Okefenokee NWR Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Hunt Permit
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 and protects more than 407,000 acres of the Okefenokee Swamp in southeast Georgia and northeast Florida. The swamp is the largest, best-preserved precipitation based freshwater wetland ecosystem in the United States and one of the largest naturally driven freshwater ecosystems within the temperate climate zone of the world.
The refuge is the headwaters of both the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers and provides habitat for threatened and endangered species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, wood stork, and a variety of other wildlife. The refuge is home to the 353,981-acre Okefenokee Wilderness and has also been designated as a Wetland of International Importance.
Visitors can explore over 120 miles of water trails by boat, take a drive along the scenic Swamp Island Drive, or take a hike while experiencing breathtaking scenery, star-filled skies, and the sounds of the swamp. Recreation opportunities include seasonal hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretive programs, camping, hiking trails, and is a great place to relax and connect with nature.
Visit the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s website to learn more.
Notifications and Alerts
Okefenokee NWR Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Hunt Permits for the 2026 season will release on August 12, 2026 at 10am ET.
Permit & Season Information
Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Quota Permit - This permit authorizes the permit holder to hunt white-tailed deer with incidental take of feral hog in the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. This two-day hunt takes place on Friday and Saturday mornings with shooting hours from 30 minutes before sunrise until noon each hunt day. Hunters must check in and check out each hunt day. Check-in is at 5:00 a.m. at the refuge maintenance shop off of Suwannee Canal Road. All hunters must be present at check-in.
Hunters must possess and carry a Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Deer Hunt Permit while hunting. Digital copies are accepted; however, cell service may be unreliable throughout the refuge. Hunters should either print a paper copy or download a digital copy to their phone before arriving.
Visit Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s Hunting page to review all hunt information before purchasing the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Deer Hunt Permit.
Need to Know
Visit Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s Hunting page before purchasing the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Deer Hunt Permit. The purchase of this permit is for the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Hunt ONLY. Hunters at Cowhouse Island or the Pocket are not required to purchase this permit. Hunters on other refuge units are required to follow the unit/season check in/check out procedures.
Permit and License Requirements
You must possess and carry all applicable hunting licenses, permits, and tags while hunting the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area hunt. Digital copies are accepted; however, cell service may be unreliable throughout the refuge. Hunters should either print a paper copy or download a digital copy to their phone before arriving.
Each hunter must have the following in their possession while hunting and display them upon request:
Valid Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Deer Hunt Permit.
Valid Georgia State hunting and big game license.
A signed current year Refuge Hunt Permit (Free; available on the front page of the hunt brochure)
Rules and Regulations
Hunters are responsible for knowing and following all federal and state regulations. Refuge-specific rules and regulations are provided in the annual Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge hunt brochure, available on the Hunting page of the refuge’s website. The hunt brochure includes important details about hunting, scouting, hunt units, tree stands, check-in information, maps, season dates, shooting hours, bag limits, and other important details about refuge hunts. Review this information before purchasing the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Deer Hunt Permit.
Law Enforcement
To report crimes or violations including illegal hunting or fishing, collection of wildlife resources, or other suspicious activity on the refuge, call Federal Wildlife Officer Welch at (912) 313-6955.
Fee Policy
Reservation Fee: There is a $6 reservation fee for all permits. This is nonrefundable.
Recreation Fee: The Recreation Fee is $9. This is nonrefundable.
The total cost of the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Deer Hunt Permit is $15.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: Customers, the call center, and the facility can cancel a reservation at any time. No refunds are provided for cancellations.
Change Policy: Not applicable to this permit.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
2700 Suwannee Canal Road Folkston GA 31537
Phone Number
(912) 496-7836
