Top Hunting Places Near Decatur, Georgia

Decatur, Georgia, located just minutes east of Atlanta, offers urban convenience while providing quick access to some of the best hunting destinations in North and Central Georgia. Hunting is prohibited within city limits, but, outdoor enthusiasts can explore a network of wildlife management areas (WMAs), preserves, and private leases just a short drive away. Whether you're a bowhunter stalking whitetail deer or a waterfowler pursuing ducks in the wetlands, Decatur is a strategic hub for hunting adventure.

1. Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

One of Georgia’s most popular public lands, Dawson Forest WMA is located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Decatur. It spans over 25,000 acres of rugged hardwood ridges, creek bottoms, and pine thickets.

What You Can Hunt:

• Whitetail Deer
  
• Wild Turkey
  
• Feral Hogs
  
• Squirrel, Rabbit, and other small game
  

Why Hunters Choose Dawson Forest:

• Bowhunting-only areas for increased safety
  
• Primitive camping available
  
• High deer density and public access areas
  

2. Clybel WMA (Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center)

Roughly 1 hour southeast of Decatur in Mansfield, GA, Clybel WMA offers over 6,400 acres of diverse habitat, from bottomland hardwoods to open fields.

Primary Game:

• Deer (archery and firearm)
  
• Turkey (quota hunts available)
  
• Dove and small game
  

Bonus Features:

• Youth and mobility-impaired hunts
  
• On-site shooting range
  
• Excellent educational programs for novice hunters
  

3. McGraw Ford WMA

Located about an hour northwest near Ball Ground, McGraw Ford WMA offers 2,255 acres along the scenic Etowah River. Its mixed hardwoods and river access make it a solid spot for bowhunters and turkey chasers.

Game Availability:

• Archery deer only
  
• Spring turkey
  
• Small game
  

Access Tips:

• Parking is limited, arrive early
  
• Prepare for moderate terrain and river crossings
  

4. Hard Labor Creek State Park – Controlled Hunts

Though it’s better known for camping and recreation, Hard Labor Creek State Park, just over an hour east of Decatur, hosts controlled quota deer hunts in partnership with the Georgia DNR.

Why It's Unique:

• Limited-entry hunts mean less competition
  
• High deer harvest rates
  
• Well-maintained and scenic park grounds
  

5. Private Hunting Leases Near Decatur

For hunters seeking year-round access and privacy, the areas surrounding Decatur — especially in Henry, Newton, Walton, and Morgan counties — are home to numerous hunting leases.

Advantages:

• Less hunting pressure and more game opportunities
  
• Controlled feeding and land management
  
• Option to build stands, place trail cams, and manage herds
  

How to Lease:

• Check listings on Georgia Outdoor News (GON) classifieds
  
• Consider lease brokers such as BaseCampLeasing
  
• Check with local landowners and timber companies
  

6. Wilson Shoals WMA

Located about 90 minutes northeast in Lula, GA (about 90 minutes from Decatur), Wilson Shoals WMA is known for its excellent dove fields and productive small game areas.

Primary Targets:

• Dove
  
• Small game
  
• Archery deer
  

Facilities:

• Public shooting range
  
• Designated dove fields with regular maintenance
  

7. Chattahoochee National Forest (Remote Hunts)

For those willing to travel 2+ hours from Decatur, the Chattahoochee National Forest offers hundreds of thousands of acres of public access land, rugged terrain, and multi-species hunting opportunities.

Game Found Here:

• Bear
  
• Whitetail deer
  
• Feral hogs
  
• Turkey and small game
  

Tips:

• Cell service is unreliable—download offline maps
  
• Ideal for backcountry hunters and multi-day trips
  

Top Game Species Near Decatur, GA

 

Where to Buy Hunting Gear Around Decatur

Outfit yourself with gear, ammo, and advice at these reliable nearby shops:

• Adventure Outdoors – Smyrna: One of the largest gun stores in the Southeast
  
• Bass Pro Shops – Lawrenceville: Full selection of hunting and outdoor gear, including Tactical Soft Rifle Cases.
  
• Stone Mountain Gun & Pawn – Lithonia: Local and well-stocked
  

Georgia Hunting Requirements

To hunt legally in Georgia, all hunters must carry:

• Georgia Hunting License
  
• WMA Permit (if on public land)
  
• Harvest Record (free but required for deer and turkey)
  
• Big Game License for deer, bear, or turkey
  
• Hunter Safety Certification (if born after Jan 1, 1961)
  

All licenses and records are available at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

Pro Tips for Hunting Near Decatur

• Scout before the season: Use mapping tools like onX Hunt or HuntStand
  
• Arrive early on public lands: Parking fills up fast during peak weekends
  
• Use scent control: Especially important on pressured public tracts
  
• Hunt midweek for less competition
  
• Check for quota hunt deadlines (usually due in summer)
  

Final Thoughts: Gateway to Georgia's Game

Living in Decatur gives you the best of both worlds — access to a thriving urban lifestyle and a short drive to wild, well-managed hunting terrain. From Dawson Forest’s vast hardwoods to Charlie Elliott’s well-maintained ranges, Decatur is ideally situated for hunters looking to harvest big game and create lasting memories in the Georgia woods.

Whether you’re chasing the November rut or scouting for gobblers in the spring, the hunting grounds around Decatur are ready — all you need is a tag, your gear, and a willingness to explore.