News Release

Annual managed hunts on Cumberland Island to begin in October

Date: September 27, 2023
Contact: Jared Brewer, [phone] ext 258

National Park Service News Release 

For Immediate Release  

Contact: Jared Brewer, e-mail us, [phone] ext 258  

   
Annual managed hunts on Cumberland Island to begin in October 

ST. MARYS, Ga. – Cumberland Island National Seashore provides the public with an opportunity to hunt within the Wilderness six times per year. Registration information can be found on the park website at Managed Hunts - Cumberland Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). The Park will accept on-line registrations beginning July 1st and continue until the quotas have been reached. The number of hunts one can register for is not limited. Registration will close 3 days prior to each hunt.  

The registration process will be first come first served. The hunt fee is $35.00 per hunter per hunt except for the adult/child hunt where the fee is $35.00 per adult/child pair. Payment is required at the time of registration. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. When a particular hunt quota is full, registration for that hunt will be closed. Hunters can register as individuals or as a group. A group consists of up to 5 members plus the group lead. Standby hunters are no longer being accepted. An e-mail will confirm your registration. 

The hunt registration site may be accessed at Pay.gov - Home then search for "Cumberland Island National Seashore Managed Hunts". All hunters must check in with Park Staff prior to engaging in active hunting activities. 

The dates for the hunts follow those of Georgia Department of Natural Resources and are as follows: 

Hunt Type	Date	Game	Age
Archery	October 3-5	Hog and Deer	14 and over
Primitive Weapons	November 7-9	Hog and Deer	14 and over
Primitive Weapons	December 5-7	Hog and Deer	14 and over
Adult/Child	December 21-22	Hog and Deer	Ages 10 - 17
Modern Weapons	January 9-11	Hog Only	14 and Over
Modern Weapons	January 23-25	Hog Only	14 and Over

Transportation to Cumberland Island is by passenger ferry or private boat. The hunt passenger ferry departs from the National Park Service dock in St Marys at 10:00 AM on the Monday before a hunt starts. The return ferry departs Plum Orchard dock at 10:30 AM on the Friday after the hunt ends. The ferry for the adult/child hunt departs on Wednesday and returns on Saturday. The round-trip fare is $50.00. Reservations for the ferry must be made when you receive your hunt confirmation. Please specify the 10 AM Hunt ferry. The ferry reservation number is 877-860-6787 or 912-882-4335. No other charter or water taxi operators are authorized to operate to the seashore. 

During Hunts the following closures are in effect and will be posted: The entire wilderness, Plum Orchard, Plum Orchard Dock closed for hunt use, as well as the Main road and all roads through the hunt area (see map below). Please respect the closure for your safety during an active hunt.  

 

www.nps.gov  

About Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh and beaches. The island is also home to over 9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness. The island’s natural and cultural resources provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife and offer a glimpse into the long history of coastal Georgia. The seashore is accessible by pedestrian-only passenger ferry from the historic community of St. Marys.  Learn more at www.nps.gov/CUIS and on Facebook. 

  
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.