John’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Map: N-Georgia.com, built from U.S. Census Bureau boundaries; location from Georgia DNR

John’s Mountain WMA covers 23,356 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest in Walker, Whitfield, Gordon and Floyd counties, near Armuchee. It is hunted for deer, bear, turkey and small game, and has the Chestnut Mountain shooting range, primitive campsites and hiking, biking and horse trails. ATVs are not allowed.

• SizeAbout 23,356 acres
• Check station / access9 Lake Marvin Road NE Armuchee, GA 30105
• GPS34.61407, -85.06490
• Georgia DNR officeRegion 1 office, 706-295-6041

• 2026-27 Seasons
• Maps
• Rules & Directions
• Facilities
• Common Questions

2026-27 Hunting Seasons at John’s Mountain WMA

These dates come from Georgia DNR’s 2026-27 WMA regulations. “State seasons” means the statewide dates apply; see our Georgia hunting seasons guide. Sign-in is required for bear, deer and turkey hunts unless noted, and quota hunts require an application at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

John’s Mountain WMA Maps

For current boundaries, roads, gates and food plots, use Georgia DNR’s John’s Mountain WMA page and its interactive property map, which also works in the Outdoors GA app. Our printable PDF maps below are older copies of DNR maps from roughly 2011 to 2013; boundaries, roads and tract names may have changed since.

• Johns Mtn WMA (older PDF)

Area Rules & Directions

• No ATVs. Electric bicycles restricted to roads open for motor vehicles.
• Forest Service campgrounds and the shooting range are cashless: pay through Recreation.gov and keep proof of payment, since cell service is poor.

Directions. From Calhoun: Take HWY 136C north 6 miles to Sugar Valley, turn left and go 6 miles to Lake Marvin, check station is at The Pocket.

Everyone 16 and older entering a WMA needs a Georgia license that allows hunting or fishing, or a Lands Pass ($30 a year for residents). Wear fluorescent orange or blaze pink during firearms and primitive weapons deer and bear hunts, and report deer, bear and turkey through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours.

Facilities & Things to Do