WMA Coyote Hunting Options In May

WRD is once again allowing coyote and hog hunting with big-game weapons May 16-31 on most WMAs. In fact, you can consider a WMA open for this special season unless stated otherwise in the hunting regulations booklet.

“The May season is a direct response to hunter desires—they want a chance to use big game weapons for feral hogs and coyotes,” said Tina Johannsen, program operations manager of WRD’s Game Management Section. “While take of these non-native, nongame species is allowed during all open seasons for game species, we can’t always allow the larger firearms more favorable to harvest of those animals on WMAs for safety and user conflict reasons.”

If participating in this special season, hunters must wear orange, electronic calls are legal, and night hunting and baiting are not allowed.

On some WMAs, the use of hog dogs maybe permitted; however do not just show up with dogs and be ready to hunt. You must first call the Region office and ask about the specific WMA you are wanting to hunt. That region will have to give the go-ahead before you bring your dogs. 

“The use of dogs can’t be allowed on a blanket basis because other uses of those WMAs may not be compatible (e.g. sensitive plant communities) or if the area is too small or otherwise located where use of dogs is not feasible,” said Tina. “The differences are literally by WMA, not region. We can’t stress enough the need for hunters to check the individual WMA regs and call the region office ahead of time, and not assume any generalities relative to this May season.” 

Phone numbers to those Region offices are at https://georgiawildlife.com/about/contact#gm.

After your hunt, enter the Coyote Cull for a chance to win a Franchi Momentum rifle from Adventure Outdoors, $500 from Trinity Custom Homes or a trapping package from Southern Snares & Outfitters worth over $200.