37 S.

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Dawson Forest WMA

2026-27 season.

Check before you hunt. Confirm these dates in 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting Regulations. Seasons, closures and area rules can change.

Deer and bear

Sep 12 – Oct 9, Dec 13–19

Archery.

In the guide: “Deer & Bear · Archery: Sept. 12-Oct. 9, Dec. 13-19”

Oct 28–31

Firearms. Only for specialty hunters (youth, ladies, disability license holders, returning veterans and hunters over 65). Bonus deer hunt.

In the guide: “Deer & Bear · Firearms: [specialty] [bonus] Oct. 28-31”

Nov 18–21, Dec 9–12

Firearms, buck only. Bonus deer hunt.

In the guide: “Deer & Bear · Firearms: Buck Only: [bonus] Nov. 18-21, Dec. 9-12”

Dec 30–31, Jan 1–2

Muzzleloader. Bonus deer hunt.

Either sex Jan 1–2.

In the guide: “Deer & Bear · Primitive: Either Sex Last Two Days: [bonus] Dec. 30-Jan. 2”

Turkey

Apr 3–4

Any legal weapon. Quota hunt, 50 hunters drawn.

In the guide: “Turkey: [Q50] Apr. 3-4”

Apr 17–23, May 1–7

Any legal weapon. Quota hunt, 75 hunters drawn.

In the guide: “Turkey: [Q75] Apr. 17-23, May 1-7”

Dove

Sep 5

Any legal weapon. Quota hunt, 40 hunters drawn.

In the guide: “Dove: [Q40] [sign-in] Sept. 5”

Sep 12, Sep 19, Sep 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Nov 21–29, Dec 19 – Jan 31

Any legal weapon.

In the guide: “Dove: Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10, Nov. 21-29, Dec. 19-Jan. 31”

Small game

Follows the statewide seasons.

  • Squirrel: Aug 15 – Feb 28
  • Rabbit and quail: Nov 14 – Feb 28

In the guide: “Small game seasons: State Seasons”

Coyote and hogs

May 16–31

Any legal weapon.

In the guide: “Coyote: May 16-31. Feral hogs may be hunted with dogs.”

Area rules

Antler Restricted Area. All trails are closed before 10:00 a.m. during turkey and archery deer seasons, and all day during deer firearms hunts. No waterfowl hunting behind the Horse Camp parking lot. Permits are needed for horses, bikes, and camping. City of Atlanta Tract roads are closed to vehicles from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (unless lawfully camping, hunting, or fishing). Sign-in and sign-out is also available at the Horse Camp.

Nearby areas

Cochrans Creek WMA around 4 miles away

McGraw Ford WMA around 15 miles away

Blue Ridge WMA around 15 miles away

Rich Mountain WMA - Cartecay Tract around 15 miles away

Rich Mountain WMA around 20 miles away

All bear, deer, and turkey hunters must sign in unless the area listing says otherwise. All deer hunts are either sex unless otherwise noted. On antler restricted areas, only bucks with at least four points one inch or longer on either antler, or an outside spread of at least 15 inches, are legal. Unless otherwise stated, any small game with an open state season may be hunted during an area's small game dates. No small game or furbearer hunting during deer, quail, or quota hunts, except waterfowl during archery deer hunts in open state season. Legal hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, and 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset for doves and waterfowl. Youth, active duty military and veterans may hunt ducks and geese on Nov. 14-15.

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