GeorgiaOutdoors.com
Georgia Hunting Area

Lake Russell WMA

Cornelia • Habersham County • North Georgia High Country

Lake Russell WMA near Cornelia is a 17,300-acre U.S. Forest Service public hunting area with deer, bear, turkey, small game, coyote, primitive camping, trails, specialty hunts, and youth hunts.

View on Adventure Map Official Area Page
Lake Russell WMA
WMA Wildlife Management Area

Lake Russell WMA

Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area is located in Cornelia on U.S. Forest Service property. This 17,300-acre property offers hunting opportunities for deer, bear, turkey, small game, and coyote. ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on U.S. Forest Service roads except on designated roads or trails, and that road closures may be listed by the U.S. Forest Service. Facilities and activities include bike trails, equestrian trails, hiking trails, lake access, primitive campsites, biking, horseback riding, hiking, specialty hunts, youth hunts, lake and river fishing, primitive camping, and wildlife viewing. Confirm current road status, access, 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 Small Game Coyote

Hunt & Access Flags

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

Features at Lake Russell WMA

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

Hunting

Youth Hunts

Youth hunt opportunities may be available. Confirm age requirements, supervision rules, application details, and hunt dates with Georgia DNR.

Hunting

Specialty Hunts

Specialty hunts may be offered on this property. Review current Georgia DNR regulations for eligibility, dates, and access requirements.

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.

Trails

Hiking Trails

Hiking trails are available at this property. Confirm trail access, closures, and whether trails overlap with hunting areas during open seasons.

Trails

Bike Trails

Bike trails or bicycle access are available at this property. Confirm whether access is recreational or limited to hunter access.

Trails

Equestrian Trails

Equestrian trails are available at this property. Confirm horse access, closures, and restrictions during managed hunts.

Trails

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is available at this property. Confirm restrictions during hunting seasons and managed hunts 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, and coyote.

Habitat

North Georgia U.S. Forest Service land with trails, lake access, and primitive camping.

Access Notes

Check U.S. Forest Service road closures before visiting.

Vehicle Access

Road closures due to damage or weather-related conditions are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

ATV Notes

ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on U.S. Forest Service roads except on roads or trails specifically designated for their use.

Camping

Primitive campsites are listed by DNR for this property.

Youth Hunts

youth hunts for this property.

Specialty Hunts

specialty hunts for this property.

Fees & Passes

No fee to access land; license required to hunt or fish.

Map & Directions

Find Lake Russell WMA

View the property location now, or use your current location to draw a driving route with mileage, travel time, and turn-by-turn directions.

Open Adventure Map

The map shows the hunting area location. Select Get Directions to add a route from your current location.