Top Hunting Places Near Sandy Springs, Georgia

Sandy Springs, Georgia, blends upscale suburban living with easy access to rich hunting lands across North and Central Georgia. While the city itself is highly developed and does not permit hunting, its location just north of Atlanta places it within a short drive of some of the best public WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas), private leases, and upland game farms in the region. Whether you're after whitetail deer, turkey, or wild boar, the surrounding area offers exceptional game diversity and accessible hunting terrain.

1. Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Roughly 55 miles north of Sandy Springs, Dawson Forest WMA is one of Georgia’s premier public hunting destinations. Spanning 25,000+ acres of rugged wilderness, this WMA is a hunter’s haven.

What You Can Hunt:

• Whitetail Deer (archery and firearm seasons)
  
• Wild Turkey
  
• Squirrel, Rabbit
  
• Feral Hogs (specific dates and methods apply)
  

Why Hunters Love It:

• Expansive hardwoods and creek bottoms
  
• Well-maintained trails and ample access points
  
• Seasonal quota hunts improve harvest opportunities
  

2. McGraw Ford WMA

Just 50 minutes northwest of Sandy Springs in Cherokee County, McGraw Ford WMA offers over 2,000 acres along the Etowah River. It's known for bowhunting-friendly zones and an excellent turkey population.

Features:

• Bowhunting for deer
  
• Solid spring turkey hunting
  
• Scenic, manageable terrain for walk-in hunts
  

3. Wilson Shoals WMA

About 90 minutes northeast, Wilson Shoals WMA offers 2,500+ acres of rich habitat ideal for dove, small game, and deer. The area also includes a public shooting range to prepare for the season.

Hunting Highlights:

• Designated dove fields
  
• Deer archery and gun zones
  
• Easily accessible gravel roads and staging areas
  

4. Garland Mountain Bird Hunting Preserve

If you're into upland bird hunting, Garland Mountain near Waleska (about 1 hour from Sandy Springs) provides guided quail, chukar, and pheasant hunts.

Why It Stands Out:

• No hunting license required for preserve hunts
  
• Trained dogs and guides available
  
• Gorgeous mountain backdrop and friendly staff
  

5. Paulding Forest WMA

Located about 70 minutes west, Paulding Forest WMA is a sprawling 25,000+ acre public hunting zone that borders Sheffield WMA. Its vast size provides solitude and variety for seasoned hunters.

Best For:

• Trophy whitetail deer
  
• Archery-only areas and gun zones
  
• Wild turkey and bear sightings in certain sections
  

6. Private Leases in Cobb, Cherokee, and Forsyth Counties

For serious hunters wanting year-round access, private land leases near Sandy Springs offer exclusive hunting privileges. Many are timberland leases or small farms offering 100–300 acres of low-pressure habitat.

Benefits of Private Land:

• Game management practices improve odds
  
• Access to food plots, stands, and cameras
  
• Ideal for long-term, local hunting without travel
  

Where to Look:

• Georgia Outdoor News classifieds
• BaseCampLeasing.com
  
• Local hunting Facebook groups
  

7. Clybel WMA (Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center)

Located in Mansfield, GA, about 90 minutes southeast of Sandy Springs, Clybel WMA offers over 6,000 acres of public land and is part of the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

Unique Features:

• Frequent quota and youth hunts
  
• Archery ranges and shooting sports facility
  
• Deer, turkey, dove, and rabbit hunting
  

Top Game to Hunt Near Sandy Springs

 

Best Places to Gear Up Before a Hunt

Before heading into the field, make sure you're equipped. These local outfitters offer expert guidance and premium gear:

• Adventure Outdoors – Smyrna (Largest gun store in the Southeast)
  
• Bass Pro Shops – Lawrenceville
  
• Cabela’s – Acworth
  
• Cherokee Gun & Pawn – Canton
  
• Practice scent control—Humidity in this region holds scent longer—use scent-free soaps, sprays, and Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for gear protection.
  

Licensing and Legal Requirements

To legally hunt in Georgia, ensure you have:

• A valid Georgia Hunting License
  
• A WMA Stamp for any state-managed land
  
• Harvest Record for deer and turkey
  
• Hunter Safety Education (if born after Jan 1, 1961)
  

Licenses can be purchased at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

Hunting Strategy Tips Near Sandy Springs

• Scout using apps like onX Hunt and HuntStand to locate food sources, bedding areas, and trail intersections.
  
• Use trail cams (especially on leased land) to pattern movement.
  
• Avoid overhunting small tracts — let them rest to keep deer and turkey from patterning you.
  
• Monitor local hunter forums to stay updated about rut activity, hog sightings, or available land access.
  

Final Thoughts: Prime Access to the Wild

While Sandy Springs is an affluent and developed suburb, it's perfectly positioned for hunters to tap into North Georgia’s most productive and diverse game lands. From sprawling public WMAs to premium upland bird preserves and private land leases, there’s no shortage of opportunities to gear up and get in the woods.

Whether you're chasing a mature buck, bagging your first gobbler, or enjoying a guided quail hunt, the region around Sandy Springs has something for every kind of hunter — all within a short drive.