SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, J. Strom Thurmond Project, Forest, Fish, and Wildlife section will host primitive weapons deer hunts in Bussey Point Corps Management Unit (CMU), located in Lincoln County, Georgia with changes to accommodate pandemic precautions this season.
The Corps hosts these annual hunts to maintain the deer population within the carrying capacity for the area and to improve herd quality. The 2,545-acre peninsula will open for scheduled hunts on the following dates:
Date Hunt type
Oct. 9 Archery ONLY
Oct. 10 Archery / Muzzleloader
Nov. 13-14 Archery / Muzzleloader
Dec. 11-12 Archery / Muzzleloader
Hunting hours run from one hour before sunrise through one hour after sunset on each day.
***New this year due to COVID-19 concerns*** Based on the historic popularity and the number of interested hunters, participation will be limited. Hunters must register before close of business Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, to be considered for the hunts. Registration requires an email sent to Conservation Biologist Evan Brashier (evan.g.brashier@usace.army.mil) with a photocopy of each participant’s current driver’s license and Georgia state hunting license, vehicle tag number and desired dates of participation. Each hunter will receive an email confirming hunt registration.
***New this year due to COVID-19 concerns*** All hunts will be limited to a maximum of 50 hunters per day and may be further restricted if COVID-19 guidance changes. Hunters will be pre-registered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Archery hunters are invited to participate in all scheduled hunts.
***New this year due to COVID-19 concerns*** Hunters will be checked in and checked out, in their vehicle at the entrance gate. Upon arrival hunters should remain in the vehicle and must show proof of registration. All hunters must abide by the CDC, Georgia Department of Public Health, and Lincoln County COVID-19 guidelines and mandates.
The bag limit is two does and one quality buck each day of each hunt. ***New this year*** Quality bucks are those with racks having 15-inch main beam length or better on at least one side, or a 14-inch or greater outside spread. Bag limits will be strictly enforced. All state regulations including harvest reporting will be enforced. This is a non-quota hunt. All harvest counts towards state bag limit.
Park visitors who are not hunting are encouraged to find other recreation areas during the scheduled hunts. The management area will also be closed two days before each hunt except to hunters scouting or placing deer stands. No weapons are allowed in Bussey Point on scouting days.
***New this Year*** To reserve or obtain a campsite at Bussey Point Recreation Area, call 877-444-6777 or visit webpage: www.recreation.gov . For information regarding campgrounds and site availability near the Bussey Point CMU please visit the J. Strom Thurmond Lake webpage at: https://go.usa.gov/xfJUf.
For more information, contact Conservation Biologist Evan Brashier at the J. Strom Thurmond Office 864-333-1159 or email evan.g.brashier@usace.army.mil.
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