TRAINING DOGS ON WMAs & NATIONAL FORESTS

Training dogs for the purpose to pursue any game animal or furbearer on a WMA is only allowed during the designated hunting dates for that species listed for each WMA, unless otherwise specified.

Training dogs is allowed on the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests outside of WMAs August 15 – May 31, except for bears and hogs (those dates provided below).

All dogs must be confined or kept on a leash except when hunting or training during designated seasons or on designated areas. Hunters must remove their dogs upon departure. Review specific area listing for seasons and restrictions.

Restrictions:

• It is unlawful to run deer with dogs unless otherwise specified (see Dixon Memorial, Paulks Pasture, Sansavilla, and Townsend WMAs). Hunters whose dogs are found chasing deer may be appropriately charged.
• Hunters are allowed to hunt raccoons with trail dogs only.
• Trail dogs for rabbits are limited to beagles, basset hounds and dachshunds.

Bird Dog Training on WMAs

All participants must have a hunting license. Bird dog training is not allowed on every WMA, so review specific WMA listings for details.

• Pigeons and pen-raised quail may be used for the training of pointing, flushing and retrieving dogs in designated areas only.
• Dog trainer must maintain proof of purchase for pen-raised quail used in training.
• Shotguns may be used to harvest released birds during training with No. 6 or smaller shot only.

Furbearer Dog Training on WMAs

Furbearer dog training allowed when a WMA has an open season for small game, unless otherwise specified in the specific WMA listing. Some WMAs also allow furbearer dog training Aug. 1-14 and Mar. 1-19 (see table on this page for participating WMAs).

Training Dogs on Chattahoochee National Forest

The pursuit of bears and hogs for the purpose of training dogs: Aug. 1 – Sept. 12 and Jan. 2 – Mar. 19 during legal daylight hours.

Requirements for all participants:

• Possesses a valid Hunting license and Big Game license
• Check-in once per season at : Rich Mountain WMA, Swallow Creek WMA, or Warwoman WMA check station, and
• Possess a copy of check-in permit at all times when participating.

Requirements and restrictions for dogs:

• Each dog must be marked with hunter’s name, address and telephone number,
• All dogs must be removed from area upon departure, and
• It is unlawful to allow dogs to pursue bears onto lands not authorized for such activity.

Look for these symbols in a specific WMA listing:

B Bird dog training allowed

F Furbearer dog training allowed

R Rabbit dog training allowed