Top Hunting Places in Suwanee, Georgia

Suwanee, Georgia—known for its parks, family-friendly communities, and scenic trails—is not the first place most think of for hunting. But for savvy sportsmen, Suwanee offers an ideal basecamp to some of North Georgia’s most active hunting zones. Whether you're after deer, turkey, duck, or small game, Suwanee’s access to public lands and hunting resources makes it a strategic launchpad for your next hunt.

Deer Hunting Near Suwanee: Prime Spots Within Reach

The whitetail deer population in northern Georgia continues to thrive, and hunters in Suwanee are within an hour’s drive of multiple WMAs with healthy herds and good public access.

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Top Deer Hunting Locations Near Suwanee

• Wilson Shoals WMA – Roughly 60 minutes away, this 2,800-acre tract in Banks County is known for its managed food plots and rolling hills. Great for both archery and firearms hunters.
  
• Dawson Forest WMA – Around an hour northwest, with over 25,000 acres of rugged terrain and mixed pine-hardwood forests. Offers both quality deer and low-pressure zones deeper in.
  
• Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center – Just beyond an hour’s drive, it offers youth hunts, archery ranges, and structured quota hunts.
  

Best Times for Deer Hunting

• Archery Season: Begins early September
  
• Primitive Weapons Season: Mid-October
  
• Firearms Season: Late October through early January
  

All locations require a Georgia hunting license, big game permit, and WMA license.

Wild Turkey Hunting: Spring Action for Serious Callers

Turkey hunting around Suwanee is among the most exhilarating springtime activities for Georgia hunters. The sound of a gobble echoing through the hills at dawn is unmatched, and the WMAs around the area provide a solid shot at success.

Top Spots for Turkey Hunting

• Dawson Forest WMA – Features large, lightly-pressured tracts with open ridges perfect for locating gobblers.
  
• Wilson Shoals WMA – Dense cover requires stealth and patience but can yield strong results for those with experience.
  
• Charlie Elliott Center – Excellent for beginners and seasoned hunters alike, especially for youth turkey opportunities.
  

Season Overview

• Start: Late March
  
• End: Mid-May
  

Bring a box call or diaphragm call, hunt ridges early in the morning, and be ready to move if a tom won’t commit.

Waterfowl Hunting: Ducks Near Suwanee

While Suwanee itself lacks wetlands, you don’t have to go far for solid duck hunting.

Where to Hunt Ducks Near Suwanee

• Lake Lanier Backwaters – Just 30 minutes north, these flooded timber and marsh edges host wood ducks and mallards during early season.
  
• Lower Etowah River – Excellent for float-hunting and setting up near known flyways.
  
• Beaverdam WMA – Located farther east, this area has ideal habitat for migrating waterfowl.
  

Must-Haves

• Georgia Waterfowl License
  
• Federal Duck Stamp
  
• HIP Certification
  

Scout frequently, use realistic decoy spreads, and get to your setup before daylight to beat the pressure.

Small Game Hunting Near Suwanee

Small game hunting is perfect for a quick day trip and is especially popular with youth or those looking to brush up on marksmanship.

Species and Seasons

• Squirrel: Mid-August to late February
  
• Rabbit: November to February
  
• Raccoon/Opossum: October to February (including night hunts)
  

Best Locations

• Dawson Forest WMA – Expansive land gives you room to roam.
  
• Wilson Shoals WMA – Ideal for rabbits and squirrels.
  
• Redlands WMA – A bit farther, but known for strong rabbit populations.
  

Use a .22 rifle or small-gauge shotgun and consider bringing a trained dog for rabbit hunting.

Public Hunting Land Options Near Suwanee

Hunting Gear Near Suwanee: Local Outfitters

Academy Sports + Outdoors (Buford, GA)

Just minutes from Suwanee, this is a one-stop shop for everything from ammo and camo to game calls and tree stands.

Bass Pro Shops (Lawrenceville, GA)

20 minutes away, with extensive gear for all species—great for waterfowl and archery equipment.

Gable Sporting Goods (Douglasville, GA)

Though a longer drive, Gable’s has an exceptional reputation for personalized service and harder-to-find gear.

Required Licenses and Permits

To hunt in Georgia legally, you must have:

• Georgia Hunting License
  
• Big Game License (for deer or turkey)
  
• WMA License (for public land access)
  
• Federal Duck Stamp and Waterfowl License (if duck hunting)
  
• Hunter Education Certificate (mandatory if born after Jan 1, 1961)
  

You can purchase all of these online via Go Outdoors Georgia or at most major gear retailers.

Safety Reminders & Ethical Hunting

• Always wear blaze orange during firearm season
  
• Respect property lines and WMA rules
  
• Harvest responsibly—take ethical shots, track wounded animals
  
• Pack out what you pack in—leave no trace
  
• Autrey’s Armory (Fayetteville) – Firearms, scopes, tactical soft rifle cases, and gear.
  

Georgia DNR officers patrol WMAs regularly, and violations carry stiff penalties. Hunt responsibly and with integrity.

Final Thoughts: Why Suwanee is a Smart Hunting Base

Suwanee may be a polished suburb, but it’s surrounded by some of North Georgia’s most accessible and productive hunting land. With well-maintained WMAs within an hour, top-notch gear stores nearby, and reliable roads to get you there fast, Suwanee is more than a commuter town—it’s a perfect launch point for year-round hunters who want the best of both worlds.