Fort Gordon Directorate of Public Works (DPW)Fish & Wildlife
To provide Fort Gordon and the CSRA with safe, quality hunting and fishing opportunities by managing the ecosystems and biodiversity through conservation, protection, restoration, and sustainment of which fish and wildlife depend, all-the-while supporting the military mission.
The Fort Gordon Fish & Wildlife Program is responsible for all species of game, non-game, and nuisance animals. We ensure compliance with laws and regulations such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Sikes Act, and administer the Hunting & Fishing Program.
The Hunting & Fishing Program is a non-appropriated fund activity supported by user fees paid by sportsmen. Hunters not associated with the Military Installation may apply for permits for all species by letter between MAY 1-15, to WRD-Game Management, 142 Bob Kirk Rd. NW, Thomson, GA 30824. Include full name, address, SSN, date of birth, and telephone number in the letter. No more than 3 applicants per letter. You must be at least 16 years old to apply. Apply only once; duplicates will be rejected. Permit required to hunt. Access may be restricted due to training requirements. All hunters, regardless of age, must possess a Hunter Education Certificate. For more information please contact us.
Each year 250 individuals are chosen to receive permits through a Public Access Program. After the first 250 are drawn a waiting list is generated. As permits are not claimed, names are taken from the list in order (top to bottom) to fill the vacant slots, until all 250 permits are issued. YOU MUST RE-APPLY EVERY YEAR!!!
Those wishing to fish on Fort Gordon must obtain a Georgia fishing license along with a Fort Gordon issued fishing license in order to fish the lakes on the installation.
Hunting
We participate in planting supplemental food plots throughout the year, targeting a variety of species with different seed mixes.
- Hunter education courses are also taught on Fort Gordon at certain times of the year. see Education link
- You can buy your hunting & fishing licenses at the Sportsman’s Club @ Range 14.
- Fort Gordon plays host to a number of hunts throughout the year.
Fishing
Creel Limits
- Creel limits and minimum length limits. It is prohibited for any person to take in 1 day (0001 - 2400), or to possess at any one time, more than the following limits of fish caught from Fort Gordon waters:
- Five channel, blue channel, and/or white catfish, or any combination of these three species. These three species must be 8 inches or larger. Those under the length limit must be released unharmed. There are no length limits on other catfish species and no quantity limit except for the limit in paragraph g(4) below of no more than 50 fish of all species in combination.
- Ten largemouth bass with a minimum size of 12 inches in length. In Rachel Lakes I, II, III, and IV, bass between 6 and 11 inches and 14 inches and larger are legal. Bass greater than 11 and less than 14 inches must be released unharmed.
- Thirty bream.
- Fifty fish of all species in combination.
- Creel limits when fishing at FGRA are established by the State of Georgia and the reciprocal agreement with the State of South Carolina.
Education
Fort Gordon offers a variety of nature trails and natural resource educational opportunities. Our Fish & Wildlife staff are available for small to large groups consisting of soldiers, students, and the general public. We use educational tools such as animal skulls, plants, display boards, and LIVE ANIMALS!! If you would like to host a nature trail at your location, please contact us well in advance as to allow preparation for the event.
All personnel who desire to hunt or fish on Fort Gordon must first view the Hunting and Fishing safety video and sign a hold harmless agreement. You can use the following link to view the safety video. Please note that this file exceeds one megabyte and may take a very long time to download depending on your connection speed.
SANDY RUN NATURE TRAIL & WILDLIFE VIEWING AREA
Located along Rowe Lane, this natural resource hot-spot includes a 1/2 mile handicapped-accessible trail and two-story viewing platform located along a 25-acre natural beaver pond, affording ample opportunity for nature viewing and environmental education. The trails location within a wetland and adjacent to an upland sand hills region provides a vivid representation of the variety of habitats on Fort Gordon. In addition, this wetland provides suitable habitat for some of the rare and protected species on the installation.
Regulations
Change 1 Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, & Horseback Riding Regulations; Sept 2011
Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, & Horseback Riding Regulations; Aug 2010
2011 HUNTING/FISHING INFORMATION
Fort Gordon 2011-2012 Big Game Hunting Seasons
Fort Gordon 2011-2012 Small Game Hunting Seasons
These regulations establish responsibilities and policies for hunting, fishing, trapping, and horseback riding on the Fort Gordon military installation. These regulations apply to all individuals (military, civilian, and their bona fide guests) properly licensed to hunt, fish, trap, and ride horses on the Fort Gordon military installation.
Related Links
Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
State regulations regarding hunting, fishing, boating, and other related outdoor activities.
National Wild Turkey Federation
The NWTF is a grassroots, nonprofit organization with 584, 000 members in 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and 14 other foreign countries. It supports scientific wildlife mgt. on public, private, and corporate lands as well as wild turkey hunting as a traditional North American sport. Fort Gordon receives money from the GA chapter NWTF for turkey management every year.
Federal agency that issues permits, sets management standards, acts as a law enforcement agency, and undertakes many other objective dealing with fisheries and wildlife.
The leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important land and waters for nature and people.
Current news magazine regarding outdoor activities in the state of Georgia.
Quality Deer Management Assoc.
The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is a non-profit wildlife organization dedicated to ensuring a high-quality and sustainable future for white-tailed deer and white-tailed deer hunting.
The oldest national, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the wise management of America’s wild quail. Known as “America’s Leader in Quail Conservation,” our overall vision is to restore America’s quail populations for future generations.
Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.