Federal Area Regulations

All deer hunts or seasons are either-sex unless otherwise noted in the area listing.

■ Banks lake NWR

912.496.7836

Alligator

Aug. 26-28

Area Notes

No commercial activities allowed. Open only to quota selected hunters in Alligator Hunt Zone 4. Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/banks-lake for more information.

■ Blackbeard Island NWR

843.784.2468

All hunters 16 years of age or older must purchase a $25 Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Annual Hunt Permit at savannahcoastal.recaccess.com. Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/blackbeard-island for seasons, dates and more information.

■ Bond Swamp NWR

C Q

478.986.5441

Deer

Archery

• Sept. 10 - Nov. 6

Firearms

• C Q50 Nov. 12-13
• Q200 Nov. 18-19, Dec. 2-3

Turkey

Bag Limit: 1 gobbler

Q40 Apr. 8-9, 21-22

Small Game

Bag Limit: 1 fox squirrel/day

Squirrel: Aug. 15-Sept. 9

Squirrel/Rabbit/Quail: Dec. 4-Jan. 31

Waterfowl

Legal hours end at noon.

Q20 Dec. 10-11, 23-24, Jan. 6-7, 20-21

Area Notes

Refuge permits are required for all hunts. Quota deer and waterfowl application deadline is September 21, 2022. Quota turkey application deadline is February 15, 2023. Sign-in required for youth deer hunt. Contact the Piedmont Refuge office to obtain applications, permits and refuge specific hunting regulations. Hunters are required to sign out harvested game at refuge check stations. Feral hogs may only be taken during refuge big game and small game hunts with applicable weapons restrictions. No May 16-31 coyote season. Baiting is prohibited. For more information call 478-986-5441 or email [email protected] check the refuge webpage or call the refuge office for updates.

■ Chattahoochee National Forest (outside of WMAs)

770.297.3000

Hunting bears with dogs is prohibited on the Chattahoochee National Forest lands outside of designated WMAs.

Deer (East of I-75) & Bear

Archery

• Buck Only: Sept. 10-Oct. 14, Jan. 2-8

Primitive

• Buck Only: Oct. 15-21

Firearms

• Buck Only: Oct. 22-Jan. 1

Deer (West of I-75) & Bear

Archery

• Sept. 10-Oct. 14
• Buck Only: Jan. 2-8

Primitive

• Oct. 15-21

Firearms

• Buck Only (except during county either-sex days): Oct. 22-Jan. 1

Turkey

Bag Limit: 1 gobbler

Apr. 8-May 15

Small Game

State seasons. The use of centerfire firearms at night is prohibited.

Dog Training

Aug. 1-Sept. 8, Jan. 2-Mar. 19

Other requirements apply, see pg. 71.

Area Notes

On all National Forest lands, discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property, is prohibited: within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; across or on a National Forest Service road or across a water body; or, into or within a cave. Transportation of any loaded weapon in a motor vehicle or possession of alcohol when hunting are prohibited. Placing, leaving, or depositing any food, bait, or garbage in a manner likely to attract or concentrate any wildlife, whether for purposes of hunting or viewing animals, is prohibited. Failure to properly store food or garbage so as to prevent access by wildlife is prohibited. Baiting is prohibited. No night hunting. Hogs and coyotes may be taken with archery equipment during archery deer season, with deer weapons during firearms deer season, with turkey weapons during turkey season and with small game weapons during small game dates. Hogs may be hunted with dogs with appropriate weapons restrictions while training dogs during dates when training season coincides with small game or turkey season. No May 16-31 coyote season. NOTE: Be aware of hikers and campers.

■ Cumberland Island NS

C Q

912.882.4336 x258

Deer

Archery

• Q125 b Oct. 4-6

Primitive

• Q100 b Nov. 8-10, Dec. 6-8

Firearms

• C Q50 b Dec. 19-20

Feral Hog

• Q100 Firearms Hog Only: Jan. 3-5, 24-26

Area Notes

Registration opens July 1st at www.pay.gov. Hunting fee is $35. No standby hunters. No non-hunters. Cumberland Island Ferry is available for access to & from the island for a fee. Mandatory check-in starts at 9:00 am EST one day prior to hunt at Plum Orchard Camp and Brickhill Campground. Children must be 12-17 for youth hunts, under age 16 must be accompanied by and under direct supervision of an adult at all times during the hunt. All NPS regulations apply to hunting areas. On primitive weapons hunts, modern centerfire handguns that meet state regulations may be used. Buckshot prohibited. Visit www.nps.gov/cuis for detailed information. No May 16-31 coyote & hog season. Baiting prohibited. All stands must be removed after the hunt.

■ Eufaula NWR

Q C b

334.687.4065

Deer

Archery

• Sept. 10-Jan. 8, except Bradley Unit which opens Nov. 1

Firearms

• C b Oct. 1, 15

Area Notes

Closed to alligator hunting. Apply Aug. 1-Sept. 15 for all quota hunts. User fees must be prepaid ($20 per hunter). Eligible ages for youth hunts are 10-15 years. A waterfowl permit holder may bring up to 2 guests (no more than 3 individuals/blind). No May 16-31 coyote & hog season.

