Folkston, GA. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of many refuges in the United States that offer hunting opportunities to the visiting public. The primary objective of a national wildlife refuge is to provide habitat for the conservation and protection of all species of wildlife. Public hunting opportunities are a way to provide recreational opportunities, and permit the use of a valuable resource. Public hunting on the Okefenokee NWR is permitted in three areas: the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, the Pocket, and the Cowhouse Unit during certain seasons each year. All hunters must possess all applicable Georgia hunting licenses in accordance with state regulations.
Suwannee Canal Recreation Area
Deer and Feral Hog Quota Hunt, located near Folkston. Dates of this hunt are Friday October 23 & Saturday October 24 (5:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.). There is a $15 fee for a permit to hunt this 2 day hunt. Hunters are required to use shotgun with slugs or muzzleloaders only. A total of 40 permits will be awarded for this hunt, 10 of which will be reserved for disabled hunters in wheelchairs and/or youth hunters ages 15 and under, in which youth must be supervised by an adult 21 or older. A hunter education certificate is required for youth hunters, and anyone born after January 1, 1961 in accordance with state regulations. Deer taken do not count against the state limit, and a special refuge tag will be provided upon check-out for each deer taken.
The Pocket
Deer and Feral Hog Archery Only, located near Fargo. Dates of this hunt are September 12–October 9, 2015 in accordance with State regulations. All hunters must sign in and out each day of the hunt. All stands must be removed daily. Contact Stephen C. Foster State Park at (912) 637-5274 for early exit to hunt area if you are staying in the park overnight.
Cowhouse Unit
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is managing deer, feral hog, small game, and turkey hunts on Cowhouse Island in conjunction with their Dixon Memorial Wildlife Management Area (WMA) hunts. Hunters on this portion of the refuge are limited to foot and bicycle traffic only. No dogs allowed except for hunting quail. Sign-in and check-in at Dixon Memorial WMA. Regulations and information may be obtained by calling (229) 426-5267 or at www.gohuntgeorgia.com and www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee. Hunt dates are as follows:
Deer and Feral Hog
Archery (Either Sex)
September 12-28, October 4-6, October 11-15, Sign-in.
Primitive weapons (Either sex)
September 30- October 3, Check-in. October 8-10, Sign-in.
Firearms (Buck only)
October 17-18, October 24-27, Sign-in.
Firearms (Either Sex)
November 5-7, Check-in. November 25-29, Sign-in. Dec. 6-9, Sign-in.
Small Game (Quail, Rabbit, & Squirrel Only)
Firearms (See State Regulations)
August 15- September 28, October 4- November 3, November 8- February 29. Pointing dogs allowed for quail hunting only. No furbearer season. Sign-in at Dixon Memorial WMA and at refuge Cowhouse kiosk if on refuge property.
Turkey
Firearms (Shotgun)
March 26- May 15, 2016
In accordance with Dixon Memorial WMA regulations. Sign-in at Dixon Memorial WMA and at refuge Cowhouse kiosk if on refuge property.
More information is available on the refuge website at: www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee,
or at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center,
located off Hwy. 121/23 near Folkston, GA
by calling (912) 496-7836 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday or daily after September 1.