| TYNDALL AFB Hunting, Fishing and Recreation Regulations |
The Map and Following Regulations are Applicable to Outdoor Activities on Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida from
1 Sep 09 – 31 Aug 2010.
Regulations are Subject to Change at Any Time
By The Commander, TAFB
ACCESS
1. Persons entering Tyndall AFB (TAFB) for the purpose of participating in hunting, fishing, or recreational activities must have in
their possession a current TAFB permit issued by the Natural Resources Element of the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron and a
picture ID. Persons must furnish identification, licenses and permits as requested by authorized law enforcement personnel.
2. Any person engaging in outdoor activities on TAFB does so at his own risk, and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
United States of America against any and all claims for loss, damage, or injury sustained to their person or property.
3. The TAFB Hunting, Fishing and Recreation Map is only intended as a guide to areas where these activities are authorized. The
right and authority to open or close any area to outdoor recreation is reserved by the Installation Commander. NOTE! There may be
special regulations established by the Installation Commander during increased Force Protection Conditions.
4. The right to enter TAFB and any TAFB permit may be revoked at any time for any violation of federal, state or county law, or
violation of TAFB regulations, or for any reason determined to be necessary or advantageous to the United States Air Force. In
addition to court fines, TAFB hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation privileges may be revoked for any violation of an
applicable TAFB Instruction.
5. TAFB is open to all public use and access from 1-1/2 hours before sunrise until 1-1/2 hours after sunset. For exceptions to these
times, please refer to the following sections on Fishing and Hunting Regulations.
6. DoD personnel are defined as Active Duty Military, Reserve, National Guard, DoD Civilians, Retired Military, Retired DoD
Civilians, the dependants of all the previous, and DoD Contractors with a current DoD identification card with base wide access. All
others are considered non-DoD personnel.
7. Non-DoD personnel are authorized to participate in hunting, fishing or recreational activities in those areas designated as the
East Unit and the West Unit. Non-DoD may only participate in these activities in all other areas as a sponsored guest of authorized
DoD personnel. Sponsors as well as guests must have appropriate licenses, if required, to participate in such recreational activities.
Sponsors are liable for the actions of guests and must remain in the immediate vicinity of sponsored guests.
8. Individuals, vehicles, boats, weapons, credentials, fish, game and personal property may be checked and searched at any time
by authorized federal, state and military law enforcement personnel.
9. Entry into the West Unit must be through the Sabre Drive Gate.
10. Entry into any areas marked as a "Danger Area" or “Closed Area” is prohibited.
11. The water areas in Crooked Island Sound adjacent to the base’s explosives detonation range is designated a Danger Area
during weapons firing operations. These water areas will be marked by red warning flags flown atop poles during danger periods.
Entry into these water areas, while warning flags are displayed is prohibited.
12. The water areas in Crooked Island Sound adjacent to the drone launch facility and the tips of Crooked Island East and Crooked
Island West are designated Danger Areas during launch operations. To ensure a safe fishing or recreation day, please call 82nd
ATRS/DOW at 283-4640 for that day’s mission scheduling.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
1. Disturbance or interference with an individual engaged in official business or an authorized activity on TAFB is prohibited. This
includes, but is not limited to, Air Force, Army, Navy personnel on field exercises. Disturbance of the peace or other disorderly
conduct is prohibited. No person who is intoxicated is authorized to enter or remain on TAFB.
2. Only registered, street legal vehicles are authorized on designated roads as identified on the Regulations map. Blocking of a
road, fire lane or gate is prohibited.
3. The maximum allowable speed for any motor vehicle is 20 miles per hour on dirt roads, unless otherwise posted. However, no
vehicle will be driven at a speed greater than that which is reasonable and prudent under existing road, weather, vehicle, and traffic
conditions.
4. All accidents on TAFB must be reported as soon as possible to Security Forces, 283-2254. Motor vehicles involved in accidents
should not be moved until the investigating officer arrives, unless the vehicle constitutes a safety hazard.
