Georgia DNR Announces WMA Closures and Deer Hunt Cancellations
Because of extensive hurricane damage and recovery, the following wildlife management areas are temporarily closed (as of October 1):
- Broad River WMA -All roads and gates are closed until further notice.
- Bullard Creek WMA – Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.
- Clarks Hill-East WMA – Area closed through 10/7/24 (and then re-evaluated) due to significant damage and downed powerlines.Â
- Dawson Forest WMA – City of Atlanta Tract – Shoal Creek Bridge is closed (due to structural issues). However, the rest of the WMA is open.
- Di-Lane WMA – Area closed through 10/7/24 (and then re-evaluated) due to significant damage and downed powerlines.Â
- Flat Tub WMA -Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.
- Grand Bay WMA – Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.
- Horse Creek WMA – Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.
- Ohoopee Dunes WMA – Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.
Also, the bonus deer hunts on the WMAs listed below have been canceled:
- Tuckahoe WMA (Thurs. Oct. 3-Sat. Oct. 5, 2024)
- Clayhole Swamp WMA (Thurs. Oct. 3-Sat. Oc. 5, 2024)
- Paulks Pasture WMA (Thurs. Oct. 3-Sat. Oct. 5, 2024)
- Townsend WMA-North, South and Pine Island tracts (Thurs. Oct. 3-Sat. Oct. 5, 2024)
Staff are working to assess and re-open WMAs.
Those WMAs that are open may have downed or hung-up trees, blocked roads, and damaged bridges and culverts. On these areas, hunt at your own risk but please use caution when traveling on the WMAs.
If you choose to hunt and harvest a deer, you must report it through Georgia Game Check (it will count toward your statewide limit). Bonus tags will not be issued.
For more on DNR alerts and closures, see georgiawildlife.com/closures.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the DNR Wildlife Resources Division headquarters office at (706) 557-3350.
