The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel, which the angler must attend at all times.
2. We allow sport fishing after legal sunset; but we prohibit all other activity after legal sunset.
3. We prohibit marking of paths or navigational routes.
4. We prohibit swimming, wading, jet skiing, water skiing, and the use of airboats.
5. We permit commercial fishing only by Special Use Permit (Commercial Activities Special Use Permit Application, FWS Form 3-1383-C) issued by the refuge manager.
6. We permit fishing tournaments by Special Use Permit (General Activities Special Use Permit Application, FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge manager (fees may apply).
Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a refuge hunt permit (name/address/phone number) for all hunters age 16 and older, which must be signed and carried at all times when hunting. We charge a fee for all hunt permits.
2. Hunters must check-in no more than 1 day in advance of the opening day of each hunt. We prohibit check-in after legal sunset of the second hunt day.
3. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge no earlier than 1 month prior to the opening day of each hunt but must remove the stand (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) by the end of each hunt.
4. Hunters must check-in at the refuge dock prior to setting up camp. We require personal identification at check-in.
5. Within the refuge, you may only travel by foot or bicycle, except in the wilderness area where we allow only foot travel. We limit entry and exit points to the designated check stations or other specified areas. We prohibit hunters to leave by boat to reach other parts of the island.
6. You may only camp at the designated camping area.
7. You must confine fires (see Sec. 27.95 of this chapter) to the camping area.
8. We prohibit flagging, blazing, or trail-marking devices to locate stands or for any other purpose.
9. For hunting, we allow only bows in accordance with State regulations.
10. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
11. Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered), and we will issue State bonus tags for two of these. There is no bag limit on feral hog.
12. Refuge personnel must check deer harvested during the scheduled hunt before hunters may remove them from the refuge.
13. Hunters must be on their stands from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 9 a.m. and from 2 hours before legal sunset until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
14. We prohibit target practice except in designated areas (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
15. Hunters must be off the island by 12 p.m. (noon) on Sunday.
16. We close the refuge to the nonhunting public on all hunt days.
17. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
18. We prohibit mooring boats to the government dock except for loading and unloading purposes.
19. We prohibit the use of trail or game cameras.
20. We prohibit hunters from bringing firewood to the refuge.
21. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
2. We allow bank/beach saltwater fishing into estuarine waters only from legal sunrise to legal sunset except during managed hunts.
3. We require a Georgia fishing license and Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit.
Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We coordinate hunting seasons and limits with the State and annually list them in the hunting brochure.
2. We require you to possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) and an additional refuge quota hunt permit for the quota hunts while hunting. You may obtain this permit and an application for the quota hunt from the refuge office.
3. At the manager's discretion we may zone or restrict some of the areas of the refuge to season of use, while we may close other areas to all public use.
4. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
5. We allow the incidental take of feral hog with legal weapons during open season.
6. We allow only nontoxic shot for hunting with the use of a shotgun in designated areas (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
7. We require hunters to report all harvested game at the check station before leaving the refuge (see hunting brochure).
8. We allow access to the hunt area from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.
9. We allow the use of hunting dogs for retrieving downed waterfowl during waterfowl hunts.
10. We allow motorized boats in designated areas at the manager's discretion.
11. We prohibit flagging, blazing, painting, or any other trail-marking devices.
12. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of a road open to vehicle travel or within 200 yards (180 m) of a building.
13. We prohibit entry into the designated hunt area by nonhunters during all quota deer-gun and waterfowl hunts.
14. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
15. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
16. We prohibit walking or trespassing on the railroad tracks to access the refuge.
17. We prohibit removal of live hogs from the refuge.
18. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
19. Youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license.
20. We prohibit taking, collecting, or disturbing any artifact, property, plant, wildlife, or part thereof, other than that specifically allowed by refuge regulation (see Sec. Sec. 27.61 and 27.62 of this chapter).
21. We prohibit littering (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter).
22. We prohibit disturbing, annoying, or interfering with other persons.
23. We prohibit open fires (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter).
24. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on the refuge except by wheelchair-bound hunters with a refuge Special Use Permit (General Activities--Special Use Permit Application, FWS Form 3-1383-G).
