Updated Process and Information Coming Soon
Weapon Information
Archery: Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows and crossbows (scopes legal).
Primitive Weapons: Archery equipment (as listed above) and muzzle loading firearms (scopes legal). Centerfire handguns are allowed on primitive weapons hunts (“Pistols” with a stabilizer on them are no longer permitted for primitive weapon hunts.)
Modern Weapons: Rifle or handgun, centerfire only, .22 caliber or larger. Shotguns 20 gauge or larger loaded with slugs, buckshot is prohibited.
Hunting License Requirements
Deer and Hog Hunts: Georgia residents need a Georgia Big Game License. Non-residents need a Georgia non-resident hunting license and a Georgia non-resident Big Game License.
Hog Only Hunts: Georgia residents need a Georgia resident hunting license. Non-residents need a Georgia non-resident hunting license. A Georgia Big Game License is not needed for the hog only hunts.
Cumberland Island follows Georgia Department of Natural Resources hunting regulations. For more detailed hunting, weapon, state hunting safety and license information go to georgiawildlife.com.
Cumberland Island Managed Hunt and Camp Regulations
NON-HUNTERS ARE NOT ALLOWED. CAMPING IS FOR PARTICIPATING HUNTERS ONLY. THIS PERTAINS TO ALL HUNTS.
Adult/Child: Children between the ages of 10 and 17 may participate. Any youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the hunt. One adult per child is allowed. Only the child is allowed to harvest game. Modern weapons are allowed.
Hunting takes place 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on designated hunt days.
**Deer harvested will be tagged with a GA DNR managed hunt tag and will not count against the hunter's state bag limit.**
Transportation
Transportation to Cumberland Island is by passenger ferry or private boat. The hunt passenger ferry departs from the National Park Service dock in St Marys at 10:00 AM on the day PRIOR to your hunt. The return ferry departs Plum Orchard dock at 10:30 AM on the day AFTER your hunt. The round trip fare is $50.00. Reservations for the ferry must be made when you receive your hunt confirmation. Please specify the 10 AM Hunt ferry. The ferry reservation number is 877-860-6787 or 912-882-4335. No other charter or water taxi operators are authorized to operate to the seashore.
"The Plum Orchard Dock will be closed during the six (6) annual hunts announced annually. Individuals who have the right to use the Plum Orchard dock included in their retained rights agreement, or other previously recognized legal document, may dock at Plum Orchard, but are prohibited from docking in such a way that interferes with ferry docking."
The compendium is available on our website by clicking here.
This regulation does not apply to participating hunters of an NPS managed hunt. Private boaters may check-in at Plum Orchard Hunt Camp or Brickhill Bluff Campground. The dock can be used to load/unload gear. Overnight docking at Plum Orchard is permitted for hunters actively participating in the managed hunts. First come, first served." Once dock is full, private boats can beach or stream anchor.
Camp Areas
All hunters are required to camp at Plum Orchard Hunt Camp or Brickhill Bluff Campground. All other wilderness campsites are closed during the hunt.
Plum Orchard Hunt Camp Amenities:
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Bathroom and showers, walk-in cooler (game only), potable ice machine, potable water, deer/hog cleaning station, scales, first aid station, and ranger cabin with electricity to charge electronic equipment. A tour of Plum Orchard mansion is offered Thursday (time will be announced).
Please prepackage all equipment and supplies you bring to limit the amount of refuse generated.
Brickhill Bluff Campground Amenities and Regulations:
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
None, except a great view of the Brickhill River. Non-potable water is available. No fires are allowed and everything packed in must be packed out. Trash pickup is NOT available at Brickhill Bluff campground.
Hunter Check-In
All hunters must check in with Park Staff prior to engaging in active hunting activities.
- Active hunting activities are considered walking, standing, or sitting with a weapon within the designated hunt area.
- Passive hunting activities are considered camping, hiking, or scouting without a weapon.
A single use wristband will be issued upon successful check-In. Wristband must be worn or carried visibly on the hunter’s person or gear prior to participating in any Active Hunting.
Check-In for all Hunters will take place:
- Between Noon -1:15 PM the day before the hunt begins.
- At Hunt Camp Cabin.
- At Brickhill Bluff Campground at the well head.
- All Hunters must attend Check-In.
- Ferry Hunters must attend Check-In at Hunt Camp.
- Boat Hunters must attend Check-In at Hunt Camp or Brickhill Bluff Campground.
- Resident Hunters must attend Check-In at Hunt Camp or Brickhill Bluff Campground.
- Hunters who miss check-In must contact Park Staff to arrange for check-In prior to active hunting.
- Missed Check-In will occur at either Hunt Camp or Brickhill Campground between 10:00am and 4:00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday of the hunt.
- Example: Hunter is unable to Check-In at 1:00pm on Monday. Hunter may not Active Hunt on Tuesday morning until after they Check-In with Park Staff between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
- Check-In will occur before orientation.
- Previous hunters do not have to attend orientation.
- New hunters are strongly encouraged to attend orientation.
