🧍 Who: Eglin Air Force Base, the 96th Civil Engineer Group Natural Resources (led by Justin Johnson), 96th Security Forces Squadron.
📋 What: New rules for recreational permits, background checks for ages 16+, mandatory check-ins/outs in coastal and camping areas, changes to deer-dog hunting, including a lottery permit system, and specification of hunting days.
🕒 When: Background checks and recreation permit changes are effective immediately as of September 16, 2025; lottery application for deer-dog permits Sept. 15-30; check-in/out for dove fields starts Sept. 27; camping areas Oct. 1; general gun season dog unit stamps valid Nov. 1, 2025, to Feb. 8, 2026.
📍 Where: Eglin Air Force Base Reservation, Florida.
❓ Why: To enhance safety, improve management of natural resources, ensure accountability of personnel, and protect Eglin’s mission while continuing to allow recreational use.
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Recreation permit requirements and hunting regulation changes are in effect.
The updates include new background check procedures, mandatory check-in and check-out protocols, and adjustments to deer-dog hunting policies.
The changes enhance safety, improve resource management, and protect Team Eglin’s missions.
“These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship of Eglin’s natural resources while providing recreational opportunities,” said Justin Johnson, 96th Civil Engineer Group Natural Resources chief. “Access to the reservation is a privilege, not a right — it’s important to enjoy it safely and responsibly.”
Background checks
A background check is a requirement for ages 16 years or older for a new or to renew a recreation permit effective immediately. This requirement applies to all permit types.
The 96th Security Forces Squadron checks potential criminal history and offense types of each application during the background check.
The processing time can take up to 72 hours. Applicants must have an iSportsman account to complete the process. New customers can register for an account on the website.
Check-in/out procedures
Coastal Restriction Areas require mandatory check-ins and outs. This begins for dove fields Sept. 27 and camping areas Oct. 1 via the iSportsman website to keep personnel accountability on the range.
Deer dog hunting
The deer-dog hunting permit system transitions to a lottery-based system for the 2025-26 season and applies to hunters age 16 years or older wanting to hunt in dog hunt areas during the general gun season. General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamps for 2025-26 are valid from Nov. 1 to Feb. 8, 2026.
These permits designate access to dog hunting areas and will cost $50. People can apply Sept. 15 – 30. Lottery results post on the iSportsman website by Oct 8.
Hunting within the open portions of the Eglin Reservation can occur Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays during the general gun season across all management units.
For complete details on changes, times, dates, and processes visit the ISportsman website.
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