Even if you didn’t get drawn for one of Georgia’s 2023 quota turkey hunts, don’t put those calls away just yet. Peach State hunters are blessed to have plenty of public land turkey hunting opportunities available on WMAs and VPAs that don’t require the luck of the draw.
These sign-in turkey hunts are open to any licensed Georgia hunter who signs in and shows up during the area’s open season dates. Any turkeys taken on these hunts must be recorded on your big game harvest log and checked in online or on your Georgia Outdoors app, the same as if you took them on private land.
To make life easier on you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the Georgia WMAs and VPAs offering these sign-in hunts and the specific dates of those hunts that we’ve shared below. Then we finish up with some public land turkey hunting etiquette, as well as several public land turkey hunting tips to help you increase your odds for success this season.
DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, that while we do our best to insure our information is as accurate as possible, you should always check the official Georgia hunting regulations before heading afield.
2023 Georgia WMA & VPA Turkey Hunts
Below is a comprehensive list of more than 100 non-quota WMA/VPA turkey hunts. As you may notice, the earliest any of these public land hunts open is April 8, a full week after the statewide turkey season opens. That was part of the significant changes made to the turkey season by the Georgia DNR starting in 2022.
Also included in this table is the overall WMA/VPA success rates. Keep in mind, these include any quota AND non-quota hunts held on the properties. It’s also important to keep these success rate figures in perspective.
While a 33% success rate for the Rum Creek WMA, Berry Creek track may have you wanting to make the drive, keep in mind it’s a small, archery only unit that had just three hunters sign in last year, and one of them was fortunate enough to kill a bird.
My point is that small tracts with small overall hunter numbers can have skewed success rates. Just something to keep in mind as you’re making a decision where you want to hunt.
| WMA/VPA | Hunt Dates | 2022 Hunter Success |
|---|---|---|
| Alapaha River WMA | Apr 22-May 15 | 5.7% |
| Alexander WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 4.1% |
| Allatoona WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 6.1% |
| Alligator Creek WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Altama Plantation WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 2.6% |
| Altamaha WMA Buffalo Swamp, Lewis Island, and McGowan Lake Tracts | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Arrowhead WMA | Mobility Impaired Apr 8-Apr 14 | 0.0% |
| B.F. Grant WMA | Apr 22-May 15 | 5.7% |
| Balls Ferry State Park | Archery Apr 17-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Bartram Forest WMA | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Beaverdam WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 8.2% |
| Berry College WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 8.2% |
| Big Dukes Pond WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 8.3% |
| Big Hammock WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.1% |
| Big Lazer Creek WMA | May 1-May 15 | 2.7% |
| Blanton Creek WMA | Apr 22-May 15 | 5.3% |
| Blue Ridge WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 1.9% |
| Broad River WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 2.6% |
| Bullard Creek WMA | Apr 15-May 15 | 8.8% |
| Bullard Creek WMA Bell Telephone Tract | Apr 8-May 15 | 5.9% |
| Bullard Creek WMA Montgomery Tract | Apr 8-May 15 | Unknown |
| Bullard Creek WMA Ocmulgee Tract | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Camp Thunder VPA | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Canoochee Sandhills WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.4% |
| Cardinal VPA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Carter’s Lake WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | |
| Cedar Creek WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.6% |
| Cedar Creek WMA - Little River Area | Apr 8-May 15 | 1.1% |
| Cedar Grove VPA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA Almo | May 8-May 15 | 5.4% |
| Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA Blackjack Crossing | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA Fort Perry | May 10-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA VPA Tracts | Apr 8-May 15 | 20.0% |
| Chattahoochee National Forest Outside of WMAs | Apr 8-May 15 | 2.1% |
| Chattahoochee WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 7.3% |
| Chestatee WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 4.4% |
| Chickasawhatchee WMA | Apr 29-May 15 | 3.4% |
| Clarks Hill WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.4% |
| Clayhole Swamp WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 8.2% |
| Cohutta WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 8.1% |
| Conasauga River WMA | Apr 8-Apr 23 | 0.0% |
| Coopers Creek WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 6.3% |
| Coosawattee WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 4.2% |
| Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA | Apr 15-May 15 | 11.0% |
| Dawson Forest WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 5.8% |
| Di-Lane Plantation WMA | Apr 29-May 15 | 15.4% |
| Dixon Bay WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Dixon Memorial WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.2% |
| Dupont Tract VPA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Echeconnee Creek WMA | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Elbert County WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Elmodel WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.4% |
