Top Hunting Places Near Macon, Georgia

Macon, Georgia, located in the heart of the state, is a gateway to some of the most diverse and game-rich hunting areas in Georgia. Surrounded by sprawling public Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), private timberland leases, and designated dove fields, hunters in Macon enjoy access to a wide range of game — from whitetail deer and wild turkey to feral hogs, ducks, and small game. With relatively short travel times, affordable license options, and well-managed land, the Macon region is a top destination for hunters looking to make the most of Georgia’s seasons.

1. Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Just 25 miles south of Macon in Houston County, Oaky Woods WMA spans over 12,000 acres of rolling terrain, hardwood bottoms, and pine plantations. It's one of Georgia’s best public hunting areas and a consistent producer of big bucks.

Key Game Species:

• Whitetail Deer (archery and firearms)
  
• Wild Turkey
  
• Feral Hogs (popular year-round challenge)
  
• Small Game (squirrel, rabbit, raccoon)
  

Why It’s Popular:

• Vast and rugged terrain with multiple access points
  
• Frequent sightings of hogs and trophy-class bucks
  
• Supports seasonal camping and scouting
  

2. Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area

Located just east of Macon in Bleckley and Twiggs counties, Ocmulgee WMA offers over 13,000 acres of swampy bottomland terrain and dense pine forest — ideal habitat for a variety of game.

Best For:

• Archery and gun deer hunts
  
• Spring turkey hunting
  
• Waterfowl hunting along creeks and sloughs
  
• Excellent for hog hunting, especially near water
  

Highlights:

• Features well-marked trails and primitive campsites
  
• Great diversity of hunting zones
  
• Early-season bowhunts can be highly productive
  

3. Cedar Creek Wildlife Management Area

Approximately 45 minutes from Macon in Putnam and Jones counties, Cedar Creek WMA offers 40,000+ acres of hunting paradise, part of the Oconee National Forest.

Target Game:

• Deer (with both archery and firearm seasons)
  
• Turkey
  
• Small Game and Hogs
  

Standout Features:

• Vast area for roaming and tracking
  
• Offers quota hunts, including adult/child and mobility-impaired options
  
• Good for deep-woods, remote hunting
  

4. Beaverdam WMA

An hour southeast of Macon, near Dublin, Beaverdam WMA consists of nearly 6,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and pine uplands.

What to Hunt:

• Turkey (spring hunting hotspot)
  
• Deer and small game
  
• Limited hog hunting opportunities
  

What Makes It Great:

• Excellent spring gobbler success rates
  
• Quiet and less pressured than larger WMAs
  
• Archery-only zones for added challenge
  

5. Private Hunting Leases and Clubs Near Macon

Many hunters in Central Georgia opt for private hunting leases, offering exclusive access, year-round management rights, and less pressure. Bibb, Twiggs, Houston, and Jones counties host hundreds of small to mid-sized private tracts ideal for deer, turkey, and hog management.

Advantages of Leasing:

• Food plot and trail camera control
  
• Longer season scouting and stand placement
  
• Often includes camping or RV hookups
  

How to Lease:

• Browse Georgia Outdoor News classifieds
• Use BaseCamp Leasing or Whitetail Properties
  
• Network through local feed stores or gun shops in Macon
  

6. Lake Tobesofkee Tributaries (Feral Hog and Duck Action)

While Lake Tobesofkee itself is not open for hunting, the surrounding private wetlands and tributaries can offer exceptional hog hunting and duck hunting (with permission). Several properties west of the lake have seen success in evening hog ambushes.

Best Tactics:

• Thermal optics and nighttime setups
  
• Scouting cornfields or food plots
  
• Mobile setups near bedding cover
  

7. B.F. Grant WMA

Located in Eatonton, about 1 hour north of Macon, B.F. Grant WMA is a research-managed hunting area with over 6,000 acres of varied terrain, pine rows, and hardwood ridges.

Game Species:

• High success rates for archery deer hunting
  
• Controlled quota turkey hunts
  
• Hosts numerous educational hunting events
  

Top Game Species in Macon Area

 

Best Hunting Supply Stores in Macon

Before heading out, stock up or get advice from these trusted local outfitters:

• Chuck’s Gun & Pawn – Firearms, ammo, and optics
  
• Academy Sports + Outdoors (Eisenhower Pkwy) – Wide gear selection
  
• Bibb Pawn & Gun – Local expertise and archery supplies
  
• Bass Pro Shops – Macon – For treestands, camo, Tactical Soft Rifle Cases, and more
  

Hunting License and Requirements

To hunt legally in Georgia, you must have:

• A valid Georgia Hunting License
  
• A WMA permit (for public lands)
  
• A Harvest Record (for deer and turkey)
  
• A Big Game License (for deer, turkey, and bear)
  
• Hunter Education Certification (if born after Jan 1, 1961)
  

Purchase or renew your license at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

Hunting Strategy Tips for Macon Area

• Scout early using aerial maps (try HuntStand or onX Hunt)
  
• Monitor local trail cams or feed stores for rut activity reports
  
• Consider weekday hunts to avoid weekend crowd pressure
  
• Use grunt calls and scent drags in rut-heavy zones
  
• Be mobile — having a few stand sites gives flexibility when wind shifts
  

Final Thoughts: Macon’s Underrated Hunting Hotbed

Macon isn’t just the cultural and geographical heart of Georgia — it’s a hunter’s dream surrounded by public lands, swamp-rich hog country, and trophy whitetail populations. With its proximity to WMAs like Oaky Woods, Cedar Creek, and Ocmulgee, and access to some of the state’s best-managed deer herds and turkey flocks, Macon offers a central base for every kind of hunter, from bow to black powder.

Whether you're chasing a gobbling tom in Beaverdam or stalking boars in Oaky Woods, the Macon area delivers reliable game, friendly hunting communities, and deep-rooted outdoor traditions.