5. Open fires are prohibited, except in designated camping areas.
6. Destruction, injury, defacement, disturbance or removal of government property is prohibited.
7. Searching for or removing objects of antiquity is prohibited. Recreational use of metal detectors for any purpose on Tyndall is
prohibited.
8. The collection, destruction or injury of any plant or animal, or the use of an artificial light at night to view wildlife is prohibited,
except as specifically authorized.
9. No littering or polluting of any waters.
10. Recreational activities for commercial enterprise from or on Tyndall are prohibited except through official contract with TAFB.
11. Caution is advised and the wearing of fluorescent orange is recommended on open hunt dates in areas open to hunting.
BEACH ACTIVITIES
1. Beach hours of use are from 1 ½ hours before sunrise until 10:00 PM.
2. Everyone is authorized to use beaches in the East Unit. Non-DoD personnel must obtain a Recreation permit to access beaches
in the West Unit.
3. Buck Beach access is allowed on weekends and holidays only. Use of boats is limited to carry-in type only.
4. The operation of motor vehicles on TAFB beaches, sand dunes, and natural vegetation areas is prohibited, except for authorized
personnel. Going around a locked gate or blocked off area is prohibited.
5. Pets, camping, fires, glass containers, and artificial lighting are prohibited on the beaches.
6. Foot traffic kills the fragile dune plants and causes erosion. Use the beach walkovers and stay out of the sand dunes and sea
oats.
FISHING REGULATIONS
Saltwater Fishing
1. DoD is authorized to use all designated boat ramps and to saltwater fish from all shorelines unless otherwise posted.
2. A TAFB Recreation permit is required for non-DoD personnel to saltwater fish from the shore in the West Unit. A Tyndall permit is
not required for saltwater fishing in the East Unit or at the DuPont Bridge Boat Launch Area.
3. All State of Florida saltwater rules and regulations apply.
Freshwater Fishing
1. A TAFB Fishing or Combination permit is required for freshwater fishing on TAFB. A valid Florida State License must be
presented, if applicable, before any TAFB Fishing permit will be issued.
2. Please see the Freshwater Fishing Ponds chart below for authorized access on designated ponds. (An X means that category is
authorized to fish that area)
Big Ammo Davis Point Felix Lake Horseshoe Lake PQM 102 Olympia Seminole
DoD X X X X X
Non-DoD X X X
Kid’s fishing X X X X X
3. All designated fishing lakes are open from 1½ hours before sunrise to 11:00 PM except Davis Point, Big Ammo, and Horseshoe
Lakes which close at sunset.
4. A maximum of two fishing lines per person is allowed on any fishing pier. Trotlines and bush hooks are prohibited.
5. All of the State of Florida freshwater fishing rules and regulations apply.
BOATING
1. The table below shows authorized use for all designated fresh and saltwater boat launching facilities. An X means that category is
authorized to use that facility.
2. Boats used on PQM 102, Felix Lake and Big Ammo Lake are limited to electric motors. The use of boats on other freshwater
lakes is limited to carry in type only.
Big Ammo Bonita Bay Davis Beach DuPont Bridge Farmdale Bayou Felix Lake Marina Club PQM 102 STP Strange Bayou
DoD X X X X X X X X X X
Non-DoD X X X X X X X
HUNTING REGULATIONS
General Hunting Regulations
1. All federal and state hunting rules, regulations and permit requirements apply unless otherwise stated in this brochure.
2. Tyndall is closed to hunting on Christmas and Thanksgiving day.
3. All hunters must check in at the designated Check Station (Building 4027, at Sabre Drive Gate) before entering any Hunt Unit,
and must acquire the appropriate Hunt Block pass. This pass must be attached to the rear view mirror and be visible from the
outside of the vehicle.
4. Entry into the East Hunt Unit is through Silver Flag Rd, Road 98F, and along Hwy 98. Entry into the Flight Line Hunt Unit must be
through the main Tyndall gate. Entry into the West Unit must be through the Sabre Drive gate.
5. Due to limited parking at the Check Station, hunters are required to immediately proceed to the appropriate hunt unit as soon as
the pass is issued and vacate after checking back in. NO LOITERING.
