If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some good old-fashioned outdoor recreation, Hickory Mound Florida, is the perfect place to find it.
It’s situated on the eastern edge of the Econfina River and is accessible via the six-mile Cow Creek Grade, a lime rock access road.
Located about two miles from the coastal impoundment, the check station has maps and information on the area.
1. Birdwatching
If you’re a fan of nature and wildlife, you’ll love Birdwatching in Hickory Mound.
The Hickory Mound Conservation Area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. It offers great birding and wildlife sightings on its many trails, including unpaved roads, a horseback riding area, and boat ramps.
Nearby Franklin Ponds are also a popular spot for birdwatching.
Birdwatching in Hickory Mound is especially exciting in spring and early summer when blue-winged teal migrates to Florida.
The Hickory Mound Impoundment is particularly rich in bird life, including blue-winged teal, which breeds here in spring.
You can also fish from boat ramps on all units. Spotted sea trout are abundant in March, April, and October.
In winter, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission offer guided tours to birdwatchers in Hickory Mound.
During this time, thousands of migratory birds make their way through the county’s pine hammocks and prairies.
The Florida climate and ecological diversity make bird watching in this region a rewarding experience for wildlife lovers.
You will find a wide variety of birds in this region, including songbirds and raptors.
While you’re in the area, you can visit Oscar Scherer State Park.
This park is also a great spot for watching Florida scrub jays.
There is an ADA-accessible paved walkway that leads to the park. More than 115 species of birds have been documented by the local Audubon Society.
Swallow-Tailed Kites hunt shorelines in the summer.
2. Fishing
If you’re looking for a great place to fish in Florida, you might want to consider the inland waterway near Hickory Mound.
Located just north of Perry, this body of water has five units.
The impoundment is protected as a WMA, which means it’s managed to help preserve the vitality of the surrounding seagrass beds and coastal marshes.
As of July 2018, you can still catch some fish, but you may be limited in your selections.
3. Crab fishing
For a truly unique experience, try your hand at Hickory Mound, Florida, a popular place to fish for crab.
This impoundment is a limestone formation just north of Perry, Florida, and is accessible via a six-mile lime rock road.
You should always keep an eye out for alligators and other wildlife while fishing, and do not tie your line to your wrist, which will attract them.
While the area around Hickory Mound is known for its abundant clam production, it is also a prime location for crab fishing.
In fact, the town is home to the largest clam-producing community in the country.
You can read more about this fascinating industry on Life on the Half Shell. Moreover, crabs are great bait for fish, and you can catch them with ease using a chum mix of crushed crab.
You can also collect small crabs along the shore with a crab trap.
Often, these crabs live in burrows that are as deep as a foot deep.
These beautiful creatures are abundant in the water around Hickory Mound, Florida.
You can also catch spotted seatrout, a popular inshore fishery during the winter months.
They can grow up to four pounds and can be found in shallow waters around drop-off walls, reefs, and grassy areas.
Crab fishing for them can be a fun and rewarding experience – just make sure to eat them fresh!
4. Hunting
The Hickory Mound Impoundment provides excellent duck hunting opportunities during the early winter months, which coincides with the migration of blue-winged teal.
Boat ramps and Gulf access are available on all units.
Spotted sea trout are abundant in the area from March through October.
The area is a mixed habitat consisting of bottomland hardwoods, cypress swamp, and creek-side hardwoods.
Hunting opportunities are excellent for migratory birds and waterfowl. Small game and turkey hunting are restricted, but turkey hunting and deer hunting are good.
Waterfowl hunters should also check in with the local wildlife management office if they are using the impoundment for waterfowl hunting.
Pine Plantations
Visitors can explore the pine plantations in Hickory Mound with hiking trails or bicycle rides.
Visitors can also view wildlife on the impoundment, which includes the famous Franklin Ponds. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and hunting in season.
It is best to wear bright orange to avoid being targeted by hunters.
The area has many historical landmarks, including an observation tower and abandoned tram roads.
There are also walking trails at Hagen’s Cove, Dallus Creek Landing, and Hagen’s Cove.
Boating
Hickory Mound, Florida is a great place to enjoy boating.
The impoundment is the result of the construction of a dike in the mid-1960s.
The company created the impoundment in cooperation with the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The water that forms the impoundment is navigable and is popular with anglers and crabbers.
There are three places that allow boating in Hickory Mound.
The Big Bend Wildlife Management Area is the nearest public boat launch.
The area’s public boat ramps are operated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. However, some boating spots are temporarily closed until the dike is finished.
Another area where boating is prohibited is near a sandbar. However, there are plenty of places to launch a boat in Hickory Mound, Florida.
Wrapping Up
Hickory Mound, Florida is a great place to enjoy nature and wildlife. It’s also a great place to catch some fish!
The impoundment is protected as a WMA, which means it’s managed to preserve the vitality of the surrounding seagrass beds and coastal marshes.
You can also catch some fish in winter, but you may be limited in your selections.
In spring and early summer when blue-winged teal migrates to Florida, you can watch them on their way back from wintering sites in the area.
It’s also a great place to boating or takes a boat trip in spring and early summer when blue-winged teal migrates to Florida.
In fall and winter when spotted seatrout is abundant in the water around Hickory Mound, Florida, you can catch them fresh!