| Fishing Creek WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 5.3% |
| Flat Creek PFA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Flat Tub WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.9% |
| Flint River WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 4.8% |
| Germany Creek WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 2.8% |
| Grand Bay WMA | Apr 29-Apr 30 | 15.8% |
| Hannahatchee WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 6.2% |
| Hart County WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 2.5% |
| Hiltonia WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Horse Creek WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 2.4% |
| J.L. Lester WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.2% |
| John’s Mountain WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 4.6% |
| Keg Creek WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Kretlow Farm VPA | Apr 8-May 15 | Unknown |
| Lake Russell WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.5% |
| Lake Seminole WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Lake Walter F. George WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Little Satilla WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 1.9% |
| Lola Tract VPA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Lower Broad River WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 2.3% |
| Mayhaw WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 7.1% |
| McGraw Ford WMA | Apr 15-May 15 | 0.7% |
| Mead Farm WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Montezuma Bluffs WMA | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Moody Forest WMA | Apr 14-Apr 29 | 5.4% |
| Morgan Lake WMA | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Oaky Woods WMA | Apr 15-May 15 | 2.0% |
| Ocmulgee WMA | Apr 22-May 15 | 5.5% |
| Ocmulgee WMA Gum Swamp Creek | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Oconee WMA | Apr 22-May 15 | 4.8% |
| Oconee WMA Rock Hawk Trails & Effigy | Archery Apr 22-May 15 | Unknown |
| Ohoopee Dunes WMA North Tract | Apr 22-May 15 | 7.1% |
| Ohoopee Dunes WMA South Tract | Apr 8-May 15 | 7.1% |
| Oliver Bridge WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 1.0% |
| Otting WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Paulding Forest WMA | May 1-May 15 | 8.7% |
| Paulks Pasture WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 6.5% |
| Penholoway Swamp WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 2.2% |
| Phinizy Swamp WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Pine Log WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 5.8% |
| Redlands WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 5.6% |
| Redlands WMA Watson’s Spring Area | Apr 8-May 15 | Unknown |
| Rich Mountain WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.4% |
| Rich Mountain WMA Cartecay | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Richmond Hill WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 8.9% |
| River Bend WMA | Apr 22-May 15 | 7.5% |
| Rocky Mountain Recreation PFA | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | Unknown |
| Rogers WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Rum Creek WMA Berry Creek | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | 33.3% |
| Sandhills WMA - East | Apr 8-May 15 | 6.7% |
| Sandhills WMA - West | Apr 8-May 15 | 2.0% |
| Sansavilla WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.8% |
| Scotland Road VPA | Apr 8-May 15 | 14.3% |
| Sheffield WMA | May 1-May 15 | 4.7% |
| Silver Lake WMA | May 4-May 15 | 5.3% |
| Soap Creek WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Sparks Cut Off VPA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Spirit Creek Forest WMA | Archery Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Sprewell Bluff WMA East | Apr 8-May 15 | 11.7% |
| Sprewell Bluff WMA West | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.2% |
| Swallow Creek WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.9% |
| Tallulah Gorge WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 4.1% |
| Townsend WMA Buck Island Tract | Apr 8-May 15 | 3.2% |
| Townsend WMA North, South, and Pine Island Tracts | Apr 8-May 15 | 7.1% |
| Treat Mountain VPA | May 1-May 15 | 9.5% |
| Tuckahoe WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 7.9% |
| Warren Farm Tract VPA | Apr 8-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Warwoman WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 4.6% |
| West Point WMA | Apr 15-May 15 | 8.1% |
| West Point WMA Dixie Creek | Apr 15-May 15 | 0.0% |
| Wilson Shoals WMA | Apr 15-May 15 | 2.4% |
| Yuchi WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 6.7% |
| Zahnd WMA | Apr 8-May 15 | 10.0% |
Public Land Etiquette
Turkey hunting on public lands requires special etiquette to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. There wouldn’t be very few conflicts in the woods, if we’d all just follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
With that in mind, here are a few essential guidelines to follow when turkey hunting on public lands:
- Know the rules and follow them: Georgia WMAs and VPAs each have their own respective season dates, rules and regulations. Make sure you have studied them thoroughly before heading afield so you can avoid an uncomfortable run-in with Mr. Green Jeans.
- Respect your fellow turkey hunters: Always be mindful of other hunters around you. Avoid walking into areas where another hunter is likely turkey hunting, and never try to cut someone off from a bird they are actively working.
