Top Hunting Places in Athens, Georgia

Athens, Georgia, may be best known as a college town steeped in music and culture, but it also serves as a prime basecamp for hunters seeking rich wildlife, varied landscapes, and accessible public land. Just outside the city limits, you’ll find thousands of acres of well-managed Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and private land opportunities, and year-round hunting options for everything from deer and turkey to hogs and small game. Here's a comprehensive guide to the top hunting places near Athens, Georgia, tailored for both seasoned hunters and newcomers.

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1. Redlands Wildlife Management Area – A Local Legend

Located just a short drive from Athens, Redlands WMA spans over 37,500 acres across Greene, Oglethorpe, and Putnam counties.

Key Features

• Game available: Deer, turkey, dove, small game, and waterfowl
  
• Terrain: A rich mix of hardwood bottoms, pine ridges, clearcuts, and creeks
  
• Access: No quota required for most seasons
  

Redlands WMA is a go-to for deer and turkey hunters. The area provides extensive trails, open shooting lanes, and diverse habitats that make patterning game easier. For those who enjoy spot-and-stalk or stand hunting, this WMA offers plenty of options. It’s also one of Georgia’s most popular public hunting areas, so early arrival is key during peak weekends.

2. Oconee National Forest – Vast Public Hunting Grounds

Bordering Redlands to the south, the Oconee Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a vast and lightly regulated, covering thousands of acres of huntable land.

Key Features

• Game species: Deer, bear (limited), turkey, hogs, and small game
  
• Permits: State hunting license required; no WMA stamp needed
  
• Terrain: Hilly hardwoods, pine plantations, and creek systems
  

This is an excellent location for DIY hunters who enjoy off-grid tracking, backcountry access, and low-pressure zones. Since it's not a WMA, fewer hunters venture deep into the forest, creating better chances at mature bucks or turkeys during quieter midweek outings.

3. Walton Public Dove Field – Upland & Wing Shooting

Located approximately 30 minutes from Athens, this managed dove field near Social Circle in Walton County is perfect for early-season shooting sports.

Key Features

• Best suited for: Dove hunting (Sept–Oct)
  
• Habitat: Managed agricultural fields, sunflowers, and millet plots
  
• Access: Open on specific days—check the Georgia DNR for the current schedule
  

This area sees heavy hunter turnout on opening weekends, but is well-maintained and provides a consistent flight pattern for doves, especially early in the morning and late afternoon.

4. Broad River Wildlife Management Area – Under-the-Radar

Located along the Broad River between Elbert and Madison counties, Broad River WMA is an underappreciated gem about 45 minutes east of Athens.

Key Features

• Size: 1,500 acres
  
• Game available: Deer, turkey, hogs, small game
  
• Water access: Broad River runs through the property, adding fishing and waterfowl options
  

Ideal for hunters seeking quiet mornings and low competition, Broad River’s landscape is made up of gentle slopes, mixed pine-hardwood stands, and river floodplain. It's especially good for archery hunts and small game pursuits.

5. Private Land Leases Around Athens – Controlled Access & Trophy Potential

The region surrounding Athens offers numerous private land leases, many of which are part of old family farms or corporate timberlands.

Benefits of Private Land Hunting

• Game management: Managed herds and lower hunting pressure
  
• Stands & blinds: Often include pre-set stands and maintained blinds
  
• Longer seasons: Less regulation than public WMAs
  

Top counties to explore for leases include Oglethorpe, Greene, Madison, and Jackson. Platforms like Basecamp, LandTrust, and local classifieds often list seasonal leases or day-rate private land hunts.

Athens-Area Hunting Seasons

Licensing & Regulations

To hunt legally near Athens:

• Georgia Hunting License is required for all game (available on GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com)
  
• WMA Permit is needed for Redlands, Broad River, and other state lands
  
• Quota Hunts apply for some seasons—apply in advance
  
• Harvest must be reported using the DNR's Game Check system
  

Make sure to also wear hunter orange during firearms deer season and abide by bag limits and species restrictions.

Expert Tips for Hunting Near Athens

• Scout using aerial maps: Identify clearcuts, edge cover, and water sources on Google Earth or OnX Hunt.
  
• Go midweek: Weekends get crowded; Midweek hunts (Tues-Wed) offer solitude.
  
• Stay scent-free: Georgia humidity holds scent longer—use ozone or scent-killing sprays.
  
• Bring a climbing stand: Many WMAs have limited permanent setups; being mobile helps.
  
• Check burn areas: Recently burned zones offer green regrowth that draws deer and turkey.
  
• Gear up: Protect your firearm during transport with Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for durability and discreet carry.
  

Athens Hunting Community & Resources

• UGA Forestry & Wildlife Club often runs public events and seminars
  
• Georgia Outdoor News (GON) forums share real-time harvest reports
  
• Local archery shops like Athens Archery and Social Circle Ace Hardware cater to hunters
  

Staying plugged into the local hunting scene can help you gain access to private land or learn about new spots not listed on official maps.

Conclusion

Athens, Georgia, is more than a cultural landmark—it's a prime hunting hub for hunters seeking public and private lands with abundant deer, hogs, turkey, and small game. From the vast Redlands WMA to hidden gems like Broad River and the backwoods of Oconee National Forest, opportunities abound within a short drive.