25. We prohibit off-road vehicle travel.
26. We prohibit vehicle travel around a closed gate.
27. We prohibit blocking refuge roads, boat ramp, or gates with vehicles, boats, or trailers.
28. We prohibit leaving vehicles, boats, trailers, or decoys on the refuge overnight (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
29. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
30. We prohibit the possession or use of any suppressors or silencers on any firearm.
31. We prohibit the possession or use of any trail or game camera or leaving any other electronic device on the refuge.
32. We prohibit the possession or use of any night vision or thermal imaging equipment.
33. We prohibit the possession or use of any electronic calls.
34. We prohibit the training of dogs or release of birds.
35. We prohibit falconry.
36. We prohibit bicycles on foot travel roads or off road. We restrict bicycles to roads designated open to vehicles.
37. We prohibit audio equipment such as radios, other noise-making devices, or generators.
38. We prohibit horses or mules.
39. We prohibit construction of or hunting from permanent blinds for waterfowl. You may only place temporary blinds, blind material, and/or decoys on the day of the hunt, and you must remove them by 1:00 p.m. on that same day.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and quail on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A3 through A8, A10 through A12, and A14 through A38 apply.
2. We require you to possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) while hunting for upland game. The hunt brochure will serve as your hunt permit. You may obtain this permit from the refuge office.
3. We require each small game hunter to wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of hunter orange as an outer garment above the waist during small game hunts.
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs while hunting for squirrel, rabbit, and quail.
5. You may place tree stands and hunting blinds during upland game and big game hunts on the day prior to each upland game and big game hunt. You must remove tree stands and hunting blinds by 11:00 a.m. on the day after the hunt.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting for white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A8, A10 through A18, A20 through A38, and B5 apply.
2. We may implement designated feral hog hunts at the manager's discretion.
3. We prohibit the use of buckshot.
4. We prohibit the use of dogs during deer and feral hog hunts.
5. We require each deer and feral hog hunter to wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of hunter orange as an outer garment above the waist during hunts.
6. For archery hunting, we require you to possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) while hunting. You may obtain this permit from the refuge office.
7. Youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing from March 1 to October 31, except on the Ocmulgee River, which is open to fishing year-round.
2. We only allow access to the refuge and fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We only allow fishing with pole and line or rod and reel.
4. We allow boat launching at the Stone Creek Boat Launch. During periods of high water, we allow boats to be launched from refuge roads normally open to vehicle traffic. We allow gasoline motors only during periods of high water as defined as a reading of 18.0 feet (5.5 meters) or higher at the Macon Gauge on the Ocmulgee River.
5. Conditions A3, A4, A11, A15, A16, A20 through A32, and A36 through A38 apply.
6. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while fishing on the refuge.
7. We require you to possess and carry a signed refuge fishing permit (signed brochure) while fishing. You may obtain this permit from the refuge office.
8. Youth fishermen age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid fishing license.
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
Refer to Sec. 32.20 Alabama for regulations.
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a refuge hunt permit (name/address/phone number) for all hunters age 16 and older, which must be signed and carried at all times when hunting. We charge a fee for all hunt permits.
2. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week preceding each hunt, but you must remove stands by the end of each hunt (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Hunters must be on their stands from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 9 a.m. and from 2 hours before legal sunset until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
4. We prohibit use of flagging, blazing, or trail-marking devices to locate stands or for any other purpose.
5. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (91.4 meters) of Harris Neck Road, the refuge entrance drive, Visitor Contact Station/Office, Barbour River Landing, Barbour River Road, or Gould's Cemetery.
6. We require hunters to check-in and check-out each hunt day. Personal identification is required.
7. We require hunters to check all harvested game at the check station before leaving the refuge each day.
8. During the hunts, we will restrict vehicles to the auto tour route (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) and allow two-way traffic.
9. During the archery hunt, we allow only bows in accordance with State regulations.
10. Hunters must enter the refuge through the main entrance gate. We prohibit entry by boat.
11. Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered), and we will issue State bonus tags for two of these. There is no bag limit for feral hog.
12. During the gun hunt, we allow only shotguns (20 gauge or larger; slugs only), muzzleloaders, and bows in accordance with State regulations.
13. We prohibit target practice (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
14. During the gun hunt, hunters must wear an outer garment with a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 square centimeters) of hunter-orange material above the waistline.
