tree cutter 08
Senior Member
If I cross a WMA open for small game to access national forest land to big game hunt am I going to get in trouble? Not sure where to get a yes or no answer. I don't see a problem but I can see how a problem could arise.
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Crossing WMA question
- Thread starter tree cutter 08
- Start date
Mexican Squealer
Senior Member
Cross it with a weapon and I imagine green jeans will put the screws to you.
whitetailfreak
Senior Member
I personally would not. I hunt a few places where Cohutta WMA is on one side of the fs road and CNF is on the other and the parking is on WMA side. I don't have to walk through WMA, just park on it. I'm sure one day I'll get questioned. I killed a 8 pt on the nf side a few yrs ago, and got a few funny looks while loading him up. Good luck.
whitetailfreak
Senior Member
Last season, when there were rd closures on Cohutta and Shanty Cr (nf), I would park at the point where the rd was gated off and walk several miles through Cohutta on a closed (for repairs) fs rd to reach nf. I spoke to the local Warden prior, and he saw no problem. Once again, I was walking on a fs rd that was closed for repairs, and not through the woods.
tree cutter 08
Senior Member
Thanks, I know its probably a gray area that could go either way.
across the river
Senior Member
If you put your rifle in a gun case, and walked with the gun in the case, then I don't think you would have an problems. What is he going to write you a ticket for? If you walk through with a 30-06 hanging on your back it would be more of an issue.
bowbuck
Senior Member
I can see how you could get in trouble. Easiest thing to do is call the area manager and get his take one way or the other. I personally would rather talk to the man that was going to be waiting by my truck before hand than figuring it out after dark.
Timberman
Senior Member
I would be interested to know as well.
ripplerider
Senior Member
I have had an area manager give me permission to cross the WMA with an unloaded gun to access F.S. land where a truly big buck was using. He had seen this buck's sign while marking boundaries so he knew I wasnt just blowing smoke. There was technically a way to access the area from the far side without crossing the WMA but it would have meant a 2 1/2 hour walk versus a 11/4 one and a nightmare of a drag out. This manager has since retired.
feathersnantlers
Senior Member
It's probably a legal debate but just don't load your rifle or have shells in the magazine while crossing the WMA.
Then when you passed the yellow lines load up.
Then when you passed the yellow lines load up.
slow motion
Senior Member
The problem will arise when you bring harvested game across the WMA closed to hunting such game. I agree with others about contacting Warden's office prior to trying it. Perhaps a PM to Mr Killmaster might help.
Dr. Strangelove
Senior Member
As has been said already, just call GA DNR and let them know what you wish to do. I don't have enough good things to say about my interactions with phone calls, emails or officers in the field. They are there to help and it shows.
Even in the one slightly negative encounter a buddy of mine and I had with a younger officer who was trying to "Barney Fife" us, the older guy eventually just put his hand up in front of the new guy, looked at us and said "Thank you, you guys have nice day".
Even in the one slightly negative encounter a buddy of mine and I had with a younger officer who was trying to "Barney Fife" us, the older guy eventually just put his hand up in front of the new guy, looked at us and said "Thank you, you guys have nice day".
livinoutdoors
Goatherding Non-socialist Bohemian Luddite
I would say trouble, but as of dec . 1 it doesnt matter if its small game dates cuz you can tote a "furbearer season" rifle unless it states no season for that wma.
Cwb19
Senior Member
You could take your muzzleloader. But getting you harvest out might be a problem
jbogg
Senior Member
I have wondered the same thing. Along those lines if someone is hunting NF along the AT and using the trail to walk to and from then one would technically be on the boundary of the WMA since the trail is the dividing line between the WMA and NF for most of the Northern parts of Chestatee and Chattahoochee. I’m sure it’s not an issue, but interesting to consider.
C.Killmaster
Georgia Deer Biologist
I think you would be fine toting it across unloaded in a case, but it's always best to touch base with the county ranger if the answer isn't clear.
http://gadnrle.org/find-ranger
http://gadnrle.org/find-ranger
