Wild Hair Ranch · Central Florida
What to Bring
Everything you need to arrive prepared and hunt confidently.
Before You Arrive
Come Prepared. Hunt Better.
Wild Hair Ranch provides the land, the lodge, and the meals. Everything else — your license, your gear, your firearm — comes with you. This page covers it all so nothing gets left at home.
Questions about anything on this list? Contact us before you book and we’ll help you sort it out.
Your Responsibility — Do This First
Florida Hunting License & Turkey Permit
Your Florida hunting license and turkey permit are required before you set foot in the field. These are your responsibility — Wild Hair Ranch does not provide or arrange licenses. Do not wait until you arrive.
What You Need
- Florida hunting license (residents and non-residents)
- Florida wild turkey permit
- Harvest record — must be filled out immediately after harvest
Non-resident hunters — Florida requires a non-resident hunting license in addition to the turkey permit. Purchase both before you travel.
Where to Buy
Purchase your Florida hunting license and turkey permit online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Licenses are available year-round and can be printed or stored digitally on your phone.
Your Weapon of Choice
Firearms & Archery Equipment
Wild Hair Ranch is open to shotgun and archery hunters. Bring whatever you hunt with — just make sure you have enough ammunition or arrows for the trip.
🔫 Shotgun Hunters
- 12 or 20 gauge recommended
- Turkey loads — #4, #5, or #6 shot
- Bring enough shells for the full trip
- Full choke or turkey choke recommended
- Pattern your gun before you arrive
🏹 Archery Hunters
- Compound bow or crossbow (check Florida regs)
- Enough arrows for the trip plus spares
- Broadheads appropriate for turkey
- Confirm your setup is dialed in before arrival
- Ground blind highly recommended for archery
🔒 Safe Transport
- Transport firearms unloaded and cased
- Follow all federal and Florida state transport laws
- Secure storage available at the lodge
- Questions about transport? Contact us ahead of your trip
In the Field
Turkey Hunting Gear
Central Florida Osceola hunting requires the same gear as any turkey hunt — with a few Florida-specific considerations.
Calls
- Box call
- Slate or glass friction call
- Mouth diaphragm call (one or more)
- Locator call (owl, crow)
Osceola can be call-shy in pressured areas. On unpressured private land they tend to respond well — but bring a variety and let the birds tell you what they want.
Decoys
- Hen decoy — optional but effective
- Strutting jake or tom — use with caution on pressured birds
- Stake and carry bag
Decoys are optional. Some hunters on this property do well without them. Bring them if you use them — don’t feel obligated if you don’t.
Clothing & Concealment
- Full camo — head to toe including hands and face
- Camo face mask or face paint
- Camo gloves
- Lightweight camo for Florida spring heat
- Sit pad or turkey vest with seat
Florida-Specific Notes
Clothing & Personal Gear
Spring turkey season in Central Florida runs warm and wet. Pack accordingly. You’ll thank yourself at 6 AM when it’s already 70 degrees and the humidity is up.
Footwear
- Waterproof hunting boots — essential in Florida flatwoods
- Snake boots strongly recommended — Central Florida has venomous snakes year-round
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodge
Rain Gear
- Lightweight camo rain jacket and pants
- Florida spring weather changes fast — afternoon storms are common
- Pack it even if the forecast looks clear
Bug Protection
- DEET-based insect repellent — Florida mosquitoes are serious
- Permethrin spray for clothing and boots
- Check for ticks after every morning hunt
Personal Items & Lodge Essentials
At the Lodge
- Toiletries — soap, shampoo, toothbrush
- Towels (provided, but bring a personal towel if preferred)
- Medications and personal health items
- Phone charger and power bank
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Any beverages you prefer beyond what’s provided
After the Hunt
- Cooler large enough for your bird — bring ice or plan to purchase locally
- Zip-lock or game bags for transport
- Camera or phone mount for photos
- Know your state’s requirements for transporting harvested turkey across state lines
Hunting Liability Insurance — Required
Wild Hair Ranch requires that all hunters carry personal hunting liability insurance during their stay. It is good practice any time you are hunting on private land.
Hunting liability insurance is inexpensive, widely available, and covers you in the unlikely event of an accident or property damage claim. Several apps and membership organizations offer affordable coverage on a per-day or annual basis.
Where to Get Coverage
- HuntStand — offers hunting liability coverage through the app
- National Rifle Association (NRA) — member liability coverage available
- American Hunting Lease Association— standalone hunting liability policies
- Check with your homeowner’s insurance provider — some policies extend to hunting activities
Print This Before You Pack
Quick Reference Checklist
☐ Licenses & Permits
- Florida hunting license
- Florida turkey permit
- Harvest record
☐ Firearm or Bow
- Shotgun or bow — cased and unloaded for travel
- Ammunition or arrows
- Choke tube wrench if applicable
☐ Turkey Calls
- Box call
- Friction call (slate or glass)
- Mouth diaphragm calls
- Locator call
☐ Clothing & Footwear
- Full camo — head to toe
- Face mask or face paint
- Camo gloves
- Waterproof boots (snake boots recommended)
- Lightweight rain gear
- Camp shoes for the lodge
☐ Field Essentials
- Decoys (optional)
- Sit pad or turkey vest
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Insect repellent and permethrin spray
- Water bottle
☐ Personal Items
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Phone charger and power bank
- Any preferred beverages
☐ After the Hunt
- Large cooler with ice
- Game bags or zip-lock bags
- Camera or phone mount
- Hunting liability insurance (recommended)
Got Everything? Let’s Book Your Hunt.
Questions about gear, licenses, or the property? Reach out before you book — we’re happy to help you prepare.