15. Refuge personnel must check deer harvested during refuge hunts before leaving the refuge.
16. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
17. We will close the refuge to the nonhunting public on all hunt days.
18. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
19. We prohibit the use of trail or game cameras.
20. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
2. We allow bank fishing into estuarine waters only from legal sunrise to legal sunset except during managed hunts.
3. We close the Barbour Landing (boat ramp and parking areas) to the public from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m.
4. We prohibit freshwater fishing.
5. We require a Georgia fishing license and Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of rabbit, squirrel, bobwhite quail, and turkey on the Cowhouse Unit of the refuge. The season will be consistent with the adjacent Dixon Memorial Wildlife Management Area and in accordance with State hunting regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow foot and bicycle traffic on the refuge portion of Cowhouse Island.
2. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve during quail hunts.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of turkey only on the Cowhouse Island Unit of the refuge. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog at the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, the Pocket Unit, and Cowhouse Island Unit in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. In the Pocket Unit:
i. We only allow archery hunting and foot traffic.
ii. You must sign in and out daily.
iii. You must remove tree stands daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
iv. We prohibit the use of dogs.
v. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45.7 meters) of any road opened for vehicular access.
vi. We prohibit possessing a cocked crossbow in a motor vehicle.
vii. We allow scouting 7 days prior to scheduled hunt.
viii. We prohibit shooting from a motor vehicle.
2. In the Suwannee Canal Unit:
i. We only allow two \1/2\-day hunts (dates will be announced) and shotguns with slugs or muzzleloaders.
ii. We require a refuge permit (Big/Upland Game Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2356) through refuge lottery (fee will be announced).
iii. Hunters must remain on stands from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 9 a.m.
iv. You must sign in and sign out daily.
v. You must tag your deer with special refuge tags (obtained from Refuge Office). There is a limit of two deer of either sex per day.
vi. We zone Chesser Island Hunt area to accommodate wheelchair hunters.
vii. We prohibit hunting with dogs.
viii. We allow scouting 7 days prior to scheduled hunt.
ix. We prohibit shooting from a motor vehicle.
x. We prohibit taking or possessing any wildlife except during an open season for that species.
xi. Condition C.1.iii applies.
3. In the Cowhouse Island Unit:
i. Dixon Memorial Wildlife Management Area rules, regulations, dates, and times apply.
ii. Conditions B.1, C.1.iii, and C.1.iv apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may use only 10 horsepower motors or less on the refuge.
2. We prohibit possession of live bait fish.
3. We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel.
4. We prohibit paddleboarding, air boats, swimming, and wading.
5. All boats must be off the water by posted time.
6. In the Suwannee Canal Unit, we prohibit fishing in ponds and canals along Swamp Island Drive.
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit upland game hunting during refuge deer or turkey hunts.
2. We coordinate seasons and limits with the State and annually list them in the refuge hunt brochure.
3. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) while hunting. You may obtain the permit from the refuge office.
4. We require a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) to hunt on the Hitchiti Experimental Forest in accordance with refuge hunting seasons and regulations.
5. We prohibit hunting or possessing weapons in areas posted ``No Hunting Zone'' or ``Area Closed'' or designated as no hunting areas on the hunt brochure map (see Sec. Sec. 27.42 and 27.43 of this chapter).
6. The refuge is a day-use-only area, with the exception of legal hunting activities.
7. We allow access to the hunt area from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.
8. We allow hunting for raccoon and opossum from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the days listed as open in the refuge hunt brochure.
9. We only allow .22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearms for raccoon and opossum hunting.
10. You may use dogs on designated areas of the refuge for hunting quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum in accordance with State regulations.
11. You must keep your dogs confined or on a leash except when hunting, and you must remove your dogs upon your departure from the refuge (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
12. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
13. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
14. We prohibit possession or use of any suppressors or silencer on any firearms.
15. We prohibit possession or use of trail or game cameras or leaving any other electronic device on the refuge.
16. We prohibit possession or use of any night vision or thermal imaging equipment.
17. We prohibit possession or use of any electronic calls.
18. We prohibit training of dogs or release of birds.
19. We prohibit falconry.
20. We prohibit bicycles on foot travel roads or off road. We restrict bicycles to gravel roads designated open to vehicles.
21. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
22. We prohibit horses or mules.
23. We prohibit taking, collecting, or disturbing any artifact, property, plant, wildlife, or part thereof, other than that specifically allowed by refuge regulation (see Sec. Sec. 27.61 and 27.62 of this chapter).
