Finding somewhere to hunt can be one of the hardest parts of hunting. It’s also something that can prevent new hunters from participating. There’s good news though – there’s always room on one of Georgia’s 105 wildlife management areas (WMA) and all you need is valid hunting license to access them.
Whether you’re new to hunting or new to hunting public land, here are step-by-step instructions on locating a wildlife management area (WMA) near you that fits your needs.

James Jordan and his 4.5 year old, 11 point buck from Ocmulgee WMA.
- Head over to the Wildlife Resources Division hunting locations page.
Once the page loads, you’ll see an interactive map of Georgia with orange dots scattered across the state. The orange dots are Georgia’s public hunting opportunities.
2. Pick your hunting quarry.
Click the deer icon to display a list of game species. Select the species you’re interested by toggling the switch next to the name. It will turn green when it’s activated.

The brown circle is around the button that generates the list of game species you can filter from.

List shows the green “activated” toggle switch for deer.
**Note: You can select multiple species. However, the map will show areas that offer hunting opportunities for species 1 AND species 2 not areas open for species 1 OR species.
3. Find the perfect place to hunt close to home.
The button to the right of the deer is the Near Me command (circled above). Type in your address and enter how many miles away from your location you’re willing to travel. Once you press enter, a list of WMA’s meeting your requirements will appear below your address. Click on the WMA’s listed beneath your address for more information, a link to the property, and the area’s phone number.

Brown circle is around the “Near Me” button.

Map showing WMAs within selected distance from address.
4. Get ready for your hunt!
Before you head out for your WMA hunting adventure check the hunting regulations for season dates and any restrictions the property has. These can be found on beginning on page 46 of the hunting regulations popular guide. The WMAs are listed in alphabetical order in the popular guide, so you can easily flip through the properties to find your desired WMA. You can also visit the WMA’s website for more information.
5. What should you do when you get there?
When you arrive at the WMA, park in the designated parking area, should the WMA have one, or park along the side of the road and hike in. The Go Outdoors Georgia app provides a map of the WMA to use as a guide of the property on the convenience of your phone. If you’re hunting a sign-in or bonus hunt make sure you sign or check in. You can register beginning at noon one day before the hunt at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com. Remember to have fun and use good hunting etiquette!
*These instructions can also be used to locate public fishing areas by substituting the link in Number 1 with https://georgiawildlife.com/locations/fishing.
Jack W. Poole
Above at #1 you say “Head over to the Wildlife Resources Division hunting locations page.” What does that mean? How do I find that page? I’ve looked, but I don’t find it. You need to make the directions more clear
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Jack — Sorry about that. The links didn’t hold after the blog was posted. They’re all in there now though. Thanks for letting us know!
Jack W. Poole
Thanks! I thought maybe I was just stupid.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Nope. Just a technology error!
Steve Drenkard
Georgia regs need to address hunting ducks with 22 caliber steel pellets from a high power air rifle; a potentially popular form of urban hunting.
Robert Weeks
Georgia has it made for public land. Being a Georgia raised individual and living there 36 years I took for granite the public land availability and restrictions to help grow the deer. I now have lived in illinois the last 4 years and their standards and restrictions on public land don’t hold up to what Georgia does for their public land. Georgia has it made and is very dedicated to their sportsman. GREAT JOB GEORGIA DNR!!
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Thanks for your support, Robert! Make sure you come back and hunt Georgia sometime soon.
Nick
Hello, I’m having some trouble figuring things out. I have a valid hunting License so do I need anything else to hunt a the clarks hill WMA land?
Riley
Most of the WMAs around the CSRA are quota hunts, which means you have to enter a lottery and be chosen before the season starts to be granted access.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
You only need your valid hunting license. The WMA stamp is now included.
Nick Baker
I’m having trouble figuring out this wma stuff. Do I need anything other then my hunting License to hunt wma land?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
No problem! All you’ll need is your hunting license and a big game stamp if you’re hunting deer.
Mathew
You don’t need a WMA stamp any more?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Nope. The WMA stamp is now part of your hunting license.
William Bird
Is Redlands WMA open to deer hunting all season or is it a quota hunt only area. I use to hunt WMA’s years ago, and haven’t in 20 years. Also, I use to be in a club which bordered Redlands years ago, so I’m familiar with some areas. I have a 12 year old son which I want to introduce hunting to.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi William! Redlands WMA is open for general firearms hunting Nov. 3-30 and Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2019 and is either-sex during those dates. Have fun out there!
Daniel Hamilton
Can I get some clarification on open land. My question is there is a lot of land around me that isn’t fenced in or posted what are the rules on hunting this land?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
You’ll want to reach out to our Law Enforcement Division for this question. Their number is 770-918-6408.
Rickey Tant jr
Me along with some fellow hunter have been hunting the Oconee National forest south below Jackson lake and we are trying to figure out the dates that you are allowed to hunt with a weapon and for bow for deer. Have heard that the season is on hold for rifle from dec 3-25 and also have hear that bow season runs until Jan 13 ending the 2019 season. And is the set dates for Oconee WMAs the same as the National Forest
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
The dates for Oconee WMA are different from the National Forest.
Here are the deer hunting dates for Oconee National Forest:
ARCHERY
»»Either Sex: Sept. 8-Oct. 12
»»During Firearms Deer season, archers must follow Firearms either sex dates on the National Forest. May use muzzleloaders during firearms season but is restricted to buck only.
PRIMITIVE
»»Either Sex: Oct. 13-19
FIREARMS
»»Buck Only: Oct. 20-Nov. 2, Nov. 5-23, Nov. 26-Dec. 2, Dec. 31 – Jan. 13
»»Either Sex: Nov. 3-4, Nov. 24-25, Dec. 26-30
You can find this information in our regulations guide here: http://www.eregulations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/18GAHD_LR2.pdf
Oconee WMA Is on page 59 and Oconee National is page 67.