6. All hunters must return to the Check Station no later than 1 1/2 hours after sunset.
7. All game harvested must be checked at the Check Station. On days that the Check Station is unmanned, the required check in,
check out, and harvest data is through a card system located at the Self Check on Boy Scout Road.
8. Failure to check in or out will result in the suspension of the privilege to hunt on Tyndall for at least one year.
9. Shotguns, Muzzleloaders, Long Bows, Recurve Bows, Compound Bows and Crossbows (only if permitted by the State) are the
only authorized weapons for use on Tyndall AFB. Shotgun ammunition for deer hunting is limited to slugs.
10. The possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle is prohibited. A loaded weapon is any shotgun with a shell in the chamber or
magazine, or a muzzleloader with a firing cap in place, or a nocked arrow on a bow. Weapons must be completely encased and
locked, zipped, or tied shut while in a vehicle; ammunition must be kept separate from firearm.
11. No person shall possess any weapon, either assembled or disassembled, in TAFB hunting areas during a period in which
hunting is not authorized or in TAFB areas closed to hunting. The exception of shotguns allowed at the skeet range and bows
allowed at the archery range.
12. Possession of a weapon other than a bow in a designated archery area is prohibited.
13. It is unlawful to take or attempt to take wildlife from, on, along or across any road open to vehicular access, 50 feet on either side
of a road right of way, or within 100 yards of a structure (to include Youth Hunt stands).
14. Parking along paved roads is only allowed next to the wood line, not the road shoulder.
15. All hunters will obtain approval from Check Station operator before pursuing wounded game into any closed area or adjacent
hunt block. Pursuing a wounded animal after the close of the Check Station (at 1 ½ hours after sunset) is NOT permitted.
16. No person shall possess, place, expose or distribute any grain or other substance for wildlife or take or attempt to take wildlife
where grain or other substance has been deposited. The driving of deer by 2 or more individuals is prohibited.
17. Driving a metal object into any tree, or hunting from a tree, in which a metal object has been driven, is prohibited. Strapped
ladder stands, portable ladder stands, screw steps and self-climbers are permitted.
18. Tree stands are limited to four total per person with no more than two in any given Unit. All stands must have the hunter’s name
and hunt year clearly labeled. Hunters are only authorized to hunt from their own stands.
19. Stands may be put up or climbing tree flagged beginning 10 days before archery season.
20. Stands and flagging must be removed within 10 days after the close of general gun season.
21. All flagging material used must be biodegradable.
22. Scouting is authorized through daylight hours for those persons with a valid TAFB Hunting permit on the East and West units on
non-hunt days, and from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on hunt days. Scouting is only allowed on weekends, holidays or base wide down
days in the Weekend Only areas and on the Flight Line Unit.
23. All youth under the age of 16 years are required to hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult. A separate TAFB permit is not
required for the youth.
24. The taking of fox squirrels, quail and black bear is prohibited.
25. Feral hog may be taken in any hunting season, with no bag limit.
26. Hunting in blocks 4C, 4D, 4E, 7C, 10C, 12B, 12D, and all Flight Line Unit blocks is limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
27. The possession or use of dogs for deer hunting is prohibited except for trailing wounded game after notifying the Check Station
operator. The dog must be on a leash and in control at all times.
28. Trapping and trapping devices are prohibited.
29. All persons hunting during General Gun Season and Muzzleloading Season (when deer hunting is open), are required to wear a
minimum of 500 sq. inches of blaze orange at all times, with the exception of dove hunters in designated dove fields and waterfowl
hunters hunting over ponds (hunters must wear hunter orange going to and from blinds and dove fields).
30. A “Mature Buck” on Tyndall is defined as an antlered deer with at least three antler points on one side with each point at least
one inch in length.
31. An “Antlerless Deer” on Tyndall is defined as any deer (except spotted fawns) without antlers or a deer with antlers less than
one inch in length.
32. “Deer of Either Sex” on Tyndall is defined as any deer other than a spotted fawn.
