Recreation areas on Hartwell Lake to open for hunting

Published Aug. 23, 2017

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Office will open four of its larger recreation areas for archery and small game hunting during the regular 2017-2018 Georgia hunting season. These areas include:

• Paynes Creek Park, Hart Co., Ga. (399 acres)

• Hartwell Dam Quarry Area, Hart Co., Ga. (410 acres)

• New Prospect Park, Hart Co., Ga. (34 acres)

• Jenkins Ferry Park, Stephens Co., Ga. (31 acres) 

The Hartwell Dam Quarry is restricted to archery equipment only during deer and turkey seasons. A permit is required which is available at no cost from the Corps’ Hartwell Lake Office. Hunting regulations, license requirements, and seasons set by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will apply. Information on regulations is available from the state’s Region 2 office at 770-535-5499. 

Small game hunting is allowed in all areas listed above, but only after the deer and turkey seasons close. Hunting for small game is restricted to shotgun only with number 4 shot or smaller. Hunting for deer and turkey is restricted to archery equipment only – all firearms are prohibited. The areas will be open on a walk-in or boat-in only basis. No motorized vehicles will be allowed within the gated area. Only portable stands and blinds are acceptable and must be removed from public land after the season. 

The Corps areas listed below are considered part of South Carolina DNR’s Fant’s Grove Wildlife Management Area for hunting. Hunters should contact SCDNR for information on licenses, seasons and bag limits at 864-654-1671.

 

• South Carolina River, Anderson Co., S.C. (125 acres)

• Glenn Ferry Park, Anderson Co., S.C. (211 acres)

• Weldon Island Park, Anderson Co., S.C. (138 acres)

• Apple Island Park, Anderson Co., S.C. (107 acres)

• Townville Park, Anderson Co., S.C. (23 acres)

• River Forks Park, Anderson Co., S.C. (182 acres), (Developed recreation area CLOSED to hunting.)

• Camp Creek Park, Anderson Co., S.C. (48 acres)

• Martin Creek Park, Oconee Co., S.C. (60 acres)

• Choestoea Park, Oconee Co., S.C. (369 acres)

 

Hunting is prohibited in all designated recreation areas except those listed above. All other public lands and waters around Hartwell Lake, including islands, are open to hunting in accordance with Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations and Georgia and South Carolina hunting regulations. Due to safety concerns, big game hunters are encouraged to use archery equipment only while hunting on the islands. 

Feral hog hunting is allowed on Hartwell Project lands year round except in areas designated as WMAs. A letter permit is required when hunting hogs outside of the state deer season on all Hartwell Project property. The use of dogs is only allowed outside of the state deer and turkey season. Long rifles are not allowed. 

For additional information & permits, contact Park Ranger Jess Fleming at the Hartwell Lake Project Office toll free at 888-893-0678, ext. 335, or 706-856-0335.
Contact
Billy Birdwell
912-652-5014

Release no. 17-028