PiedmontHunting and Fishing |
Hunting and Fishing at Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Georgia. Published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
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To Highway 83
4
5
7
2
1
Sugar Hill
Road
Stalkinghead
Creek
6
2
11
9
2
12
Allison
Creek
12
4
11
5
3
4
3
River
Road
3
B. Russell
Road
Round Oak
Juliette Road
JULIETTE
N
Legend
Refuge Boundary
13
Allison
Lake
8
14
16
FIRE
TOWER
18
16
25
27
POWER
LINE
15
17
Jarrell
Plantation
Road
Jones
County
Monroe
County
Paved Roads
County Clay Roads
POWER
LINE
22
21
19
Ocmulgee
River
10
Falling
Creek 10
8
6
2
17
EAST
JULIETTE
EXIT 186
I-75 and
FORSYTH
8 miles
Little
Falling
Creek
Falling
Creek
19
20
JARRELL
PLANTATION
STATE
PARK
Rocky
Branch
24
26
22
23
Caney
Creek
Road
NEW
HOPE
CHURCH
28
ROUND
OAK
Pippin
Road
WAYSIDE
34
20
31
Refuge Graveled Road
Visitor Center
87
Deer Check Station
Little Rock Wildlife Drive
29
Ponds
Rivers & Creeks
Church
Hitchiti Experimental Forest:
(roads on the Hitchiti may or
may not be open to vehicles)
Five
Points
Road
33
FORSYTH
10 miles
33
32
Non-Refuge Land
1–34
1000 Acre Management
Compartments
Camping area
Approximate location of areas
closed to entry
Public Fishing Area
Boat Ramp Access
MACON
Ocmulgee
River
0
Kilo
Fire
Tower
Road
Howard
Roberts
Road
32
Butler's
Creek
Miles 1
0
30
GRAY
5 miles
Five
Points
Road
2
1
Applications for the spring turkey hunts will be
available in January and must be returned to the
refuge office by 12 noon on February 24, 2021. A
public drawing will be held at 1 pm February 24, 2021.
Man-drives for deer
All applicants will be mailed a notification of
selection with directions for payment of permit
fee. No credit or debit card payments will be
accepted. Payment must be in the form of
personal check, money order, certified check or
cashier’s check. If payment is made in person at
the refuge office, cash will also be accepted.
Contact the refuge office for more information or
to report any violations of refuge regulations at
478/986 5441.
Caney
Creek
23
Applications for the youth/wheelchair deer hunt
must be returned to the refuge office by 12 noon on
September 9, 2020 and the drawing will be held at 1
pm.
Possess, place, and/or hunt over any feed or
attractants (baiting)
GRAY
5 miles
18
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge • 718 Juliette Road • Round Oak, Georgia 31038 • 478/986 5441
General Prohibited Activities
Taking, collecting or disturbing any artifact,
property, plant, wildlife or part thereof; other than
that specifically permitted by refuge regulation
Taking or possessing frogs, turtles, snakes, or other
amphibians or reptiles
Entering refuge during deer firearms hunts without
a refuge quota hunt permit
Entering refuge hunt areas during refuge turkey
hunts without a refuge quota hunt permit
Possession or use of alcoholic beverages except in
the designated camping area. Possession of alcoholic
beverages by persons under age 21.
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying
firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply
with all provisions of state and local law. Persons
may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with
refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge
regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
Hunting or shooting from or within 50 yards of a
road open to vehicle travel or 200 yards of a building
Possess or hunt with buckshot
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Piedmont
Discharge of weapons in the campground
Possess or use of any suppressor on any firearm
National Wildlife
Refuge Hunting and
Fishing Regulations
2020-2021
Use of trail or game cameras or leaving any other
electronic device on the refuge
Possess or use of any night vision or thermal imaging
equipment
Possess or use of any electronic calls
Training dogs or release of birds
Falconry
Driving metal objects into trees or hunting from a
tree in which metal objects have been driven
Marking trails with flagging, blazing, painting, paper,
trash or other devices
Off road vehicle travel. Vehicle travel is limited to
open graveled roads unless posted otherwise
Use of ATVs, UTVs or other off road vehicles
Leaving vehicles, boats, or trailers on refuge overnight
Overnight camping and/or parking, except as
permitted during big game hunts and only in Pippins
Lake campground by permitted hunters
Blocking refuge road, boat ramp, or gate with
vehicles or vehicle travel around a closed gate
Bicycles on foot travel roads or off road. Bicycles
are restricted to gravel roads designated open to
vehicles.
