McGraw Ford Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

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

McGraw Ford WMA is a 2,070-acre property on the Etowah River in Cherokee County, near Ball Ground. It is managed for archery deer and bear hunting in the fall, season-long dove hunting on 22 acres of managed fields, and spring turkey. About 5 miles of river frontage make it a good spot for fishing and paddling.

• SizeAbout 2,070 acres
• Check station / access1600 Ball Ground Road Ball Ground, GA 30107
• GPS34.31777, -84.33670
• Georgia DNR officeRegion 1 office, 706-295-6041

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

2026-27 Hunting Seasons at McGraw Ford 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.

McGraw Ford WMA Maps

For current boundaries, roads, gates and food plots, use Georgia DNR’s McGraw Ford 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.

• Mcgraw Ford WMA (older PDF)

Area Rules & Directions

• No ATVs.
• ATVs are not allowed on the property.

Directions. From Ballground: From jct. of Bus. HWY 5 and HWY 372 travel 2.1 miles east to Sign-In on right across from intersection with Conns Creek Rd.

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