State Guide

Georgia Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Georgia hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Georgia Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $16 Non-res: $200

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Sep 9	Oct 13
Muzzleloader	Oct 14	Oct 20
Rifle	Oct 21	Jan 14

Bag limits: daily: No daily limit, season: 12 (no more than 2 antlered)

Generous bag limits. Either-sex days vary by county. Baiting is legal on private land in most counties.

Turkey

Res: $16 Non-res: $200

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Mar 25	May 15
Archery	Mar 25	May 15

Bag limits: daily: 3 gobblers, season: 3

Spring season gobblers only. Excellent turkey hunting statewide. No fall season.

Quail

Res: $16 Non-res: $200

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Nov 18	Feb 28

Bag limits: daily: 12, season: No limit

Bobwhite quail. Wild populations declining; many hunters use preserve shooting. Dogs commonly used.

Wild Hog

Res: $16 Non-res: $200

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Jan 1	Dec 31
Archery	Jan 1	Dec 31

Bag limits: daily: No limit, season: No limit

No closed season on private land. Hunting license required. Night hunting allowed on private land with permission.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Georgia Hunting Guides

destinations

Georgia Deer Hunting: Season Dates, WMA Access, and Whitetail Tactics

Georgia Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Georgia?

Yes. All hunters in Georgia must hold a valid hunting license from the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Georgia?

Georgia license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $16, non-resident $200. Turkey: resident $16, non-resident $200.

When is deer season in Georgia?

Georgia deer seasons: Archery: Sep 9 - Oct 13, Muzzleloader: Oct 14 - Oct 20, Rifle: Oct 21 - Jan 14.

Does Georgia require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Georgia requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Georgia?

The Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Georgia. Their website (https://georgiawildlife.com) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.