State Park Hunting Opportunities
State park hunting opportunities
State laws and regulations and WMA Rules (Public Hunting Opportunities) apply except as otherwise specified. Hunting opportunities are limited to only those species and dates specified for each State Park property.
Legend
Sign-in required for all bear, deer, and turkey hunts unless otherwise noted for a specific area.
s Sign-in
b Bonus Deer hunt (see Public Hunting Opportunities)
C Youth Hunt (see Youth Hunts)
Q Quota Hunt (see Quota Hunts)
a Archery Only Area
HC Specialty Hunt (see Dove & Specialty Hunts)
l Hunt & Learn
Q Quality Buck
W Mobility-Impaired Hunt – (see Mobility-Impaired Hunts)
B Bird Dog Training
F Furbearer Dog Training
R Rabbit Dog Training
A Archery Range
S Firearms Shooting Range
Balls Ferry State Park
C
525 acres • 706.595.4222
Deer
Archery
- Sept. 9-Oct. 13, Oct. 21-Jan. 14
Firearms
- C Oct. 14-20
Turkey
C Apr. 6-14
Archery Only: Apr. 15-May 15
Waterfowl
State season. Shooting hours end at noon.
Area Notes
No camping. On youth hunts, only youth may hunt.
Directions
From Toomsboro Take Hwy 57 east 7.5 miles. Park on the left before the Oconee River Bridge.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
Q b
2,910 acres • 770. 254.7271
Deer
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Firearms
Q110 b Nov. 28-29. NOTE: Archery option for up to 10 selected hunters.
Area Notes
Prior to hunting, hunters must check in with the Park Office or Check-in Station for site specific information, or attend a pre-hunt meeting scheduled the day before the hunt. Hunt participants are charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the Park office at (770) 254-7271. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Newnan Take U.S. 27 Alt north 1.2 miles to Franklin Rd.; turn left, go 1.2 miles to Welcome Rd.; turn right, go 8.6 miles to Hewlette South Rd.; turn right, go 0.9 miles and continue 1.9 miles on Bud Davis Rd. to Flat Rock Rd.; turn right and continue to park entrance.
don carter State Park
Q b
1,316 acres • 678.450.7726
Deer
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Firearms
Q55 b Nov. 14-16. NOTE: Archery option for up to 5 selected hunters.
Area Notes
Prior to hunting, hunters must check in with the Park Office or Check-in Station for site specific information, or attend a pre-hunt meeting scheduled the day before the hunt. Hunt participants are charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the Park office at (678) 450-7726. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Gainesville: Take I-985 to Exit 24; take Jesse Jewell Pkwy. 0.4 mi. to Limestone Pkwy. turn right, go 1.6 mi. to Clarks Bridge Rd. turn right, go 6.2 mi. to N. Browning Bridge Rd. turn right, go 1.8 mi. to park.
Dukes Creek—Smithgall Woods State Park
Q HC
4,500 acres • 706.878.3087
Deer & Bear
Archery
- Buck Only: Sept. 15-17
Primitive
- Buck Only: Nov. 8-11
Firearms
- HC Buck Only: Oct. 13-15
- Buck Only: Nov. 29-Dec. 2
Turkey
Q20 Apr. 13-14, 27-28, May 11-12
Small Game
Hunting by reservation only. Maximum 10 furbearer hunters/25 small game hunters per hunt period. Reservations must be made beginning Nov. 1 by calling (706) 878-3087.
Dec. 7-9, Jan. 4-6, Feb. 1-3
Coyote
No May 16-31 coyote & feral hog season.
Area Notes
Main gate on Tsalaki Trail opens at 5:00AM for all hunts. All hunts are restricted to the area east of Alt75 (75A).
Directions
From Helen Take HWY 75 north to Robertstown, turn left on Alt. GA 75; go 2.2 miles, turn left into Smithgall Woods at Stone Pillars; follow signs to check station.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Q b
9,049 acres • 706.663.4858
Deer
No deer hunt scheduled this year.
Directions
From Pine Mountain: Take Hwy. 27 South 1.0 mile to Hwy. 354; turn left, go 2.5 miles to Hwy. 190; turn right; follow signs.
