Hunting Seasons & Licensing · GA
Georgia Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonGeorgia offers a long deer season and diverse hunting opportunities across the state's varied terrain — from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north to the coastal plains in the south. The state has approximately 375,000 deer hunters and manages over 1 million acres of Wildlife Management Areas open to public hunting. Georgia is particularly known for excellent white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and feral hog hunting. Dove hunting is deeply rooted in the state's hunting culture.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources — Wildlife Resources Division before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sep 13 – Oct 10, 2025 | 12 deer per season, no more than 2 antlered | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | Oct 18 – Jan 11, 2026 | 12 deer per season, no more than 2 antlered | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader, bow |
| Feral Hog | Year-round | No closed season | No limit | Any legal firearm, bow, trapping |
| Black Bear | General | Sep 13 – Jan 11, 2026 | 1 bear per year | Rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader |
White-tailed Deer (Firearms): Liberal bag limits. Antler restrictions vary by county.
Feral Hog (Year-round): No license required on private land
Black Bear (General): North Georgia mountains only. Specific counties designated.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Mar 21 – May 15, 2026 | 3 gobblers per spring season | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct 18 – Nov 28, 2025 | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow, rifle |
Wild Turkey (Fall): Select counties only
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Bobwhite Quail | General | Nov 15 – Feb 28, 2026 | 12 daily | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep 1 – Oct 4 & Nov 8 – Nov 23 & Dec 13 – Jan 15, 2026 | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Mourning Dove (General): Split season
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Nov through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 15 – Feb 28, 2026 | 10 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Squirrel | General | Aug 15 – Feb 28, 2026 | 12 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $15 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $130 | — |
| Big Game License (deer/bear) | $19 (resident) / $170 (non-resident) | — |
| Turkey License | $5 (resident) / $75 (non-resident) | — |
| Youth (under 16) | Free | Hunter education required |
| Senior (65+) | $7 (honorary license) | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Georgia hunting licenses are available over the counter. Quota hunts on Wildlife Management Areas require a drawing — applications are submitted online through the Georgia Outdoor Recreation Licensing system. There is no preference point system for most quota hunts. Alligator harvest permits are issued by lottery. Applications for quota hunts are typically due in August.
Harvest Reporting
Georgia requires mandatory harvest reporting for all deer, turkey, and bear within 24 hours of harvest through the Ga Hunt/Fish app, online, or by phone. Failure to report is a violation. CWD surveillance is conducted through voluntary sampling at check stations.
Georgia Wildlife Resources
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources — Wildlife Resources Division — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Ranger Hotline: 1-800-241-4113
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources — Wildlife Resources Division and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.