Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

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

Lake Russell WMA covers 17,300 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest near Cornelia. It is hunted for deer, bear, turkey, small game and coyotes, and also has hiking, biking and horse trails, primitive campsites and lake fishing.

• SizeAbout 17,300 acres
• GPS34.54672, -83.41410
• Georgia DNR officeRegion 2 office, 770-535-5700

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

2026-27 Hunting Seasons at Lake Russell 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.

Lake Russell WMA Maps

For current boundaries, roads, gates and food plots, use Georgia DNR’s Lake Russell 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.

• Lake Russell WMA (older PDF)

Area Rules & Directions

• US Forest Service property. No ATV’s/UTV’s.Electric bicycles restricted to roads open to motor vehicles.
• ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on Forest Service roads.

Directions. From Gainesville: Take HWY 365 north, take Toccoa/Lavonia exit, stay on HWY 365, go 1.8 miles, turn right on Rock Rd., go 0.7 mile, turn left on Dicks Hill Pkwy., go 2.4 miles, turn right on Ayersville Rd. by the Milliken plant, go 0.9 mile, turn left on Check Station Rd., go 0.5 mile to check station on left.

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