Top Hunting Places in Marietta, Georgia

Marietta, Georgia, located in Cobb County, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and rich wildlife, making it an excellent destination for hunting enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced hunter or beginner, the region boasts numerous hunting locations that promise thrilling experiences and an abundance of game. In this guide, we delve into the top hunting places in Marietta, Georgia, featuring the best public lands, private reserves, and nearby wilderness for your next hunting trip.

Why Marietta is a Prime Hunting Destination

Marietta benefits from its proximity to both urban conveniences and natural reserves. Georgia’s regulated hunting seasons, coupled with Marietta’s accessible landscape, create ideal conditions for species including whitetail deer, wild turkey, feral hogs, and small game species. Moreover, the state's strong conservation efforts ensure healthy populations and sustainable hunting.

1. Sheffield Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Located less than an hour west of Marietta, Sheffield WMA is a go-to spot for public land hunters. Spanning over 2,800 acres in Paulding County, it offers diverse terrains — from hardwood forests to rolling hills.

What to Hunt:

• Whitetail deer (archery and firearms allowed in season)
  
• Eastern wild turkey
  
• Squirrel, rabbit, and dove
  
• Feral hogs (with seasonal restrictions)
  

Why It’s Great:

• Primitive camping available
  
• Frequent WMA-hosted hunts
  
• Designated bowhunting zones for reduced pressure
  

2. Pine Log Wildlife Management Area

Just over an hour north of Marietta, Pine Log WMA covers more than 14,000 acres in Bartow County. It’s a premier location for hunters seeking an expansive and challenging environment.

Features:

• Dense woodland, creeks, and rugged ridges
  
• Deer, bear, turkey, and small game
  
• Primitive camping and access roads
  

Tip:

Navigation is crucial - this expansive WMA requires GPS. Ideal for more experienced hunters looking to track elusive game.

3. Paulding Forest WMA

Sharing borders with Sheffield WMA, Paulding Forest offers over 25,000 acres of rugged hunting terrain. This vast area is a favorite for bowhunters and gun hunters alike.

Hunting Opportunities:

• Large deer population
  
• Good spot for black bears during open seasons
  
• Offers designated firearms and archery zones
  

Access Info:

Parking areas are well-marked. Be sure to check the Georgia DNR website for current maps and quotas.

4. Foxhall Resort – Private Hunting Club Option

For those seeking a luxury hunting experience just 40 minutes from Marietta, Foxhall Resort in Douglasville offers curated upland bird hunting. Their shooting grounds are meticulously managed and guided hunts are available.

Species Available:

• Pheasant, quail, and chukar
  
• Seasonal clay shooting events
  
• Ideal for corporate or family outings
  

Why Choose Foxhall:

• Clay shooting requires no hunting license
  
• Trained bird dogs and guides included
  
• Accommodations and dining on-site
  

5. Berry College WMA

Located a little farther out in Rome, GA (about 1.5 hours from Marietta), Berry College WMA is renowned for its massive land area and abundant wildlife.

Highlights:

• Over 16,000 acres of diverse hunting grounds
  
• Great spot for archery deer hunting
  
• Frequent turkey sightings in spring
  

Important Notes:

You must have a valid Georgia hunting license and a WMA permit to hunt here.

6. Private Leases and Clubs in Cobb and Paulding Counties

Marietta also provides access to private hunting leases, which offer year-round access and exclusive rights. These are excellent for serious hunters wanting more privacy and guaranteed game.

Benefits:

• Controlled access reduces pressure on game
  
• Opportunity to manage land and game
  
• Ideal for season-long scouting and hunting
  

Finding a Lease:

Use platforms like BaseCamp Leasing or Georgia Outdoor News (GON) classifieds to discover landowners offering access.

7. Noonday Creek Area (Small Game & Bow Hunting)

For bowhunters seeking a closer-to-home experience, Noonday Creek Trail areas provide discreet opportunities for squirrel, rabbit, and even feral hogs (in specific zones with proper permits).

Pros:

• Quick access from central Marietta
  
• Less traffic than larger WMAs
  
• Great for weekday morning hunts
  

Tips for Successful Hunting Around Marietta

Understand Season Regulations

Georgia DNR strictly regulates hunting seasons. Always verify dates, bag limits, and zone-specific regulations on their official site before heading out.

Scout Early and Often

Use tools like onX Hunt or HuntStand to pre-scout your locations, mark trails, and track movement patterns. Scouting ahead of time increases your success dramatically.

Get the Right Licenses

Ensure you have:

• Georgia hunting license
  
• WMA permit (if on public land)
  
• Harvest record for deer/turkey
  
• Hunter safety card (for hunters under 25 or first-timers)
  

Safety and Ethics Come First

Wear blaze orange during firearm seasons. Respect land boundaries, avoid littering, and report any violations to local game wardens.

Gear Up Locally in Marietta

Marietta is home to several top-tier hunting gear stores, including:

• Adventure Outdoors – One of the largest gun stores in the U.S.
  
• Big Woods Goods in Canton – Excellent for ammo, optics, and training
  
• Cabela’s (Acworth location) – Just a short drive north for everything from treestands to boots
  
• Big Woods Goods in Canton – Excellent for ammo, optics, tactical soft rifle cases, and training
  

Wrap-Up: Hunting Heaven Near Marietta

Whether you're stalking a trophy buck in Paulding Forest or flushing quail at Foxhall, Marietta offers rich and varied hunting grounds for every level of hunter. With easy access to public lands, private leases, and full-service outfitters, it’s no wonder Marietta is fast becoming a top hunting destination in Georgia.

To make the most of your hunts, plan ahead, stay legal, and always prioritize conservation — the future of hunting depends on it.