Georgia Hunting 2025-2026: Dates, Rules & Essential Tips
Welcome, outdoor enthusiasts! Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, Georgia’s 2025–2026 hunting schedule offers plenty of opportunities to explore the Peach State’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from season dates and license requirements to wildlife management areas and new regulations. Let’s dive in! 🌲
📅 Quick Snapshot
Here’s a snapshot of key dates and details for the upcoming wildlife harvest calendar:
- White-Tailed Deer: Archery starts September 13, 2025, and runs through January 11, 2026 (extended to January 31 in select counties). Firearms season begins October 18, 2025, and ends January 11, 2026. Youth firearms weekend is October 11–17, 2025 .
- Wild Turkey (Spring): Private land: March 28 – May 15, 2026; public land: April 4 – May 15, 2026. Bag limit: 2 gobblers per season .
- Black Bear: Northern Zone: Archery (Sept 13 – Oct 10, 2025), Primitive (Oct 11–17, 2025), Firearms (Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026). Southern Zone: Firearms (specific weekends in Sept/Oct, dates TBD) .
- Waterfowl: Ducks: Nov 22–30, 2025 & Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026; Canada Goose: Early (Sept 6–28, 2025), Late (Oct 11–26, Nov 22–30, 2025, Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026) .
- Small Game: Squirrel (Aug 15, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026), Rabbit (Nov 15, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026), Quail (Nov 8, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026) .
New this year: A 2-day antlerless-only firearms season on October 4–5, 2025, in select counties to manage deer populations and support venison donation programs . Also, hunters can now wear fluorescent pink (500 sq. inches) instead of orange for visibility .
🦌 Big Game Overview
Georgia’s vast forests and plains provide excellent habitats for deer, bear, and other large game. Here’s what to expect in 2025–2026:
White-Tailed Deer
Deer hunting is a cornerstone of Georgia’s outdoor traditions. The state is divided into multiple zones with slightly different schedules, but the general statewide dates are:
| Method | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept 13, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 | Extended archery until Jan 31, 2026, in certain urban counties . |
| Primitive Weapons | Oct 11, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 | Includes muzzleloaders and specific air guns . |
| Firearms | Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 | Either-sex and antlered-only periods vary by county . |
| Youth Firearms | Oct 11–17, 2025 | Open to hunters under 16 . |
Bag Limits: 12 deer per season, with no more than 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One antlered deer must have at least 4 points on one side or a 15-inch spread .
New Rules:
- An early antlerless-only firearms weekend on October 4–5, 2025, in specific counties .
- Stricter deer carcass disposal rules to prevent Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Inedible parts must be disposed of on-site or via approved methods .
Black Bear
Bear hunting is regulated by zone:
| Zone | Method | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Northern | Archery | Sept 13 – Oct 10, 2025 |
| Primitive | Oct 11–17, 2025 | |
| Firearms | Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 | |
| Southern | Firearms | Weekends in Sept/Oct (TBD) |
Bag Limit: 2 bears per season, with only 1 from the Central or Southern Zones combined .
🦃 Turkey Dates
Spring turkey hunting is a favorite for many. The 2026 season is as follows:
| Land Type | Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Private | Mar 28 – May 15, 2026 | 2 gobblers per season, 1 daily . |
| Public (WMAs) | Apr 4 – May 15, 2026 | 1 gobbler per area per person . |
Regulations: Only male turkeys are legal. Baiting is prohibited, and electronic calls are not allowed .
🦝 Furbearer Opportunities
Georgia offers extensive opportunities for harvesting furbearers, often with minimal restrictions:
| Species | Season Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote | No closed season | May be hunted year-round on private land . |
| Bobcat | Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | No bag limit . |
| Fox | Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | No bag limit . |
| Raccoon | No closed season | Check local regulations for public land . |
Special Notes: A trapping license may be required for some species on public lands. Always verify with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) .
🐦 Small Game Section
Small game hunting is perfect for beginners and families. Here are the key seasons:
| Species | Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Aug 15, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 12 |
| Rabbit | Nov 15, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 12 |
| Quail | Nov 8, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 12 |
| Grouse | Oct 15, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 3 |
| Dove | Sept 6 – Oct 12, 2025; Nov 22 – Nov 30, 2025; Dec 18, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | 15 |
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl seasons follow federal guidelines but include state-specific nuances:
| Species | Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Nov 22–30, 2025 & Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026 | 6 |
| Canada Goose | Early: Sept 6–28, 2025; Late: Oct 11–26, Nov 22–30, 2025, Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026 | 5 |
| Teal | Sept 13–28, 2025 | 6 |
| Snow Geese | Oct 11–26, 2025, Nov 22–30, 2025, Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026 | 5 |
Licenses: A Georgia Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License ($5) and federal duck stamp are required for hunters 16 and older .
🐗 Other Available Game
Don’t overlook these unique opportunities:
- Feral Hogs: No closed season on private land; public land seasons vary .
- Alligator: Quota hunt from August 15 (sunset) to October 6 (sunrise), 2025. 1 per permit .
- Woodcock: Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 19, 2026 (3 per day) .
- Crow: Nov 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 (no limit) .
🗺️ Hunting Zones
Georgia is divided into multiple game management zones, each with specific rules. For example, deer either-sex days vary significantly between the Yellow, Cyan, Orange, and Green zones . Always check the official Georgia DNR Wildlife Management Map for details on public lands like WMAs and national forests. Regulations on public lands often differ from private lands, so verify before you go.
🎟️ Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
Here’s a breakdown of license requirements and fees:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting License | $15 | $100 | Required for all hunters . |
| Big Game License | $25 | $225 | Needed for deer, turkey, bear . |
| Sportsman’s License | $65 | $400 | Includes hunting, big game, fishing, and trout licenses . |
| Waterfowl License | $5 | $5 | Required for migratory birds . |
| Apprentice License | $5 (1-day) | $30 (1-day) | For those without hunter education (age 16+) . |
Additional Requirements:
- Hunter education is mandatory for those born on or after January 1, 1961 .
- Harvest Record must be maintained for deer, turkey, and bear, and harvests must be reported via Georgia Game Check within 24 hours .
❓ Georgia Hunting Quick FAQ
- Q: What’s new for the 2025–2026 season?
A: Key changes include a new antlerless-only firearms weekend (Oct 4–5, 2025), stricter deer carcass disposal rules, and the option to wear blaze pink instead of orange . - Q: Are there any youth-specific opportunities?
A: Yes! Youth hunters (under 16) have dedicated seasons, such as the youth firearms deer weekend (Oct 11–17, 2025) . - Q: Can I hunt on public lands?
A: Absolutely, but regulations often differ from private lands. Always check the specific WMA or national forest rules . - Q: Do I need a license for furbearers like coyote?
A: A basic hunting license is required, but seasons are generally open year-round for coyote on private land . - Q: How do I report my harvest?
A: Use the Georgia Game Check system online or via phone within 24 hours of harvest .
🔗 List of Related Guides
- Alabama Hunting Seasons
- Florida Hunting Seasons
- Official Georgia DNR Regulations: GeorgiaWildlife.com
Conclusion
Georgia’s 2025–2026 hunting calendar is packed with opportunities for every type of outdoors enthusiast. From deer and turkey to waterfowl and small game, there’s something for everyone. Remember to double-check dates and regulations on the official Georgia DNR website, as rules can vary by county and land type. Grab your licenses early, plan responsibly, and most importantly—stay safe out there! Bookmark this guide for quick reference, and happy hunting! 🐾
