In these uncertain times, we know you have questions about hunting, fishing, or recreational opportunities. Here’s some answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions. We’ll update this list as questions and answers change.
Can I still hunt or fish?
Hunting and fishing have not been cancelled, and all game and fish laws remain in place, including license requirements.
What about hunting and fishing once the executive order takes effect?
Outdoor activities may include hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, hiking, etc. provided individuals maintain a distance of six (6) feet between all persons who are not occupants of the same household or residence.
What about traveling to and from the location I’m hunting or fishing?
Travel is permitted to perform hunting, fishing, and boating activities.
Are Wildlife Management Areas, Public Fishing Areas, and DNR Ranges still open?
All DNR properties remain open to the public but you are asked to maintain the 6-ft dispersal recommendation. Below are links to the lists of these properties:
If a program or property is closed or has restrictions, where can I find that information?
You can find an updated list of closures at: https://georgiawildlife.com/closures
Has my Quota Hunt been cancelled?
At this time, no managed hunts have been cancelled.
What about the National Forest or a lake owned by another agency/company/organization?
If the property is not DNR property, you are encouraged to reach out to these areas specifically to ask about any area restrictions or closures. You can find U.S. Forest Service Alerts and Notices at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/conf/alerts-notices
I don’t know which agency/company/organization oversees a certain property. How do I find out?
For lakes and reservoirs visit our fishing forecasts page and click the name of the property you’re interested in fishing. The contact information for the overseeing partner will be in the text box to left of the map just under the description.
Is camping still available?
Camping is allowed on Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Management Areas and Public Fishing Areas, provided individuals maintain a distance of six (6) feet between all persons who are not occupants of the same household or residence.
What about camping and access to state parks?
Trails, boat ramps, fishing docks, campsites, cabins and golf courses remain open, allowing you to enjoy being outside. Safety is DNR’s priority, so playgrounds are closed while visitor centers, museums and other buildings are limiting walk-in access. Rangers are still on site, available to assist guests and answer phones. Coral Hospitality which manages the five lodge parks for Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is modifying some operations beginning this weekend. Stay up to date with State Parks alerts and closures at: https://gastateparks.org/Alerts.
If you have other questions, feel free to reach out to staff at any of the WRD Regional Offices around the state: https://georgiawildlife.com/about/contact
KATHY LANNING
This is dated April 2, is the expected to change tomorrow April 3, when Governor Kemp’s Shelter in Place goes into effect? I provide Information to North Georgia Community and need Information ASAP. Thank You
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
This information is taking into account the shelter-in-place order. We do not anticipate changes once the order going into effect.
William Charles King
Governor Kemp has issued a clear listing of what he deems “essential” for travel…hunting and fishing are not included. Is the GA DNR overstepping its authority? Has the GA DNR directly asked Governor Kemp if he intends to issue citations to hunters traveling to/from hunting areas, WMAs? I for one would love nothing more than to continue my 2020 Spring Turkey season. However, the GA DNR is not giving clear instructions, as relating to the Governor’s “Shelter-In-Place” order. “You will still need to follow all ordinances placed within the county or city you live or plan to visit.” This is a vague statement. The Governor overrides all county and city ordinances. Please, on behalf of the thousands of men and women who enjoy GA’s great outdoors, direct this question to Governor Kemp and let us all no definitively.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Outdoor exercise activities include hunting, fishing, and boating, provided individuals maintain a distance of six (6) feet between all persons who are not occupants of the same household or residence.
Kendall fowler
Can I still fish at Bruce Creek in toccoa geogia, after april 3rd
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Bruce Creek is not a DNR property. You’ll want to reach out to Stephens County Parks and Recreation at (706) 886-5101.
Ravila bowen
Can I hunt deer
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
No. Deer season is currently closed.
Andrew
I dont have a physical copy of my license but I can pull it up online easy in my app. Do I need to be concerned about this?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Having the license on your Go Outdoors Georgia app is all you need. You don’t need to have a paper copy. You’re good to go!
Carolyn Warren
If this drags out too long it may be pertinent to open deer season back up for a set amount of days so that families (mine included) can fill the freezer again. We are putting a hurting on my husband’s last kills as the food at stores is scarce. Just a suggestion. I know the heat is a factor in meat safety but persons that choose to can take whatever measures they will need, to be able to harvest safely. Thanks for the opportunity to make a suggestion. Stay safe everyone!!
Teri Farmer
Does are pregnant now. Inhuman to hunt.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Deer are not in season right now. The only hunting season currently open is for turkey.
