FLORIDA TURKEY HUNTING
At Black Bottom Outfitters we pride ourselves on quality and successful hunts while giving our hunters an unforgettable Florida turkey hunting experience. We offer hunting trips on roughly 22,000 acres of private land in Bradford County, Florida directly off US 301. At Black Bottom there is a good mix of hard wood swamp bottom and planted pine that makes it a very suitable environment for Osceola turkey. With more than 15 food plots of at least an acre a piece, there is more than just bottoms and timber to hunt. With over 50 miles of roads in Black Bottom it’s needless to say that plays a major role in where a lot of the turkey activity takes place. Whether you prefer a hunting blind on the edge of a food plot or like to pursue that tom with the “run and gun” method we do it all here at Black Bottom Outfitters.
Black Bottom Outfitters is one of the most beautiful pieces of land around, from the tens of thousands of acres of planted timber to the swamp bottoms that are home to many different animals there aren’t many places like it. The Osceola turkey population at Black Bottom is second to none, we do year-round trapping for opossum, armadillo, and coyote. There are many different variants of oaks from live oak, water oak, and even turkey oak to go with gal berry and palmetto flats that give Black Bottom a variety of vegetation.
FLORIDA OSCEOLA TURKEY
The Florida Osceola Turkey, also known as the Florida Turkey, is one of the most unique and coveted wild Turkey subspecies in North America. Found only in the Florida peninsula, it is prized for its striking appearance, with darker wings, more iridescent feathers, and longer legs compared to other Turkey species. The Osceola is also smaller in size and more elusive, making it a challenging target for hunters. As part of the prestigious Wild Turkey Grand Slam, where hunters aim to harvest all 5 subspecies: the Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam, Golds, and Osceola. The Florida Osceola Turkey holds special importance due to its limited range and the skill required to hunt it successfully. Completing the Grand Slam not only demonstrates a hunter’s dedication and versatility but also highlights the cultural and ecological diversity of wild turkeys across the United States. The Osceola’s exclusivity and beauty make it a pinnacle achievement for turkey hunters nationwide.
HUNTING CABINS
When arriving at camp we get hunters settled into one of our cracker-style hunting cabins that include Wi-Fi, A/C, and heat, and a flat screen TV for those nights after a long day of turkey hunting. There are also two full bathrooms at camp. Our kitchen area is fully stocked with everything you’ll need while at Black Bottom, from coffee pots, microwave, refrigerator, etc. Once settled in we show the hunters around Black Bottom and specifically the area they will be hunting. After showing them around, maybe rousting a bird or two, we’ll head back to camp where supper will be served. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner or whatever the hunter prefers (some people prefer not to eat breakfast). However, we are very lenient in the sense that if a hunter wants breakfast after a morning hunt, we can do that or offer breakfast to go, whatever the hunter wants. Dinner will always be a home cooked, southern style meal prepared by Mrs. Rachel and will always end with a dessert.
TURKEY HUNTING GEAR
The weather during the spring in Florida can be difficult to plan for. On average temperatures vary between lows of 60’s to highs of mid 80’s. The best turkey hunting gear for this time of year is a lightweight or thin shirt and pants. Mosquitoes and water moccasins are your worst enemy this time of year, so a Thermacell, mosquito repellent, and snake boots are HIGHLY recommended! Another useful tool is an E-bike, Black Bottom has miles and miles of roads so a way to travel them quickly and quietly will help with success. We provide blinds, decoys, and such, but feel free to bring your own hunting gear.
TURKEY HUNTING PACKAGES
Our Osceola Turkey Hunting Packages are three days and four nights and run from the third Saturday in March till around the fourth Sunday in April.
Semi/Self-Guided Osceola Turkey Hunting Package: $2,350 per hunter
Fully Guided Osceola Turkey Hunting Package: $2,950 per hunter
Non-Hunter: $600 (includes lodging, meals, NO TURKEY!!)
Florida Hunting License and Turkey Permit: A non-resident hunting license and turkey permit is required and is on the hunter to purchase (roughly $175)
Deposit: We require a $500 non-refundable deposit due before you’re put on the books, remaining balance due upon arrival.
Add thermal and suppressed hog hunts for $350 per hunter, NO limit on hogs.
HUNTING INORMATION
TRAVEL INFORMATION
If flying, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), or Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is the closest airport to Black Bottom. We do not shuttle to or from the airport, it is on the hunter for travel to and from airport.
NON-HUNTING ACTIVITIES
For non-hunters, the area around Black Bottom offers plenty of shopping and other activities. The St. Johns Town Center is about an hour away. It is a premier open air shopping destination with upscale stores, diverse dining options and a vibrant atmosphere if you're looking for something closer, Orange Park and Fleming Island is about 30 minutes away and features malls, a variety of retail shops, and entertainment. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore stores like Academy Sports + Outdoors and Bass Pro Shops for gear and other hunting supplies. Whether you’re looking to shop, dine, or unwind, there’s something nearby for everyone to enjoy.