Top Hunting Places in Alpharetta, Georgia

Alpharetta, Georgia, is known for its tech-driven growth and suburban charm, but many don't realize it’s also ideally situated for easy access to some of North Georgia’s best hunting grounds. With just a short drive, hunters can reach thriving Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), National Forests, and even private hunting clubs that offer year-round opportunities to pursue deer, turkey, wild hogs, and more. Here’s a detailed guide to the top hunting places near Alpharetta for both seasoned sportsmen and beginners.

1. Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area – Closest WMA to Alpharetta

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Located just 35 minutes north of Alpharetta, Dawson Forest WMA is a prime hunting destination that spans over 25,000 acres across Dawson County.

Key Features

• Species: Deer, turkey, hogs, squirrel, rabbit, and small game
  
• Terrain: Thick hardwoods, pine stands, and creek bottoms
  
• Hunting type: Archery-only in some zones; firearms permitted in others
  

Dawson Forest includes both the City of Atlanta Tract and Wildcat Creek Tract, offering varied terrain and regulations. It's an excellent location for those looking for a quick weekday bowhunt or a weekend excursion for deer during firearms season.

2. McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area – Riverfront Hunting Access

About an hour northwest of Alpharetta in Cherokee County, McGraw Ford WMA offers a smaller, quieter hunting spot along the Etowah River.

Key Features

• Species: Deer, turkey, small game, feral hogs
  
• Size: ~2,200 acres
  
• Hunting method: Archery-only for deer, firearms allowed for small game
  

McGraw Ford is best suited for bowhunters looking for challenging terrain and low competition. It’s a peaceful WMA known for early season whitetail action, especially near water edges and thick bedding cover.

3. Allatoona Wildlife Management Area – North Georgia Classic

Located about an hour from Alpharetta, Allatoona WMA covers over 6,000 acres near Lake Allatoona in Bartow County.

Key Features

• Game available: Deer, turkey, bear (rare), squirrel, waterfowl
  
• Habitat: Mountain foothills, ridges, creek basins, and mature forest
  
• Terrain challenge: Moderate to steep elevations—ideal for still hunting
  

Allatoona WMA is a favorite among mountain hunters who enjoy challenging hikes and strategic setups. Waterfowlers can also take advantage of nearby impoundments and creek-fed coves in the colder months.

4. Pine Log Wildlife Management Area – Remote and Rewarding

Approximately 75 minutes from Alpharetta, Pine Log WMA spans over 14,000 acres and is ideal for hunters who enjoy solitude and rugged conditions.

Key Features

• Species: Deer, turkey, bear, hogs, small game
  
• Unique angle: One of the few areas in Georgia with legal black bear hunting
  
• Access: Primitive camping and long treks required
  

Pine Log is perfect for hunters seeking backcountry experience. Be prepared for long hikes, but those who scout carefully will find low-pressure zones with impressive buck and hog sign, especially after the first frost.

5. Private Hunting Leases & Clubs Near Alpharetta

If you're looking for less crowded hunts, food plots, and stand access, there are several private options in surrounding counties like Forsyth, Cherokee, and Pickens.

Top Benefits

• Species: Managed deer herds, hogs, quail, turkey
  
• Features: Permanent blinds, feeders, tactical soft rifle cases, and guides
  
• Popular clubs: Cherokee Rose Sporting Club, Big Woods Hunting Club, and other local leases
  

These options are ideal for those willing to invest in year-round access and higher success rates, especially during firearms deer season when public land pressure intensifies.

6. Chattahoochee National Forest – Vast DIY Opportunity

Just under two hours from Alpharetta, the Chattahoochee National Forest provides hundreds of thousands of acres of open-access land for those who enjoy traditional, low-regulation hunting.

Key Features

• Game available: Deer, bear, turkey, small game
  
• Permits: State hunting license only (no WMA permit required)
  
• Best areas: Blue Ridge WMA, Coopers Creek, and Swallow Creek
  

This vast stretch of forest is ideal for experienced hunters who enjoy scouting, tracking, and long-range glassing in mountain terrain.

Hunting Seasons Near Alpharetta, GA

Required Licenses & Permits

To hunt legally in the Alpharetta area:

• Obtain a GA hunting license: GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com
  
• WMA Permit: Needed for state-managed lands
  
• Quota hunts: Required for select firearm seasons
  
• Report harvests via Game Check
  
• Blaze orange is mandatory during firearm deer season
  

Tips for a Successful Hunt Near Alpharetta

• Scout early: Use OnX or HuntStand to mark trails, bedding zones, and sign.
  
• Check rainfall: Many access roads and creek crossings become impassable in wet seasons.
  
• Midweek hunts: Public lands are far less crowded Tuesday–Thursday.
  
• Quiet gear: North Georgia terrain is dense—silent setups matter.
  
• Join local forums: GON (Georgia Outdoor News) and Facebook groups help track rut and migration activity.
  

Local Resources & Community

• Georgia DNR Events: Seasonal youth hunts and seminars
  
• Local archery shops: Kennesaw Archery Club, Bass Pro Shops in Lawrenceville
  
• Online communities: GON forums, Georgia Hunting Club, Facebook hunt swaps
  

Connecting with other hunters helps build knowledge and possibly open doors to private land opportunities through networking.

Conclusion

Alpharetta offers more than city life—it’s a gateway to some of the richest public and private hunting grounds in North Georgia. With prime WMAs like Dawson Forest and McGraw Ford, mountain terrain in Pine Log and Chattahoochee National Forest, and a thriving leasing network, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Whether you’re a bowhunter tracking bucks near the Etowah or heading north for a spring gobbler, Alpharetta puts you within striking distance of every game opportunity Georgia offers.