■ Fort Gordon

Q

706.791.2397

All hunters must set up an account and acquire a permits at https://ftgordon.isportsman.ne.... Hunting and fishing permits are offered to the general public through a lottery system on the iSportsman website. Lottery winners can purchase any outdoor recreation permit, valid for one year from date of purchase or no later than Aug. 1 of the year following the drawing. Application period begins July 1 and ends July 15 each year. All hunters, regardless of age, must possess a Hunter Education Certificate. Mandatory daily check-in/ check-out. All hunting is subject to post regulations and hunting access is not guaranteed. For more information go to https://ftgordon.isportsman.net.

■ Fort Stewart &
Hunter Army Airfield

Q

912.767.9040

Alligator

Alligator: Aug. 19-Oct. 3

Alligator may only be hunted by individuals selected through the Fort Stewart iSportsman lottery system. Additional permits and restrictions apply for Zone 8A, visit https://www.ftstewart.isportsman.net for details on the lottery application. Zone 8A alligator tags count towards the statewide bag limit of 1 alligator.

Feral Hog

Feral hogs may be hunted year round. Legal shooting hours are 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Additional permits, mandatory check-in/checkout, and seasonal firearms restrictions apply. For more information visit https://www.ftstewart.isportsman.net.

Area Notes

All hunters must set up an account and acquire the appropriate installation specific permits at https://www.ftstewart.isportsman.net. Hunting permits are offered to the general public. All hunters, regardless of age, must possess a valid Hunter Education Certificate and Georgia Hunting License. Mandatory daily check-in/check-out via iSportsman system is required. All hunting is subject to post regulations and weekly/daily hunting access is not guaranteed. For all information pertaining to seasons, bag limits, seasonal firearms restrictions, mandatory check stations, and post regulations go to https://www.ftstewart.isportsman.net.

■ Harris Neck NWR

843.784.2468

All hunters 16 years of age or older must purchase a $25 Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Annual Hunt Permit at savannahcoastal.recaccess.com. Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/harris-neck for seasons, dates and more information.

■ Hartwell Lake/
Richard B. Russell Lake/
J. Strom Thurmond Lake (Clarks Hill) (USACE)

C Q

Hunting opportunity may vary by area so please visit each sites webpage for more information:

Clarks Hill — https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-and-Offices/Operations-Division/J-Strom-Thurmond-Dam-and-Lake/Natural-Resources/; Hartwell — https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-and-Offices/Operations-Division/Hartwell-Dam-and-Lake/Natural-Resources/; and Russell — https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-and-Offices/Operations-Division/Richard-B-Russell-Dam-and-Lake/Natural-Resources/. Or, contact the Corps resource manager’s office at the appropriate lake project for hunting areas: Hartwell 1-888-893-0678; J. Strom Thurmond/Clarks Hill 1-800-533-3478; Richard B. Russell 1-800-944-7207.

■ Lake Seminole/W.F. George Lake/G.W. Andrews Lake/West Point Lake/Allatoona Lake/Carters Lake (USACE)

Hunting opportunity may vary by area so please contact the appropriate COE office as provided herein. Some COE properties require a special permit for species-specific hunting; please call or check online well before the season opens as some permits can only be obtained onsite or by US mail. Contact the Corps resource manager’s office at the appropriate lake project for hunting areas: Allatoona 678-721-6700; Walter F. George 229-768-2516; Seminole 229-662-2001; Carters 706-334- 2640; West Point 706-645-2937 OR visit the website http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil- Works/Recreation/Hunting.aspx.

■ Lake Sidney Lanier (USACE)

Q

Deer

Archery

Buford Dam Unit — Nov. 15-17 (pre-hunt meeting Nov. 14)

Islands Unit — Nov. 11-14, Nov. 25-28, Dec. 9-12

Area Notes

Hunters must apply by letter containing full name, address, phone number, email (if available) and hunt(s) selection to Operations Project Manager’s Office, ATTN: Quota Hunts, 1050 Buford Dam Rd, Buford, GA, 30518 no later than 4:30 pm on October 10. One hunter per letter. For information on harvest limits, maps, access and other details visit http://go.usa.gov/SE85. No May 16-31 hog & coyote season.

