New 2026-2027 Duette Preserve Hunt Program Important Updates

We hope you are looking forward to another safe and successful season at Duette. As we prepare for the 2026–2027 hunting season, we want to share two important updates that will help protect the land, improve safety, and ensure a fair and organized hunt sales process for everyone.

1. No Driving Off Numbered Trails

Beginning June 1^st 2026 driving off numbered trails will not be permitted under any circumstances. This includes:

• Retrieving harvested game
• Putting in or taking out stands
• Scouting or accessing hunting locations
  

*Violation of the no off trail driving rule will result in expulsion from Duette preserve and the hunt program for one full year from the date of violation.

 These changes are being made to protect sensitive habitat, prevent resource damage, and ensure that all visitors experience the preserve safely and responsibly. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to safeguard Duette’s natural resources for generations to come.

 2. Hunt Sales Process – First Come, First Served

 For this season, hunt sales will move to a first-come, first-served system, conducted in person at the Duette check station.

 Hunt Sales Procedure

• All hunters will enter through the Logue Road gate only.
• On Friday June 19^th at 3:00 PM the Logue Rd gate combo will be changed to 8888 to allow hunters to begin entering Duette preserve. Note all other access gates into Duette Preserve will not be accessible.
• Upon arrival, please proceed to the Duette Preserve check station and begin to line up behind the marked line in the order you enter. There will be no saving of spaces in line.
• Camping will be allowed in the designated campground; however, vehicles must remain parked in the same order in which they arrived. “Walk in access only.” Pull behind campers are permitted but must remain in line.
• Processing will begin on Saturday June 20^th at 6:00 AM.
• We will lock the Logue Rd gate at 1:00 PM on Saturday June 20^th. All hunters in before that cut off will be processed. Please be patient as we expect a high volume of applicants.
• Hunts will be sold in the order hunters are lined up.
• The Hunt Application will be available online and at the Duette Preserve check station office on May 15^th, 2026. Please have application filled out and have cash or blank check ready to speed up processing.
• Individuals may only turn in their own application and/or their spouse’s application.
• Please bring a copy of your hunters’ safety education card.

 After purchase, all hunters will exit through the main Duette gate on Rawls Road. Note: No re-entry back into the preserve will be allowed at this time. All remaining unsold hunts will be available for sale through the check station office after Sunday June 21^st 2026

 We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these changes. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and fair as possible while continuing to protect Duette’s unique wildlife and habitats. Thank you for your continued support and stewardship of the preserve.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 941-737-2661

Trail Map Route for Saturday June 20th 2026 Sales Day at the Duette Preserve Check station:

 

HUNT APPLICATION 

Download 2026-2027 Hunt Brochure 

Manatee County manages a hunt program at Duette Preserve and the following is a summary of regulations pertaining to hunting in Duette Preserve. For the exact wording of the wildlife laws and regulations of Florida, see the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Florida Wildlife Code on file with the Secretary of State and state libraries.

GENERAL REGULATIONS:

In addition to the regulations which follow, all laws and regulations of the State of Florida relating to wildlife shall apply. Duette Preserve is not a state wildlife management area. It is managed by Manatee County Government. Duette Preserve regulations are more restrictive than the state regulations. Hunting or the taking of wildlife shall be allowed only during the state open seasons and Preserve scheduled hunt weekends, and only in the manner set forth herein.

EACH HUNTER IS PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF AND ADHERING TO ALL LAWS AND RULES PERTAINING TO THIS HUNT PROGRAM AND DUETTE PRESERVE.

1. Each new participant must provide a copy of his/her Hunter Safety Certificate at the time of registration. No exceptions.
2. Any person entering Duette Preserve during the prescribed hunts, other than archery hunts, shall wear at least 500 square inches of Dayglo fluorescent orange material above the waistline as an outer garment. A head covering of the same color is also required. The Dayglo fluorescent orange material must be visible at all times, including while in ground blinds.
3. During hunt weekends, access to Duette Preserve is restricted to hunters with a valid hunt permit for the designated hunt and two immediate family members (see Children and Family). Entry and exit is permitted through the Check Station only.
4. The use of feeders, baiting, or the possession of baiting materials of any kind is prohibited. Trapping of any kind is prohibited.
5. There are quiet times during the Big Game season. Walking around or driving during this time is prohibited. A Quiet Time Schedule is distributed at Orientation and is posted at the Check Station on the board with the buck quota.
6. Male deer (buck) must have a minimum of three (3) points on one side. (A point is defined as antler growth off the main beam that is 1” in length.)
7. A buck harvest quota is established for each Big Game weekend. Unfilled buck quotas are not carried over to future hunts. If the buck quota is filled on the first day of the hunt weekend, only feral hogs may be taken the second day. The buck quota is posted at the Check Station. Only one deer may be harvested per permitted hunter per Big Game Weekend, regardless of quota.
8. All deer must be dressed at the Check Station so the health of the harvested deer can be evaluated. All deer harvested are required to have one jawbone extracted for aging. All hogs shall be dressed at the check station, unless justification is accepted and prior verbal authorization is given by a ranger on duty.
9. Transport of deer or parts of the deer off of the property requires a copy of the harvest sheet signed by staff. It is the hunter’s responsibility to acquire a copy of the harvest sheet from staff. See Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Hunting Handbook for state rules on dismemberment.
10. Hunting is prohibited in areas posted “No Hunting.”
11. STATE REGULATIONS REGARDING BUFFER ZONE DISTANCES APPLY.
12. The waste of wildlife is prohibited.
13. No plants, or their parts, or any animals shall be introduced, liberated, planted, or placed in any part of Duette Preserve by visitors.
14. Littering and the possession of alcohol is prohibited everywhere within Duette Preserve.
15. In accordance with Manatee County Code of Ordinances staff may order any person to leave the park and may also request law enforcement to deliver such an order if they exhibit disruptive or unsafe behavior.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY

