Box R Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Box R Wildlife Management Area is a 30,000-acre wildlife refuge located in the state of Florida.
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Summary
The area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, deer, wild turkey, and various species of birds. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Florida's natural beauty and wildlife up close.
One of the main draws of Box R Wildlife Management Area is its hunting opportunities. The area is home to a variety of game species, including deer, turkey, and wild boar. Hunting season typically runs from mid-September to early January, and visitors must obtain the appropriate permits and licenses before hunting.
In addition to hunting, there are many other activities to enjoy at Box R Wildlife Management Area. Birdwatching is a popular pastime, with over 200 bird species recorded in the area. Hiking and nature photography are also popular activities, with several trails and observation points scattered throughout the refuge.
One of the highlights of the area is the Kissimmee River, which runs along the western boundary of the refuge. The river is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Interesting facts about Box R Wildlife Management Area include its history as a former cattle ranch and citrus grove. The area was purchased by the state of Florida in the 1990s to be preserved as a wildlife refuge.
The best time of year to visit Box R Wildlife Management Area depends on the activities you are interested in. Hunting season runs from mid-September to early January, making fall and winter popular times for hunters. Spring and summer are ideal for birdwatching and hiking, as the weather is mild and many species are active during these seasons.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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