Bussey Point 2024 Deer Hunts Canceled Due To Storm Damage

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, J. Strom Thurmond, Forest, Fish, and Wildlife Section is cancelling the Bussey Point Corps Management Unit (CMU) 2024 deer hunts due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene caused impassable roads due to fallen trees which makes Bussey Point CMU unsafe for hunting this year. Staff, contractors, and timber operations are working to clear roads, salvage timber and ensure public safety, but hazardous conditions remain, which could delay first responders reaching hunters if emergency services are needed.

“We appreciate the public’s patience during this recovery period and ask that you refrain from using our other recreational activities such as biking, hiking, horseback riding and primitive camping, too,” said Evan Brashier, USACE conservation biologist at J. Strom Thurmond. “Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

For more information, contact Brashier at 864.333.1159 or email [email protected].

GA DNR Closure Alerts – Hurricanes Helene & Milton

Last updated Oct. 15, 2024 3 p.m.

WMA & PFA Closures and Changes

Wildlife Management Areas:

Sapelo Island WMA – Bonus Youth Deer Hunt scheduled for Oct. 11-13 is canceled due to potential damage/issues from Hurricane Milton.
Dawson Forest WMA – City of Atlanta Tract – Shoal Creek Bridge is closed (due to structural issues). However, the rest of the WMA is open.
Grand Bay WMA – Closed until further notice due to significant damage (downed powerlines and trees) from Helene. Avoid this area.

For closure info re: WMAs on USDA Forest Service land (see following list), visit the USDA Forest Service website at fs.usda.gov/main/conf/: Blue Ridge, Chattahoochee, Chestatee, Cohutta, Coopers Creek, Johns Mountain, Lake Russell, Rich Mountain, Swallow Creek, Warwoman

Public Fishing Areas:

Hugh M. Gillis PFA– The area is open, but due to damages from Helene, the nature trail, primitive campground and bathrooms are closed.
McDuffie PFA– Due to damages from Helene, the PFA and the campground are closed.

Boat Ramps

Beaverdam WMA boat ramp on Oconee River (trees down on access roads – can’t get to boat ramp) (Laurens County)
Broad River SR17 (Elbert County)
Brigham’s Landing ramp (Yuchi WMA) (The road to the boat ramp is inaccessible)
Lock and Dam Ramp (Baurle boat ramp-Augusta-Richmond Co) will be closed as of 6pm (9/26/24)
McDuffie PFA Boat Ramps
Sandy Hammock on Ocmulgee River (Pulaski County) (The entrance road is flooded)
Scuffle Bluff Landing at Horse Creek WMA (Telfair Co.-Ocmulgee River).
Shady Field Landing on Oconee River (tree down across entrance road) (Laurens County)
Tuckahoe WMA Boat Ramps (Dick’s Lookout, Miller Lake and Possum Eddy) are flooded and not accessible (Screven County / Savannah River)
Rocky Hammock (Ocmulgee River/Jeff Davis County): Access road blocked by fallen trees.
Barr’s Bluff (Ocmulgee River/Coffee County): Access road blocked by fallen trees.
Ochise Landing (Ocmuglee River/Telfair County): Flooded
State Line SR31-Withlacoochee River (Lowndes Co): Flooded with possible tree debris under water.
Statenville SR94: Alaphaha River (Echols Co): Completely flooded, some tree debris in driveway.
Lakeland Ramp on Alapaha River (Lanier Co/Hwy 129): Completely flooded, some tree debris in driveway.
Berrien Beach on Alapaha River (Berrien Co/SR 168): Completely flooded.

Bussey Point 2024 Deer Hunts Canceled Due To Storm Damage

Hurricane damage continues to affect Corps and DNR properties with closures and limitations.

GA DNR Closure Alerts – Hurricanes Helene & Milton

WMA & PFA Closures and Changes

Boat Ramps

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