Central FL 11 hang

**MAD777** · 09-20-2011, 11:40

I've only seen one of these bad boys in the wild. The was back in the late 70's at Myaaka River State Park.

The raccoon (who had just stolen a bag of cookies from us) didn't see him - at least not until it was too late! Nothing like a nature show to entertain while sitting around the camp.

**Great White** · 09-20-2011, 23:12

Wow, that is really cool that you have a panther that far north.

To my knowledge there has not been a tracked panther in that area since #62. Here is a link to a map of the panther's movement. Is this panther being tracked via raido telemetry? Is there enough prey and habitat in that forest to support them?

**samsara** · 09-21-2011, 05:56

Originally Posted by Great White

Wow, that is really cool that you have a panther that far north.

To my knowledge there has not been a tracked panther in that area since #62. Here is a link to a map of the panther's movement. Is this panther being tracked via raido telemetry? Is there enough prey and habitat in that forest to support them?

This one hasn't been collared yet but the FWC panther folks have been notified. We've had a few panthers in the area (including #62) but unfortunately we usually only get confirmation of them when they show up dead by the side of the road. I think one was hit on I-4 several years ago and we had one die a few miles north of this one 5 years ago.

There is plenty of habitat for him around here. It's mostly conservation areas around here so he has lots of wiggle room. The particular tract where this picture was taken is 13,000+ acres and it borders the Avon Park Air Force Range (~100,000 acres) with more conservation areas all around. We also have some of the best white tail hunting on this tract and it is frequently listed as some of the best hunting on public lands in FL. He's been around for a couple of years now and knows a good thing when he sees it

Dave

**walkaboutnorm** · 09-28-2011, 20:09

Hey all was wondering if this trip was still a go and is it to late for a new guy to hook up

**olddog** · 09-28-2011, 20:13

I'm still in 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 2011. Cooler weather coming this weekend,yeah!
Time to play outside!

**walkaboutnorm** · 09-28-2011, 20:19

cant wait to get out and play

**MAD777** · 09-28-2011, 21:00

Originally Posted by walkaboutnorm

Hey all was wondering if this trip was still a go and is it to late for a new guy to hook up

Of course! There are plenty of trees in the woods!

I'm looking forward to meeting you.

**olddog** · 09-28-2011, 21:27

Dave if it still wet in Nov what does the Graves Island look like?

**samsara** · 09-30-2011, 05:32

Originally Posted by olddog

Dave if it still wet in Nov what does the Graves Island look like?

Grave Island would probably work but it would be a much longer hoof to get to. I've only been there by myself so I can't remember what it might look like for a group of hangers. I think my first choice for a backup would be Lakeside but that might be a bit damp too. Second backup would be hidden hammock (still a fairly short hike but not right on the water).

We'll just have to cross our fingers and hope that the rain relaxes soon. I got tons of rain last night (wow... that was quite the electrical storm we had here last night!). I think it will probably be ok but I will check it closely in the days prior to the hang.

I've got some gps points hot off the presses too!

The location where you turn off of the main trail to head to the camp site is:
N 27* 42.656'
W 81* 26.032'

The camp site location is:
N 27* 42.769'
W 81* 25.753'

When I have a bit more time I'm going to make a map with the location and gps coordinates of all of the primitive campsites on the tract plus the hiking trails. I'll get it out before the hang and anyone wanting to hike/camp/hang can use it. Everyone is welcome to come out here any time that they want. The entrance fee is $2/person/day for day use or while out hiking and at primitive camp sites. It is $10/day to camp at our campground (picnic tables, campfire rings, porta-johns, and dumpsters... no water, sewer, or electric). The campground sites are first come first served (call if you are bringing a large group), primitive camp sites require a call to get a state forest special use permit (863-635-7801) so that we don't have people piling up on each other at those camp sites.

Dave

**bendback** · 09-30-2011, 05:58

Would anyone be willing to help out an experienced camper/hiker hang a hammock for the first time on this trip. I really would like professional supervision the first time I set up.