Hunting Information
WMA Access
All interior gated roads and/or trails leading from main or mountain campus onto Berry College’s WMA will take you into the hunting areas. It is very important that you pay close attention to the hunting dates, posted signage and stay clear of the hunting areas.
The main campus and the mountain campus are protected by a buffer zone, which is called the Berry College Refuge. Hunters are not allowed inside the Refuge Area (Buffer Zone) Hunters may not access the WMA from campus.
Special Regulations
There is no open season for the taking of any wildlife on the Berry College campus or refuge. No night hunting for small game. Firearms and archery equipment are prohibited on the campus and refuge. Hunters may not use the main or mountain campus for gaining access to WMA. No ATVs. Foot trails, horse trails and bicycle trails are closed all day during deer firearms season and before 10:00 A.M. during deer/bear archery and turkey season.
2026-2027 Seasons:
Deer and Bear Archery Season
There are two scheduled deer and bear archery hunts on the Berry College Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for this year. Signing in prior to hunting is required only once per season during archery deer hunts. Check out or signing out on the day of a kill is required.
The dates for these hunts are September 12 - October 27, 2026, and November 1 - 13, 2026.
Horse, bicycle and foot trails are closed before 10:00 am during deer and bear archery season. During these hunts, only permitted hunters will be allowed on the WMA. All other activities are PROHIBITED every day prior to 10:00 am during the deer and bear archery season.
Deer Firearm Season
There are three scheduled deer firearm hunts on the Berry College WMA for this year. 1,000 people will be drawn for the first two hunts.
The dates for these hunts are:
- October 28 – 31, 2026 (Either Sex last day)
- December 2 – 6, 2026 (Either Sex)
- January 2 – 3, 2027 (Adult/Child; Ladies only)
During these hunts, only permitted hunters will be allowed on the WMA. All other activities, such as recreational, academic, college business, etc. are PROHIBITED all day, every day during the deer firearm season.
Turkey Season
April 3 - May 15, 2027
Horse, bicycle, and foot trails are closed prior to 10:00 am during turkey season. During these hunts, only permitted hunters will be allowed on the WMA. All other activities are PROHIBITED every day before 10:00 am during turkey season.
Bird and Rabbit, Dog Training
August 15, 2026 – March 19, 2027, except during fire-arm deer hunts. (No night hunting)
Coyote and Hog SEASON
No hunting of coyote or hog on the WMA.