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Georgia Hunting Area

Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sapelo Island • McIntosh County • South Georgia & Coast

Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge is a boat-access barrier island refuge with managed archery deer and feral hog hunts.

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Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge
NWR National Wildlife Refuge

Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge

Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge is a 5,618-acre barrier island refuge in McIntosh County. The refuge offers scheduled three-day archery deer hunts, and feral hogs may also be taken under refuge hunt rules. The island is accessible only by boat, and hunters must arrange their own transportation. Tide conditions are important for access. Confirm current hunt dates, permits, boat-access logistics, tides, state licenses, and property-specific federal regulations before visiting.

Hunting Opportunities

Species and access notes

Use these as planning categories only. Seasons, quota details, legal methods, bag limits, and property-specific rules must be confirmed through Georgia DNR before visiting.

Listed Game Opportunities

Deer Feral Hog

Hunt & Access Flags

  • Quota Hunts: No
  • Youth Hunts: No
  • Specialty Hunts: Yes
  • Developed Camping: No
  • Primitive Camping: No
  • Boat Access Required: Yes
Facilities & Recreation

Features at Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge

Features are based on researched property data and should be verified with official sources before making a trip plan.

Hunting

Archery Hunting

Archery hunting is allowed in accordance with current Georgia hunting regulations. Confirm season dates, legal methods, and whether any part of the property has an archery-only restriction before planning a hunt.

Other Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

This property also offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Wear visible clothing and be aware of open hunting seasons when visiting.

Ownership

National Wildlife Refuge

This property includes national wildlife refuge. Confirm current availability, access, hours, and seasonal restrictions before visiting.

Access

Federal Refuge Permit Required

This property includes federal refuge permit required. Confirm current availability, access, hours, and seasonal restrictions before visiting.

Access

Boat Access Only

This property includes boat access only. Confirm current availability, access, hours, and seasonal restrictions before visiting.

Habitat

Barrier Island Refuge

This property includes barrier island refuge. Confirm current availability, access, hours, and seasonal restrictions before visiting.

Ownership

Coastal Refuge Complex

This property includes coastal refuge complex. Confirm current availability, access, hours, and seasonal restrictions before visiting.

Planning Notes

Important details before you go

These notes summarize durable planning considerations. Current regulations and closures can change.

Hunting Summary

Hunting opportunities include scheduled archery deer hunts and feral hog harvest under refuge hunt rules.

Habitat

Barrier island habitat with maritime forest, salt marsh, beach, and designated wilderness areas.

Access Notes

The island is accessible only by boat. Hunters must arrange their own transportation and pay close attention to tides.

Camping

Camping may be governed by refuge hunt-specific rules; confirm current hunt regulations before planning overnight logistics.

Specialty Hunts

Scheduled archery hunt opportunities are available; confirm current dates and permit rules.

Safety Notes

Federal refuge rules apply in addition to Georgia hunting regulations.

Fees & Passes

A Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex hunt permit or refuge-specific hunt authorization is required for scheduled hunts.

Map & Directions

Find Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge

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