The current weather pattern is putting a damper on the last couple weeks of small game season. Consistent rain over the last two weeks has prevented a lot of the small game hunters from getting out. The rain looks like it will break this weekend with colder temperatures. This should allow for some prime weather to chase rabbits, quail, and grouse.
Wild quail are getting more and more difficult to find in Georgia. Some private farms still have coveys, but very few public land opportunities exist. Those that have found public land coveys need to be careful to not reduce the coveys to a size that isn’t recoverable. With the large coyote populations found across Georgia, the quail population takes a huge hit automatically. Keeping covey sizes at 6 or more birds is extremely important.
Rabbit populations are doing well. This will rain will keep them active in the coming week. Rabbit hunters will find the next few days to be some of the best of the season so far.
Grouse hunting continues to be difficult across the northern part of the state. With limited logging, the lack of new growth forest is keeping the population lower than expected. Some of the best WMAs for grouse hunting in GA include Blue Ridge, Cooper’s Creek, and Swallow Creek. Opportunities in general are limited, but if you put in the miles and energy, you can have some good success in Georgia. Better success will still be in Maine, Wisconsin, and Michigan, but many hunters will find the shorter travel and opportunities more than adequate.
These small game opportunities also allow hunters a dual purpose- to scout for turkeys and deer and hunt for small game. You will be surprised at some of the great areas that you find during small game season.
Dirt Road Dispatch 