Archery Season
1. A TAFB Archery permit is required. A valid Florida State Hunting License with Archery Permit (stamp) must be presented, if
applicable, before any TAFB Archery permit will be issued.
2. Season: Daily from 17-23 October. 24 October through 15 November on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and holidays,
unless the hunt block is designated as Weekends Only (see #26 above).
3. Open to hunting in all hunt blocks whether designated as Archery or Gun.
4. Legal to take: Mature Bucks and Antlerless Deer only in the East and West Units. Deer of Either Sex in the Flightline Unit (see
#30-32 of General Hunting Regulations).
5. Legal to use: Long Bows, Recurve Bows, and Compound Bows. Crossbows may be used if permitted by the State.
Muzzleloading Season
1. A TAFB Muzzleloading permit is required. A valid Florida State Hunting license and a State Muzzleloading Permit must be
presented, if applicable, before any TAFB Muzzleloading permit will be issued.
2. Season: Daily from 20-22 November in the East and West Units; 21-22 November in the Flightline Unit.
3. Open to hunting only in Gun hunt blocks, closed in Archery hunt blocks.
4. Legal to take: Mature Bucks only in the East and West Units. Deer of Either Sex in the Flightline Unit (see #30-32 of General
Hunting Regulations).
5. Legal to use: Muzzleloaders, Long Bows, Recurve Bows, and Compound Bows. Crossbows may be used if permitted by the
State.
General Gun Season
1. A TAFB Hunting or Combination permit is required. A valid Florida State License must be presented, if applicable, before any
TAFB Hunting permit will be issued.
2. Season: Daily from 27-29 November and 12 December through 1 January. 2 January through 17 February on Saturdays,
Sundays, Wednesdays and holidays or until quotas are filled, in the East and West Units. Hunting allowed only on Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays in the Flightline Unit.
3. Hunting open in all hunt blocks as designated on the map.
4. Legal to Take: Mature Bucks in the East and West Units. Antlerless Deer by permit only during regular hunt days from 19-24
December in the East and West Units. Deer of Either Sex in the Flightline Unit (see #30-32 of General Hunting Regulations).
5. Legal to use: Shotguns, Muzzleloaders, Long Bows, Recurve Bows, and Compound Bows. Crossbows may be used if permitted
by the State.
Small Game Season
1. A TAFB Small Game, Hunting or Combination permit is required. A valid Florida State License must be presented, if applicable,
before any TAFB Hunting permit will be issued.
2. Season: Daily 14 November through 7 March in the East and West Units, unless the hunt block is designated as Weekends Only
(see #26 above). Hunting allowed in the Flightline Unit on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
3. Small game hunting open in all hunt blocks.
4. Legal to Take: Squirrel, opossum, raccoon, coyote, armadillo, and bobcat.
5. Legal to use: Shotguns, Muzzleloaders, Long Bows, Recurve Bows, and Compound Bows. Crossbows may be used if permitted
by the State.
Migratory Bird Season
1. A Tyndall Small Game, Hunting or Combination permit is required. A valid Florida State Hunting License, Migratory Bird Permit,
and Federal Duck Stamp must be presented, if applicable, before any TAFB hunting permit will be issued.
2. Season: Same as State regulations in the East and West Units. Hunting allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in the
Flightline Unit.
3. Open to hunting in all designated hunt blocks, except for First Phase Dove hunting which is only allowed in designated dove
fields.
4. Dogs may be used for bird hunting and must be under control of the hunter.
5. Legal to take: Migratory Birds as designated in the State of Florida Hunting Regulations.
6. Legal to use: Shotguns
Spring Turkey (Draw Hunt)
1. A TAFB Turkey Hunt Draw Permit is required. A valid Florida State Hunting License with a Turkey permit must be presented, if
applicable, before a Tyndall permit will be issued. Applicants for the permit drawing must register in person at the Check Station
during January. Hunters will be randomly selected for a 2-day hunt in a drawing on the first week in February. Only successful
applicants will be notified by mail.
