination for car birding; roads are open to the public all year and are generally passable for two-wheel-drive vehicles (call ahead for current conditions). Hikers have lots of options on numbered trails on the eastern portion of the property as well. Visitors may encounter breeding Swallow-tailed Kite, Crested Caracara, Northern Bobwhite, Eastern Meadowlark and Loggerhead Shrike, plus Mottled Duck, Wood Stork, Sandhill Crane, Roseate Spoonbill and Common Ground-Dove. As you wander, look for Wild Turkey, White-tailed Deer, Bobcat, River Otter, and Big Cypress Fox Squirrels. Fireflies have been known to put on impressive summer shows here as evening falls. Seasonal hunting occurs at this site, please click here for dates, regulations and more information.