Dawson Forest WMA Specialty Hunt

[Redbeardless]

Been thinking about trying the Dawson Forest Specialty Hunt this weekend. There is some advantage to getting old!!! I am hoping that getting to hunt when it is less crowded might pay off. I am in good shape, but definitely not up to mountain climbing. I would much rather get a hog than a deer. I have never hunted this WMA, any suggestions as to a good area to explore?

 

[slow motion]

Only been once since the 80s so no advice but good luck.

 

[treemanjohn]

Get a topo map, a GPS, and boat/canoe. Best way to hunt Dawson Forest. It can get crowded

 

[Rabun]

That used to be a primitive weapons hunt years ago and we go every year. Always did well. I just turned 65…what qualifies someone to be able to hunt this? I would love to get back up there. We always hunted the Atlanta tract off of north gate road. Terrain was more rolling than steep. Try and find an area away from the road as possible and sit all day. I’ve killed several during mid day when folks get antsy or head in for lunch and they bump deer.

 

[Redbeardless]

You qualify!!! Specialty hunt is for youth, disabled, and over 65. The specialty hunt is also a bonus hunt, so whatever you kill is tagged at the check station and does not count against your limit on your harvest record.

 

[35 Whelen]

That used to be a primitive weapons hunt years ago and we go every year. Always did well. I just turned 65…what qualifies someone to be able to hunt this? I would love to get back up there. We always hunted the Atlanta tract off of north gate road. Terrain was more rolling than steep. Try and find an area away from the road as possible and sit all day. I’ve killed several during mid day when folks get antsy or head in for lunch and they bump deer.

A Specialty Hunt is only for Youth (16 and younger,) Ladies, Disability License holders, Returning Georgia Veterans, Honorary License holders, and hunters over the age of 65.

 

[Rabun]

Thanks for the info! I will plan on attending this hunt next year for sure. Hope y'all do well!!

 

[bfriendly]

That used to be a primitive weapons hunt years ago and we go every year. Always did well. I just turned 65…what qualifies someone to be able to hunt this? I would love to get back up there. We always hunted the Atlanta tract off of north gate road. Terrain was more rolling than steep. Try and find an area away from the road as possible and sit all day. I’ve killed several during mid day when folks get antsy or head in for lunch and they bump deer.

That’s good stuff! I haven’t been in a long time and never really spent much time there. Did a few dove hunts. I loved it the few times I’ve gone and always seem to see deer.

 

[livinoutdoors]

I havent been in a very long time but its a nice wma with good deer if you can find where they are at. If you would rather have hogs there was one section that had a good many back then. I can post it here or you can pm me and i'll share. Just let me know.

 

[HuntinJake_23]

My wife went Saturday with her dad (73), and they sat in some fold out chairs against a tree over looking an oak ridge. Had a sho-nuff bruiser come in but neither had a shot. She got some quality time with her dad so overall good trip!!

 

[Redbeardless]

Well, I did get to hunt Sat. and Sunday morning. I waited until it was light enough to see Saturday morning and drove through looking for an area that I could hunt from the ground and be able to see, at least a little way. All I can say is that it is a beautiful area with lots of territory that looks really good. I saw a bull of a buck that stood on the side of the road looking at me then trotted across the road and looked back before heading on into the woods on the other side. The rack was the best that I have seen in many years on WMA land. Very heavy with a lot of mass, not the tallest or widest that I have seen, but definitely the most massive. At least 10 point with solid main beams. He was a full bodied deer, as well. Neck already swollen. Needless to say, I pulled over a little ways from where he crossed and ended up finding an area on top of a ridge where he was freshly working 5 or 6 scrapes. He didn't return either morning. Didn't see any other deer, but seeing that one cross in front of me was a blessing that I won't forget!!! One thing about having hunted all the years that I have hunted, you reach a point that just seeing one like that is reward enough. It was a very successful hunt!!!

 

[Bkeepr]

I could have gone to this hunt but instead I went to the Smithgall Woods Specialty Hunt because it is closer to home. Beautiful terrain. Buck only, and bear. I saw 2 does.