How and When to Get a Georgia Hunting License

This variety includes the Cumberland Plateau, Appalachians, Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont, and the Atlantic coastal plains. Due to the changing environments and game species, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) establishes a hunting season for game, including times, firearm types, and regulations regarding species, from bears to alligators. 

So, when should you get a Georgia hunting license in preparation for the game you plan to hunt this season? Keep reading to learn about the best times of year to make the purchase. 

Hunting in Georgia

Georgia is one of the country's most geographically and environmentally diverse states, placing it near the top of the list regarding the number of license holders from both local and interstate locations.

The bag limits are very generous, including a twelve-per-season deer limit. There is also a lot of opportunity for other species, including turkey, bear, alligator, fox, bobcat, dove, and grouse. 

5 Steps To Getting Your Georgia Hunting License

Acquiring a Georgia hunting license is a straightforward process administered by the Georgia DNR. By following the five simple steps we'll outline below, you'll have the license you need for your next Georgia hunt.

Every hunting or fishing license not only grants you access to public hunting land, including Georgia's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Public Fishing Areas (PFAs), and most DNR shooting ranges but also contributes to the funding of conservation efforts. You'll also be able to hunt private land with permission. 

1. Determine the Type of License You Need

The first step to getting your hunting license is to determine the one you need based on if you're a resident and what you want to hunt.

Resident vs. Non-Resident

A resident is anybody who has domiciled in the state of Georgia for at least three months before application and can prove this status with a driver's license or ID card. Residents enjoy discounted licensing on all license types. 

Non-residents can also purchase licenses at different price points.

Hunting Categories

Next, determine the species you're after and the window in which you plan to hunt, as this will impact the license type and cost. There's a wide range of available licenses, from big game to trapping.  

Consider a Combo License

If you're like me and can't resist wetting a line at the end of a long day in the field, you should consider a combo license, which provides fishing and hunting on an annual and day-by-day payment scheme. This type of license can be the most cost-effective way to enjoy the outdoors in Georgia if you hunt and fish.

2. Gather Your Documents

You'll need a few things to buy your license.

Required Documentation 

The Georgia DNR requires reliable identification, including a social security number and a driver's license, when allocating hunting licenses.

Wardens may request identification when checking permits in the field, so these documents should line up. 

Hunter Education Certificate

If you were born after January 1, 1961, you will need a hunter education to apply for a license successfully. Make sure you can provide proof that you've passed a hunting safety course when applying for your hunting license.

3. Choose Your Purchase Method 

Georgia provides several ways to get a hunting license, making it convenient for anyone to get licensed.

Choose from the following methods:
 

• Online: You can purchase a license quickly and easily at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.
• In-Person: Find a local authorized retailer, such as a sporting goods store or DNR office. 
• Phone: Call the DNR to purchase your license over the phone.

With these options, there's never a reason to hunt illegally without the right license.

4. Understand the Costs 

Fees vary based on the type of license you purchase.

Consider your hunting frequency and longer-term hunting plans in Georgia. The costs associated with each license type favor longer-term durations. Annual, short-term, and even lifetime options are available.

Special exemptions and discounted rates include disability hunting licenses, senior offerings, and more.

5. Make Your Purchase and Get Out in the Field 

After purchase, you will receive a confirmation email or a physical license. Print and carry this with you while hunting, along with any additional tags or stamps. 

When To Get a Georgia Hunting License 

Now that you know how to get your hunting license in Georgia, when should you get it? Here's what you need to know.

Before the Season Starts 

You don't want to be scrambling to get a license in your hands after you plan a last-minute hunt.

Always check the correct season dates for the upcoming year and plan your hunt accordingly. Seasons are allocated based on game type, so allow sufficient time for processing and your hunting education course if you still need to do so.

Plan For Special Hunts

What about special hunts? These take a little more planning and patience.
 

• Quota Hunts: Apply early for quota hunts, as these are more highly regulated and require additional planning and application deadlines.
• Alligator Season: The alligator season runs from August 16 (sunset) – October 7 (sunrise), and permits are allocated through a special lottery system. One alligator is allocated per hunter during the season. 

If this is the year you want to bring home an alligator, plan for it!

Annual Renewal 

Has your license expired? Mark your calendar with your license expiration date to ensure timely renewal. 

Georgia's hunting licenses typically align with the hunting year, starting from March 1 to February 28 of the following year.

Get Your Georgia Hunting License and HuntWise for Success This Season

Waiting on quota hunt application results? Trying to plan your year of multiple hunts? Conducting thorough research is key to a successful Georgia hunt, and there's never a better time than right now to start scouting.

Getting a lay of the land, prepping for your chosen environment, and understanding the local wildlife will significantly increase your chances of tagging out. With HuntWise, you can explore Georgia with our extensive mapping features, gain invaluable insights into weather patterning, and enjoy significant discounts on leading brands. 

Get your Georgia hunting license and download the HuntWise app if you don't already have it! Then, enjoy a week to explore every feature – free.