So, whether you hunt turkey, deer, fox, dove, bear, or even opossum in Georgia, you need to know when the seasons start, where you can hunt legally, and how to get your license to tag out this year.
We’re here to help! HuntWise has the information you need to hunt year-round. Keep reading for this year’s guide to Georgia hunting. Plus, with our app, you have the best tool to mark the best spots to hunt the game you’re after.
Updated April 1, 2026
When Can I Hunt in Georgia?
We’re sure you’re anxious to get out and hunt, but make sure you check season dates and regulations — and get your license — before heading out.
We’ve compiled some current information below, but it’s always wise to check state agencies to confirm season dates and bag limits as you plan your hunt!
We'll continue to update dates for various species as that information is made public by the Georgia Department of Public Resources.
Georgia Hunting Season Dates | |
|---|---|
Georgia Deer SeasonGeorgia deer season dates are designated by equipment type (bow or firearm) and by either-sex or antlered buck-only dates.
Learn more about Georgia deer season, including finding public hunting land and how to plan your hunt! | Turkey Season 2026Statewide:
Special Opportunity Youth/Mobility Impaired: March 21 – 22, 2026 Make sure you understand the rules and regulations for Georgia's spring turkey season as you plan your hunt! |
Bear SeasonNorthern Zone:
Central Zone:
Southern Zone:
| AlligatorZone & Quota Limited: August 15 (sunset) – October 6, 2025 (sunrise) |
Small Game and Furbearers
| Waterfowl and Migratory Birds
Youth, Active Duty Military, Veterans Waterfowl Days: November 15 – 16, 2025 Learn more about hunting doves in Georgia, including how to find them, as you plan your dove season. |
Opossum & Raccoon
| Feral HogNo closed season and no bag limit. |
What Are the Bag Limits?
How many turkeys, deer, or grouse can you bring home this season? To comply with Georgia hunting regulations, you must know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt.
Georgia Hunting Season Bag Limits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | 12 per season, statewide (no more than 10 antlerless and 2 antlered) | Rails | 15 per day, 45 in possession (King and Clapper) 25 per day, 75 in possession (Sora and Virginia) |
| Turkey | 2 gobblers per season (1 daily) | Snipe | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| Bear | 2 per season (no more than 1 taken from central or southern zones) | Canada Goose (Early) | 5 per day (15 in possession) |
| Alligator | 1 per quota permit | Canada Goose and White-fronted Goose | 5 combined per day (15 in possession) |
| Fox and Bobcat | No limit | Coot | 15 perr day (45 in possession) |
| Dove | 15 per day (45 in possession) | Duck | 6 per day (18 in possession) |
| Grouse | 3 per day | Gallinules | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Sea Duck | 5 per day (15 in possession) | Merganser | 5 per day (15 in possession) |
| Woodcock | 3 per day (9 in possession) | Teal | 6 per day (18 in possession) |
| Quail | 12 per day | Rabbit | 12 per day |
| Squirrel | 12 per day | ||
What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?
Georgia offers several types of hunting licenses, ranging from resident and non-resident hunting or combo licenses to licenses specific to youth, hunters with disabilities, alligator harvest, big game, and others. Hunters can purchase licenses online or from an official agent.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Georgia?
Hunters come to Georgia for many reasons, not the least of which is the state’s generous whitetail bag limits. It’s also an excellent state for hunting turkey, hogs, and quail.
Georgia also offers opportunities to hunt bear and alligator if you’re looking for something bigger or different than “just” some deer.
Where Should I Hunt?
From mountains to coastal plains, Georgia offers five different geographic reasons and plenty of terrain variations to challenge even the most skilled hunter. You’ll find plenty of game throughout the valleys, hills, and forests.
No matter where you scout and hunt, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas. With our topographic map layers, you can check out the terrain ahead of time to plan the gear you need for a successful day in the field.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
All hunters born on or after January 1, 1961, need a hunter safety certification before purchasing a hunting license. However, even if you don’t fall into that age category, it can be a smart thing to do to help you stay safe when hunting in Georgia!
Depending on the area and game you hunt, you’ll also want to pack the right gear (like a good pair of binoculars). From decoys to optics, clothing, and more, HuntWise users save 10-50% on gear from our app partners. Use this discount to make sure you have everything you need in the field to tag out.
HuntWise Helps You Tag Out for Georgia Hunting This Season
If you’re anything like the HuntWise team, you’re counting down the days until you can get out in the field. We hope this information helps you plan a successful Georgia game hunt this season!
Before you plan your hunt, download the HuntWise app. It provides up-to-date information on hunting in Georgia, including open season dates, state regulations, and license information.
You’ll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically to gain an advantage over other hunters. Using our WindCast feature, you can choose a day to hunt during the open season and plan your entry and exit based on wind direction — so animals don’t smell you coming.
You’ll be ready to hunt when the season opens.
Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details April 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to some of the top questions about Georgia hunting seasons!
Q: Can I shoot a deer out of season on my own property?
A: No, you can't shoot a deer out of season on your property. In Georgia, deer can only be hunted during the legal deer season set by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Owning the land does not allow you to hunt deer outside the season unless you have a special permit (e.g., a depredation permit for crop damage).
Q: Can you hunt deer at night on your own property in Georgia?
A: No. Hunting deer at night is illegal in Georgia (even on your own property) and is a misdemeanor offense.
Q: Can you shoot 2 bucks in one day in GA?
A: Yes, you can shoot two bucks in one day in GA if you have not already reached the season limit. Georgia allows 2 antlered bucks per season, and they could technically both be taken on the same day if you are still within your season limit.
Q: Can a game warden come on private property in GA?
A: Yes. Conservation rangers (game wardens) can enter private property to enforce wildlife laws and investigate hunting violations without the same warrant requirements as typical police in many circumstances.
Q: Can you carry a sidearm while hunting in GA?
A: Yes. If you’re legally allowed to possess firearms, you can carry a handgun or other weapon while engaged in legal hunting with permission on the land.
