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Georgia Hunting Area

Dawson Forest WMA

Dawsonville • Dawson County • North Georgia High Country

Dawson Forest WMA near Dawsonville offers North Georgia public hunting, five WMA tracts, trails, camping areas, and deer, bear, turkey, small game, dove, and waterfowl opportunities.

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Dawson Forest WMA
WMA Wildlife Management Area

Dawson Forest WMA

Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area is located in Dawson County. The 25,500-acre property includes five tracts: Wildcat Creek, Goethe, Burnt Mountain, Amicalola, and City of Atlanta. DNR owns about 15,000 acres, while the City of Atlanta owns the lower 10,000 acres. The property offers hunting for deer, bear, turkey, small game, dove, and waterfowl. Confirm current road closures, trail rules, permits, camping dates, licenses, hunt dates, and WMA 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 Turkey Bear Waterfowl Dove Small Game

Hunt & Access Flags

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

Features at Dawson Forest WMA

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

Camping

Primitive Campsites

Primitive campsites may be available. Expect basic camping with limited or no hookups unless official property notes say otherwise.

Water Access

Lake

Lake access is available at this property. Confirm fishing, boating, and shoreline rules before planning around lake use.

Day Use

Picnic Sites

Picnic sites are available at this property. Confirm current access, seasonal restrictions, and day-use rules before visiting.

Other Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

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

Other Recreation

Fishing

Fishing is available as a recreation activity. Confirm licenses, seasons, and property-specific access 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 deer, bear, turkey, small game, dove, and waterfowl.

Habitat

Mixed North Georgia forest with improved roads, marked trails, backcountry trails, and old single-track roadbeds.

Access Notes

Special rules apply to horse, bicycle, and camping use; permits may be required and rules are posted at trailheads, camping areas, and the WMA check station.

Vehicle Access

Roads on the City of Atlanta tract are closed to vehicles daily from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. except for legal camping, hunting, or fishing access.

Camping

Camping is allowed only in designated camping areas and only during listed hunting-season dates.

Safety Notes

Trails close all day during firearms deer hunts except for hunter use, and close before 10 a.m. during archery deer and turkey firearms seasons.

Closures

DNR posts current notices for bridge and winter-storm-related road closures.

Fees & Passes

Land Access requires a hunting license, fishing license, or Lands Pass.

Map & Directions

Find Dawson Forest WMA

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