Fort Yargo State Park
Q b
1,816 acres • 770.867.3489
Deer
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Firearms
Q85 b Nov. 28-29
Area Notes
Prior to hunting, hunters must check in with the Park Office or Check-in Station for site specific information, or attend a pre-hunt meeting scheduled the day before the hunt. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the Park office at (770) 867-3489. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Winder: Take HWY 81 Southwest, travel 1.2 miles, follow signs.
Hard Labor Creek State Park
Q b
5,804 acres • 706.557.3001
Deer
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Firearms
Q250 b Nov. 7-8
Area Notes
Prior to hunting, hunters must check in with the Park Office or Check-in Station for site specific information, or attend a pre-hunt meeting scheduled the day before the hunt. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 ParkPass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the park office at (706) 557-3001. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From I-20 From Exit 105 turn north on Newborn Rd. Go 2.3 miles to Rutledge, follow signs.
Little Ocmulgee state park
265 acres • 229.868.7474
Alligator
Hunting by special permit only. Interested hunters selected for Zone 5 must call (229) 868-7474 no later than close of business on July 31 to apply. Selected hunters will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Hunting is permitted Sun.-Thurs. during the state season only between 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Only one boating vessel per permit holder. Fishing and other non-permitted lake activities are prohibited after sunset to before sunrise.
Directions
From McRae: Take Hwy. 280 East, turn left on Hwy. 441, travel one-half mile, turn left on Spanish Moss Dr.
Mistletoe State Park
Q b
1,920 acres • 706.541.0321
Deer
No deer hunt scheduled this year.
Directions
From Thomson I-20: Travel East 3.0 miles to Exit 175, Hwy. 150; turn left, go 7.9 miles to Mistletoe Rd; turn left, go 3.0 miles to park entrance.
Panola Mountain State Park
Q b A
1,635 acres • 770.389.7801
Deer
Firearms
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Q60 b Nov. 14-15. NOTE: Archery option for up to 4 selected hunters.
Area Notes
Prior to hunting, hunters must check in with the Park Office or Check-in Station for site specific information, or attend a pre-hunt meeting scheduled the day before the hunt. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 ParkPass is required. Hunting within 50 yards of the PATH Trail is prohibited. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Atlanta Take I-20 to Exit 71; turn right on Panola Rd; go 3.6 mi to Snapfinger Rd/GA Hwy 155; go left; go 1.5 mi to park entrance on left.
Red top mountain state park
Q b
1,776 acres • 770.975.0055
Deer
Firearms
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Q50 b Nov. 14-15
Area Notes
Prior to hunting, hunters must check in with the Park Office or Check-in Station for site specific information, or attend a pre-hunt meeting scheduled the day before the hunt. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 ParkPass is required. Cabins and campsites (hunters only) are available and may be reserved through the park office at (770) 975-0055. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Atlanta: Take I-75 North to Acworth exit 285, turn right on Red Top Mountain Rd, follow signs.
Reed Bingham State Park
375 acres • 229.896.3551
Alligator
No alligator hunt scheduled this year.
Directions
From Tifton: Take I-75 South to Adel exit 39, turn right on HWY 37, follow signs.
Richard B. Russell State Park
Q W b
2,508 acres • 706.213.2045
Deer
Firearms
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Q60 & WQ20 b Dec. 5-6
Area Notes
Prior to hunting, hunters must check in with the Park Office or Check-in Station for site specific information, or attend a pre-hunt meeting scheduled the day before the hunt. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 ParkPass is required. Cabins and campsites (hunters only) may be reserved through the park office at (706) 213-2045. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs. Wheelchair hunters must apply by letter by Oct. 15 to: Wheelchair Hunt RBR State Park, 2650 Russell State Park Drive, Elberton, GA 30635.
Directions
From Elberton: Take GA-77 Northeast 1.2 miles, turn right on Ruckersville Rd, travel 7.9 miles, turn right on Russell State Park Rd.
Standing Boy Creek Recreation Area
Q C
1,580 acres • 229.430.4254
Deer
Archery only: Q20 Oct. 6-8, Nov. 3-5, 10-12, Dec. 1-3.
Turkey
Q10 C Apr. 12-14, 19-21
Q10 Archery Only: Apr. 26-28, May 3-5
Area Notes
No camping. No ATVs.
Directions
From Columbus Take HWY 219 north. Turn left on Old River Rd., go 1.5 miles. Tract on left.
