Top Hunting Places in Roswell, Georgia

Roswell, Georgia—just north of Atlanta and nestled along the Chattahoochee River—is a thriving suburban hub with easy access to some of North Georgia’s most rewarding hunting destinations. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, Roswell's central location offers proximity to well-managed Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), national forests, and private land leases within a short drive. This guide outlines the top hunting spots near Roswell, GA, complete with essential details to make the most of your next hunt.

1. Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area – North Georgia’s Prime Hunting Spot

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Just under an hour from Roswell, Dawson Forest WMA is one of the most popular hunting destinations in the region.

Key Features

• Size: Over 25,000 acres
  
• Species: Deer, turkey, feral hogs, squirrel, rabbit, small game
  
• Zones: Wildcat Creek and City of Atlanta Tracts
  
• Methods: Archery and firearms (season/tract dependent)
  

Dawson Forest offers a mix of dense pine forests, open hardwood bottoms, and old logging roads ideal for still hunting. The Wildcat Creek Tract is especially productive for turkey and deer, while archery hunters can benefit from reduced pressure in the archery-only zones.

2. McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area – Ideal for Bowhunters

About 50 minutes northwest of Roswell, McGraw Ford WMA hugs the Etowah River and is a quiet haven for archery hunters.

Key Features

• Size: 2,200 acres
  
• Game available: Deer (archery-only), turkey, hogs, small game
  
• Habitat: River corridors, upland pines, and thickets
  

McGraw Ford's small size means fewer hunters and low-pressure zones, perfect for stalking early-season bucks or spring gobblers. The proximity to water makes it a hotspot for wildlife movement at dawn and dusk.

3. Allatoona Wildlife Management Area – Challenging Terrain, Great Reward

About one hour from Roswell, Allatoona WMA spans more than 6,000 rugged acres of huntable land in Bartow County.

Key Features

• Game available: Deer, turkey, bear (rare), small game, waterfowl
  
• Topography: Steep ridges, creek bottoms, mature hardwood forests
  

Allatoona is popular with hunters seeking a mountain-style experience close to metro Atlanta. Elevated stands and careful scouting are key here, especially during firearms deer season when pressure increases.

4. Pine Log Wildlife Management Area – Backcountry Experience

About 75 minutes from Roswell, Pine Log WMA offers 14,000+ acres of secluded hunting in the foothills of the Appalachians.

Key Features

• Species: Deer, hogs, turkey, black bear, squirrel
  
• Terrain: Hilly and remote with deep woods and old trails
  
• Best for: Experienced hunters comfortable with hiking and scouting
  

One of few areas in North Georgia where black bear hunting is permitted, making it a unique spot for big game enthusiasts. It’s especially productive for hunters looking to avoid heavy crowds and willing to put in the miles.

5. Chattahoochee National Forest – Open Access & Endless Opportunity

Within a two-hour drive of Roswell lies hundreds of thousands of acres of huntable terrain in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Key Features

• Game available: Deer, turkey, bear, hogs, small game
  
• No WMA permit required
  
• Top areas: Blue Ridge WMA, Coopers Creek, Chestatee WMA
  

This is ideal for DIY backcountry hunters who enjoy camping, hiking, and solitude. Many hunters scout these areas year-round and rely on topo maps and digital apps like OnX to locate game sign in remote locations.

6. Private Hunting Leases and Clubs Near Roswell

For those preferring more comfort, fewer hunters, and managed land, the Roswell area has access to several nearby private hunting clubs and leases.

Advantages

• Managed food plots and stand placement
  
• Higher success rates due to lower pressure
  
• Family-friendly and often guided options
• Tactical soft rifle cases and other premium gear provided at many clubs
  

Counties like Cherokee, Forsyth, Pickens, and Bartow are ideal for finding private tracts. Local listings, Basecamp Leasing, and LandTrust are good platforms to secure access.

Hunting Seasons in Roswell Area

Hunting Licenses & Regulations

To hunt near Roswell legally, you need:

• Georgia hunting license – available at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com
• WMA permit – for Dawson Forest, McGraw Ford, Pine Log, and Allatoona
  
• Quota hunt applications – for certain firearm hunts
  
• Harvest reporting – through the Game Check system
  
• Blaze orange requirement – during firearms deer season
  

Expert Tips for Successful Hunting Near Roswell

• Scout ahead of season. Use aerial imagery and on-foot scouting to locate bedding areas and food sources.
  
• Go midweek. Avoid peak hunting pressure on weekends by choosing Tuesday–Thursday trips.
  
• Use climber stands or saddles. These give you mobile options on public land.
  
• Mind the wind. Swirling mountain winds can ruin a hunt—plan entry routes accordingly.
  
• Stay scent-free. Georgia’s humidity holds scent longer—wash clothing in unscented detergents and store properly.
  

Roswell Area Hunting Resources

• Georgia Outdoor News (GON): Great for local harvest reports and community tips
  
• Cabela’s in Acworth and Bass Pro in Lawrenceville: Gear, ammo, and expert advice
  
• Local archery shops: Support tuning and repair for compound bowhunters
  

Conclusion

Roswell is more than a thriving suburb—it’s a strategic base for hunters looking to access some of the most diverse and rewarding hunting land in North Georgia. Whether you prefer bowhunting the river bottoms of McGraw Ford, chasing whitetails through Dawson Forest, or trekking deep into Pine Log’s hardwood hills, the region delivers for every type of hunter.