24. We prohibit open fires.
25. Youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting for white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions B4 through B7, B12 through B18, B20, and B22 through B24 apply.
2. We coordinate hunting seasons and limits with the State and annually list them in the refuge hunting brochure.
3. We require you to possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) while archery hunting. You may obtain this permit from the refuge office.
4. We require you to possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure), pay a fee for the quota firearms hunts, and possess and carry an additional refuge quota hunt permit (name/address/phone number) for the quota hunts. You may obtain applications and information about the hunt drawing from the refuge office.
5. We have a special deer hunt for disabled hunters confined to wheelchairs. You may obtain information about this hunt from the refuge office.
6. We prohibit entry into designated hunt areas by nonhunters during all quota deer hunts and the disabled deer hunts.
7. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking except in the designated campground at Pippins Lake. You must have a valid, paid refuge quota hunt permit (name/address/phone number) during big game quota hunts or a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) during the archery hunt to enter and use the campground.
8. We prohibit buckshot.
9. We only allow alcoholic beverages in the designated campground.
10. We prohibit flagging, blazing, painting, or any other trail-marking devices.
11. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of a road open to vehicle travel or within 200 yards (180 m) of a building.
12. You must bring any deer, turkey, or hog you harvest to the refuge check station intact, except entrails, the day you kill them and before you leave the refuge. We prohibit possession of dressed deer, turkey, or hog unless you have checked them at the refuge check station.
13. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on the refuge except by wheelchair-bound hunters with a special use permit (General Activities--Special Use Permit Application, FWS Form 3-1383-G).
14. We prohibit target practice on the refuge, including the shooting of firearms or bows in the designated campground, or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
15. We prohibit audio equipment such as radios or other noise-making devices such as generators after 10 p.m. or before 6 a.m. in the campground (see Sec. 27.72 of this chapter).
16. We prohibit dogs for hunting big game.
17. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
18. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing from March 15 to September 30.
2. We only allow access to the refuge and fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. You may keep the following numbers of fish each day: bass--5, channel catfish--5, sunfish or bream--15, and crappie--15.
4. We allow nonmotorized boats or boats with electric motors on all ponds designated as open to fishing.
5. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while fishing on the refuge.
6. We only allow fishing with pole and line or rod and reel.
7. We prohibit leaving boats or other personal equipment on the refuge overnight (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit the use of fish for bait and the possession of minnows.
9. We prohibit placing or throwing in the water feeds, grains, or other materials to chum or attract fish.
10. We prohibit possession or take of grass carp. You must immediately release any grass carp caught.
11. We require you to possess and carry a signed refuge fishing permit (signed brochure) while fishing. You may obtain this permit from the refuge office.
12. Youth fishermen age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid fishing license.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas of the refuge north of Georgia Highway 25/South Carolina Highway 170 in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. For all hunters age 16 and older, we require a refuge hunt permit, which must be signed and carried at all times when hunting. We charge a fee for all hunt permits.
2. To participate in the youth waterfowl hunt, youth hunters must submit the Waterfowl Lottery Application (FWS Form 3-2355). We require an application fee to enter the hunt drawing.
3. We only allow temporary blinds. You must remove decoys and other personal property from the refuge daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (91.4 meters) of Georgia Highway 25/South Carolina Highway 170.
5. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
6. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32.)
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A6 apply.
2. We only allow rimfire rifles or shotguns with 2 shot or smaller for squirrel hunting.
3. We prohibit hunting on or within 100 yards (90 m) of U.S. Highway 17, GA Highway 25/SC Highway 170, refuge facilities, road and trails, railroad rights of way, and within areas marked as closed.
4. We prohibit the use of dogs.
5. During the period when the squirrel hunt coincides with the refuge gun hunt for deer and hogs, we require hunters to possess a big game license (State) and to wear an outer garment containing a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of hunter-orange material above the waistline.
6. Youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A6, B3, B4, and B6 apply.
2. To participate in the gun hunt for wheelchair-dependent hunters, hunters must submit the Quota Deer Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2354). To participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt & Learn Weekend, youth hunters must submit the Big/Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2356). We require an application fee to enter these hunt drawings.
