River Bend Wildlife Management Area
River Bend Wildlife Management Area
Over 3500 acres of fresh air
Over 3500 acres of fresh air
ESCAPE TO A WORLD OF NATURAL BEAUTY
Located just 0.2 miles off exit 58 on I-16
HUNTING/FISHING
Formed by a clearwater spring that flows up at the swamp’s edge, Troup's Spring Lake provides ample stock of bass, bream, and other gamefish. A paved boat-ramp allows easy access to the pond, as well as hiking trail access to Pugh’s Creek, which features pristine creek fishing conditions.
Primarily managed for seasonal hunting, including turkey, deer, alligator, hog, and waterfowl, River Bend offers scheduled hunts. Scheduled hunts are offered sunrise to sunset. For license requirements, and maps, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com or stop by Dublin's Visitors Center & Dog Park located off I-16 on exit 51.
102 Travel Center Blvd.
Dublin, GA 31021
478-272-4002
BIRDWATCHING
The Georgia Ornithological Society and the DNR maintain the South Tract habitat specifically to support the Swainson’s warbler, and this area has the largest known concentration in the state. Swainson’s warblers may be heard (but rarely seen) at cane thickets near stream crossings at various points along the trails.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Other interesting species sighted:
Swainson’s Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler (aka Swamp Canary)
Hooded Warbler
Acadian Flycatcher
Red-Eyed & Yellow-Throated Vireos
Woodpeckers – Pileated, Red-Bellied, Red-Headed, Downy, Hairy, Sapsucker, Northern Flicker
Brown-Headed Nuthatches
Ruby-Crowned Kinglets
Yellow-Billed Cuckoos
Yellow-Breasted Chats
Indigo Buntings
Red-Shouldered Hawks
American Kestrel
Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher
Barred Owl
HIKING/CAMPING
For the true explorer seeking solitude, the South Tract offers 1,700 acres of walking trails in various states of repair through remote coastal plain swamp.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
The North Tract features primitive camping, trails for biking and hiking, and ample photographic opportunities.
There are no interpretive trails, paved roads, or modern plumbing at River Bend, but if its nature in the raw you seek, River Bend delivers with true seclusion, natural beauty, and wild creatures galore.
Archery Range
Further your skills with River Bend's archery range. Practice your accuracy with the 2 static targets on the target range or train for more realistic hunting scenarios with 10 3D targets. Featured 3D targets include deer, a buffalo, a bear, and other interesting animals of various sizes and shapes for you to get creative with your shots.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
EXPLORE UNSPOILED BEAUTY
Pack the insect repellent and discover Laurens County's quiet jewel.
Explore River Bend
Click for a brochure of all the trails, camping locations, and best birding spots at River Bend.
A Publin Lands - Angler Pass is required to use any state-owned WMA if you do not have a hunting license. We would be more than happy to help you with questions and answers about hunting dates, land pass and regulations! DNR has a nifty new site with new tools. Access it here. Stop by Dublin's Visitors Center and we'll answer all the questions so you'll be able to #GetOutside.
2025-2026 Georgia Hunting Season Dates
Deer
- September 13th, 2025 - October 10th, 2025 Archery Deer Hunting Either Sex.
- October 11th, 2025 - October 17th, 2025 (Sign-In Hunt) Youth under 16, Ladies, Disability License Holders, Returning GA Veterans Honorary License Holders, and Hunters over 65. Specialty Hunt-Firearms Deer Hunting Either Sex.
- October 18th, 2025 - January 11th, 2026 (Bonus Hunt) Firearms Deer Hunting Either Sex.
- October 18th, 2025 - January 15th, 2026 (Sign-In Hunt) Extended Firearms Deer Hunting Buck Only.
Turkey
- April 4th, 2026 - May 15th, 2026. (Sign-In Hunt) Public Land
- March 28th, 2026 - May 15th, 2026 Private Land
- March 21st, 2026 - March 22nd, 2026 Special Oppurtunity Youth/ Mobility Impaired
Small Game - grouse, quail.