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
Hunting and Fishing Permit 2020-2021
When signed and in your possession, this
brochure serves as your permit for fishing, small
game, deer archery, and raccoon hunts. Your
signature acknowledges your understanding of
the regulations contained herein. Quota hunts
require an additional Refuge specific special use
permit.
You must have this brochure in your possession
for ALL hunting and fishing, in addition
to state license requirements.
Disturbing, annoying, or interfering with other persons
Use audio equipment, noise making devices, or
generators after 10 pm or before 6 am in the
campground
Possess or use of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs )
Open fires except in the designated camping area
Unleashed pets
Littering
Horses or mules
Trapping
May 2020
To Highway 83
HILLSBORO
Target shooting or non-hunting discharge of firearms
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1 800/344 WILD
http://www.fws.gov
National Wildlife Refuge
Application forms for the deer gun hunts will be
available in July and must be returned to the refuge
office by 12 noon on August 26, 2020. A public
drawing will be held at 1 pm August 26, 2020.
Piedmont
National Wildlife Refuge
718 Round Oak-Juliette Road
Round Oak, GA 31038
478/986 5441
http://www.fws.gov/piedmont
Piedmont
MONTICELLO
9 miles
Signature
Piedmont Refuge is part of a system of more than
560 National Wildlife Refuges, which provide for
the conservation and management of habitats to
benefit fish and wildlife. The refuge uses a variety of
management techniques, primarily timber harvest
and prescribed burning to sustain a healthy pine/
hardwood forest. The refuge strives to provide
quality hunting and fishing opportunities when
compatible with the refuge management objectives.
The refuge is open to the public year round for
visitation and pre-hunt scouting during day light
hours, except during firearm deer hunts. A portion
of Little Rock Wildlife Drive, west of Pond 21A, will be
seasonally closed from November 15 to February 15.
AREA
BEYOND
THIS
SIGN
CLOSED
U.S.
FISH &WILDLIFE
SERVICE
M
EN
T OF TH E I N
RI
O
P
RT
R
DE
A
TE
All public entry prohibited
NATIONAL
WILDLIFE
REFUGE
UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY
PROHIBITED
General Hunt Regulations
Public hunting is permitted on
approximately 34,000 acres of Piedmont
National Wildlife Refuge with a refuge
hunt permit. Areas closed to hunting are
marked with signs and orange paint. The
refuge boundary is marked with signs and
yellow paint.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
In addition to Federal regulations, State
Game and Fish laws and regulations are
NO
HUNTING
adopted and in effect, unless they have
ZONE
been further restricted by Federal laws
or regulations. Licenses, permits, all
hunting and fishing equipment and effects,
and vehicles or other conveyances are subject to
inspection by Federal and State officers.
Camping by permitted hunters in Pippins Lake
Campground is authorized only during big game
hunts. The campground will open 8 am the day
before each hunt and close at 11 am the day after
each hunt. Hunters participating in more than one
quota hunt, not including the youth/wheelchair hunt,
may leave campers in the campground between
quota hunts at their own risk.
Refuge hunt permits and quota hunt permits are
required for all hunters and anyone who accompanies
them and to enter and or stay in the Pippins Lake
Campground.
Some access roads may be closed for small game
and turkey seasons or in bad weather. Some areas
may be closed during turkey hunts for prescribed
burning. Check with the refuge office for updates
January through April.
