Lake Sidney Lanier Project Hunting Permits

Lake Sidney Lanier

The Islands Hunt is an archery only hunt held on 18 specified islands and 3 peninsulas on Lake Lanier. The areas range in size from 10 acres to 149 acres. Together, the 21 areas total 1,100 acres. The hunts for 2023 are scheduled for November 10-13, November 24-27, and December 8-11. Hunting areas are typically accessible by boat only. The limit is one deer per day per hunter. Hunters must record all deer harvested through Georgia Game Check. State bag limits and harvest restrictions apply. The Lake Lanier Islands Resort area is not included in this hunt. 

For this hunt, the lake is divided into nine zones. Hunters may select one of the above hunting dates and a specific hunting zone. Hunters must have their own individual permit to hunt, however they may utilize a non permitted individual to assist in safe boat operation. A total of 114 hunters are selected; 38 hunters for each four-day hunt. More information on statistics for this hunt may be found at our website at: https://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/Hunting/ 

Permit & Season Information

This permit allows the permit holder to hunt in the Lake Lanier 2023 Island Hunts. The permit will allow the individual to participate in an archery only, boat access only, quota hunt in one of the 9 zones they have selected. The dates for this hunt span a 4 day period Friday-Monday for the following dates: November 10-13, November 24-27, and December 8-11. Each permit may be acquired on a first come first serve basis and only one permit per hunter per year is authorized. Permits will go on sale starting October 10th 2023 and will be open until December 11th 2023 or until all permits have been filled.

Need to Know

• Archery Only (includes crossbow, but absolutely no firearms)
• Zone Selected (Zone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9)
• Dates Selected
• Hunt 1: November 10-13
• Hunt 2: November 24-27
• Hunt 3: December 08-11
• $20.00 permit fee payable on recreation.gov
• Only hunt on yellow outlined lands within your selected zone
• Temporary hunting stands may be used.
• Cannot be placed prior to hunt dates. Must be removed when not in use. Cannot stay out overnight.
• Hunter orange must be worn at all times.
• Overnight camping on the islands is prohibited.
• Placement of any feed or bait is prohibited.
• Peninsulas in Zone 1, 2 and 8
• “No Hunting” Buffer from houses. Do not hunt past “No Hunting” signs. Do not sit in or shoot into the no hunting safety buffer.
• Access by boat only
• Scouting can be done any time prior to your hunt except during other designated hunts.
• The use of game cameras for scouting is allowed.
• Limit: 1 deer per day per hunter, either sex
• Must be recorded on hunter’s state hunting record (Georgia Game Check)
• Take record must be completed and returned after hunt.
• If not returned, you will not be eligible for future hunts.
• Due Dates:
• Hunt 1- November 24th
• Hunt 2- December 18th
• Hunt 3- December 23rd
• May be submitted by email (Picture) or mail.
• Samuel.d.thompson@usace.army.mil 
• 1050 Buford Dam Road, Buford, GA 30518

Fee Policy

Reservation Fee: $20

Recreation Fee: Boat launch fees where applicable

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy: Fees are non-refundable. Notification of cancellation allows you to retain eligibility for future hunts.

Change Policy: Modifications are permitted without penalty.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

1050 Buford Dam Road Buford GA 30518

Email: Samuel.d.thompson@usace.army.mil

Phone Number

770-945-9531, Press option 7.