Collier County Now Accepting Random Draw Applications For Pepper Ranch Hog, Deer And Turkey Hunts

The Conservation Collier Program manages a regulated hunt program at Pepper Ranch Preserve in Immokalee. Starting August 1, 2011, Collier County residents will have the opportunity to enter a random draw for the following hunts:

October 22-23, 2011…… Hog hunt

December 17-18, 2011… Deer hunt

January 21-22, 2012…… Hog hunt

February 11-12, 2012…… Hog hunt

March 24-25, 2012 …….. Spring turkey hunt

April 14-15, 2012……….. Hog hunt

May 19-20, 2012………… Hog hunt

June 9-10, 2012…………. Hog hunt

Ten quota hunt permits will be issued for each hog hunt; eight quota hunt permits will be issued for the deer hunt; and four quota hunt permits will be issued for the spring turkey hunt.

All interested Collier County residents must submit an application and a $10 non-refundable application fee by August 31, 2011, to enter the random draw. Selected hunters will also be assessed an additional fee for each hunt weekend for which they are chosen: hog – $50, deer – $75, and spring turkey – $100. All fees collected will be used to cover the costs of administering the hunt program.

Three youth hunts have also been scheduled at Pepper Ranch Preserve for this season:

November 18, 19, and 20, 2011….. Youth Deer Hunt

January 6, 7 and 8, 2012………….. . Youth Hog Hunt

February 24, 25, and 26, 2012……. Youth Turkey Hunt

Youth hunts are administered through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A $75 fee covers weekend meals and camping accommodations for one youth hunter and his/her guardian.

For more information on the hunt program call 239-252-2957, or go to: www.colliergov.net/Index.aspx?page=2903

The Conservation Collier Program was established by local referendum in 2002 to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and significant threatened natural lands located in Collier County for the benefit of present and future generations. The program is funded by a property tax of 25 cents for every $1,000 of taxable property value. Conservation Collier currently owns over 4,000 acres in 19 different locations throughout the county. To find out more about the Conservation Collier program go to www.colliergov.net/conservationcollier