Dog Training

Training Dogs On WMAs & National Forests

Unless otherwise specified, training dogs for the purpose to pursue any small game or furbearer on a WMA is allowed when a WMA has an open season for small game.

Except for bears and hogs (dates provided under Training Dogs on Chattahoochee National Forest), the training season for dogs on the Chattahoochee National Forest is Aug 15 - May 31, and the training season for dogs on the Oconee National Forest is Aug. 1 - Sept. 13, Jan. 2 - Mar. 19).

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

Some WMAs allow bird dog training year round during daylight hours (see list to right) except as otherwise noted in the area specific listing. All participants must have a hunting license.

• 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

Some WMAs allow furbearer dog training Aug. 1-14 and Mar. 1-19 (see list to right) except as otherwise noted in the area specific listing.

Training Bear & Hog 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. 16 during legal daylight hours.

Requirements for all participants:

• Possess a valid Hunting license and Big Game license.
• Sign-in once per season online at www.georgiawildlife.com

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.
• 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