FL iguana hunting

Hey John,

I remove iguanas for a living but I'm too busy to offer "iguana safaris" on a regular basis. I know that you aren't looking for a guided hunt but i just wanted to mention it in case you were looking to book a date. Not to say that i couldn't offer one but it's not my bread and butter. With the cooler weather arriving soon (hopefully), I could possibly be available but I would suggest that you just go out and find an area to do some removal. It is totally legal. Just make sure that you contact local authorities (police) and let them know where you will be doing so. Where are you planning to visit in South Florida?

Joe

I don't have any personal experience with iguana hunting. Still, I did some quick research, and it looks like there are indeed several wildlife management areas in South Florida where iguanas can be hunted.
However, you must ensure you have the proper permits and follow any regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Also, read some helpful articles at pocketpetcentral.com like can iguanas hurt humans to be fully prepared. Good luck!

This page describes the 25 areas. It talks mostly about pythons, but in these areas any invasive reptile may be hunted year round, no hunting license required.

I would suggest shoot on Iggy's on the ground , then you know where your pellets go , shooting in the trees is very dangerous as when you miss or pass thru , as your pellet lands a long distance away ,

one thing i 'wouldnt' do is just jump out in an unfamiliar area and walk around with a gun .. many managment areas especially around the glades are pretty inaccessible by foot and its likely you need some kind of stamp to hunt on them ..in short .. just about need a guide or someone experienced to go with ..

Yes shooting on the ground is the best bet. In the trees requires that you KNOW that there's nobody in 500-600 yards in case you miss. I doubt you can reasonably guarantee it. A lot of those iguana hunting videos make shiver. Have an open shot with a decent backdrop? Pull the trigger. Otherwise, think long and hard about it.

Hey all,

This iguana hunting conversation is giving me mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong, I understand the frustration when these guys become yard chomping monsters, but there's gotta be a more humane way to handle it, right?

I saw this website https://dragonfreak.com/bearded-dragon-toys-enriching-your-pet-s-life-for-better-health-and-happiness/ the other day that had some pretty cool enrichment ideas for pet iguanas. Maybe there's a way to redirect their landscaping skills to something a little less destructive?

Steins1979 said:

Hey all,

This iguana hunting conversation is giving me mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong, I understand the frustration when these guys become yard chomping monsters, but there's gotta be a more humane way to handle it, right?

Click to expand...

For example ????

Johnscott said:

Sorry everyone, also posted in general forums. My third post. Newbie error. Any info on South Florida iguana hunting? Any south FL wildlife management area? I think there are 22 areas to hunt? No half day hunting tour for $500. Can’t I just go out and hunt? My friend knows the Everglades. Thanks

Click to expand...

yes you can go out and hunt non native reptiles per Fla fish and wildlife no permit or license required and no bag limit. If you have a friend that "knows the glades" you are way ahead just have them point you in the right direction. Here is a link to the 32 areas you can hunt in addition to any private land you can get permission on.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/78845fa10bc9445bacae4c3b5dd504d7 there are brochures for each area that you can download.
good luck and good hunting to all

I know this is an old thread but these things keep coming up and there seems to be a good amount of interest.
Here is some info specific to non native reptile removal/hunting at one of the 32 managed areas.
NonNative Reptiles: Allowed year round. Permit, Stamp, and License Requirements None.
Legal to take Nonnative reptiles including, but not limited to, Conditional and Prohibited reptiles such as the Argentine black and white tegu, green iguana, and Burmese python. Note: Conditional and Prohibited reptiles shall not be removed from the area alive. Regulations unique to removal of nonnative reptiles 1. Nonnative reptiles may be taken by methods other than firearms yearound. 2. Shotguns may be used to take nonnative reptiles only during open seasons summarized in this brochure.3. Conditional and Prohibited reptiles shall not be removed from the area alive. 4. Shooting hours are from onehalf hour before sunrise until onehalf hour after sunset.5. Please report take and sightings of nonnative reptiles at 888IVEGOT1 (8884834681) or online at IveGot1.org.ep coming up and there

n3rdv said:

For example ????

Click to expand...

A clean head shot see above ;
" Conditional and Prohibited reptiles shall not be removed from the area alive."

Johnscott said:

Sorry everyone, also posted in general forums. My third post. Newbie error. Any info on South Florida iguana hunting? Any south FL wildlife management area? I think there are 22 areas to hunt? No half day hunting tour for $500. Can’t I just go out and hunt? My friend knows the Everglades. Thanks

Click to expand...

At iguanabusters we charge $450 for 2 people 4 hours. You can go to the everglades, you may have some luck but iguanas are mainly in the city, canals, hoa's and golf courses. Shoot me a message for any specific questions you may have and I'll go over in detail.

Yes there are plenty of WMA areas you can go hunt on but most of them don't have any iguanas. You could easily go hunt the canals by yourself byt you have to check the local ordinances because different cities allow airgun use, and some don't. Also Florida Water management district is trying to crack down on people shooting in the canals because you're not supposed to unless you have approval from them.

good to know
thanks Jace
Always check in with local authorities before you go

hushpuppy said:

good to know
thanks Jace
Always check in with local authorities before you go

Click to expand...

I call in everyday several times a day, most times I get my information relayed back to me and they try to guess which vehicle I'm gonna use. They know my voice or recognize me nsme and already have templates made out for my calls.