BOOKING INFO: text/call Capt. Chris 850-251-8650

NOW BOOKING: '24/'25 Florida Panhandle Duck Hunts

FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions at Williamson Outfitters

FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions at Williamson Outfitters

Chris Williamson |

So you're ready to book a trip with Williamson Outfitters (or maybe you've already booked something), but you have a few questions?? No worries! Below is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions that we get, but if you still don't see an answer to your question feel free to contact Capt Chris Williamson anytime via text at 850-251-8650, or email chrisw.fas@gmail.com

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Duck Hunting FAQ's

  • "Can I bring my own dog?": Clients may bring their own duck dogs on guided hunts with a few exceptions:
    • Your dog MUST be registered as one of the following breeds: 
      • Retriever (Labrador, Chesapeake Bay, Golden, etc)
      • Spaniel (Boykin, American, Irish, etc)
      • Poodle
      • Pointer (GSP, GWP, WPG, etc)
    • Your dog MUST be trained at minimum at a started level & remain steady in the blind. This means your dog understands commands like "sit", "here", "heel" and does not break from the blind.
    • Your dog MUST NOT be aggressive at all! Any biting or growling of any kind will not be tolerated and could result in your hunt ending early.
    • Your dog MUST NOT have anything that is contagious to other dogs.
    • Dogs are only allowed inside the main lodge (Duck Camp West) with verbal approval from the owner Capt Chris Williamson. Dogs are NOT allowed inside Duck Camp East lodge
  • "When & where do we meet?": We will notify you via text with time & place to meet within 24 hours of your scheduled charter. If weather is an issue we will contact you immediately.
    • "What license/permits do I need to duck hunt?": Anyone 16 years old or older MUST have all 4 of the following to duck hunt in Florida: 
      1. Florida hunting license
      2. Florida waterfowl permit
      3. Florida migratory permit (HIP)
      4. Federal Duck Stamp
    • "What size shotgun & shells do I need to bring?": 
      • 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with a modified or full choke.
      • At least 1 to 2 boxes of non-toxic shotgun shells PER HUNT (shot sizes #2, #3, and #4 at 3" length are the best for North Florida). We sell MIGRA® Ammunition at the lodge! Call Chris to check available inventory 850-251-8650
    • "Do I need to bring/wear waders?": YES!! There are some hunts that may require you to enter the water. Also, depending on what the weather is like you may get soaking wet & cold which could result in a very uncomfortable & miserable experience. We will have inexpensive waders for sale at the main lodge.
    • "When is the best time of the season to hunt?": Historically the best time is late November to early January. With that being said, every season is different and there are no guarantees of a bountiful hunt.
    • "Are the afternoon hunts as good as the morning hunts?": Throughout the season flight patterns fluctuate due to many factors & variables like tide, moon phase, wind speed, wind direction, hunting pressure, etc. Therefore we have many days where the ducks fly better in the afternoon/evening compared to the morning, as well as many days where they fly better in the morning. And some days they just simply don't fly at all which can be frustrating, lol. At the end of the day we are chasing a wild animal that can be completely unpredictable which is part of the fun & challenge of waterfowl hunting! So our recommendation is that you book at least 2 days with one day being a full-day hunt.
    • "What type of ducks do y'all kill?": During the '22/'23 we harvested a record 21 different species of waterfowl! With that being said, approximately 80% of what we harvest historically are redheads, bluebills, & buffleheads. Other species that you may encounter include: canvasback, teal, ring neck, scoter, snow geese, gadwall, pintail, mallard, merganser, goldeneye, wigeon, shoveler, wood duck, coot, and ruddy ducks.

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    Fishing FAQ's

    • "When is the best time of year to go fishing?": All depends on what species of fish you're after. Below is a list of commonly targeted species and times of year they're most commonly caught:
      • TRIPLETAIL - April thru September with peak being June, July, August.
      • REDFISH - All year round with peak being Fall.
      • TROUT - All year round with peak being Summer & Fall.
      • FLOUNDER -  All year round with peak being Spring & Fall.
      • SHEEPSHEAD - All year round with peak being Spring & Winter.
      • MAHI MAHI - June, July, August with peak being July
      • COBIA - All year round with peak being Spring & Summer.
      • MACKEREL - All year round with peak being Spring & Summer.
      • CLICK HERE for more information regarding regulations & other species.
    •  "Do I need a fishing license?": No, our captains have special permits that cover all of the passengers aboard our boats.
    • "Do you clean the fish that we catch?": Yes, customarily we will clean your fish with the hopes of a generous tip!
    • "How many people can come on the boat?": Coast Guard limits 6 passengers per vessel. With that being said, most of our fishing charters max at 4 passengers. 
    • "What do I need to bring?": Snacks, drinks, & a smiling face! During the warmer months we also recommend packing rain gear & sunscreen.
    • "When & where do we meet?": We will notify you via text with time & place to meet within 24 hours of your scheduled charter. If weather is an issue we will contact you immediately.

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    Gator Hunting FAQ's

    • "How do you catch & kill gators in Florida?: Unlike what you've probably seen on TV, in Florida you are NOT allowed to use guns or baited hooks! Instead you may use only snatch hooks on rod-and-reel, grappling hook, baited line on a wooden peg, harpoons, crossbow, and compound bow. Once you've established control of the gator you kill it with a "bang-stick" which is essentially a metal pole with a power head loaded with a bullet. 
    • "What time of day do you hunt?: It is legal to hunt gators all day long during the season, however the best time to hunt is at night when gators are most active.
    • "How many people can come on the hunt?": Gator hunts max at 4 passengers (note: there is a $250 fee per person over 2 people on the gator hunts) 
    • "Do I need a license or permit to hunt gators?": If you do not have your own CITE tags then you must purchase an "Alligator Trapping Agent License" through FWC (cost is around $52).
    • "Do you offer guided hunts for people with their own tags?": Yes, as long as your tags are for one of the following counties: FRANKLIN, GULF, WAKULLA, LEON, TAYLOR, CALHOUN, LIBERTY.
    • "What do I do with the gator after it's harvested?": We have a in-house taxidermist that will skin your gator(s) and bag the meat for $20 per foot. He can also tan the hide, mount the head, or mount the entire gator!

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    Important Links:

    FL Saltwater Fishing Regulations
    Purchase Florida Hunting Licenses & Permits
    Waterfowl Identification
    FL Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

        • Call or Text

          850-251-8650

        • Lodge Address

          448 Ave A, Eastpoint, FL 32328

        • Licensed Florida Outfitter

          # L19000253500
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