The beautiful and mysterious swamp of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best-protected wilderness areas in the southeastern United States. The refuge has become a popular destination for paddlers who camp out on platforms along wilderness canoe trails. Hunters can also experience this special place, with three hunting units in the upland portion of the refuge. The Suwannee Canal Unit hunts, for deer and feral hog, are issued by lottery and are held along a developed wildlife drive. The Pocket Unit offers a general access archery hunt for deer and feral hog. The Cowhouse Unit offers hunts in conjunction with the adjacent Dixon Memorial Wildlife Management Area. These walk-in hunts are held during state seasons for deer, feral hog, turkey, rabbit and squirrel.
2022-2023 Hunt Schedule
(B) – Bonus Hunt
(S) – Sign in at Dixon Memorial WMA
(Q) – Quota Lottery Hunt
Cowhouse Unit
DEER
Archery - Either Sex: Sept. 10-27, Oct. 2-5, Oct. 9-14
Primitive Weapon - Either Sex: Sept. 28-Oct. 1 (B); Oct. 6-8 (S)
Firearms - Buck Only (S): Oct.15-16, 22-25 Either Sex: Nov. 3-5 (B),Nov. 23-27 (S)
TURKEYApr. 8- May 15, 2023
SMALL GAME
Squirrel ONLY: Aug. 15-Nov. 11
Quail/Rabbit/Squirrel ONLY: Nov. 12- Nov. 18, Nov. 20-Dec.2, Dec. 4-Feb. 28
Feral Hogs may be taken May 16-31, no dogs allowed. No coyote hunting.
Pocket Unit
DEER Archery - Either Sex: Sept. 10-Nov. 6 (Sign-in/Out Required)
Suwannee Canal Unit
DEERFirearms (Shotgun/muzzleloader ONLY) Either Sex: Oct. 21-22 (Q30) (B)
Wheelchair & Youth Hunters - (Shotgun or muzzleloader ONLY) Either Sex: Oct. 21-22 (Q10) (B)
Quota applications accepted Aug. 15- Sept. 15