3. We allow only bows, in accordance with State regulations, for deer and hog hunting during the refuge archery hunt.
4. We allow only shotguns (20 gauge or larger; slugs only), center-fire rifles (.22 caliber or larger), muzzleloaders, and bows, in accordance with State regulations, for deer and hog hunting during the gun hunts.
5. You must remove hunt stands daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
6. Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered). There is no bag limit on feral hog.
7. Turkey hunters may harvest only three gobblers (male turkey).
8. We allow shotguns with only 2 shot or smaller and bows, in accordance with State regulations, for turkey hunting. We prohibit the use of slugs or buckshot for turkey hunting.
9. We prohibit the use of trail or game cameras.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Anglers may fish in refuge impoundments and canals from March 1 through November 30 annually.
2. Anglers may fish in Kingfisher Pond and all tidal creeks year-round.
3. We allow fishing from sunrise to sunset.
4. Anglers may bank fish year-round throughout the refuge, unless otherwise posted.
5. Boats may not be left on the refuge overnight.
6. Anglers may only use non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors within impounded waters.
7. We require a Georgia fishing license for fishing in Georgia waters; we require a South Carolina freshwater fishing license for fishing in South Carolina waters (includes refuge impoundments and bank fishing from Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive).
Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a refuge hunt permit, for all hunters age 16 and older, which must be signed and carried at all times when hunting. We charge a fee for all hunt permits.
2. We prohibit flagging, blazing, or trail-marking devices to locate stands or for any other purpose.
3. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
4. Refuge personnel must check deer harvested during scheduled hunts before hunters leave the refuge.
5. Hunters may take five deer (no more than two antlered), and we will issue State bonus tags for two of these. There is no bag limit on feral hog.
6. Hunters must be on their stands from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 9 a.m. and from 2 hours before legal sunset until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
7. We prohibit target practice (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
8. We allow only bows and muzzleloading rifles, in accordance with State regulations, for deer and hog hunting during primitive weapons hunt.
9. We allow only shotguns (20 gauge or larger; slug only), center-fire rifles (.22 caliber or larger), bows, and primitive weapons, in accordance with State regulations, for deer and hog hunting during the gun hunt.
10. We prohibit mooring boats to the government dock except for loading or unloading purposes.
11. Hunters must check-in at the refuge dock prior to setting up camp. We require personal identification at check-in.
12. We only allow camping at the designated camping area. You must confine fires (see Sec. 27.95 of this chapter) to the camping area.
13. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge no earlier than 1 month prior to the opening day of each hunt, but you must remove all stands by the end of each hunt (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
14. We require hunters to wear an outer garment that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of hunter-orange material above the waistline.
15. Hunters may check-in at the refuge dock no more than 1 day in advance of the opening day of the hunt.
16. Hunters must be off the island by 12 p.m. (noon) the day following the last day of the hunt.
17. Within the refuge, you may only walk or use a bicycle. We prohibit hunters to leave by boat to reach other parts of the island.
18. We will close the refuge to the nonhunting public on all hunt days.
19. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
20. We prohibit the use of trail or game cameras.
21. We prohibit hunters from bringing firewood to the refuge.
22. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32.)
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
2. We allow bank/beach fishing into estuarine waters only from legal sunrise to legal sunset except during managed hunts.
3. We prohibit freshwater fishing.
4. We require a Georgia fishing license and Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit.
Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow saltwater fishing year-round in the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
2. We close all beach, marsh, and upland areas to the public.
3. We require a Georgia fishing license and Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit. [58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 6691, Feb. 11, 1994; 59 FR 55185, Nov. 3, 1994; 62 FR 47377, Sept. 9, 1997; 63 FR 46915, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30781, May 12, 2000; 66 FR 46355, Sept. 4, 2001; 67 FR 58944, Sept. 18, 2002; 69 FR 54362, 54382, Sept. 8, 2004; 70 FR 54166, Sept. 13, 2005; 73 FR 33171, June 11, 2008; 74 FR 45683, Sept. 3, 2009; 74 FR 50736, Oct. 1, 2009; 76 FR 3958, Jan. 21, 2011; 76 FR 56068, Sept. 9, 2011; 77 FR 56038, Sept. 11, 2012; 79 FR 14827, Mar. 17, 2014; 80 FR 51897, Aug. 26, 2015]