We know the excitement of a new hunting year all too well. The HuntWise team stays ready for turkey, deer, and other hunting seasons, and we know you probably do, too.
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 February 20, 2025
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.
When Can I Hunt?
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!
Note that some dates have been updated for 2025, and we'll continue to update dates for various species as that information is made public by the Georgia Department of Public Resources.
Georgia Deer Season
Georgia deer season dates are designated by equipment type (bow or firearm) and by either-sex or antlered buck-only dates.
Archery (Either-Sex Statewide):September 14 – October 11
Extended Archery (Either-Sex, Specific Counties): September 14 – January 31
Primitive Weapons & Youth Only: October 12 – 18
Firearms (Bick Only Statewide): October 19 – January 12
Extended Firearms: October 19 – January 15
Turkey Season
Statewide:
Private Land: March 29 – May 15, 2025
Public Land: April 5 – May 15, 2025
Special Opportunity Youth/Mobility Impaired: March 22 – 23, 2025
Bear Season
Northern Zone:
Archery: September 14 – October 11
Primitive Weapons: October 12 – 18
Firearms: October 19 – January 12
Central Zone:
Firearms: December 21
Southern Zone:
Firearms: September 19 – 21 & 26 – 28, October 3 – 5 & 10 – 12
Alligator
Zone & Quota Limited:August 15 (sunset)– October 6, 2025 (sunrise)
Fox and Bobcat
Statewide:December 1– February 28
Grouse
Statewide:October 15 – February 28
Opossum & Raccoon
Private Land: No closed season
Public Land: August 15 – February 28
Feral Hog
No closed season and no bag limit.
Waterfowl and Migratory Birds
Early Canada Goose: September 7 – 29
Canada Goose and White-Fronted Goose: October 12 – 27, November 23 – December 1, and December 7 – January 26
Snipe: November 15 – February 28
Coot: November 23 – December 1 and December 7 – January 26
Duck: November 23 – December 1 and December 7 – January 26
Merganser: November 23 – December 1 and December 7 – 26
Gallinules: November 23 – December and December 7 – January 26
Rails:
King & Clapper: September 16 – 23 and October 15 – December 16
Sora & Virginia: September 16 – 23 and October 15 – December 15
Mourning Dove: September 7– October 13, November 23 – December 1, December 19 – January 31
Sea Ducks: November 23 – December 1 and December 7 – January 26
Teal: September 14 – 29
Woodcock: December 7 – January 20
Youth, Active Duty Military, Veterans Waterfowl Days: November 16 – 17
In addition to the latest information on the GDNR website, you can also find more details about specific species and season dates through eRegulations.
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.
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.
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)
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.
We hope you have a successful hunting season! Download the app and start your free trial now! You’ll be ready to hunt when the season opens.
Content and season dates reviewed and updated February 20, 2025.
Have you ever hunted in Alaska? If not, this could be your year to plan a trip for game you wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to hunt in the rest of the U.S.Read More
Duck hunters need to experience waterfowl season in Mississippi at least once. It’s a well-known wintering ground for ducks and geese, and the state is known for world-class hunting for waterfowl. Read More
If world-record deer is what you’re after, you could very well find it in Tennessee. With a herd of an estimated one million or more, Tennessee deer hunting 2024 could be your best year yet. Read More
Have you ever hunted in Alaska? If not, this could be your year to plan a trip for game you wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to hunt in the rest of the U.S.Read More
Duck hunters need to experience waterfowl season in Mississippi at least once. It’s a well-known wintering ground for ducks and geese, and the state is known for world-class hunting for waterfowl. Read More
If world-record deer is what you’re after, you could very well find it in Tennessee. With a herd of an estimated one million or more, Tennessee deer hunting 2024 could be your best year yet. Read More