Top Hunting Places in Augusta, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia—famous for the Masters Tournament and its Southern charm—is also a prime destination for hunters seeking abundant game populations, well-maintained public land, and quick access to diverse hunting terrain. With the Savannah River Basin, Piedmont woodlands, and nearby Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Augusta offers hunting opportunities for everyone from bowhunters to waterfowlers. Here’s an in-depth look at the top hunting spots near Augusta, Georgia, tailored to maximize your season’s success.

1. Di-Lane Wildlife Management Area – Premier Public Hunting Land

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Just 30 minutes south of Augusta in Waynesboro, Di-Lane WMA is one of Georgia’s most celebrated WMAs for quail and deer hunting.

Key Features

• Size: Over 8,000 acres
  
• Species: Deer, turkey, small game, feral hogs, quail
  
• Habitat: Longleaf pine restoration areas with open pine savannas and hardwood hammocks
  
• Special hunts: Quota deer hunts and youth hunts
  

Di-Lane is part of the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, making it a top destination for upland game hunters. With ample open habitat, it’s also an ideal area for still hunting deer and scouting turkey sign early in the season.

2. Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area – Swamps and Ridges

About 90 minutes east of Augusta, Tuckahoe WMA spans more than 15,000 acres in Screven County and offers a remote, wild experience.

Key Features

• Species: Deer, turkey, wild hogs, duck, dove, small game
  
• Topography: Bottomland hardwoods, swamp margins, pine ridges
  
• Access: Some roads require high-clearance vehicles
  

This area is known for trophy bucks and large wild hogs, especially in the early firearm season. Waterfowl hunters can also take advantage of the sloughs and oxbows near the Savannah River floodplain.

3. Yuchi Wildlife Management Area – Remote and Rugged

Situated 50 miles south of Augusta near Midville, Yuchi WMA offers over 7,800 acres of mixed forest and riparian zones.

Key Features

• Game available: Deer, turkey, hogs, small game
  
• Primitive camping: Available on-site
  
• Draw hunts: Required for many firearms seasons
  

Yuchi is a less trafficked WMA, ideal for bowhunters or those who enjoy tracking along creeks and thick cover. The deer population is healthy, and hogs are plentiful in the southern sections of the WMA.

4. Big Dukes Pond WMA – For Waterfowl and Dove Hunters

Located just over an hour west of Augusta, Big Dukes Pond WMA is a wetland-focused area that provides excellent conditions for bird hunting.

Key Features

• Target species: Ducks, doves, rabbits, deer (limited)
  
• Access: Quota-only duck hunts; check-in required
  
• Special habitat: Shallow ponds and seasonal wetlands
  

Bring your waders and layout blinds—ducks move through this flyway in late fall, and when conditions are right, early mornings at Big Dukes Pond can be highly productive.

5. Clarks Hill Wildlife Management Area – Close and Convenient

Located just north of Augusta near Clarks Hill Lake (also known as Thurmond Lake), Clarks Hill WMA offers a convenient hunting option close to the city.

Key Features

• Game available: Deer, squirrel, turkey, small game
  
• Terrain: Mixed hardwood-pine forest, ridgelines, and creek bottoms
  
• Recreational access: Adjacent to boating, fishing, and camping
  

It’s a fantastic spot for an after-work hunt or scouting trip. While the deer population here is smaller than in more remote areas, the ease of access makes Clarks Hill WMA a reliable fallback.

6. Private Hunting Clubs and Leases near Augusta

If you’re looking for less pressure, consistent management, and access to larger tracts, private hunting land around Augusta provides some of the best options in Georgia.

Notable Options

• Old River Road Hunting Club (Burke County): Quality deer management and food plots
  
• Plantation-style lodges in Jefferson and Lincoln Counties
  
• Wrightsboro Hunting Preserve: Guided hog and deer hunts
  

Private land often features established stands, supplemental feeding programs, and lower hunter density, leading to higher success rates and more predictable animal patterns.

Hunting Seasons in Augusta, GA Area

Licensing & Permits

Before hunting in the Augusta area, be sure to:

• Buy a Georgia hunting license at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com
• Purchase a WMA permit for public land access
  
• Apply for quota hunts for firearms deer, turkey, and duck seasons
  
• Use the Game Check system to report deer and turkey harvests
  
• Follow all bag limits and blaze orange requirements during firearms season
  

Top Hunting Tips for Success in Augusta

• Scout river corridors and transition zones. Wildlife uses these as natural travel routes, especially near the Savannah River and its tributaries.
  
• Use trail cameras early. Monitoring patterns in late August can yield crucial intel for archery season.
  
• Go midweek. Pressure drops significantly on weekdays, especially in high-traffic WMAs.
  
• Take advantage of burn zones. Recently burned areas often offer fresh green shoots that attract deer and turkey.
  
• Practice scent control—Humidity in this region holds scent longer—use scent-free soaps, sprays, and Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for gear protection.
  

Connect with the Local Hunting Community

• Georgia Outdoor News (GON): Weekly reports and local hunting forums
  
• DNR Events: Public hunting seminars and youth hunts throughout the region
  
• Local gear shops: Visit Academy Sports in Augusta or Sportsman’s Link in Waynesboro for regional hunting supplies
  

Conclusion

From the pine savannas of Di-Lane to the swamps of Tuckahoe and the rolling hardwoods around Clarks Hill, Augusta is surrounded by dynamic hunting ecosystems. Whether you're chasing a gobbling tom at daybreak, tracking a bruiser buck through floodplains, or setting up for a morning duck flight, there’s something for every hunter in this diverse region.