Sean
Lots of people are curious including myself whether the boat launch areas will remain open?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
DNR operated boat ramps remain open. If the boat ramp is owned by another entity, you will want to check with them to confirm whether they have closed or have restrictions in place.
Oliva Claxton
Can we fish under a shelter in place order
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Fishing has not been “cancelled.” You will still need to follow all ordinances placed within the county or city you live or plan to visit. Additionally, all DNR properties remain open to the public but you are asked to maintain the 6-ft dispersal recommendation. If the lake is not DNR property, you are encouraged to reach out to these areas specifically to ask about any area restrictions or closures.
Shawn cora.
What about campgrounds , ate they still open
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Camping on Wildlife Resources Division property remains open. For a list of Georgia State Parks camping closures, visit: https://gastateparks.org/Alerts
Brooke Brakefield
Going to that link, they have not updated about state parks since March 30th. Do you suspect that they will have an update tomorrow about campgrounds?
Sean
This may be a silly question but is the department of natural resources a division of the us army corps of engineers?
Stan Bradley
DNR is a State agency and USACOE is Federal agency, so no.
gordon barton
No, it isn’t. But they can share jurisdictions. For example, Lake Lanier is a USACE asset but it’s also patrolled by DNR (as well as local and county LEA’s)
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
No. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is a state agency while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is federal.
Brooke Brakefield
We have plans to camp at Mistletoe campground Friday and Saturday night. Would you know if this will remain open with shelter in place order?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
State Park campsites not managed by Coral Hospitality remain open. Stay tuned for closures and alerts for State Park at: https://gastateparks.org/Alerts
John Norris
I read the Executive Order and it says that unless you are traveling to an essential business or shopping for basic necessities…you are to shelter in place. Are we free to travel Georgia roads to and from a local boat ramp?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Outdoor exercise activities will include hunting, fishing, and boating, provided individuals maintain a distance of six (6) feet between all persons who are not occupants of the same household or residence. Travel is permitted to perform hunting, fishing, and boating activities.
Anonymous
Like was previously asked. I’m not fighting with fools at walmart over meat so can I hunt for food as in deer. It’s safer than being around the public as you know.
elaine sisson
We own property in alabama on the river are we able to go there
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Outdoor exercise activities will include hunting, fishing, and boating, provided individuals maintain a distance of six (6) feet between all persons who are not occupants of the same household or residence.
Sheila
My sister was trying to get a fishing license online she is disabled but couldn’t figur out how to buy the 3 yr license online please email me that information if its not too much trouble thank you stay safe and be blessed
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Your sister will want to complete the application at: https://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes/disability. She can then email the completed application and any required documents to weblbru@dnr.ga.gov.
David
Are you allowed to be on Lake Sinclair, in a boat or wave runner, during the shelter in place order that took affect on April 3rd?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Outdoor exercise activities will include hunting, fishing, and boating, provided individuals maintain a distance of six (6) feet between all persons who are not occupants of the same household or residence.
Lake Sinclair is owned by Georgia Power. For specific information, you’ll want to reach out to them at 706-484-7500.
Jeff Tomberlin
I was wanting to leave today to go turkey hunting for the weekend. If I leave today and stay in place and drive back Sunday will I be at risk of getting fined?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Outdoor exercise activities will include hunting, fishing, and boating, provided individuals maintain a distance of six (6) feet between all persons who are not occupants of the same household or residence. Travel is permitted to perform hunting, fishing, and boating activities.
Lonnie
What are other recreational actives. Riding motorcycle. Paddle boating. Camping. Please describe
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and hiking are outdoor recreational opportunities that I can confirm are allowed.
John
What about camping at a state park to practice social distancing? We are suppose to go this weekend but now are not so sure.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Campsites at State Parks not managed by Coral Hospitality. Stay up-to-date with State Parks alerts and information at: https://gastateparks.org/Alerts
Justin
What are the rules for recreational boating on the lake with your immediate family that does not involve fishing? Are these activities still available with the updated order? Thanks.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Outdoor exercise activities will include hunting, fishing, and boating, provided individuals maintain a distance of six (6) feet between all persons who are not occupants of the same household or residence.
Jon
What about trout fishing is the DNR still going to stock the creeks and what not? What about the disability spots by the hatcheries?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Stocking is still in action!
victor lee pogue
Where can I find a map of all the stocking chutes used to stock Ga rivers and streams with trout?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
WRD doesn’t post a stocking map. We do publish a trout report every Friday and have an interactive trout stream map:
Stocking Report: https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/trout/Weekly_Stocking_Report.pdf
Trout Stream Map: https://gadnrwrd.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=af50967627004b178ccd7264124fe5fd