Tugaloo State Park
Q b a Archery Only Area
393 acres • 706.356.4362
Deer
Bag limit: no more than 2 antlered, unlimited antlerless
Q40 b Nov. 28-29
Area Notes
Prior to hunting, hunters must check in with the Park Office or Check-in Station for site specific information, or attend a pre-hunt meeting scheduled the day before the hunt. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the Park office at (706) 356-4362. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Lavonia: Take GA-328N/Gumlog Rd. 4.0 miles to Tugaloo SP Rd; turn right, go 1.9 miles to park entrance.
Balls Ferry State Park
C
525 acres • 706.595.4222
Deer
Archery
- Sept. 10-Oct. 14, Oct. 22-Jan. 8
Firearms
- C Oct. 15-21
Turkey
C Apr. 8-16
Archery Only: Apr. 17-May 15
Waterfowl
State season. Shooting hours end at noon.
Area Notes
No camping. On Youth hunts, only youth may hunt.
Directions
From Toomsboro Take Hwy 57 east 7.5 miles. Park on the left before the Oconee River Bridge.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
Q b
2,910 acres • 770. 254.7271
Deer
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Firearms
Q100 b Nov. 29-30
Hunters must attend a pre-hunt meeting at 7:00 PM on Nov. 28. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the Park office at (770) 254-7271. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Newnan Take U.S. 27 Alt north 1.2 miles to Franklin Rd.; turn left, go 1.2 miles to Welcome Rd.; turn right, go 8.6 miles to Hewlette South Rd.; turn right, go 0.9 miles and continue 1.9 miles on Bud Davis Rd. to Flat Rock Rd.; turn right and continue to park entrance.
Dukes Creek—Smithgall Woods State Park
Q HC
4,500 acres • 706.878.3087
Deer & Bear
Archery
- Buck Only: Sept. 16-18
Primitive
- Buck Only: Nov. 9-12
Firearms
- HC Buck Only: Oct. 14-16
- Buck Only: Nov. 30-Dec. 3
Turkey
Q20 Apr. 14-16, Apr. 28-30, May 12-14
Small Game
Hunting by reservation only. Maximum 10 furbearer hunters/25 small game hunters per hunt period. Reservations must be made beginning Nov. 1 by calling (706) 878-3087.
Dec. 8-10, Jan. 5-7, Feb. 2-4
Coyote
No May 16-31 coyote & feral hog season.
Area Notes
Main gate on Tsalaki Trail opens at 5:00AM for all hunts. All hunts are restricted to the area east of Alt75 (75A).
Directions
From Helen Take HWY 75 north to Robertstown, turn left on Alt. GA 75; go 2.2 miles, turn left into Smithgall Woods at Stone Pillars; follow signs to check station.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Q b
9,049 acres • 706.663.4858
Deer
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Q100 b Jan. 3-4
Hunters must attend a pre-hunt meeting at 7:00 PM on Jan. 2. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the Park office at (706) 663-4858. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Pine Mountain: Take Hwy. 27 South 1.0 mile to Hwy. 354; turn left, go 2.5 miles to Hwy. 190; turn right; follow signs.
Fort Yargo State Park
Q b
1,816 acres • 770.867.3489
Deer
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Firearms
Q85 b Nov. 29-30
Area Notes
Hunters must attend a pre-hunt meeting at 7:00 PM on Nov. 28. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass isrequired. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the Park office at (770) 867-3489. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Winder: Take HWY 81 Southwest, travel 1.2 miles, follow signs.
Hard Labor Creek State Park
Q b
5,804 acres • 706.557.3001
Deer
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Firearms
Q250 b Nov. 2-3
Area Notes
Hunters must attend pre-hunt meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 1. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 ParkPass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the park office at (706) 557-3001. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From I-20 From Exit 105 turn north on Newborn Rd. Go 2.3 miles to Rutledge, follow signs.
Little Ocmulgee state park
265 acres • 229.868.7474
Alligator
Hunting by special permit only. Interested hunters selected for Zone 5 must call (229) 868-7474 no later than close of business on July 31 to apply. Selected hunters will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Hunting is permitted Sun.-Thurs. during the state season only between 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Only one boating vessel per permit holder. Fishing and other non-permitted lake activities are prohibited after sunset to before sunrise.
