So you’re ready to book a trip with Williamson Outfitters (or maybe you’ve already reserved your hunt) but still have a few questions? No worries! Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to Capt. Chris Williamson anytime: Call or Text: 850-251-8650, or Email: chrisw.fas@gmail.com
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Duck Hunting FAQ's
- When and where do we meet?
You’ll receive a text message within 24 hours of your scheduled hunt with detailed meeting time and location. If weather becomes an issue, we’ll notify you immediately with updates or adjustments.
- What licenses and permits are required to duck hunt in Florida?
Hunters age 16 and older must have all four of the following:
1. Florida Hunting License
2. Florida Waterfowl Permit
3. Florida Migratory Bird Permit (HIP)
4. Federal Duck Stamp
*Licenses, permits, and stamps can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or through the MyFWC mobile app.
- What shotgun and shells should I bring?
12- or 20-gauge shotgun with a modified or full choke. 1–2 boxes of non-toxic shells per hunt (3" length, shot sizes #2, #3, or #4 work best for North Florida). MIGRA® Ammunition is available for purchase at the lodge. Call Capt. Chris at 850-251-8650 to check availability.
- Do I need waders?
Yes. Some hunts require entering the water, and weather conditions can make waders essential for comfort and safety. We have affordable waders available for sale at the main lodge.
- When is the best time of the season to hunt?
Traditionally, late November through early January provides the best success. However, every season is different—duck movement can vary greatly with weather, tides, and migration timing.
- Are afternoon hunts as productive as morning hunts?
It depends! Flight patterns change daily due to factors like tide, moon phase, wind, and hunting pressure. Some days birds fly better in the morning, others in the afternoon—and occasionally not much at all. To maximize your experience, we recommend booking at least two days, ideally including one full-day hunt.
- What species of ducks do you typically harvest?
Since 2019, Williamson Outfitters has harvested 25 species of waterfowl. Roughly 80% are divers such as redheads, bluebills, and buffleheads. Other common species include: canvasbacks, teal, ringnecks, scoters, snow geese, gadwalls, pintails, mallards, mergansers, goldeneyes, wigeon, shovelers, wood ducks, coots, and ruddy ducks.
- Can I bring my own dog?
Yes—experienced retrievers are welcome with a few conditions:
- Accepted breeds: Retrievers (Labrador, Chesapeake Bay, Golden), Spaniels (Boykin, American, Irish), Poodles, and Pointers (GSP, GWP, WPG)
- Dogs must be trained to at least a started level—steady in the blind and responsive to “sit,” “here,” and “heel.”
- Aggressive behavior (biting, growling, etc.) is strictly prohibited and may end the hunt early.
- Dogs must be healthy and free from contagious conditions.
- Dogs are allowed inside the lodge only with prior approval from Capt. Chris Williamson.
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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