Joe Budd WMA is a popular area for hunters not only because of its abundant wildlife but because of the limited number of people allowed on the area each hunt day. To ensure a quality hunting experience, the area is open to permitted hunters only on hunt days. During the rest of the year (more than 300 days), the area is open to everyone during daylight hours to explore the many interesting and unique plant and animal communities. Rare plants bloom in the slope forests and the calls of warblers, both resident and migratory, may be heard. Non-hunting days in the spring are pleasant times to hike, bike, or horseback ride on Joe Budd. The public may fish on Joe Budd Pond Saturdays and Sundays from Independence Day through Labor Day.
Hunters must comply with all hunting regulations
Hunting Regulations and Maps
Joe Budd Hunt Calendar - Year-at-a-Glance 
(Calendar does not reflect migratory game bird hunting seasons.
)
| Seasons Summary | Dates (range July 2012 through June 2013) |
| Small Game |
October 6 through December 2 (Saturdays and Sundays only) |
| Archery |
December 7 through January 6 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only) |
| Archery/Muzzleloading Gun |
January 11-27 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only) |
| Spring Turkey - Youth |
March 9-10 (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.) |
| Spring Turkey |
March 16 through April 21 (Saturdays and Sundays only) (Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.) |