Hunting Season 2020-2021
Type Hunt
Deer-Either sex-Archery
Deer-Either sex
Wheelchair Firearms
Required Permits
General Refuge Permit
Quota 25 Sign-In Special
Refuge Permit for
Wheelchair Bound Persons
Quota 50 Sign-In
Season Dates
Sep 12- Oct 4, 2020
Oct 16-17, 2020
Bag Limits
State limit
2 deer
Oct 16-17, 2020
2 deer
Deer-Either sex
Primitive Weapons
Quota 1250
Oct 29- 31, 2020
2 deer
Deer-Either Sex
Firearms
Quota 1250
Nov 5-7, 2020 and
Nov 12-14, 2020
2 deer
Quail
General Refuge Permit
Nov 27-28, 2020; Dec 11-12, 26-27, 2020;
Jan 8-9, 22-23, 2021
State limit
Squirrel, Rabbit
General Refuge Permit
State Season except Refuge small game
hunts will be closed during all refuge
deer hunts.
State limit
Raccoon, Opossum
General Refuge Permit
Dec 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 26-27, 2020 and
Jan 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, 2021
State limit
Spring Turkey
Quota 300
Mar 30- Apr 3, 2021, Apr 13-17, 2021,
Apr 27- May 1, 2021
1 gobbler
Deer-Either sex
Youth Firearms
Hunter access is permitted from two hours before
sunrise to two hours after sunset during refuge
big game hunts.
Disposal of carcasses or entrails
Permitted refuge hunters and fishermen may dispose
of carcasses and entrails of game and fish legally
taken from the refuge on the refuge. Carcasses and
entrails may be placed in the woods, but may not
be placed within the campground, any dumpster, or
within 25 yards of any road, trail, gate, boat ramp,
parking area or private property.
Hitchiti Experimental Forest
The Hitchiti Experimental Forest is open for hunting
only during refuge hunting seasons with a valid
Piedmont Refuge hunting permit and in accordance
with refuge regulations. Training dogs and release
of birds is prohibited on Hitchiti Experimental
Forest.
Hunter Education / Children
Hunters age 16-25 must possess the hunter
education certificate while hunting. Children age
15 and under must remain within sight and normal
voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a
valid hunting or fishing license to hunt or fish on the
refuge.
One adult may supervise no more than one youth
hunter during refuge quota hunts. Youth hunters,
age 15 and under, may hunt on quota hunts with a
permitted adult by obtaining a free refuge youth
permit. Youth permits will be available the day after
each quota drawing through the quota hunt season.
Hunters age 16 and over are required to have a paid
quota hunt permit.
Big Game Hunting
No hunter sign-in is required. All big game must
be checked on the day killed at the refuge check
station as designated before leaving the refuge.
The whole animal, except entrails, must be brought
to the check station. During general deer quota
hunts, the check station is located on Piedmont
Shop Road as marked on the map. During the deer
archery, youth /wheelchair quota deer and turkey
hunts, the check station is located at the visitor
center.
During refuge quota turkey hunts, harvest counts
toward a hunter’s season limit of three gobblers.
Refuge limit is one gobbler per hunter per hunt.
Turkeys harvested on the refuge must be checked
at the refuge check station on the day of kill
AND with the Georgia DNR Game Check System
including the state harvest record.
Tree Stands/Hunting Blinds
Tree stands and hunting blinds may be placed
the day prior to each big game hunt and must be
removed by 11 am the day after the hunt.
During refuge deer archery hunts, deer must be
recorded on the hunter’s state harvest record at the
site of kill and checked at the refuge check station on
the day of harvest.
Small Game
During the Refuge small game season only squirrel,
rabbit and quail may be taken. Weapons are limited
to firearms and archery equipment listed in the state
game laws for small game.
On refuge quota deer firearm hunts, a special tag
will be issued at the check station. Two deer limit per
hunter per quota hunt. Do not record kill on the state
harvest record. These deer will not count towards a
hunter’s season limit.
Squirrel, rabbit, and quail hunting are not permitted
during refuge deer hunt dates. Hunter access is
permitted from one hour before sunrise to one
hour after sunset.
Hunter orange is required to be worn during all deer
firearm hunts. At least 500 square inches of hunter
orange must be worn as an outer garment above the
waist.
Youth and Wheelchair Quota Deer Hunt
On October 16-17, 2020, the refuge will hold a
combined quota deer firearms hunt for youth and
wheelchair-bound hunters. Hunter sign-in required
for this hunt only. Quota hunt applications must
be obtained from the Piedmont NWR office and
submitted by the September 9, 2020 deadline.
