All about Charlie Ellliot Wildlife Center

The Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, located in Mansfield, Georgia, is a part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, educational programs, and wildlife conservation efforts.

History

• Named after Charles Newton Elliott, Georgia’s first Director of Game and Fish, the center serves as a hub for conservation, wildlife management, and public education on Georgia’s natural resources.

Wildlife and Habitat

• The center covers over 6,400 acres of diverse habitats, including hardwood forests, wetlands, ponds, and grasslands, providing a perfect environment for a variety of wildlife species.

Recreational Activities

• Hunting: There are specific hunting seasons for deer, turkey, small game, and dove on the property. Hunters must comply with state hunting regulations and obtain the appropriate licenses.
• Fishing: The center has 20 managed ponds with species like bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. There are fishing docks and boat ramps for easy access. Fishing is allowed year-round, but visitors should check the rules for limits and requirements.
• Hiking & Wildlife Watching: The area offers trails for hiking and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation, including an interpretive nature trail that explores the region’s ecosystems.
• Shooting Sports: The center has a 5-stand sporting clays range and archery ranges that are open to the public.

Educational Programs

• Visitor Center & Museum: The Wildlife Center has an educational exhibit hall that showcases Georgia’s wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation history. There are interactive displays and a small museum about the state’s natural history.
• Programs for Schools and Groups: Charlie Elliott offers a wide variety of hands-on educational programs, ranging from wildlife conservation and ecosystems to outdoor skills like fishing, archery, and camping.
• Summer Camps: The center hosts nature camps for children and teens during the summer months, focusing on outdoor skills, conservation, and wildlife education.
• Birding: The center is a designated part of Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail, with excellent opportunities to see migratory and native bird species.

Accommodations and Facilities

• Conference Center & Lodging: The center has a conference center available for events, meetings, and retreats, along with lodging options for overnight guests, such as group cabins and individual rooms.
• Marben Public Fishing Area: Fishing is a key attraction with well-maintained ponds and lakes on the property.

Youth Programs

• Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW): This program offers women the opportunity to develop outdoor skills such as shooting, hunting, fishing, and wilderness survival in a supportive and non-competitive environment.
• Outdoor Adventure Days: These special events are designed for families to introduce kids to fishing, shooting sports, and other outdoor activities.

Hunting and Fishing Regulations

• Visitors must adhere to Georgia's state hunting and fishing regulations. Licenses are required for hunting and fishing activities, and bag limits, species restrictions, and specific rules apply depending on the season.