Hunting Big Cypress

tdcroft

Was just wondering what the crowd was like down there. I live up outside of Tampa and was thinking about going down one weekend or so. Is it over crowded down there, over hunted, or easy enough to get away from the rest of the herd? Not wanting to step on someones toes or have someone shooting 100 yards away from me. Don't know if they allow it or not but I was thinking I might try and get about as far in as I could and camp the night. Any insight would be appreciated.

Lead slinger

Avoid opening weekend of general gun and you will be just fine.

Walk in?

MCSHunter

If you don't mind walking through water and dodging cottonmouths all day c'mon down. It's a place I've grown to love to hate.

Hollywoodcorolla

Lots of snakes and water

ap111

tdcroft,
I strongly suggest you come down before hunting season opens and scout around some over a weekend because it is a tough place to hunt if you have never been here. You don't want to find out you don't like it down here and waste a weekend you could be hunting somewhere else you like more. It also helps a lot if you have a masochistic streak in you.

Most people in the walk in areas will not go in more than a mile so if you go in a mile or two you will get away from most except the hardcore guys which aren't that many. The real fun begins if you are lucky and have to drag one out when you are in more than a mile, especially in the evening. Bring a thermacell and plenty of insect repellent also.

pgarner222

In the walk in areas you can get away from the crowd pretty easily. Be careful not to get too far out especially if you're alone because if you do luck out its a real challenge to get them out. I found out the hard way. It's a beautiful place. I tend to see a ton more does than bucks, but if you do get one it's a trophy you will remember forever.

JPizzle

Also keep in mind how long it takes to walk a mile there. Even across an open prarie. The thigh high grass and foot of water makes it a 45 minute to hour walk minimum.

gladesman

Good advise here so far.

I would say to also study google earth via scanning and close in zooming. You can see game trails and human trails down around 400 feet or less elevation. Human foot paths look a lot like game trails but more pronounced. Plus you can see many of them dead end at a tree or small pine island.

Skillet North ORV entry gate is not bad or remember one can cross the many canals (via canoe) beside dirt roads and off of US 41 to access large prairies and cypress etc. seen at a distance from the highway. Road travel scouting works there.

Highly agree with others suggesting to come down before season to have a look.

One great place to stay either in a tent or camper is Trail Lakes Campground https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trail-Lakes-Campground/163377063698373 which is about 5 miles East of the intersection of SR 29 and US 41. Big statue of a panther there - hard to miss. Folks there are hunter friendly and quite helpful. Difficult to find at night - use a GPS coordinate to help. Good place to eat in Everglades City is Seafood Depot (all spirits) or Camellia Grill (beer,wine).

Camping in woods is doable but many big critters running around that could be problematic. Any food scents will bring them in - carry high quality bear spray (e.g. 9 oz can). It isn't like the safe old days anymore but just being careful should provide a good experience.

Bottom Line - Hunt the scenery you prefer since the big one can pop anywhere anytime so be ready every step.

Good Luck

binellishtr

Dam Frank, only 9 ounces.... I prefer .44

Turner River Terror

I sleep in my Climber there.
40 ft' up. No Skeeters, No Cottonmouths,No Gators, View is nice. Haul the Cooler up with a rope.
Dang, I miss lookin for High Ground..

FloridaOD

gladesman wrote: »

Good advise here so far.



Skillet North ORV entry gate is not bad or remember one can cross the many canals (via canoe) beside dirt roads and off of US 41 to access large prairies and cypress etc. seen at a distance from the highway. Road travel scouting works there.

Good Luck

Sounds wonderful!

Lead slinger

Just a little West of Oasis there is an old bridge crossing the canal going north. The prarie there is an old tomato field, skirt the eastern edge and walk north. Youll stay pretty dry except in the wettest times. If you drift NE you'll end up on the Florida Trail so be wary which direction you go.

I don't hunt that spot any longer since I no longer live out there, far as I could ever tell nobody else did either. Have at it.

tdcroft

I about forgot I posted this, just to come back and get blown away with all the responses, I really appreciate it guys. But whoever it was that said if you get in 2 miles your good, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear. So are knee highs good there or is this more waders territory?

gladesman

tdcroft wrote: »

I about forgot I posted this, just to come back and get blown away with all the responses, I really appreciate it guys. But whoever it was that said if you get in 2 miles your good, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear. So are knee highs good there or is this more waders territory?

Thigh high 27 inch self supported rubber boots may be needed early season in the center of many marshes 15 inchers work when the water recedes a little. Used to wear sneakers but am an old woos now with nice dry feet most of the time.

Hard to find really durable sun resistant thigh highs plus they're about 100 dollars minimum. If you gett'em don't use them unless needed , store properly and Don'T leave in the sun except when in them.