Youth must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult
age 21 or older in possession of a valid hunting and
big game license. Only youth between the ages of 10
and 15 on the days of the hunt may participate and
apply for the youth quota deer hunt. Adults may
not hunt during the youth quota deer hunt. Youth
must include their age at the date of the hunt on the
application.
Wheelchair-bound hunters must submit a quota
hunt application and submit medical documentation
stating they are confined to a wheelchair for mobility.
A special access permit will be issued. Contact the
Refuge Office for information concerning this hunt
prior to the September 9, 2020 deadline.
During the youth/wheelchair deer hunt, deer must be
recorded on the hunter’s state harvest record at the
site of kill and checked at the refuge check station
on the day of harvest. Two deer limit per hunter
and these deer will count towards a hunter’s state
season limit. Up to two non-hunting persons can
assist the youth or wheel-chair bound hunter when
their name(s) are listed on the hunter’s quota hunt
application.
For 2020-2021 see special dates for refuge quail,
raccoon and opossum hunts.
Hunting dogs may be used to hunt squirrel, rabbit,
quail, raccoon and opossum. Hunters using dogs may
not hunt from their vehicle by driving while dogs
are out hunting along roads. Hunters must be out of
their vehicle and off roads open to vehicle traffic.
During raccoon and opossum hunts permitted
weapons are limited to .22 cal or smaller rim fire
firearms. Hunting hours are from 6 pm to 6 am
during specified dates only.
Sport Fishing Regulations
Fishing is open March 15 through September 30,
from sunrise to sunset.
Fishing is permitted in ponds designated as open to
fishing.
Refuge streams are open for bank fishing in all areas
not designated as “Area Closed.”
Species and limits: BASS – 5 (at least 10 inches in
length); CATFISH – 5; BREAM – 15; CRAPPIE-15
Fishermen may not use or possess fish (minnows) for
bait.
Fishermen may use only rod and reel or pole and line
to fish. Two poles per person allowed.
Fishermen may not possess, place or throw feeds to
attract fish.
Fishermen may not use or possess alcoholic
beverages while fishing on the refuge.
Boats
Non-motorized boats or boats with electric motors
are permitted in all ponds open to fishing only during
fishing season. Gasoline motors are prohibited. Boat
ramp access is available only at Allison Lake and
Pond 2A.
State boating laws and equipment requirements are
in effect on refuge waters.
Allison Lake, Pond 2a, Pond 11a and Pond 11b
have been treated for Hydrilla, an invasive
aquatic plant. The refuge will continue to
monitor all ponds and may restrict access if
invasive species are identified. After fishing or
boating always clean your fishing equipment,
boat, trailer and vehicle before leaving the site.
This can help stop the spread of invasive plants or
animals to the next lake or river you visit.
Commercial and Special Use Activities
No person, including but not limited to a guide,
guide service, outfitter, club, or other organization
shall provide assistance, services, or equipment on
the refuge to any other person for compensation.
For the purpose of this regulation, any fee paid
or services rendered to a person for lodging,
meals, club membership or similar services will
be considered compensation. Violations of this
regulation subjects each hunter, fisherman, or
member in the party to a fine if convicted of this
violation.
A refuge Special Use Permit is required for all
commercial activities on the refuge including but
not limited to commercial filming and photography;
collecting plants or parts of plants; collecting
wildlife, mussels, mushrooms, or other resources.
How to Get Refuge Permits
Refuge permits are required for all hunters and
fishermen and anyone who accompanies them.
In addition to refuge permits all state license
requirements must be met. Refuge permits are NOT
transferable. When signed, this brochure serves as
your permit for fishing, small game, raccoon and
deer archery hunts. Additional permits may be
obtained at the entrance of the Little Rock Wildlife
Drive, the Refuge Visitor Center, Allison Lake
parking, and on the web at www.fws.gov/piedmont
or by mail.
Deer and turkey quota hunt applications must
be obtained from the refuge office. A quota hunt
permit is required for all hunters, and anyone who
accompanies them, participating in designated quota
hunts. The Refuge will mail requests made by phone,
mail, or email to a postal address.