Florida Hunting Adventures

Florida Hunting Adventures operates a family-owned hunting preserve located 15 miles north of Lake Okeechobee (the second-largest freshwater lake in the contiguous US) and 1.5 hours south of Orlando International Airport. The lodge sits surrounded by oak hammocks with hundred-year-old tree canopies, offering what hosts Ian and Susan describe as "a slice of paradise" they've managed for nearly a quarter century.

The operation accommodates up to 6 guests at a time. The lodge features a family room decorated with blue-ribbon taxidermy mounts of animals harvested on the property—setting the tone for what to expect. Lodging runs $250 per person per night.

"My two favorite times of year are March and October because that is when I get to visit Florida Hunting Adventures. I have now been there several times and it has become my favorite place to hunt in Florida." — Adam (repeat guest)

Their signature offering. They've become known for harvesting monster typical whitetail and claim to provide one of the finest deer hunts in Florida.

Hunt Setup: - Custom-built tree stands or pop-up blinds overlooking food plots - Spot-and-stalk style hunts also employed - Two days / four hunts included with guiding, food, and lodging - No state license required (they carry annual blanket hunting license) - Generally start October (weather cools, pre-rut begins)

Deer Selection by Budget: - Management Buck (120–134", SCI): $3,850 - Trophy Buck (135–159"): $4,950 - Mega Buck (160–174"): $7,000 - Monster Buck (175–199"): $9,000 - Buckzilla (200–249"): $12,000 - King Kong Buck (250–275"): $15,000 - Goliath Buck (276–350"): $20,000

1. Genetics — Powerhouse bloodlines 2. Age — They only harvest mature, older deer 3. Nutrition — Custom 16% protein pellet feed blended locally in Okeechobee + acres of high-protein grasses and forage planted throughout the preserve

Firearms & Setup: - Recommended: .243 to .338 caliber - Typical shots: ~100 yards - Loaner firearms available at no charge - Good quality scope required

Post-Hunt Processing: Skinning, quartering, taxidermy prep (if desired), and icing included in hunt cost. Clients bring cooler; lodge provides ice.

Hogs hunted here are a mix of wild European and domestic stock that escaped centuries ago and cross-bred in the wild. They're prolific breeders (8–10 piglets per litter, multiple litters yearly) and considered destructive to farms, ranches, and golf courses.

Unique Method: Swamp Buggy Hunts

They intentionally don't use dogs (danger of accidental shooting or goring by tusks). Instead, hunters hunt from atop a moving swamp buggy—the operation literally brings the hunt to the hogs.

Hog Pricing: - Meat Hog (up to 174 lbs): $350 - Trophy Hog (2" minimum tusks OR 175+ lbs): $595 - Loaner guns: No charge - Cleaning, quartering, icing: No charge

What to Bring: - Comfortable clothing (camo not necessary on buggy hunts) - Match to weather: shorts/t-shirt in summer, long sleeves in winter - Closed-toe footwear, visored hat, sunglasses - Cooler for meat

Recommended Firearms: - .223 to .30-06 ideal - Weapon of choice: .223 AR platform with red dot scope - Loaner weapons available (ammunition fee applies)

Meat Quality: Hog meat is lean and flavorful. Many hunters smoke it for pulled pork. One guest harvested a 288-pound boar that fed three families.

• •Bass Fishing — Florida's fresh water bass in Lake Okeechobee area
• •Saltwater Fishing — Coastal options

Educational offering for those new to hunting.

• •25% non-refundable deposit at time of booking
• •Remaining balance due at end of hunt
• •Phone: (954) 258-0977
• •Address: 12111 N.W. 300th St., Okeechobee, FL 34972

Ian and Susan run the lodge. Guest testimonials consistently praise their hospitality, knowledge, and guides' hunting experience. The operation emphasizes safety, comfort, and memorable experiences—not just harvests.