• Only two (2) immediate family members (defined as a spouse or child 17 years or younger) may accompany a permitted hunter. Family members must show proof of having completed a Hunter Safety Course.
• Children under the age of 18 cannot possess a permit and are required to accompany a permitted adult. (Only two children per permitted adult.)
• Children participating in the Youth Hunt must have completed a Hunters Education Course and be in the presence and under the supervision of an adult. F.S. 790.22 and 784.05.

HUNTING SAFETY

• During Muzzle-loader season firearms may be discharged at the Check Station area. Please notify staff first.
• Please follow ethics and safety practices learned as provided by State Hunters Safety Education Course.

DOGS

• Only leashed dogs suitable for trailing wounded game will be permitted during the Big Game season.
• During Small Game hunts, only bird dogs (pointers and retrievers) will be allowed.
• All dogs must wear collars bearing the name and address of the owners and have proof of current rabies vaccination.
• In all cases owners are responsible for their dogs and their dogs’ actions.

STANDS and TRAIL CAMERAS

• All stands and trail cameras must have the name and phone number of the hunter clearly marked within 5 feet of the ground. If this information is not on the stand, Department staff will remove the stand from Duette Preserve.
• Only two stands per hunter allowed. Stands include climbers, ground blinds, chairs, etc.
• Climbing stands and ground blinds may be placed or moved before or after the Quiet Time during Big Game hunts. No other hunting stands may be moved during Big Game hunts.
• No permanent stands or stands that will damage vegetation will be permitted.
• Driving a metal object into any tree or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven is prohibited.
• Prescribed fire is applied year-round. Staff are not responsible for personal property left on site.
• No hunting is allowed within 100 feet of mapped trails, which includes sitting in vehicles or blinds. Trails are not to be used as shooting lanes.

VEHICLES

•    Any vehicle entering Duette Preserve must have a current registration, meet federal and state safety requirements, and be operated by a licensed driver with appropriate insurance.
•    Vehicles shall not be parked in such a manner as to obstruct roads, gates, or fire lanes.
•    Vehicles may be operated only on vehicle trails. Trails can be closed at any time.
•    The presence of a ‘CLOSED’ sign restricts access to foot traffic only.
•    Vehicles must be operated in a safe manner for the condition of the vehicle trails.
•    Maximum speed limit is 20 mph.

  BICYCLES

•    All bicycles of any type (Traditional, & e-bikes) will be restricted to use on designated trails only. The same as vehicles. Access to hunt stands will be on foot only.
•    Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes which allow the user to exceed 20 mph and or do not require the user to pedal to engage the motor (throttle only) are NOT allowed in Duette Preserve

   

  CAMPING

•    Trailers, tents, and equipment must be removed by Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on each    hunt weekend.
•    Fires are permitted in grills and fire rings only.

   

  CHECK STATION

•    Hunters must check in and out at the Check Station. Violators may lose hunt privileges.
•    Hunters may enter the preserve through the check station at 5:00 a.m. for all hunts.
•    All game must be checked in by staff at the Check Station.  If a deer is shot on Saturday and not recovered, the hunter must report the event to staff on Saturday before leaving the property. If not, the penalty for violation of closed buck quota will be assessed.
•    During hunts, the preserve closes at 9:00 p.m.  Anyone exiting after 9:00 p.m. may
  lose hunt privileges.

   

  SALES

• Hunt sales processing will begin Saturday June 20^th 2026 on a first come first served basis at the Duette Preserve Check station

Please see Duette Preserve hunt website for full detailed hunt sales process and procedure

•  Hunt application will be available online and at the Duette Preserve check station office on May 15^th 2026
• Individuals may only turn in their own application and/or their spouse’s application
• Hunt sales will be processed on a first come first serve basis until sold out

  Permits are non-transferable from person to person or to a different date.

