Author: Tee Johnson

Hunting in the Georgia outdoors is not only refreshing and rewarding.

If you’re interested in hunting in Georgia, there’s some things you need to know before you take to the woods. This article will tell you everything you need to know about hunting in Georgia.

We’ll also go over the #1 question: How to get a hunting license. To full answer that question, it depends on if you live in Georgia and if you’re interested in a long-term or shot-term hunting license.

Let’s get right to it.

• How To Get A Georgia Hunting License
• When is Hunting Season In Georgia?
• What Kind Of Animals Can You Hunt?
• Where Can You Hunt In Georgia?
• What Do You Need To Go Hunting?

How To Get A Georgia Hunting License

If you want to hunt deer, quail and other animals, you need a hunting license in Georgia. Otherwise, killing animals for sport or otherwise is unlawful. You can buy a Georgia hunting license online or call 800-366-2661 — but before you do….

As we alluded to, there are several different types of Georgia hunting licenses. Here is a breakdown:

• Annual Hunting License: This lasts 365 days from date of purchase
• Short-Time License: These licenses can last one day or up to 11 consecutive days.

To manage your short-term Georgia hunting license, call 1-800-366-2661.

Follow these steps to get a Georgia hunting license.

Requirements

Here are the requirements for getting a Georgia’s hunting license:

• Proper ID and Social Security number
• Must be a Georgia resident
• Must be between 16 and 65
• Completion of hunter education course

What Kinds Of Hunting Licenses Can You Get?

Georgia has several types of hunting licenses, some free and some for a fee.

• Sportsman License: $65 annual fee
• Lifetime License: $750 ($35 to $70 off for those born after 1952)
• Short-Term License: $25 for one-day ($3 for additional days)

When Is Hunting Season In Georgia?

To control animal populations and preserve ecosystems, Georgia has specific hunting seasons for both big and small game. Here is a hunting season, according to the Department of Georgia Wildlife.

Animal	Season	Limit
Deer	Sept. 9–Jan. 31 Extended Archery Either Sex (ONLY for Baker, Barrow, Bibb, Chatham, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Decatur, DeKalb, Douglas, Early, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Grady, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Miller, Mitchell, Muscogee, Paulding, Richmond, Rockdale, Seminole, and Thomas Counties) — Sept. 9–Jan. 31 Primitive Weapons & Youth-Only Firearms, Either Sex Statewide — Oct. 14–Oct. 20 Firearms, Buck Only Statewide (Either Sex dates vary by county) — Oct. 21–Jan. 14 Extended Firearms Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Thomas, and Seminole Counties — Oct. 21–Jan. 15	12 per season, statewide. No more than 10 may be antlerless and no more than 2 may be antlered. One of the 2 antlered deer must have at least 4 points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers or at least a 15-inch outside spread. Firearms deer hunting is not allowed in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton (north of GA Highway 92), and that portion of Glynn County lying within Jekyll Island. In the portion of Forsyth County south of GA Highway 20, only shotguns and muzzleloaders may be used (no other firearms allowed). *Buck only for the first two weeks (Sept. 9-24) in Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Thomas, and Seminole Counties.
Bear	Northern Zone — Archery: Archery: Sept. 9–Oct. 13 Primitive Weapons: Oct. 14–Oct. 20* Firearms: Oct. 21–Jan. 14 Central Zone: Firearms: Dec. 16** Southern Zone: Firearms: Sept. 21–23, Sept. 28–30, Oct. 5–7, Oct. 12–14	2 per season; provided, however, that no more than 1 may be taken from the central or southern bear zones. *During the northern zone primitive weapons season, only youth may use any firearm legal for deer. **A second day may be offered in the Central Bear Zone; check our website for details after December 16, 2023
Turkey	Private Land: Mar. 30–May 15, 2024 2 gobblers per season. Daily bag of 1. Public Land: April 6–May 15, 2024 Special Opportunity Youth/ Mobility Impaired — Mar. 23–24, 2024	2 gobblers per season. Daily bag of 1. Only for youth 16 years of age or younger and mobility impaired persons. This season does not apply to public lands unless otherwise specified.
Alligator	Zone & Quota Limited Aug. 18 (sunset)–Oct. 2 (sunrise)	1 per quota permit.
Crows	Statewide — Nov. 4–Feb. 29	No limit
Dove	Statewide — Sept. 2–Oct. 8, Nov. 18–26, Dec. 19–Jan. 31	15 per day, 45 in possession.
Fox and Bobcat	Statewide — Dec. 1–Feb. 29	No limit.
Grouse	Statewide — Oct. 15–Feb. 29	3 per day.
Sora and Rails	Oct. 8–28, Nov. 8–Dec. 26	King & Clapper: 15 per day, 45 in possession. Sora & Virginia: 25 per day, 75 in possession.
Opossum and Raccoon	Statewide — Private Land: no closed season Public Land: Aug. 15–Feb. 29	No limit.
Quail	Statewide — Nov. 18–Feb. 29	12 per day.
Rabbit	Statewide — Nov. 18–Feb. 29	12 per day.
Woodcock	Statewide — Dec. 9–Jan. 22	3 per day, 9 in possession.
Snipe	Statewide — Nov. 15–Feb. 28	8 per day, 24 in possession.
Squirrel	Statewide — Aug. 15–Feb. 29	12 per day.
Falconry	Squirrel: Aug. 15–Mar. 15 Rabbit, Quail: Oct. 1–Mar. 15 Grouse: Oct. 1–Mar. 15	Squirrel: 12 per day. Rabbit & Quail: 12 per day. Grouse: 3 per day.

What Kind Of Animals Can You Hunt In Georgia?

Once you get your Georgia hunting license, you can hunt for several types of animals, and game, including alligator hunt, deer-dog hunting and more. Here is a list.