2. Season: 20-21, 27-28 March and 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 April.
3. Open to hunting only in designated block as determined by random draw. The block drawn will be included with the successful
notification letter.
4. Legal to take: One bearded turkey.
5. Legal to use: Shotguns, Muzzleloaders, Long Bows, Recurve Bows, and Compound Bows. Crossbows may be used if permitted
by the State.
6. Scouting is limited to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the week prior to the scheduled hunt.
Youth Hunt (Draw Hunt)
1. A TAFB Youth Hunt Draw Permit is required. Sponsored individuals age 11-15 are authorized to participate in Youth Hunts.
Sponsor must possess a valid Florida State Hunting License, if applicable, and be at least 21 years old. Sponsor, Parent or Legal
Guardian must register in person at Building 4027 (Check Station) or Building 1260 (Natural Resources Office) during September.
Hunters will be randomly selected for a 1-day hunt in a drawing on the first week in October. Only successful applicants will be
notified by mail.
2. Season: 21-22 Nov, 5-6 Dec, and 19-20 December.
3. Open to hunting only in designated stands as determined by random draw. The stand drawn will be included with the successful
notification letter.
4. Legal to take: Deer of Either Sex (see #32 of General Hunting Regulations), coyote, and feral hog.
5. Legal to use: Shotguns, Muzzleloaders, Long Bows, Recurve Bows, and Compound Bows. Crossbows may be used if permitted
by the State.
CAMPING
1. Camping is only authorized at the following locations: Fam Camp (DoD only), Primitive Camp Area, and the Group Campground.
2. Camping permits for designated areas are issued through Bonita Bay Outdoor Recreational Complex (283-3199).
3. No other camping is permitted without written authorization from Natural Resources.
OTHER OUTDOOR RECREATION
1. Hiking is authorized on maintained roads, forested roads, nature tails and hiking trails in designated recreation areas.
2. Bicycling is authorized only on maintained roads and marked forested roads, marked trails and marked firebreaks. For safety,
biking is prohibited on firebreaks on open hunt days. Biking is prohibited on trails designated as hiking only.
FIREWOOD CUTTING
1. Authorized in designated areas only after purchasing a Firewood permit. Each permit is only good for 1 truck load of wood.
2. Firewood may only be obtained for personal use.
PERMIT INFORMATION
1. Permits will be issued at Building 4027 (Check Station at Sabre Gate) when manned. Otherwise, permits will be issued at Building
1260 (Natural Resources Office) on DeJarnette Rd between the hours of 8:30 to 11:00 AM and 12:00 to 3:00 PM, Tuesdays and
Thursdays. Proper identification and appropriate State Licenses, Permits and Federal Stamps are required prior to issuance of
TAFB permits.
2. General hunting and fishing permits may be purchased at a discount by persons 65 years of age or older (proof of age required)
and those certified as being 100% disabled and possessing the State's Florida Resident Totally and Permanently Disabled Person
Hunting and Fishing Certificate. Persons under 16 years of age, accompanied by an adult are free of charge.
3. Permits may also be purchased by immediate family members (spouses and dependents). Dependents are defined as any
unmarried child under the age of 18 or an unmarried full time student under the age of 23 (see AFI 36-3026).
Permit Costs
E4 OR BELOW OTHERS SENIORS/DISABLED
COMBINATION (HUNTING/FISHING) $40.00 $60.00 $15.00
HUNTING (DEER, SMALL GAME) $35.00 $50.00 $10.00
HUNTING (SMALL GAME ONLY) $15.00 $20.00 $ 5.00
HUNTING 7 DAY (SMALL GAME ONLY) $ 5.00 $10.00 $ 5.00
SPRING TURKEY (BY DRAWING ONLY) $25.00 $25.00 $25.00
ARCHERY SEASON $10.00 $15.00 $ 5.00
MUZZLELOAD SEASON $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 5.00
FISHING $15.00 $20.00 $ 6.00
7 DAY FISHING $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 5.00
FIREWOOD $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 5.00
RECREATION FREE FREE FREE
