Dove Hunting at River Bend WMA

Go dove hunting at River Bend Wildlife Management Area during specific dates from September 3rd, 2022 through January 31st, 2023 in Dublin GA!

Dove Hunting

River Bend WMA houses 30 acres of land designated for dove hunting including sunflower fields. Hunters may set up anywhere within the designated dove hunting areas as long as they are at least 50 feet away from the road.

Legal hours for dove hunting are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Dove hunters may not enter the field prior to 1 hour before sunrise.

Dove Hunting Dates

November 19th, 2022 – November 27th, 2022
December 19th, 2022 – January 31st, 2023

Licenses & Permits

The Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp is required for all migratory bird hunters (doves, ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, coots, rails, or gallinules) that are 16 and older. Some licenses allow the license holder to get the Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp at no cost. The Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp is only valid for a single season. For more information and restrictions, click HERE.

To purchase licenses, click HERE.

Click HERE for Frequently Asked Questions regarding licenses.

A valid Georgia Hunting License, Fishing License or Lands Pass is required for any person 16 or over entering any state-owned designated fee areas regardless of activity. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult with a valid license. Various licenses are available, including Free Senior Licenses for adults 65 and older. 

Review all WMA requirements and unlawful activities HERE.

River Bend WMA North Tract Highlights

Located 0.2 miles south of I-16 at exit 58 on Highway 199. Click HERE for the interactive map.

Upon entering the River Bend WMA, a small cypress bottom lies just past the entrance on the left. You can park your car near the small bridge and walk into the trees if the area is dry.

Continue on the road to the archery range, check station, and camping area where you can camp under the stars. Primitive camping sites are available for up to 14 days.

At the fork in the road, turn right to head to the Waterfowl Impoundment (funded by Ducks Unlimited), featuring a boardwalk leading to an overlook platform. Tread quietly as waterfowl will scatter quickly.

Going straight at the fork in the road will take you to Troup’s Lake, which is an oxbow of the Oconee River, known for its excellent fishing since the 1800’s, as the lake is regularly replenished by river flooding. Prothonotary warblers and large alligators are regularly seen in and around the lake during warmer months.

Take the hiking trail south from the boat landing at Troup’s Lake for views of the Oconee River.

River Bend WMA South Tract Highlights

Located 6 miles south of I-16 on exit 58 on Highway 199. Click HERE for the interactive map.

Less accessible, more secluded, and with fewer amenities than the North Tract.

Find walking trails in various states of repair through the remote coastal plain swamp. You may have the whole 1,700 acres to yourself.

The Georgia Ornithological Society and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintain the South Tract habitat specifically to support the Swainson’s warbler, and this area has the largest known concentration in the state. Swainson’s warblers may be heard (but rarely seen) at cane thickets near stream crossings at various points along the trails.

For best swamp views, drive straight to Beacham’s Lake and walk the trail around the lake. Wet weather may turn the trail to swamp, so be prepared to back-track or bring waders.

Directions

River Bend WMA is located off I-16 at exit 58 outside of Dublin, GA. From Dublin, take I-16 East to exit 58 (Highway 199). Turn South and go 0.2 miles for the North Tract. Head 6 miles down Highway 199 for the South Tract.