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?
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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
Hunting 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.
Looking for some autumn fun in Georgia? Don’t miss these fall festivals. Also, don’t forget to keep up with the fall foliage map.
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