New Public Hunting Land Alert: Georgia’s Alachua Trail WMA Expands Opportunities Near the Okefenokee
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Board recently approved the purchase of approximately 2,900 acres that will become the new Alachua Trail Wildlife Management Area along the eastern and southeastern edge of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Charlton County. A second phase of roughly 1,000 acres is slated for 2027, bringing the total to around 4,000 acres of new public land dedicated to hunting, recreation, and habitat restoration.
This is a tangible win for Georgia hunters - and a perfect example of what strong advocacy and smart policy can achieve.
A Direct Result of Hunter-Supported Conservation Funding
The acquisition is funded through the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, which was expanded and extended during the 2026 legislative session. That expansion (via SB 478) increased revenue from sporting goods sales tax to support land conservation and outdoor access projects statewide. Hunter Nation Georgia celebrates this important expansion of public hunting opportunities, made possible through hunter-supported conservation funding like the Outdoor Stewardship Program.
The new WMA will focus on longleaf pine ecosystem restoration while protecting species like the gopher tortoise and indigo snake. For hunters, it means additional public land in south Georgia - an area with unique habitat that supports deer, turkey, small game, and potentially dove or waterfowl opportunities once fully established.
What This Means for Georgia Hunters
Public land is the backbone of accessible hunting in Georgia. WMAs and Voluntary Public Access (VPA) properties level the playing field, giving every licensed hunter - from first-timers to seasoned veterans - a place to pursue their passion without needing private leases.
The Alachua Trail WMA adds meaningful new acreage in a region that benefits from expanded options. Once open (closing on the Phase 1 purchase is expected in August 2026, with management planning to follow), it will join Georgia’s impressive network of WMAs that offer everything from walk-in deer hunting to quota dove fields and small game opportunities.
This development also underscores a bigger truth: Your hunting license, gear purchases, and support for conservation funding directly create more places to hunt.
Hunter Nation Georgia: Fighting for More Access and Stronger Traditions
Hunter Nation Georgia exists to protect and expand these kinds of opportunities. We advocate year-round for policies that increase public land access, strengthen hunter-supported conservation funding, support hunter education, and defend our hunting heritage and Second Amendment rights - so Georgia remains a premier hunting state.
New public land like Alachua Trail WMA doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because hunters stay engaged, support conservation funding, and elect leaders who value our heritage.
Get Ready and Get Involved
- Join or renew with Hunter Nation Georgia at hunternation.org/georgia
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