Feral Hog Hunts

Please Note: feral hog hunt permits are NO LONGER TRANSFERABLE.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) considers feral hogs an invasive exotic species. Hogs negatively impact wetlands and other habitats by “rooting” up the soil while searching for food. They prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the spread of exotic plant species by transporting seeds and/or providing germination sites through rooting.

Hog hunts are being conducted on District lands to alleviate and decrease these impacts. Removing the animals from the landscape through hunting or trapping is the only viable method of hog control in Florida. For more information about feral hogs on District lands, see the “frequently asked questions” page.

2026-2027 Feral Hog Dog Hunt Incentive Program

The District has a three-phase hunting system. The first two phases of hunts will have separate registration processes. The single top producer from each Phase 1 and Phase 2 hunt will be asked to participate in hog management activities for Phase 3. 

Phase 1 Hunts

• Registration will occur on October 6, 2026 at 9 a.m.
• Includes five hunts that occur October-November 2026.
• A $75 nonrefundable fee must be paid for each permit.
• Permits are NO LONGER transferable.
• The top producer on each Phase 1 hunt will be placed on the District’s ‘top producer’ list and will be awarded participation in our Phase 3 hunts, free of charge. We no longer award free admission into Phase 2 for our top two producers of the Phase 1 hunt.
• Failure to follow regulations or poor behavior issues will disqualify registrant for incentive consideration at the sole discretion of District staff. Participants will be provided the opportunity to refute the decision. 

Phase 2 Hunts

• Registration will occur on December 3, 2026 at 9 a.m.
• Includes five hunts that occur in January 2027.
• A $75 nonrefundable fee must be paid for each permit.
• Permits are NO LONGER transferable.
• The top producer on each Phase 2 hunt will be placed on the District’s ‘top producer’ list and will be awarded participation in our Phase 3 hunts, free of charge. We no longer award free admission into Phase 2 for our top two producers of the Phase 1 hunt.
• Failure to follow regulations or poor behavior issues will disqualify registrant for incentive consideration at the sole discretion of District staff. Participants will be provided the opportunity to refute the decision.

Phase 3 “As-Needed” Management Hunts

• Includes management hunts that can occur between March through October 2027.
• Only those registrants that qualify as top producers following the Phase 1 and 2 hunts will be contacted to take part in management hunts during this period.
• Management hunts offered to top producers will be free of charge and non-transferable.
• Phase 1 and Phase 2 top producers, without rule violations, will be offered participation on a minimum of four management hunts occurring March through October 2027. These hunts will occur on Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve East and West tracts, Flying Eagle Preserve, and Potts Preserve.

Phase 1 Hunts Schedule (October - November 2026)

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on October 6, 2026, and ends when all permits are sold (or at midnight Thursday following the registration date—whichever comes first). Be advised, permits typically sell out quickly.

Dog hunt only: One hunter, two assistants and three dogs per hunter; please see “Regulations” for each hunt for more information.

Phase 2 Hunts Schedule (January 2027)

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on December 3, 2026, and ends when all permits are sold (or at midnight Thursday following the registration date—whichever comes first). Be advised, permits typically sell out quickly.

Dog hunt only: One hunter, two assistants and three dogs per hunter; please see “Regulations” for each hunt for more information.