- November 15th, 2025 - Febuary 28th, 2026 Rabbit
- August 15th, 2025 - Febuary 28th, 2026 Squirrels
- August 15th, 2025 - February 28th, 2026 (Public Land) (No Closed Season on Private Land) Raccoon & Opossum
- December 1st, 2025 - Febuary 28th, 2026 Fox & Bobcat
- October 15th, 2025 - February 28th, 2025 Grouse
- November 8th, 2025 - February 28th, 2026 Quail
Dove
Quota Hunt
September 6th, 2025
General Hunt
- September 6th, 2025 - October 12th, 2025
- November 22nd, 2025 - November 30th, 2025
- December 19th, 2025 - January 31st, 2026
Waterfowl may be hunted on the impoundment and surrounding roads until noon on Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday only during statewide season.
Coyote
May 16th, 2026 - May 31st, 2026.
Click to view this season's statewide hunting dates & limits.
North Tract Highlights
Located 0.2 miles off I-16 at exit 58
- A small cypress bottom lies just past the entrance on the left. You can park your car near the small bridge and walk into the trees if the area is dry.
- The Waterfowl Impoundment (funded by Ducks Unlimited) features a boardwalk leading to an overlook platform. Tread quietly as waterfowl will scatter quickly.
- Troup’s Lake is an oxbox of the Oconee River, known for excellent fishing since the 1800’s, as the lake is regularly replenished by river flooding. Prothonotary warblers and large alligators regularly seen in and around the lake during warmer months.
- Take the hiking trail south from the boat landing at Troup’s Lake for views of the Oconee River.
North Tract Facilities
Sign-in kiosk with maps
Campground
Ranger station (open seasonally)
Restrooms
Concrete boat landingBoardwalk
Geocaching (Not permissible during managed hunts)
South Tract Highlights
Located 6 miles south from I-16 on exit 58 on Hwy 199
- Less accessible, more secluded, and with fewer amenities than the north tract.
- Walking trails in various states of repair through remote coastal plain swamp. You may have the whole 1,700 acres to yourself.
- The Georgia Ornithological Society and the DNR maintain the South Tract habitat specifically to support the Swainson’s warbler, and this area has the largest known concentration in the state. Swainson’s warblers may be heard (but rarely seen) at cane thickets near stream crossings at various points along the trails.
- For best swamp views, drive straight to Beacham’s Lake and walk the trail around the lake. Wet weather may turn the trail to swamp so be prepared to back-track or bring waders.
South Tract Facilities
Sign-in kiosk with maps
BREATHE
Captured moments
STAY
From hunting to photography, River Bend delights those in search of natural settings. Extend your trip with a stay at one of these hotels located off exit 51 on I-16 in Dublin. Make a stop by the Dublin Visitors Center next to Cracker Barrel and Zaxby's where you can purchase hunting licenses, explore our dog park, and get free maps, brochures, and area information.
Click here to sleep ahead of the curve!
Located off I-16 for convenient access to shopping and dining, we provide free high-speed, wired and wireless Internet access in every room and a free 24-hour Business Center for our hotel's valued guests. After a long day, unwind in our sparkling, outdoor pool and the sunbathing deck, then borrow free DVDs, books and board games from our lending library.
La Quinta Inn & Suites - Get into the Irish spirit at Dublin's La Quinta Inn & Suites where a lucky leprechaun with his pot of gold welcomes guests, shamrocks frolick, and Irish landscapes adorn the guest rooms and public areas. Amenities include free WiFi, business center, free Bright Side Breakfast, indoor heated pool and spa, and state-of-the- art fitness center.
Dublin’s newest hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites, offers innovative solutions for guests in a softly modern setting. The all-new guest rooms feature Hampton’s newest room concept…the Forever Young room. Room amenities such as a sliding barn door, crisp & clean white bathroom, and the newest clean and fresh bedding offering a lighter synthetic down duvet promise to make your stay unforgettable.
GET IN TOUCH
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