The Coosawattee Wildlife Management Area at Carters Lake consists of more than 6,000 acres of mountain land in Gilmer and Murray Counties. The area is open for deer hunting with archery equipment only.
Small game and turkey may be hunted with firearms during open season under Georgia Hunting laws.
The terrain is typical of the Southern Appalachian foothills and upper Piedmont region. Forest types in the Carters Lake area consist primarily of upland hardwood and mixed pine hardwood stands. Elevations range from 700 feet in valleys to 1,376 feet on ridge tops. To further supplement natural sources of food for wildlife in the area, food plots have been established by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Hunting is permitted on most of the public land adjacent to Carters Lake. Bow Hunting is also allowed in campgrounds after they are closed for the season. When campground gates are closed for the winter no vehicle access is permitted. During the annual wheelchair hunt, no bow hunting will be permitted. Hunters may gain access to remote areas of the lake by boat using Corps of Engineer boat ramps around the project. Developed recreation areas posted with orange safety zone signs are closed to all hunting. Please consult the Georgia Hunting and Fishing regulations for additional information.