Hartwell Lake opens Recreation Areas to Hunters

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Office opens four recreation areas for archery and small game hunting during the regular 2015-2016 Georgia hunting season. These areas include Paynes Creek Recreation Area in Hart County, Hartwell Dam Quarry Area in Hart County, New Prospect Recreation Area in Hart County and Jenkins Ferry Recreation Area in Stephens County. Hunting in the Hartwell Dam Quarry Area requires a permit, which is available at no cost from the Corps’ Hartwell Lake Office, located at 5625 Anderson Highway in Hartwell, Georgia. Hunting regulations, license requirements and seasons set by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will apply. Small game hunting is allowed in all areas listed above, but only after deer and turkey seasons close. Hunting for small game is restricted to shotgun only with number four shot or smaller. Hunting for deer and turkey is restricted to archery equipment only; all firearms are prohibited. The areas will be open on a walk-in or boat-in only basis. No motorized vehicles will be allowed within the gated areas. Only portable stands/blinds are acceptable and must be removed from public land after the season. The following areas are included as part of the SC Department of Natural Resources Fant’s Grove wildlife management area; South Carolina River in Anderson County, Glenn Ferry Recreation Area in Anderson County, Weldon Island Recreation Area in Anderson County, Apple Island Recreation Area in Anderson County, Townville Recreation Area in Anderson County, River Forks Recreation Area in Anderson County, Camp Creek Recreation Area in Anderson County, Martin Creek Recreation Area in Oconee County and Choestoea Recreation Area in Oconee County. Hunting is prohibited in all designated recreation areas unless listed. All other public lands and waters around Hartwell Lake, including islands, are open to hunting in accordance with Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations and Georgia and South Carolina hunting regulations. Due to safety concerns, big game hunters are encouraged to use archery equipment only while hunting on the islands. Feral hog hunting is allowed on Hartwell lands year-round except areas designated as WMA’s. A permit is required when hunting hogs outside of the state’s deer season on all Hartwell Project property. The use of dogs is only allowed outside of the state’s deer and turkey season. The use of long rifles is not allowed.