Top Hunting Places in Kennesaw, Georgia

Kennesaw, Georgia, located in the vibrant corridor of Cobb County, offers a surprising wealth of outdoor and hunting opportunities. While the city itself is suburban and historic, its proximity to major wildlife management areas, forests, and rivers makes it a strategic base for hunters seeking whitetail deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, or small game. In this guide, we outline the best public and private hunting areas near Kennesaw, as well as seasonal tips, gear locations, and licensing requirements.

Whitetail Deer Hunting Near Kennesaw

Kennesaw’s proximity to Allatoona Wildlife Management Area (WMA) makes it a top destination for deer hunters. Located less than 30 minutes northwest of the city, Allatoona WMA spans over 6,800 acres of mixed hardwoods, pines, and rugged terrain, offering a prime environment for stalking or stand hunting Georgia’s famed whitetail bucks.

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Hunting Season Breakdown

• Archery Season: September to early October
  
• Primitive Weapons Season: Mid-October
  
• Firearms Season: Late October to early January
  

The rut peaks in November, making it a great time for mature buck activity. Tree stands near natural funnels, creek beds, and acorn flats yield high success rates.

Turkey Hunting Hotspots Near Kennesaw

Turkey hunting in spring is a thrilling chase. Pine Log WMA, about 45 minutes north of Kennesaw, is one of the region’s finest gobbler habitats. With nearly 14,000 acres, its blend of ridge tops, hardwood bottoms, and food plots make it ideal for both solo hunts and guided expeditions.

Season Tips

• Season Duration: Late March to mid-May
  
• Focus on early morning hunts with box or diaphragm calls
  
• Avoid over-calling; mimic lone hens for better results
  

Quota hunts are sometimes required depending on the WMA, so check the Georgia DNR hunt regulations beforehand.

Waterfowl and Duck Hunting Areas

Though Kennesaw doesn’t have large wetland systems, Lake Allatoona and the Etowah River Basin provide decent duck hunting action during the winter migration.

Best Waterfowl Areas Near Kennesaw

• Proctor Landing Area (Lake Allatoona): Great for wood ducks and mallards
  
• Etowah River Corridor: Late-season opportunities for teal and divers
  

Use floating blinds or wade-in setups depending on water levels. Georgia requires a Federal Duck Stamp, Georgia Waterfowl License, and Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit for all migratory bird hunting.

Small Game Hunting Options

The foothills and forests near Kennesaw are rich with squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons. These species are often overlooked but offer great practice and exciting chases for hunters of all skill levels.

Top Spots for Small Game

• McGraw Ford WMA (near Canton)
  
• Allatoona WMA
  
• Corbin Creek Tract (undeveloped forested sections)
  

Squirrel season opens in mid-August and runs through February, while rabbit and raccoon seasons span from late fall into the winter.

Private Hunting Clubs Near Kennesaw

For hunters seeking managed land, blinds, and higher success rates, private hunting leases and clubs near Kennesaw provide exclusive access and a more curated experience.

Notable Private Hunting Options

• Redbone Ridge Hunting Club: Offers deer and turkey packages.
  
• Kennesaw Ridge Outfitters: Provides guided bow and rifle hunts within a short drive.
  
• Cherokee Hunting Club: Larger cooperative with access to thousands of acres.
  

These clubs often have waiting lists and seasonal fees, so early contact is essential.

Where to Get Gear: Hunting Supply Stores Near Kennesaw

Adventure Outdoors (Smyrna, GA)

One of the largest sporting goods stores in Georgia. Offers firearms, ammo, bows, optics, and field dressing gear.

Cabela’s (Acworth, GA)

Features camo apparel, tree stands, waterfowl decoys, and hunting blinds. Just 20 minutes from downtown Kennesaw.

Academy Sports + Outdoors (Kennesaw)

Perfect for last-minute essentials like ammo, scent blockers, game calls, and license purchases.

Essential Licensing for Georgia Hunters

All hunters in Georgia must be properly licensed; the following are typically required:

• Annual Hunting License
  
• Big Game License (for deer/turkey)
  
• WMA License (if hunting public land)
  
• Federal Duck Stamp (for waterfowl)
  
• Hunter Education Certificate (mandatory for hunters born on or after Jan 1, 1961)
  
• Autrey’s Armory (Fayetteville) – Firearms, scopes, tactical soft rifle cases, and gear
  

Licenses can be obtained via GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com or at local sporting goods stores.

Safety Reminders and Ethical Hunting

Ethical hunting and safety are critical to preserving the sport and the land:

• Wear blaze orange during firearms seasons
  
• Always identify your target before shooting
  
• Pack out all waste and spent shells
  
• Respect all property boundaries and WMA regulations
  

We recommend enrolling in a Hunter Safety Course, available online or in person.

Conclusion: Why Kennesaw is a Hunter’s Hidden Gem

Kennesaw may not be a rural outpost, but its central location, access to major WMAs, and abundant gear shops make it one of the most convenient hubs for Georgia hunters. Whether you’re after a trophy buck, a spring gobbler, or just looking to bag a few squirrels on a weekend morning, the surrounding lands and lakes of North Georgia are ready to deliver.