•   Fees are non-refundable and do not include the mandatory 7.0% sales tax. Please calculate the 7.0% tax and include it with your payment

QUOTA HUNT PERMIT

•    There will be 100 quota hunt permits issued for each of the scheduled hunts.
  •    Applications will be available on-line and at the Duette Preserve Office. Phone number and website on back page.

    APPLICATION FEE/ANNUAL PASS

    Fee is paid once annually and is valid until the following year’s hunt registration.

        Residents of Manatee County............................................................ $25.00 + tax

        Non-residents of Manatee County...................................................... $35.00 + tax

    PERMIT FEES

    Permit fees are paid per hunt.

    A-G  Hunts

            Residents of Manatee County........................................................ $60.00 + tax

            Non-residents of Manatee County.................................................. $95.00 + tax

    H-K  Hunts - Small Game

            Residents of Manatee County........................................................ $25.00 + tax

            Non-residents of Manatee County.................................................. $40.00 + tax

    Fundraiser Hog Hunt

            Residents and Non-Residents……………………………………............$10.00

                   Exact Cash or Check…………………To be paid the morning of the hunt

    BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: Eligible species for harvest listed below

    Deer.......................................................................... One per quota hunt permit

    Feral Hog................................................................................................ No Limit

    Gray Squirrel, Quail, Rabbit, Raccoon, Armadillo…...…..See State Handbook

    Snipe.................................................. See State Hunting Handbook 2026-2027

    Coyote (Small Game Hunts Only).....See State Hunting Handbook 2026-2027

2026-2027 SEASON

•   Application and Permit payments must be either exact cash or checks made out to Manatee County.
•   All sales will be first come first served until sold out.
•   Stands may be placed on the property beginning on Saturday, August 15^th 2026 at 6:00 AM. Tree stands must be removed by June 1^st 2027.

   

  ORIENTATION  (Mandatory) Saturday: 9:00 a.m.    

     Big Game:       August 8^th 2026    or   August 22^nd 2026                          

        Small Game and United Way:     January 23^rd 2027 

  Missing mandatory orientation will result in NOT being able to hunt during the 2026-2027 Duette Preserve Hunt Season.

  BIG GAME SEASON

  Archery and Crossbow

  2026-2027 SEASON

  •   Application and Permit payments must be either exact cash or checks made out to Manatee County.
  •   All sales will be first come first served until sold out.

  Stands may be placed on the property beginning on Saturday, August 15^th 2026 at 6:00 AM. Tree stands must be removed by June 1^st 2027.

ORIENTATION  (Mandatory) Saturday: 9:00 a.m.    

   Big Game:       August 8^th 2026    or   August 22^nd 2026                          

      Small Game and United Way:     January 23^rd 2027 

Missing mandatory orientation will result in NOT being able to hunt during the 2026-2027 Duette Preserve Hunt Season.

BIG GAME SEASON

Archery and Crossbow

A  B and C hunts only: Legal to take only one male deer or one antlerless deer, except spotted fawn, until the quota is reached, and unlimited hogs.

A. September 19^th and 20^th 2026

B. September 26^th and 27^th 2026

C. October 10^th and 11^th 2026

Muzzleloading Gun

Legal to take only one male deer until the quota is reached, and unlimited hogs.

D. October 24th and 25^th 2026

E. November 7th and 8^th 2026

General Gun

Legal to take only one male deer until the quota is reached, and unlimited hogs.

F. December 5th and 6^th 2026

YOUTH  HUNT

Fees, availability, and application procedure may be obtained from staff.

November 21st and 22^nd 2026 … Maximum fifty (50) participants

SMALL GAME AND HOG     5 AM – 9 PM

Legal to take hog, gray squirrel, quail, rabbit, snipe, armadillo, raccoon, possum, and coyote.

H. Jan 30th and 31^st 2027            J.   February 20^th and 21^st 2027

I. February 6th and 7^th 2027       K.   Feb 27^th and 28^th 2027

FUNDRAISER HOG HUNTS 5 AM – 9 PM

L. April 24th 2027                              M.   April 25^th 2027                                   

Drawing for hunts will be held on Wednesday, March 3^rd 2027

• Shotgun or bow only
• One turkey per permit
• 10 hunters will be randomly drawn
• 6 days of hunting:

               -- March 20^th and 21^st 2027

               -- April 3^rd and 4^th 2027

               -- April 10^th and 11^th 2027

•   Spring Youth Turkey Hunt

               -- March 13^th and 14^th 2027  

• Hunter may be accompanied by two (2) assistants during Turkey Hunt.
  
• Four (4) randomly drawn participants
• Hunting begins at 5:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m.
• One entry per person