Through a partnership effort with the State of Georgia and the Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service opened Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge to some compatible wildlife oriented recreational uses in 2000. Hunting for white-tailed deer and feral hogs, bank fishing, wildlife observation through hiking, and environmental education are some of the approved recreational uses for the refuge.

The refuge is open to the public year round for visitation and pre-hunt scouting during day light hours, except during firearm hunts. Public access is permitted only on the portion of the refuge that is located east of the Ocmulgee River in Bibb and Twiggs counties. Camping is prohibited.

Applications for the Bond Swamp deer and hog hunts are available the first week in August.

The refuge is primarily river swamp with creeks and sloughs traversing the entire area. When Ocmulgee River overflows its banks, the flood plain may remain flooded for weeks. Access by vehicle and on foot may be difficult. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be required to access some areas. Portions of the refuge may be closed during periods of flooding.

Public hunting is permitted on approximately 5,455 acres of the current 7,348 acres of Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. All hunters must posses applicable valid state hunting licenses in order to hunt on the Refuge along with a Refuge special use permit. In addition to Federal regulations, State Game and Fish laws and regulations are adopted and in effect unless they have been further restricted by Federal laws and regulations. Hunting regulations are designed to protect the sportsman and wildlife populations. Our regulations supplement the general regulations which govern hunting on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50, Code 32 of Federal Regulations.