New Management Plan Could Expand Hunting At Bond Swamp

Hunting access could expand greatly at Bond Swamp in Bibb and Twiggs counties over the next 15 years, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  (FWS) wants to hear from hunters in order to do it.

The public comment period for a new draft of a 15-year management plan for FWS-managed Bond Swamp ends July 22. There are three alternatives listed in the plan, and one of them would add turkey, waterfowl and small-game hunts to Bond Swamp’s management plan. It would also expand hunting opportunities for hogs and deer. Currently, the area offers only archery hunts for deer and firearms hunts for deer and hogs.

The preferred management plan is alternative C, which hunters should get behind. It would expand waterfowl habitat through acquisition of additional acreage, expand hunting opportunities on the preserve for deer, turkey, waterfowl, small game and hogs. It would also improve access for sportsmen to both the east and west sides of the preserve. This would expand access for anglers, as well.

Alternative A would continue management of the preserve as it has been managed for the past 15 years. Alternative B is a hands-off alternative, which would greatly reduce the amount  of effort put into maintaining facilities at Bond Swamp, including trails, wildlife plantings and visitor services. The hunting and fishing access would remain the same.

To see the complete draft for the management plan, go to southeast.fws.gov/planning. The plan for Bond Swamp is listed under the “Draft CCP Plans” link.

Comments should be sent to Carolyn Johnson, assistant refuge manager at <[email protected]> or by mail to 718 Juliette Road, Hillsboro, GA 31038. For more information, call (478) 986-5441.