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Turkey Hunting at River Bend WMA
April 22 - May 15
Go turkey hunting in Dublin GA at River Bend Wildlife Management Area on specific listed dates from April 8th, 2023 through May 15th, 2023.
Turkey Hunting
Sign-in is required once per season for turkey hunting. Sign-in HERE prior to turkey hunting.
All turkey hunters are required to have a Harvest Record for the current season. Additionally, harvested turkeys must be reported through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours.
Legal hours for turkey hunting are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sundown.
Hunters must wear as an outer garment at least 500 inches of visible hunter orange above the waist.
All turkey hunters are encouraged to participate in the Turkey Hunting Population Survey to record turkey observations and hunter success during the spring season. Click HERE or call (706) 557-3264.
Turkey Hunting Dates
- April 22nd, 2023 – May 15th, 2023
*The application deadline for Quota Turkey Hunts is February 15th, 2023 at 11:59 PM. Only 15 hunters will be selected for each hunt. Apply for a quota hunt HERE or call 1-800-366-2661 for more information.
License & Requirements
A Big Game License is required to hunt deer and turkey. A license that covers basic hunting privileges is prerequisite to the Big Game license. Some licenses such as the Sportsman’s License include this Big Game privilege.
Learn what type of license you need HERE.
To purchase licenses, Click HERE
Click HERE for Frequently Asked Questions regarding licenses.
A valid Georgia Hunting License, Fishing License, or Land 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.
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 at 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.