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 July 30, 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!
Dates have been updated for 2025-26, 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 13 – October 10, 2025
Extended Archery (Either-Sex, Specific Counties): Day following the close of county firearms season – January 31, 2026
Primitive Weapons & Youth Only: October 11 – 17, 2025
Firearms (Bick Only Statewide): October 18, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Extended Firearms: October 18, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Turkey Season
Statewide:
Private Land: March 28 – May 15, 2026
Public Land: April 4 – May 15, 2026
Special Opportunity Youth/Mobility Impaired: March 21 – 22, 2026
Bear Season
Northern Zone:
Archery: September 13 – October 10, 2025
Primitive Weapons: October 11 – 17, 2025
Firearms: October 18, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Central Zone:
Firearms: December 20, 2025
Southern Zone:
Firearms: September 18 – 20, 2025, September 25 – 27, 2025, October 2 – 4, 2025, and October 9 – 11, 2025
Alligator
Zone & Quota Limited:August 15 (sunset)– October 6, 2025 (sunrise)
Small Game and Furbearers
Fox and Bobcat (Statewide):December 1, 2025– February 28, 2026
Rabbit (Statewide): November 15, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Squirrel (Statewide): August 15, 2025 – February 228, 2026
Waterfowl and Migratory Birds
Early Canada Goose: September 6 – 28, 2025
Canada Goose and White-Fronted Goose: October 11 – 26, 2025, November 22 – 30, 2025, and December 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Snipe: November 15, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Coot: November 22 – 30, 2025, and December 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Duck: November 22 – 30, 2025, and December 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Merganser: November 22 – 30, 2025, and December 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Gallinules: November 22 – 30, 2025, and December 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Rails:
King & Clapper: September 16 – 23, 2025, and October 15 – December 15, 2025
Sora & Virginia: September 16 – 23, 2025, and October 15 – December 15, 2025
Mourning Dove: September 6– October 12, 2025, November 22 – 30, 2025, December 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Sea Ducks: November 23 – December 1 and December 7 – January 26
Teal: September 13 – 21, 2025, November 22 – 30, 2025, and December 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Woodcock: December 6, 2025 – January 19, 2026
Grouse: October 15, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Quail: November 8, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Youth, Active Duty Military, Veterans Waterfowl Days: November 15 – 16, 2025
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)
Quail
12 per day
Rabbit
12 per day
Squirrel
12 per day
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.
If you're looking for more time to hunt deer, head to Delaware! The state offers one of the longest deer hunting seasons in the United States. Read More
With a herd of about 730,00 deer and some of the lowest hunting pressure you’ll find in the South, hunting whitetail in South Carolina is an experience that hunters don’t want to miss. Archery and firearm season opens earlier than many states (mid-Au...Read More
If you're looking for more time to hunt deer, head to Delaware! The state offers one of the longest deer hunting seasons in the United States. Read More
With a herd of about 730,00 deer and some of the lowest hunting pressure you’ll find in the South, hunting whitetail in South Carolina is an experience that hunters don’t want to miss. Archery and firearm season opens earlier than many states (mid-Au...Read More