Posted: 5/16/2025 11:10:20 AM EDT
When I was a kid my dad used to hunt in the GW/Jefferson NF in Virginia. I was not old enough to go with him before we moved and I only remember driving up into the mountains once or twice when I was little so I really don't remember any details. I've always wanted to do some hunting up in those areas. Now we have a place in North GA and I was kind of excited about the idea of hunting up there. I've been looking at he maps and finally got a chance to drive around a little recently and so far I am confused an disappointed. Looking at the maps, it looks like the Cahutta NF is large and easily accessible but on the ground, not so much. I see sections of NF that look like when they border main roads. But I checked out county websites and it looks like large sections that look like NF are marked as timber property on the county websites. So I'm not sure if those areas are open to hunting or if you need permission from the timber companies. Then there is the terrain. I think the GW NF had a lot more large open valleys as opposed to the Cahutta NF which looks like it has a lot of thick forests with small drainage saddles. There is nothing really open and it does not look like an easy area to access, get open shots or even drag game out if you get something. I was planning on hunting NF land as opposed to the WMAs so I have not explored the Cahutta wilderness WMA at this point. I've been hoping to run into a game warden at some point but no luck so far. I'm not even sure about dispersed camping during hunting season. Can you stay in the mountains overnight or do you have to camp in designated campgrounds. |
| Contact National Forest HQ or on line for "Travel Plan" map. Dispersed camping depends on local rules. Sometimes a wide spot in road is ok other times entire area is closed. Wilderness Areas do not allow wheels. Obtain map from state on wildlife density. No point in hunting where the game is non-existent. Look for one mile area with no roads, less poaching. Google earth has overlays for ownership available. |
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They open up the fire roads during hunting season: The last Sat in Sept till 2nd Sat in Feb. Camping from the web: Temporary dispersed primitive camping (no water, electric hookups, bathrooms or other facilities) is allowed at many of the Department's WMAs across the Commonwealth, when occupants are engaged in authorized activities. However, a camping authorization (no cost) is required to camp on WMAs. The free authorization can be obtained at any license agent or at GoOutdoorsVirginia.com. The camping authorization can be found in the list of "Special Licenses". Primitive camping is allowed for up to 14 consecutive nights and no more than 14 nights in any 28-day period. Camping is prohibited on or within 300 feet of any boat ramp, fishing lake or at other specific sites as posted or marked on WMA maps. All campers are required to store food in such a manner that it is not accessible by wildlife. Detailed camping regulations are found in 4VAC-15-20-155. Camping on the George Washington/Jefferson National Forests for more than 21 consecutive days without terminating occupancy for a minimum of 10 consecutive days within a 31-day time period is prohibited. For more information, please visit the National Forest website or call the appropriate Ranger District Office. I watch a few you tube channels where they are hunting the GWNF. Most seem to camp in clearings on the side of the fire roads. A lot have campers. This website has interactive map apps for your phone. https://www.fs.usda.gov/ |