■ Oconee National Forest (outside of WMAs)

706.485.1776

Deer

Archery

• Either sex: Sept. 10-Jan. 1

Primitive

• Either sex: Oct. 15-21

Firearms

• Buck Only: Oct. 22-Nov. 4, Nov. 7-25, Nov. 28-Dec. 4, Dec. 26-30, Jan. 2-8
• Either sex: Nov. 5-6, 26-27, Dec. 31-Jan. 1

Turkey

Bag Limit: 1 gobbler

Apr. 8-May 15

Small Game

State seasons

Area Notes

On all National Forest lands, discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property, is prohibited: within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; across or on a National Forest Service road or across a water body; or, into or within a cave. No dog training Mar. 20-July 31 and Sept. 10-Jan. 1. Pursuit of bears with dogs is prohibited. Hogs may be taken only during daylight hours consistent with regulations above. Coyotes may be taken during hunts; weapons are restricted to legal firearms and archery equipment for the game species specified for a particular hunt as indicated heretofore; electronic calls may be used; night hunting is prohibited. Placing, leaving, or depositing any food, bait or refuse in a manner likely to attract or concentrate any wildlife, whether for purposes of hunting or viewing animals, is prohibited. It is also prohibited to fail to properly store food or refuse to prevent access by wildlife. For public health and safety, the transportation of a loaded long gun or cocked crossbow in a motor vehicle is prohibited. NOTE: A firearm is considered “loaded” if a round of ammunition is in the chamber or magazine, a percussion cap is on the nipple, or powder is present in the frizzen pan. A “Long gun” is a firearm with an extended barrel, usually designed to be fired braced against the shoulder. It shall include all rifles, shotguns, carbines, muzzleloaders, and/or other such weapons. For public health and safety, the possession of an alcoholic beverage as defined by state law, while hunting, is prohibited.

■ Okefenokee - Cowhouse Unit

b

912.496.7836

Deer

Archery

• Sept. 10-27, Oct. 2-5, 9-14

Primitive

• b Sept. 28-Oct. 1 | s Oct. 6-8

Firearms

• Buck Only: s Oct. 15-16, 22-25
• b Nov. 3-5 | s Nov. 23-27

Turkey

Apr. 8-May 15

Small Game

Squirrel Only: Aug. 15-Nov. 11

Quail/Rabbit/Squirrel Only: Nov. 12-Nov. 18, Nov. 20-Dec. 2, Dec. 4-Feb. 28

Area Notes

Bears and alligators may not be taken. Foot travel only on ONWR portion of Cowhouse Island. No dogs allowed except pointing dogs for hunting quail. Sign-in at Dixon Memorial WMA. Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee for more information. Feral hogs may be taken May 16-31, no dogs allowed. No coyote hunting.

■ Okefenokee - Pocket Unit

912.496.7836

Deer

Archery

• Sept. 10-Nov. 6

Area Notes

Sign-in/sign-out required. Bears and alligators may not be taken. Foot travel only off paved road. No dogs allowed. Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee for more information. No May 16-31 coyote season, no coyote hunting.

■ Okefenokee NWR - Suwannee Canal Unit

Q W C b

912.496.7836

Deer

Firearms

• Q30 & W C Q10 b Oct. 21-22

Area Notes

Quota applications accepted Aug. 15-Sept. 15 at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/okef.... Youth are those 16 and under and supervised by an adult 21 or older. Hunter Education is required for youth hunters. Shooting hours close at noon; Shotguns and muzzleloaders only; hunters are charged a $15.00 permit fee; check-out required; hunters are not required to tag deer prior to check out — special NWR tags provided for two harvested deer; hunt area zoned; Chesser Island zone is for wheelchair or youth hunters only. No dogs allowed. Feral hogs may be taken: no limit. Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee for more information. No May 16-31 coyote season, no coyote hunting.

■ Piedmont NWR

C Q W b

478.986.5441

NOTE: Includes Hitchiti Experimental Forest

Deer

Archery

• Sept. 10-Oct. 2

Primitive

• Q1250 b Oct. 27-29

Firearms

• W Q25 & C Q50 s Oct. 14-15
• Q1250 b Nov. 3-5, 10-12

Turkey

Bag Limit: 1 gobbler

Q300 Apr. 11-15, 25-29, May 9-13

Small Game

Squirrel: Limit 1 fox squirrel/day Aug. 15-Sept. 9, Oct. 3-13, 16-26, Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 6-9, Nov. 13-Jan. 31

• Rabbit: Nov. 15-Jan. 31
• Quail: Nov. 25-26, Dec. 9-10, 23-24, Jan. 6-7, 20-21
• Raccoon & Opossum: Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, Dec. 30-31, Jan. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28

Area Notes

Refuge permits are required for all hunts. Applications for quota deer hunts must be received by August 31. Quota turkey hunts applications must be received by February 22. Permit fee required for all quota hunts. The Hitchiti Experimental Forest is open for hunting only during refuge hunting seasons with a valid Piedmont Refuge hunting permit and in accordance with refuge regulations. Baiting is prohibited. No May 16-31 coyote season. Contact the refuge office to obtain applications, permits and refuge specific hunting regulations (478-986-5441) or email [email protected]

■ Savannah NWR

843.784.2468

All hunters 16 years of age or older must purchase a $25 Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Annual Hunt Permit at savannahcoastal.recaccess.com. Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/savannah for seasons, dates and more information.

■ Wassaw NWR

843.784.2468

All hunters 16 years of age or older must purchase a $25 Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Annual Hunt Permit at savannahcoastal.recaccess.com. Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/wassaw for seasons, dates and more information.