Savannah, Georgia Marsh Hen Hunting
Hunt the Georgia Lowcountry in Savannah, Tybee Island, Bluffton, Richmond Hill, and Pooler, GA for marsh hens.
Savannah Marsh Hen Hunting
“Marsh hen” is the common name for a few species of rails, most notably the clapper rail, that live year-round in the coastal marshes of the Georgia Lowcountry. These birds are built for the spartina with long legs for wading, strong bills for rooting out fiddler crabs and snails, and a distinctive cackling call that echoes across the grass flats. They're secretive by nature, but when the tides flood the marsh, they’re forced out of their cover and become fair game.
Marsh hens are hunted by boat during the high tides of early fall, when the water rises into the grass and gives hunters access to their habitat. This is a shotgun sport, done from poling skiffs through the flooded marsh while hunters watch the grasslines and edges. When a bird flushes, the shot must be fast and clean. It’s a wingshooting challenge that rewards quick reflexes and sharp eyes.
This is traditional coastal hunting, no dogs, no decoys, just you, a skiff, a shotgun, and a tide that doesn’t wait. It’s an experience rooted in southern waterfowling culture and remains one of the most unique and overlooked hunts in the Southeast.
The Savannah Marsh Hen Hunting Experience
A typical marsh hen hunt near Savannah starts by studying the tide chart. We hunt the highest tides of the cycle, generally around the new and full moons in September and October, when water floods deep into the spartina flats. These tides only happen a handful of times each month, and the window to hunt is narrow, usually just a few hours around the peak.
We launch from one of several access points around Savannah, Tybee Island, or Richmond Hill, and make our way into the marsh as the water rises. Once we're in the grass, the boat is poled slowly as hunters stay alert for movement or flushing birds. Shots are often close, fast, and challenging as marsh hens fly low and erratically, and they can disappear back into the grass in seconds if you miss your window.
It’s not uncommon to see dozens of birds on a good tide, and the action can be fast when conditions line up. Between shots, the setting is hard to beat. Golden grass, tailing redfish in the background, and the sound of birds calling from every direction. On the best days, it feels like stepping into a forgotten era of hunting.
This is a low-impact hunt that blends skill, timing, and a deep appreciation for the coastal marsh. It also pairs perfectly with fishing and cast and blast trips are available when the tides and seasons align.
Savannah Marsh Hen Hunting Seasons And Regulations
Marsh hen hunting in Georgia typically runs from mid-late September and again from mid-October. until mid-December. The season is short and built around the tidal calendar, with the best hunting happening on the highest tides of the season. These “flood tides” are predictable but infrequent, so planning ahead is key.
Bag Limits & Species:
The daily bag limit in Georgia is generally 15 birds, which may include a mix of clapper, sora, Virginia, and king rails (though clappers are the most commonly encountered).
Birds must be retrieved and counted toward the limit, and all birds taken must be identified and within legal limits.
Licensing Requirements:
A Georgia hunting license and a Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp are required.
Hunters age 16 and older must also have a Federal Duck Stamp, even though rails are not ducks, as they fall under migratory bird regulations.
A Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required for all migratory bird hunters.
Regulations may vary slightly from year to year, so we recommend checking with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources before each season to confirm dates and rules.
Savannah Marsh Hen Hunting Trip Details
Tall Tides Charters offers specialty marsh hen hunting trips out of Savannah, Tybee Island, Bluffton, Richmond Hill, and Pooler, GA. Multiple boats are available for groups of more than 2 people. Contact us for current rates and availability. All trips include fuel costs, launch fees, and a cooler with water and ice.
Payments And Deposits
Cash, Check or Venmo.
$150 per day per guide deposit for all trips
Venmo or mail deposits to:
Tall Tides Charters
438 E 51st St.
Savannah, GA 31405
What To Bring
All necessary licenses and permits
Your favorite shotgun (20ga. recommended)
Shotgun Shells (size 7-8)
Eye and ear protection
Hat and any needed sun protection
Quick drying conditions appropriate clothing
Rain gear, jackets and pants
Shoes with non-marking soles
Booking/Cancellation Policy
We take safety seriously. Our Captain’s will use their discretion during times of adverse conditions. Any cancellations made by the Captain can be rescheduled or refunded entirely. Deposits are due at time of booking. Final payments are due by the date of trip. Bookings are non-refundable and any cancelled days will result in a credit that can be used within one year of original booking date.
