News Release

Cumberland Island National Seashore Announces 2026-2027 Hunt Season

Hunters listen to orientation at Hunt Camp

NPS photo

News Release Date: June 25, 2026 ST. MARYS, Ga. — Cumberland Island National Seashore will host its annual series of managed hunts for the 2026-2027 season, designed to support resource management goals and provide recreational hunting opportunities within designated wilderness. Online registration for the Archery Hunt only begins July 1; online registration for all other scheduled hunts begins Oct. 1. “Cumberland Island offers a rare and meaningful hunting experience, and we’re pleased to continue providing this opportunity to the public,” said Superintendent Melissa Trenchik. “Our hunt program plays an important role in managing wildlife populations while ensuring visitor safety and protecting the island’s natural resources.” RegistrationTo register, access the hunter registration page at https://www.pay.gov/, then search for “Cumberland Island National Seashore Managed Hunts.” Note the following requirements for preparation and registration:

• Timing: All hunters must register online in advance. Registration will close five days before the start of each hunt.
• Capacity: Registration is open for all hunts until the quota is reached. Hunters can register for as many hunts as they want. The registration process will be first-come and first-served.
• Payment: Payment is required at the time of registration. Registration is $35 per hunter except for the adult/child hunt, which is $35 per adult/child pair. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Preparation: All hunters must check in and attend orientation with park staff prior to engaging in any active hunting activities for each hunt.

More information on registration, weapons, regulations, camping and required state license details is available on the park website: www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/managed-hunts.htmTransportationVisitors can access Cumberland Island by passenger ferry or private boat. No other charter or water taxi operators are authorized to operate to the seashore. If you use the passenger ferry, make a reservation for the ferry when you receive your hunt confirmation. Note the following guidance:

• Timing and location: When reserving the passenger ferry, please specify the 10 a.m. hunt ferry. The hunt passenger ferry departs from the National Park Service dock in St. Marys at 10 a.m. on the Monday before a hunt starts. The return ferry departs Plum Orchard dock at 10:30 a.m. on the Friday after the hunt ends. The ferry for the adult/child hunt departs on Wednesday and returns on Saturday.
• Payment: The round-trip fare is $50.
• Contact information: The ferry reservation number is 877-860-6787 or 912-882-4335.

Hunt dates follow those established by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the statewide season and are as follows at Cumberland Island National Seashore:

2026 - 2027 Hunt Dates

Hunt type	Date	Game	Age	Registration open
Archery	Sept. 22-24	Hog and deer	14 and over	July 1
Primitive weapons	Nov. 3-5	Hog and deer	14 and over	Oct. 1
Primitive weapons	Dec. 1-3	Hog and deer	14 and over	Oct. 1
Adult/child	Dec. 19-20	Hog and deer	Ages 10 - 17	Oct. 1
Modern weapons	Jan. 5-7	Hog only	14 and over	Oct. 1
Modern weapons	Jan. 26-28	Hog only	14 and over	Oct. 1

Closures: During hunts the following safety closures are in effect for anyone not registered and participating in the active hunt and will be posted:

• the entire wilderness
• Plum Orchard
• Hunt Camp camping area
• Plum Orchard Dock
• Main road and all roads through the hunt area

Please respect the closure for your safety during an active hunt.