FY26 General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamp Lottery
- For the 2025-26 Eglin hunting season there will be a lottery for stamps (formerly called Deer Dog Stamps) dictating access to either the Sikes or Choctaw Management Units during the Deer Dog Training Season and General Gun Season dates (includes the Youth Weekend Hunt). These new stamps will be called General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamps.
- Applicants will select which dog management unit (Sikes or Choctaw) they are applying for and a random lottery will select recipients until the allotted number of stamps per dog management unit are filled.
- In the event there are leftover General Gun Season Dog Unit stamps following the initial lottery draw, a secondary drawing will occur to issue the remaining available stamps to those applicants who indicate their interest in such on their application.
- Awarded FY26 General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamps are valid from 1 Nov 2025 – 8 Feb 2026 (these dates encompass the Deer Dog Training Season and the entirety of the General Gun Season)
- Current Sikes and Choctaw Deer Dog Stamps are valid until they expire, but stamp holders must abide by new dog management unit regulations implemented for the 2025-26 season. However, if a customer’s current deer dog stamp expires mid-season and they wish to access either the Sikes or Choctaw Management Units during the remainder of the General Gun Season, they will need to apply to the lottery to try to be awarded a General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamp for the dog management unit of their choice.
- Customers must apply as an individual; group applications are not accepted.
- Lottery application dates will be 15-30 Sept 2025.
- Applications must be delivered in person to the NRO located at 107 Hwy 85, Niceville, FL 32578) by 4:30 PM CST on 30 September. Applications received after this date/time will not be accepted.
- FY26 General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamp prices are $50/stamp regardless of the dog hunt unit awarded.
- Lottery results will be posted on the iSportsman website at https://eglin.isportsman.net/dogstamplottery.aspx by 08 Oct 2025.
- A valid FY26 General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamp is required for ALL hunters 16 years of age or older (includes dog hunters and still hunters alike) to participate in the Deer Dog Training Season and hunt the associated dog hunt unit during the General Gun Season.
- General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamps DO NOT replace the requirement for hunters to also carry a current Sportsman’s Permit. In other words, a hunter who desires to hunt in a Dog Unit during the General Gun Season will need to carry both a current Sportsman’s Permit AND an FY26 General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamp (specific to either the Sikes or Choctaw Dog Units).
- Method of take guidance for hunting within all dog hunt units during the General Gun Season is as follows:
- Hunters pursuing deer or hogs with or without the aid of dogs must use shotguns with buckshot only or archery equipment (includes crossbows).
- Hunters hunting migratory birds or small game species during season dates that overlap the General Gun Season dates may use shotguns with appropriate small game or waterfowl loads and non-PCP air guns (follows statewide regulations).
- The use of centerfire rifles and pistols, muzzleloading guns, PCP air guns, rimfire rifles and pistols, and shotguns using slugs/sabots is prohibited.
| Application & Guidelines |
Lottery
Results |
Available
15 - 30 Sept. 2025
Click Here
|
Posted by
08 Oct. 2025
N/A
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* Applications must be delivered IN PERSON to the Natural Resources Office *
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: I was awarded a GG Season Dog Unit Stamp for FY26. My friend/wife/grandfather (etc.) wants to ride with me but NOT participate in the hunt. Do they need a Stamp as well? Do they need a Sportsman’s Permit?
A: Non-hunters riding with hunters DO NOT need a Stamp or Sportman’s Permit, but must abide by the following:
- Approved background check
- Holds a current Recreation/Fishing Permit (Sportsman’s Permit also suffices but not necessary)
- Cannot assist in the hunt in ANY fashion. This means they cannot release or catch dogs, rattle antlers, blow grunt tubes, coordinate with other hunting parties on the radio, pass shotgun shells to the hunter, or even touch a gun.
- In this scenario, the hunter holding a Stamp should only have with him/her ONE hunting weapon. Bringing additional hunting weapons will suggest to Law Enforcement personnel that more than one individual is hunting. The non-hunter’s actions need to make it very obvious to LE that they are not participating in the hunt in any way.
Q: My son/daughter turns 16 half way through the General Gun Season. Do they need to apply for a Dog Unit Stamp?
A: The son/daughter can hunt under the supervision of the Stamp-holding supervising adult if they are 15 or under only. The day they turn 16 they would be subject to needing a Stamp in order to participate in the hunt.