That may disappoint some, but it shouldn’t. The Northwest Zone has traditionally ranked as the top deer areas in Florida, and regularly produces not only large numbers, but also some of the biggest bucks taken each year. The reason for that is simple -- the soil is excellent, there is a lot of agriculture, and the numerous private hunt clubs have begun management programs to improve the quality of the deer herd. That has proven to be good news for hunters, and this year looks to be no different.

“Overall, the deer population in this region is very stable, and we have even seen an increase in the western portion of the region,” Morea notes. “Considering that we had a good deer herd to start with, that’s not bad. Anytime you place limits on the hunters and then improve the forage available to the deer, it’s going to benefit the herd not only on that land, but on all the surrounding lands.”

That philosophy is becoming increasingly incorporated into the FWCC management programs on a number of region WMAs. Those areas that have recently moved to requiring three points to a side for bucks are portions of Elgin AFB, Bluewater Creek, Robert Brent and Joe Budd WMAs.

Trying to pick the top bets in this deer-heavy region is difficult, but Morea puts Joe Budd right at the top for archers.

“This is a very good habitat,” he emphasizes, “with a mix of open fields, ravines and creek bottoms. It has an excellent deer population, and hunter access is very restricted. It is open only during bow and muzzle loading seasons, and they are under a quota. The deer don’t get a lot of pressure, and the hunter success rates are normally very high.”

Another excellent spot is the Box-R WMA. This is also a three-points-to-a-side area, and has a quota permit system.

Those who failed to acquire the necessary quota permits should check out the Appalachia WMA. There is no quota here, although one portion does require a Zone Tag, which is available each morning at the check station. There are normally 200 tags available, which are seldom given out during archery season. Two zones require no tag at all, and hunters can walk right in.

For those suffering withdrawal symptoms from last hunting season, getting in on the early archery season can be a sure cure.