Osceola is tough to hunt for me. With the exception of the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness Area (walk in only), the center portion of the area is dog hunting. The land surrounding the dog hunting area by and large is still hunting. No quota permit is required for the first 9 days in the still hunt area. There is a quota permit required for the dog hunting area. Check the FWC web site for the brochure and info. The typography is poorly drained pine flat woods. There are very few hardwoods. The quality of the soils which determine the quality of the deer browse is poor. The main wildlife management practice on the area as best I can determine is prescribed fire. I don't seem to be seeing as much clear cutting as I have seen in past years. But I could be mistaken. The last time I heard the deer population was estimated at one deer per 33 acres. The FWC office in Lake City could probably give you a good idea of the buck:doe ratio. If you like quiet and solitude you can definitely get away from others in Osceola, especially if you like to walk.
Kevin,
How was your hunting in Osceola?
