Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get there?
Take GA Route 25 (East) out of Port Wentworth, GA, cross the Savannah River and you are on the refuge.  Proceed three miles east and on the right is the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive.

Are there any costs associated with a visit?
There are no fees charged to visit the refuge.

What can I expect to see?
During the spring and fall, you will usually see many alligators sunning themselves on the banks of waterways, along with an assortment of wading birds.  During the winter months, waterfowl and other migratory birds are visible in the impoundment system.

Is there a visitor center?
Currently, there is no visitor center; however, there is an informational kiosk where a refuge map and interpretive displays of the refuge can be viewed and written information can be obtained.

Are there any hunting and/or fishing opportunities?
Yes, fishing is allowed year-round in the creeks and rivers throughout the refuge. Fishing is also allowed within the impoundment system between March 1 and November 30 or each year.  Bank fishing from the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive is permitted all year.

Hunting is also permitted on the refuge.  The archery hunting season for white-tailed deer and feral hogs extends from October 1 through October 31 each year.  The firearm season for deer, feral hogs, and squirrel extends from November 1 through November 30 of each year.

Designated areas are open to wheelchair-dependent hunters for a two-day hunt in November.  In March, a nine-day feral hog hunt is open to gun hunters.  During April there is a 16-day turkey hunt.  Waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated areas during state (GA and SC) seasons.  A portion of the refuge in Georgia is set aside for a youth archery hunt (October 1-31) and waterfowl hunt (six days in December)

For more information on hunting, please download the refuge hunt brochure.