North Georgia Public Land

[alex_b11]

I just moved to north Georgia and I'm trying to figure out how all the public hunting opportunities work around here. Mainly an archery deer hunter but definitely pick up the rifle when the season opens. Also want to get into bears I've just never done it before (from illinois originally). Not looking for specific spots or anything, but I wouldn't stop you if you want to share some with me, just general info on areas to look into, what the pressure is like etc.

Also, trying to figure out how the boundaries between national forest and WMA's in the national forest work. I know you have to follow WMA rules and regs within the WMA boundaries, but if you're on national forest land that is not a WMA I'm assuming you just have to follow the general state regs?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

[01Foreman400]

Welcome to Georgia. Sorry I can’t help you in your part of Georgia as I live and have always hunted in the Piedmont Region.

 

[menhaden_man]

Follow the general regs, you’ll see different color deer regions. Very limited options for does east of 75 (private land ‘doe days’) but very long season and you’re allowed two bucks, one has to be 8 pts or better.

Deer densities are much lower than other parts of Georgia but the quality of the hunts are excellent. I typically sit 20-30 mornings each fall over last five years and have yet to run into another hunter back in the woods.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

Im as far Northeast as you can get in the state. For the most you'll follow statewide regulations minus some exceptions depending on which National Forest you're in. For instance I'm East of I75 on Chattahoochee NF so there are zero doe days on NF land.

If you have anymore questions, feel free to shoot me a message. Welcome to North Georgia!

 

[dr.mooseknuckles]

Check out the Southern Outdoorsman Podcast. They have a few episodes on deer hunting in the mountains, with guests from that part of GA. Will help you more from a strategy standpoint. I've briefly looked at the regs around the N. GA area, as my mom has a house right outside of Blue Ridge. Very confusing to me.

Good luck!

 

[Rich M]

Some of those hills are mtns. The deer bed to take advantage of thermals.

Be other guys out and about, especially where deer are.

The longer the drag the bigger the bucks.

 

[Gsr1578]

Check Ga dnr regs. You can see any archery areas and there are draw opportunities you can put in for them and the deadline is very soon for this year. Good luck

 

[ShortMagFan]

Not all of north Georgia is rugged mountains. I’ve hunted all my life In Hall county on the river. Some steep spots but not mountains. And THICK with deer. Can’t help with public spots. Good luck