Lake Sidney Lanier Project Hunting Permits
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 2025 are scheduled for Nov 7 - 10, Nov 14 - 17, Nov 21 - 24, Dec 5 - 8, Dec 12 - 15, Dec 19 - 22. 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 228 hunters are selected; 38 hunters for each four-day hunt. More information on statistics for this hunt may be found at our website at: Lake Sidney Lanier Hunting
Permit & Season Information
This permit allows the permit holder to hunt in the Lake Lanier 2025 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: Nov 7 - 10, Nov 14 - 17, Nov 21 - 24, Dec 5 - 8, Dec 12 - 15, Dec 19 -22. 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 2024 and will be open until December 23rd 2024 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) Download PDF Islands Deer Hunt Map Book
Dates Selected
Hunt 1: Nov 7-10
Hunt 2: Nov 14 - 17
Hunt 3: Nov 21 - 24
Hunt 4: Dec 5 - 8
Hunt 5: Dec 12 - 15
Hunt 6: Dec 19-22
$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)
All permit holders must submit a completed Harvest Record after their permitted hunt dates
A Harvest Record must be submitted even if you did not take advantage of your permit or did not harvest any game.
Harvest Records must be submitted within one week of your permitted hunt period.
Due Dates:
Hunt 1: Nov 16th
Hunt 2: Nov 23rd
Hunt 3: Nov 30th
Hunt 4: Dec 14th
Hunt 5: Dec 21st
Hunt 6: Dec 28th
A link to the Harvest Record will be provided for you in your conformation email
NOTE: Failure to submit your Harvest Record will result in ineligibility for future USACE hunting permits on Lake Lanier.
Robert.E.Kilpatrick@USACE.Army.mil
Natural Resources Department
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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 without submitting a Harvest Record.
Change Policy: Modifications are permitted without penalty.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1050 Buford Dam Road Buford GA 30518
Email: Robert.E.Kilpatrick@USACE.Army.mil
Phone Number
770-945-9531, Select option 7.