- Use proper communication: Good communication is essential when hunting on public lands. If you end up at the same access point as other hunters, make it a point to let them know you intentions, and find out their plans as well. In some cases, you may be able to work together to help one or both of you to fill a turkey tag.
- Practice good safety: Always follow proper safety protocols when hunting on public lands. Here are some recommended safety tips from the Georgia DNR:
- Never wear red, white, blue or black clothing while turkey hunting. Red is the color most hunters look for when distinguishing a gobbler’s head from a hen’s blue-colored head, but at times it may appear white or blue. Male turkey feathers covering most of the body are black in appearance. Camouflage should be used to cover everything, including the hunter’s face, hands and firearm.
- Select a calling position that provides at least a shoulder-width background, such as the base of a tree. Be sure that at least a 180-degree range is visible.
- Do not stalk a gobbling turkey. Due to their keen eyesight and hearing, the chances of getting close are slim to none.
- When using a turkey call, the sound and motion may attract the interest of other hunters. Do not move, wave or make turkey-like sounds to alert another hunter to your presence. Instead, identify yourself in a loud voice.
- Be careful when carrying a harvested turkey from the woods. Do not allow the wings to hang loosely or the head to be displayed in such a way that another hunter may think it is a live bird. If possible, cover the turkey in a blaze orange garment or other material.
- Although not required, it is suggested that hunters wear blaze orange when moving between a vehicle and a hunting site. When moving between hunting sites, hunters should wear blaze orange on their upper bodies to facilitate their identification by other hunters.
- Leave no trace: Remember to leave the area as you found it. Do not leave behind any trash or hunting equipment, and respect the natural environment. Be sure to report any violations or issues to the appropriate authorities.
By following these etiquette guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable turkey hunting experience for everyone on public lands.
Public Land Turkey Hunting Tips
Turkey hunting on public lands can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to help make your turkey hunting on public lands more successful:
- Scout the area: Scouting the area before the hunt is critical to identifying the best spots to set up and locate turkeys. Look for signs of turkey activity such as droppings, tracks, feathers, and scratching.
- Be flexible: On public lands, other hunters may have already set up in your preferred location. Be prepared to move around and explore new areas. If your work schedule allows, hunt some weekdays when the crowd will be much smaller. It can also be good to slip in some midday hunts. Most public land turkey hunters are out of the woods and hitting the local Waffle House by 10 a.m. Try spending some time in the woods after that, and you may intercept a tom looking to reconnect with a lonely hen late morning.
- Cover some ground: Don’t be afraid to burn some boot leather when hunting Georgia public land. The more ground you cover, occasionally calling, the more likely you are to finally stumble on a motivated gobbler. If even after covering miles of ground, you still can’t get a bird gobbling, it’s time to move on to tip #4.
- Be patient: Public land turkeys typically see a lot of pressure, which means they may be more cautious and call-shy. It also means they are much less likely to gobble than unpressured birds, especially once they leave their morning roost. Patience is essential in these situations. Don’t be afraid to setup in an area you know turkeys frequent and wait them out. Call softly every 10-15 minutes and make sure you stay aware of your surroundings, as a bird may slip in silently.
By following these turkey hunting tips, you can increase your chances of success while also respecting other hunters and the natural environment on public lands.
Here are a few additional tips for public land turkeys.
Summary
Georgia turkey hunters are fortunate to have mover one million acres of public hunting land at their disposal. Many of these properties are open for turkey hunting without the need to be drawn. You can just show up during an open hunt, sign in, and go hunt.
It won’t be easy hunting. These public land birds have seen and heard it all. But when things finally come together, and you get the squeeze the trigger on a big boss gobbler, there’s no better feeling in the world. I hope you get to experience that this spring!
Brian I got picked for a turkey quote hunt this April wondering if I can take my wife with me hunting as a quest thanks
Robert, it would be best to check with DNR law enforcement on that one. I’m not aware of any regulation that would prohibit it, as long as she’s not involved in the hunt (carrying a weapon, calling turkeys, etc.), but I’ve heard of other people being told differently.
Check regs, she must be a licensed hunter to be on WMA property.
Good point, Edward. She would definitely need a hunting or fishing license (either will work) to be out on the WMA.
I believe that any person along, armed or not, to is considered to be a part of that hunt and they need to be licensed, and in the context of a quota hunt should have the quota permit, and is treated as any other hunter would. The same as with any person “tagging along” on a gator hunt. Any person in the party is required to have the same license, or permit, to be a part of the hunt. That’s my opinion. Always pays to check and be sure beforehand. JS