Directions
From McRae: Take Hwy. 280 East, turn left on Hwy. 441, travel one-half mile, turn left on Spanish Moss Dr.
Mistletoe State Park
Q b
1,920 acres • 706.541.0321
Deer
Firearms
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Q75 b Nov. 15-16
Area Notes
Hunters must attend pre-hunt meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 14. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 ParkPass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the park office at (706) 541-0321. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Thomson I-20: Travel East 3.0 miles to Exit 175, Hwy. 150; turn left, go 7.9 miles to Mistletoe Rd; turn left, go 3.0 miles to park entrance.
Panola Mountain State Park
Q b A
1,635 acres • 770.389.7801
Deer
Firearms
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Q54 b Nov. 8-9. NOTE: Archery option for up to 4 hunters.
Area Notes
Hunters must attend pre-hunt meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 7. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 ParkPass is required. Hunting within 50 yards of the PATH Trail is prohibited. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No ATVs.
Directions
From Atlanta Take I-20 to Exit 71; turn right on Panola Rd; go 3.6 mi to Snapfinger Rd/GA Hwy 155; go left; go 1.5 mi to park entrance on left.
Red top mountain state park
Q b
1,776 acres • 770.975.0055
Deer
Firearms
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Q50 b Nov. 15-16
Area Notes
Hunters must attend pre-hunt meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 14. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 ParkPass is required. Cabins and campsites (hunters only) are available and may be reserved through the park office at (770) 975-0055. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No small game or May 16-31 coyote season. No ATVs.
Directions
From Atlanta: Take I-75 North to Acworth exit 285, turn right on Red Top Mountain Rd, follow signs.
Reed Bingham State Park
375 acres • 229.896.3551
Alligator
Alligator hunting by special permit only; open only to hunters selected for alligator zone #4 who apply and are selected for the park hunt. Interested hunters must call 229-896-3551 no later than close of business on July 31 to apply. Selected hunters will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Only alligators between 48-96 inches are legal. Hunting is only allowed Sunday nights through Thursday nights (30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise) during state season. No ATVs. Fishing and other non-permitted lake activities are prohibited after sunset to before sunrise.
Directions
From Tifton: Take I-75 South to Adel exit 39, turn right on HWY 37, follow signs.
Richard B. Russell State Park
Q W b
2,508 acres • 706.213.2045
Deer
Firearms
Bag limit: 5, no more than 2 antlered
Q60 & WQ20 b Dec. 6-7
Area Notes
Hunters must attend pre-hunt meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 5. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 ParkPass is required. Cabins and campsites (hunters only) may be reserved through the park office at (706) 213-2045. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No small game or May 16-31 coyote season. No ATVs. Wheelchair hunters must apply by letter by Oct. 15 to: Wheelchair Hunt RBR State Park, 2650 Russell State Park Drive, Elberton, GA 30635.
Directions
From Elberton: Take GA-77 Northeast 1.2 miles, turn right on Ruckersville Rd, travel 7.9 miles, turn right on Russell State Park Rd.
Standing Boy Creek Recreation Area
Q C
1,580 acres • 229.430.4254
Deer & small game
State seasons. Archery only for deer.
Turkey
Q10 C Apr. 8-14, 15-21
Q10 Archery Only: Apr. 22-28
Coyote
No May 16-31 hog & coyote season.
Area Notes
No camping. No ATVs.
Directions
From Columbus Take HWY 219 north. Turn left on Old River Rd., go 1.5 miles. Tract on left.
Tugaloo State Park
Q b a Archery Only Area
393 acres • 706.356.4362
Deer
Bag limit: no more than 2 antlered, unlimited antlerless
Q36 b Nov. 29-30
Area Notes
Hunters must attend a pre-hunt meeting at 7:00 PM on Nov. 28. Hunt participants will be charged a $30 nonrefundable, nontransferable hunt fee and a $5 Park Pass is required. Cabins and campsites may be reserved by calling the Park office at (706) 356-4362. All park access is closed to the public during the hunt. No small game or May 16-31 coyote season. No ATVs.
Directions
From Lavonia: Take GA-328N/Gumlog Rd. 4.0 miles to Tugaloo SP Rd; turn right, go 1.9 miles to park entrance.