• Deer — Big Game license required
• Turkey — Big Game license required
• Dove & Waterfowl
• Small Game
• Bear — Big Game license required
• Alligator
• Non-native & Invasive Species (feral hogs, coyotes, armadillos, beavers, groundhogs, starlings, pigeons and English sparrows)

If you want to hunt turkey and deer, you’ll need a free Harvest Record, which must be renewed each year.

If you’re going to be hunting birds, you’ll need a Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp. This is required to shoot all migratory birds (doves, ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, etc.) For ducks and geese, you’ll need a Federal Duck Stamp ($25).

Where Can You Hunt In Georgia?

If you want to get out and hunt, you need to know where to go. To hunt on private land, you obviously need permission. 

Before you hunt on private land, ask the landowner if you can access the land. You can hunt on state land with no problem, if you follow the rules.

Georgia provides a list of state properties where you can access the land and hunt, if you have a license.

What Do You Need To Go Hunting?

If you want to go out into the woods and hunt some deer or other big game, make sure you have the equipment you need. Here are some supplies you’ll want to buy before you go hunting.

Hunting Suits

• Frogg Togg’s Men’s Rain Suit
• Water Resistant Camo Suit
• Camo Dungaree Pant

Hunting Boots

• Tidewe Rubber Hunting Boots
• Neoprene Fishing Boats
• Rocky Sport Insulated Boots

Last Words

Hunting is one of the most enjoyable experiences you can do in the great outdoors. When you get your hunting license, make sure you’re always conscious of others in the woods. Safety should always be your top priority.

As we mentioned up top, there are two ways to buy a Georgia hunting license:

• You can buy a Georgia hunting license online
• Or you can call a local agent at 800-366-2661

You don’t have to be a hunter to appreciate enjoying a nice steak or pulled pork on your plate. The only way that culinary experience happens is by hunting.

Interested in more fun outdoors? Check out the adventurous things to do in Atlanta.

Restaurant chain Red Lobster continues to hemorrhage money due to several bad financial decisions and factors. Now, the restaurant announced that it is set to close 23 more of its locations across the United States.

And yes, the Tara Boulevard location in Jonesboro, Georgia is on the list.

Which Atlanta-Area Red Lobsters Will Stay Open (For Now)?

• 3360 Camp Creek Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30344

Why Is Red Lobster in Financial Trouble?

Red Lobster is facing financial trouble due to several factors, including declining customer traffic, inflation, and rising costs for key ingredients like seafood. The chain has struggled to maintain profitability amid higher food and labor costs, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, Red Lobster’s mid-range pricing strategy is being squeezed between cheaper fast-food options and higher-end dining experiences. This has made it harder for the brand to attract customers, especially as dining preferences shift and competitors emerge.

Moreover, Red Lobster has faced challenges in adapting to changing consumer preferences, including the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable, and diverse dining options. Its traditional menu and dining model may seem outdated to some consumers.

The financial strain has also been impacted by changes in ownership over the years, leading to inconsistent management strategies.

Which Red Lobster Locations Are Closing?

The following Red Lobster locations are set to shut their doors for good:

• Arizona — 1521 S. Yuma Palms Pkwy., Yuma
• Arkansas — 8407 W. Markham St., Little Rock
• California — 8703 Murray Drive, La Mesa
• Colorado — 4925 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
• Florida — -326 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach
  • 5110 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola
  • 8909 U.S. Highway 19, Port Richey
• Georgia — 6550 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro
• Illinois — 1604 N. State Road 50, Bourbonnais
  • 902 Commons Drive, Geneva
  • 4625 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria
• Indiana — 4353 Franklin St., Michigan City
• Minnesota — 8900 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley
  • 12515 Elm Creek Blvd. North, Maple Grove
• Missouri — 2381 Maplewood Commons Drive, Maplewood
• New York — 925 Hunts Point Ave., Bronx
  • 750 Upper Glen St., Queensbury
• North Carolina — 304 A Western Blvd., Jacksonville
• Ohio —17227 Southpark Center, Strongsville
• South Carolina — 1270 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce
• Virginia –555 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria
• 4415 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond
  • 709 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach

What Is the History of Red Lobster?

Red Lobster was founded in 1968 by entrepreneur Bill Darden in Lakeland, Florida. The restaurant began as a single seafood restaurant aimed at making fresh seafood more accessible to middle-class families. It quickly gained popularity due to its affordable prices and high-quality seafood offerings, leading to rapid expansion.

In 1970, the company was acquired by General Mills, which helped fuel further expansion across the United States. By the 1980s, Red Lobster had become a well-known national chain with hundreds of locations, offering signature dishes like cheddar bay biscuits, shrimp scampi, and a variety of seafood platters.

In 1995, General Mills spun off its restaurant holdings, including Red Lobster, to create a new company called Darden Restaurants. Under Darden, Red Lobster continued to grow and remained a cornerstone of the casual dining industry. However, by the 2000s, the brand began experiencing challenges due to changing consumer preferences, economic downturns, and increased competition.

In 2014, Darden decided to sell Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm, for $2.1 billion. The sale was part of a broader strategy to refocus on Darden’s other brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Under Golden Gate Capital, Red Lobster went through various management changes and attempts to revitalize the brand, including efforts to modernize its menu and restaurant design.

In 2020, Red Lobster was sold again, this time to a consortium led by Thai Union, a major seafood supplier, alongside other investors. Despite the ownership changes and rebranding efforts, Red Lobster has continued to face financial challenges in recent years, driven by rising costs, competition, and evolving dining trends.

Final Word

When it comes to seafood, Red Lobster has had a footprint in Atlanta for decades — but it’s not the only tuna in town. Check out our Atlanta Seafood Guide.

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