Open season is just a few weeks away for most of the US. It's an exciting time of year for veteran hunters and beginners alike.
But, before heading out on your first hunt, make sure you're familiar with Georgia hunting laws and regulations. For those who are unaware, hunting laws in every state evolve almost yearly. The main purpose of these constant changes is to address public safety. Both for the benefit of the hunter and the hunted.
Georgia Hunting Laws and Regulations
It's a must to keep up-to-date on Georgia hunting laws and regulations before heading out on your first hunt. Studying your state's hunting laws might be a bit time-consuming, and we know you're impatient to get out there and start shooting. But breaking the law and having to pay a fine can put a serious damper on a hunting season.
When you're done with that, you might want to start learning about hunting tips and tricks of the trade before you set out on the hunt.
Keep reading to learn about Georgia hunting laws, including dates, which animals you’re allowed to hunt, which weapon you're allowed to use, how to get a hunting license, and much more.
1. Deer Hunting in Georgia
Archery: September 10 – January 8
Extended Archery: September 10 – January 31
Primitive Weapons: October 15 – January 8
Firearms: October 22 – January 8
The statewide bag limits per season:
- 12 deer
- No more than 10 may be antlerless
- No more than two may be antlered with one of the antlered deer having at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one side of the antlers.
Learn more about dog-deer hunting seasons, other game species seasons, specific zone dates per county and more.
Method of Take
Archery Weapons – crossbows, compound bows and recurve bows. Arrows must be broadhead type.
Shotguns: 20-gauge or larger loaded with slugs or buckshot. Unless specified, buckshots are not allowed on WMA's.
Primitive Weapons – Muzzleloading and Archery equipment with scopes are included.
Modern Rifles and Handguns: Centerfire only, .22-cal. or larger with expanding bullets. Rifles have no restrictions in magazine capacity.
Muzzleloaders: .44-cal. or larger, or muzzleloading shotguns 20 gauge or larger. Scopes are legal.
Lock and load for more information with the Georgia Hunting Regulations Guide.
You can also start going through a checklist to know if you have the complete hunting gear before heading out for a hunt.
Licenses and Permits
You can acquire your license and permits either online thru phone or in person.
Learn more about licenses and fees on the Georgia Hunting Regulations Guide.
2. Duck Hunting Seasons in Georgia
Teal Season: September 10 – 25
Duck Season: November 19 – 27 / December 10 – January 29 (including mergansers, Scoters, eiders, long-tailed sea ducks)
Mergansers: November 19-27 / December 10 – January 29
For more details on waterfowl hunting seasons, click here.
Methods of Take
Any 10-gauge or smaller loaded with federally approved size “F” or smaller nontoxic shots. Lead shots may not be in possession while hunting for waterfowl.
Special firearm restrictions:
- For hunting game animals other than deer and bear, shotguns shall be limited to a capacity of not more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
- If a plug is necessary to so limit the capacity, the plug shall be of 1 piece and incapable of being removed from the loading end of the magazine.
- Suppressors: Lawfully possessed suppressors may be used for hunting on private property. Permission of the landowner is required
Read more and scope in page 14 in 2016 – 2017 Georgia hunting regulations.
Licenses and Permits
A one-time hunting and fishing license is possible through a purchase of a Lifetime License.
For additional details on hunting license requirements and more, turn to pages 8-12 of the Georgia Hunting Regulations Guide.
3. Bear Hunting Seasons in Georgia
Northern Zone
- Archery: September 10 – January 8
- Primitive Weapons: October 15 – January 8
- Firearms: October 22 – January 8
Central Zone:
- Firearms: December 10
Southern Zone:
- Firearms: September 29 – October 1 / October 6 – 8 / October 13 – 15
Limits: Two (2) per season; provided, however, that no more than one (1) of which may be taken from the Southern/Central Bear Zones
For season dates and types of firearms that are allowed for Central and Southern Zone, click here.
Weapon Restrictions
- Modern Rifles and Handguns: Centerfire only, .22-cal or larger expanding bullets. No restrictions on magazine capacity.
- Shotguns: 20-gauge or larger loaded with slugs or buckshot. Buckshot is not allowed on WMAs, unless otherwise specified.
- Muzzleloaders: .44-cal. or larger, or muzzleloading shotguns 20 gauge or larger. Scopes are legal.
Limit: Two bears per season, however, only one bear may be taken from the Southern Zone or Central Zone
Read more about hunting laws and regulations for bear on the Georgia Hunting Regulations Guide 2016-2017.
Licenses and Permits
All hunters born on or after January 1, 1961 must successfully complete a hunter education course prior to acquiring a hunting license.
If you want to know more details on hunting licenses, requirements, information and fees see pages 8 – 12 of Georgia Hunting Regulations.
This is a truly awesome video from Realtree Outdoors! So sit back, relax and enjoy!
Remember, as long as you are knowledgeable with the hunting laws in the state of Georgia and abide by them to the letter, you and your hunting buddies will surely enjoy every minute of hunting.
Hunt safe and hunt proud!
Do you want to know more about hunting laws? Check out this one.
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The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.
Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on December 5, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
