Top Hunting Places in Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is celebrated for its southern charm and coastal beauty—but beyond its Spanish moss-lined streets lies a thriving outdoor scene for hunters. Nestled between salt marshes, river basins, and pine forests, the Savannah region is rich in wildlife and hunting opportunities. Whether you're interested in public Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) or private land leases, this guide explores the top hunting locations near Savannah and offers detailed insights to help you plan your next successful trip.
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1. Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area – Diverse & Expansive
About 90 minutes northwest of Savannah, Tuckahoe WMA spans over 15,000 acres in Screven County and is considered one of the best WMAs in southeast Georgia.
Key Features
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Game available: Deer, turkey, hogs, waterfowl, small game
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Unique terrain: Floodplain hardwoods, pine uplands, swamps
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Special hunts: Quota hunts for deer and turkey; check-in required
Tuckahoe offers a mix of dense cover and open hardwood bottoms that create excellent ambush points. The abundance of wild hogs and whitetail deer makes it popular during both archery and firearms seasons.

2. Big Dukes Pond WMA – Perfect for Waterfowl & Small Game
Located just over an hour west of Savannah, Big Dukes Pond WMA is best known for its wetland hunting opportunities, particularly for duck hunters.
Key Features
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Game available: Ducks, doves, rabbits, deer (limited)
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Access: Permits required; limited draw for duck hunts
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Waterfowl advantage: Shallow ponds and bottomland swamps attract migratory birds
This area is ideal for hunters focused on morning waterfowl blinds and afternoon dove shoots. Be sure to verify the current water level reports through Georgia DNR, as seasonal rainfall heavily affects accessibility.
3. Sansavilla Wildlife Management Area – Coastal Gem
Just over an hour south of Savannah near Jesup, Sansavilla WMA offers more than 19,000 acres of prime coastal flatwoods habitat.
Key Features
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Species: Deer, feral hogs, turkey, small game
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Habitat type: Longleaf pine, wiregrass, and managed burn areas
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Access: Check-in hunts; follow quota rules
This location is especially strong for hog hunting, as populations thrive in the coastal scrub and palmetto thickets. Bowhunters also enjoy the quiet, low-competition atmosphere, especially in early fall.
4. Richmond Hill WMA – Close to the City
Only 30 minutes from downtown Savannah, Richmond Hill WMA is a convenient hunting spot for local residents.
Key Features
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Size: Approximately 7,400 acres
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Primary game: Deer, hogs, turkey, small game
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Archery and firearms: Limited firearms hunts—archery-friendly zone
The proximity to Savannah makes Richmond Hill a favorite for weekday scouting or quick morning hunts. The area includes wet pine savannas and former military land, providing both challenge and variety.
5. Ossabaw Island WMA – Unique Barrier Island Experience
Ossabaw Island, just off the coast from Savannah, offers one of the most exclusive and rare hunting opportunities in the Southeast.
Key Features
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Species: Feral hogs, deer, and occasional turkey
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Access: Quota-only hunts via boat
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Ecology: Maritime forest, salt marsh, dunes
The Ossabaw Island Quota Hunts are renowned for their primitive, immersive experiences. You’ll boat in, camp on-site, and hunt free-ranging hogs and deer with minimal pressure. This is a true wilderness hunt, often limited to a few dozen participants per season.
6. Private Hunting Clubs near Savannah – Premium Access & Amenities
For those looking for enhanced comfort, consistent access, and professionally managed land, numerous private hunting clubs and leases operate just outside Savannah.
Top Options
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Dorchester Shooting Preserve (Midway, GA): Quail, deer, and tower pheasant shoots
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Low Country Hunting Preserve (near Statesboro, GA): Guided deer and hog hunts
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Ogeechee River Gun Club (Ellabell, GA): Membership-based access for hunting and shooting
Private clubs offer food plots, elevated blinds, and lodging, making them ideal for family trips, corporate retreats, or seasoned hunters seeking a curated experience.

Hunting Seasons Near Savannah, GA
Species |
Archery |
Firearms |
Notes |
Deer |
Sept – Jan |
Oct – Jan |
Peak rut in November |
Turkey |
March – May |
Shotgun only |
Use locator calls during pre-dawn |
Feral Hogs |
Year-round |
Year-round |
Legal on private land with landowner permission |
Waterfowl |
Nov – Jan |
Shotgun only |
Early scouting critical |
Dove |
Sept – Oct, Nov – Jan |
Firearms permitted |
Check WMA-specific fields |
Georgia Hunting License & Permit Requirements
Before you head into the field, make sure you’re properly licensed:
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Basic hunting license: Required for all game
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WMA permit: Needed for access to Wildlife Management Areas
- Quota hunts: Apply through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com
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Harvest reporting: Required through Game Check for deer and turkey
Hunting laws and season dates can change annually. Always consult the Georgia DNR Hunting Regulations Guide prior to your trip.
Essential Tips for Savannah-Area Hunters
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Scout early. Use aerial maps and pre-season visits to identify bedding areas and trails.
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Wear waterproof gear. Coastal Georgia is humid, and sudden downpours are common.
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Protect your firearm with a Tactical Soft Rifle Case during transport—coastal moisture can damage guns.
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Bring binoculars and rangefinders. Marshlands and clear-cuts demand long-range glassing.
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Follow ethics. Respect private property, obey posted rules, and prioritize conservation.
Conclusion
Savannah offers far more than cobblestone streets and riverfront views—it’s a launching point to some of Georgia’s most underrated and rewarding hunting grounds. From the rugged isolation of Ossabaw Island to the swampy corridors of Tuckahoe and Richmond Hill, every type of hunter will find a place to roam and connect with nature.
Whether you prefer public land adventure or private lodge luxury, Savannah’s surrounding hunting areas offer rich diversity and year-round opportunity.
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