The Hernando County Aquatic Services and Waterways Department announces the installation of Restricted Hunting Area (RHA) signs at Hunters Lake, located in the southwest corner of Hernando County. RHA signs have been posted at all locations illustrated in the map below.

An increase in reported hunting shooting incidents over the past few years have raised concerns for public safety. Residents in the area expressed this concern at multiple Hernando County Board of County Commission (BOCC) meetings.

In response, the BOCC approved submitting a resolution to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) in March of 2019. This resolution requested that the FFWCC establish an RHA within the man-made canals and waterways connected to Hunters Lake.

After review, FFWCC designated RHAs in the canals of Hunters Lake, approving this area into State regulations on July 19, 2019.

Restricted Hunting Area signs now at Hunters Lake

RHA designations prohibit the taking of any wildlife by use of a gun, unless authorized by permit, and is enforced through local law enforcement. Violators of this designation may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or 60 days in jail. Although the designation establishes the closure of hunting within the canals, the main basin of the lake will remain open to hunting. All areas closed to hunting are outlined in yellow on the map below.

Contact the FFWCC at (850) 488-4676 or the Hernando County Aquatic Services and Waterways Department at (352) 754-4060 for more information on this designation.