Managed Hunts

Hunters must complete all steps below. Camping during hunts is restricted to registered hunters only.

2026 - 2027 Hunt Dates

Hunt Type	Date	Game	Age
Archery	September 22-24	Hog and Deer	14 and over
Primitive Weapons	November 3-5	Hog and Deer	14 and over
Primitive Weapons	December 1-3	Hog and Deer	14 and over
Adult/Child	December 19-20	Hog and Deer	Ages 10 - 17
Modern Weapons	January 5-7	Hog Only	14 and Over
Modern Weapons	January 26-28	Hog Only	14 and Over

 

Veterans honored for November Primitive Weapon Hunt

In recognition of Veterans Day, the park will waive the $35 registration fee for participating veterans and active-duty military personnel. Veterans and active-duty military participants need only present a valid veteran or active-duty military ID when checking in for the hunt. Refunds will be processed through Pay.gov for those eligible.

“We honor our veterans and active-duty military personnel and are pleased to recognize their service,” said Superintendent Melissa Trenchik. “Cumberland Island offers a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors, and we hope they are able to enjoy its natural beauty and quiet wilderness.”

The park accepts online registrations for all scheduled hunts on a first-come, first-served basis until each hunt reaches its participant limit. Hunters may register for multiple hunts and must register online before each hunt begins.

Step 1 — Hunting Registration
(UPDATED 6/2026)

Registration is required for all participants and includes camping. Only registered hunters may camp during hunt periods. The hunt registration site may be accessed at Pay.gov - Home then search for "Cumberland Island National Seashore Managed Hunts".

• Registration Fee:

– $35 per adult per hunt
– $35 per adult/child pair for the Youth Hunt

• Registration Limits:

– 75 adult hunters per adult hunt
– 50 adult/child pairs for the Youth Hunt
– Group Size Limit: Hunters can register as individuals or as a group. A group consists of up to five members plus one group lead for maximum group size of 6.

• Opening Dates:

– Archery Hunt registration opens July 1 at 8 a.m. EST
– All other hunt registrations open October 1 at 8 a.m. EST

• Registration closes five days prior to each hunt or when registration limit is reached.
• Registration is first come, first served.
• Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Standby registrations are not accepted.

Hunters must present a valid Georgia DNR hunting license and state or federal photo ID at check‑in.

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Step 2 — Transportation

Hunters may arrive by CUIS Concession Contract passenger ferry or private boat.

Hunt Ferry Schedule

• Arrival: Departs the St. Marys NPS dock at 10 a.m. the day before each hunt
• Departure: Leaves Plum Orchard dock at 10:30 a.m. the day after each hunt
• Round-trip fare: $50

Ferry reservations must be made 10 days prior by calling 877-860-6787 or 912-882-4335, and hunters must request the 10 a.m. Hunt Ferry. No unauthorized charter services may operate to the island.

Private boat hunters may check in at Hunt Camp or Brickhill Bluff and may load/unload gear at Plum Orchard. Overnight docking is allowed for registered hunters on a first‑come basis. Once the dock is full, private boats can beach or stream anchor south of Plum Orchard Dock.

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Licenses and Check‑In Requirements

Cumberland Island follows all Georgia Department of Natural Resources hunting regulations.

License Requirements

Deer & Hog Hunts:
• GA residents: GA Hunting License + GA Big Game License
• Non-residents: GA Non‑Resident Hunting License + GA Non‑Resident Big Game License

For more detailed hunting, weapon, state hunting safety and license information go to georgiawildlife.com.

Hog‑Only Hunts:
• GA residents: Resident Hunting License
• Non-residents: Non‑Resident Hunting License
•Big Game License not required for hog‑only hunts

Check‑In (All Hunts)

All hunters must check in the day before their hunt:
• Time: 12:00 p.m.–1:15 p.m.
• Locations: Hunt Camp Cabin or Brickhill Bluff Campground

Hunters must bring:
• Hunting registration confirmation
• Valid GA hunting license with required endorsements
• State/federal photo ID
• Weapon for safety check
• Emergency contact and cell number

All hunters must attend or receive hunt orientation each hunt. A single-use wristband is issued and must be worn or visible during all active hunting.

Missed Check‑In

Hunters who miss check‑in must coordinate with staff for check‑in between 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Tues/Wed/Thurs of the hunt. No active hunting is allowed until check‑in and orientation is complete.

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Active vs. Passive Hunting

• Active hunting: Walking, standing, or sitting with a weapon in the hunt area
• Passive hunting: Camping, hiking, or scouting without a weapon

Active hunting without registration is a violation of 36 CFR 2.2(b).

Deer harvested during managed hunts are tagged with GA DNR managed hunt tags and do not count toward state bag limits.

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Hunt Participation Rules

Adult/Child Hunt
• Youth ages 10–17 may participate
• Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
• Only the child may harvest game
• Modern weapons allowed

Adult Hunts
• Hunters 14 and older may participate
• Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Hunting Hours
30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on designated hunt days.

Camping Window
• Camp setup begins 8 a.m. the day before the hunt
• All hunters must depart by 12 p.m. the day after the hunt

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Hunt Camp Information

NON-HUNTERS ARE NOT ALLOWED - CAMPING IS FOR HUNTERS ONLY. THIS PERTAINS TO ALL HUNTS.

Plum Orchard Hunt Camp Amenities
• Quiet Hours: 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
• Restrooms and showers
• Walk‑in cooler (game only)
• Potable ice machine
• Potable water
• Cleaning station and scales
• First aid station
• Ranger cabin with electricity
• Weekly Plum Orchard mansion tour to be scheduled (Usually - Thursday)
• Please pre‑package supplies to minimize refuse. Pack‑in/pack‑out only

Brickhill Bluff Campground
• Quiet Hours: 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
• No amenities except non‑potable water
• No fires
• Please pre‑package supplies to minimize refuse. Pack‑in/pack‑out only
• Located in designated Wilderness (no wheels or motors allowed)
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Early Arrival Group Requests

One group per hunt may request early arrival to assist staff in camp preparations.
• Requests must be emailed to [e-mail]
• Requests accepted one month before each hunt
• Tasks may include cleaning camp, preparing firewood, stocking supplies, etc.
• Approval is granted only by the Chief Ranger’s Office
• First‑come, first‑served

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Safety and Area Closures

For public safety, the following areas are closed to non‑hunters during active hunt periods:
• Entire Wilderness Area
• Plum Orchard
• Hunt Camp
• Plum Orchard Dock
• Main Road and all roads within the hunt area the

Please respect the closure for your safety during an active hunt.

 

Weapon Regulations

• Archery: Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows (scopes allowed)
• Primitive Weapons: Archery gear above plus muzzleloaders (scopes allowed); centerfire handguns permitted but must not have stabilizers
• Modern Weapons: Centerfire rifles or handguns (.22 caliber or larger), shotguns 20‑gauge or larger with slugs (buckshot prohibited)

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Definitions

• Ferry Hunters: Arrive via NPS passenger ferry
• Boat Hunters: Arrive by private boat
• Resident Hunters: Live on privately owned inholdings and arrive via ferry, private boat, or by land

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Compendium

The Superintendent’s Compendium, including hunt‑related regulations, is available on the Cumberland Island National Seashore website. The compendium is available on our website by clicking here.