You may have noticed, but maybe not. Highlands Hammock is home to a large white-tailed deer or Odocoileus virginianus population. For every deer in Florida it is estimated that our economy makes approximately $1500. This is figured by the amount of money citizens in the state use to hunt the animals. But there ain’t no hunting here! In fact during hunting season the population of deer in the park sky rockets.
At the time the CCC was here, the deer population in Florida was in danger. The numbers went down to 20,000 statewide. This decline was attributed to some severe issues with tick-borne diseases which land managers all over Florida worked hard to eradicate. However, the deer population was so small that the hunting of does was temporarily banned and the population was restocked by introducing animals from as far away as Wisconsin.
Today these efforts have paid off and the deer population exceeds 700,000 statewide.
This geocache is placed in Highlands Hammock State Park with the permission of park management. All locations must be approved by the Volunteer Geocache Coordinator Sarah Straub (DTISarah@gmail.com) and adhere to the guidelines set by the park for geocache placement.
Vehicles are not permitted to park on any roadway within the park boundary. All vehicles must park within designated parking areas. The park is open from 8:00AM until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fees are as follows: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Camping is available in the park as well.
Highlands Hammock State Park's Website
For more information about accessing cache locations please visit the ranger station to view a copy of Essential Eligibility Criteria for Geocaching at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Please remember to cache responsibly and stay on designated trails.