The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Office will open four of its larger recreation areas for archery and small game hunting during the regular 2016-2017 Georgia hunting season. These areas include:
- Paynes Creek Park, Hart County, GA. (399 acres)
- Hartwell Dam Quarry Area, Hart County, GA. (410 acres)
- New Prospect Park, Hart County, GA. (34 acres)
- Jenkins Ferry Park, Stephens County, GA. (31 acres)
The Hartwell Dam Quarry is restricted to archery equipment only during deer and turkey seasons. A permit is required from the Hartwell Lake Office which is available at no cost. Hunting regulations, license requirements, and seasons set by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, will apply. Information on regulations is available from state wildlife offices.
Small game hunting is allowed in all areas listed above but only after the deer and turkey season closes. Hunting for small game is restricted to shotgun only with number 4 shot or smaller. Hunting for deer and turkey is restricted to archery equipment only – all firearms are prohibited. The areas will be open on a walk-in or boat-in only basis. No motorized vehicles will be allowed within the gated area. Only portable stands or blinds are acceptable and must be removed from public land after the season.
The Corps areas listed below are considered part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Fant’s Grove WMA hunting area. Contact the SCDNR at 864-654-1671 for information on licenses, seasons and bag limits.
- South Carolina River, Anderson County, S.C. (125 acres)
- Glenn Ferry Park, Anderson County, S.C. (211 acres)
- Weldon Island Park, Anderson County, S.C. (138 acres)
- Apple Island Park, Anderson County, S.C. (107 acres)
- Townville Park, Anderson County, S.C. (23 acres)
- River Forks Park, Anderson County, S.C. (182 acres), No hunting in closed portion of the recreation area.
- Camp Creek Park, Anderson County, S.C. (48 acres)
- Martin Creek Park, Oconee County, S.C. (60 acres)
- Choestoea Park, Oconee County, S.C. (369 acres)
Hunting is prohibited in all designated recreation areas unless listed above. All other public lands and waters around Hartwell Lake, including islands, are open to hunting in accordance with Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations and Georgia and South Carolina hunting regulations. Due to safety concerns, big game hunters are encouraged to use archery equipment only while hunting on the islands.
Feral hog hunting is allowed on Hartwell Project lands year round except areas designated as WMAs. A letter permit is required when hunting hogs outside the state deer season on all Hartwell Project property. Dogs are only allowed outside of the state deer and turkey season. Long rifles are not allowed.
For additional information and permits, contact Park Ranger Jess Fleming at the Hartwell Lake Project Office at 888-893-0678, ext. 335, or 706-856-0335.