Skip to content
A graphic of the state of Georgia representing Georgia hunting seasons.
Field Guide  /  State Hunting Guide

The Guide to Georgia Hunting Seasons 2026

Author Image for Teri Williams

8 Minute Read

Georgia's 2026–2027 deer hunting season features key dates including Archery (September 12 – October 9, 2026), Primitive Weapons (October 10 – October 16, 2026), and Statewide Firearms (October 17, 2026 – January 10, 2027). Bag limits are set at 12 deer total (max 2 antlered and 10 antlerless).

Whether you hunt deer, turkey, 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 seasons 2026. Plus, with our app, you have the best tool to mark the best spots to hunt the game you’re after. 

Updated July 31, 2026

A graphic of a map of the United States highlighting Goergia, Georgia hunting concept.

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 2026

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 12 – October 9, 2026
  • Extended Archery (Either-Sex, Specific Counties): January 16 – 31, 2027
  • Primitive Weapons & Youth Only: October 10 – 16, 2026
  • Firearms: October 3, 2026 – January 31, 2027

Learn more about Georgia deer season, including finding public hunting land and how to plan your hunt!

Turkey Season 2027

Statewide: 

  • Private Land: March 27 – May 15, 2027
  • Public Land: April 3 – May 15, 2027

Special Opportunity Youth/Mobility Impaired: March 20 – 21, 2027

Make sure you understand the rules and regulations for Georgia's spring turkey season as you plan your hunt!

Bear Season

Northern Zone: 

  • Archery: September 12 – October 9, 2026
  • Primitive Weapons: October 10 – 16, 2026
  • Firearms: October 17, 2026 – January 10, 2027

Central Zone: 

  • Firearms: December 19, 2026

Southern Zone: 

  • Firearms: September 17 – 19, September 24 – 26, October 1 – 3, and October 8 – 10, 2026

Alligator

Zone & Quota Limited: August 14 (sunset) – October 5, 2026

Small Game and Furbearers

  • Fox and Bobcat (Statewide):  December 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Rabbit (Statewide): November 14, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Squirrel (Statewide): August 15, 2026 – February 28, 2027

Waterfowl and Migratory Birds

  • Early Canada Goose: September 5 – 27, 2026
  • Canada Goose and White-Fronted Goose: October 10 – 25, 2026, November 21 – 29, 2026, and December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027
  • Snipe: November 15, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Coot: November 21 – 29, 2026, and December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027
  • Duck: November 21 – 29, 2026, and December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027
  • Merganser: November 21 – 29, 2026, and December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027
  • Gallinules: November 21 – 29, 2026, and December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027
  • Rails:
    • King & Clapper: September 11 – 14, 2026, and September 26 – November 30, 2026
    • Sora & Virginia: September 11 – 14, 2026, and September 26 – November 30, 2026
  • Mourning Dove: September 5 – October 11, 2026, November 21 – 29, 2026, December 19, 2026 – January 31, 2027
  • Sea Ducks: TBD
  • Early Teal: September 12 – 20, 2026
  • Woodcock: December 5, 2026 – January 18, 2027
  • Grouse: October 15, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Quail: November 14, 2026 – February 28, 2027

Youth, Active Duty Military, Veterans Waterfowl Days: November 14 – 15, 2026

Learn more about hunting doves in Georgia, including how to find them, as you plan your dove season. 

Opossum & Raccoon

  • Private Land: No closed season
  • Public Land: August 15, 2026 – February 28, 2027

Feral Hog

No 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

Deer12 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)

Turkey2 gobblers per season (1 daily)Snipe8 per day (24 in possession)
Bear2 per season (no more than 1 taken from central or southern zones)Canada Goose (Early)5 per day (15 in possession)
Alligator1 per quota permitCanada Goose and White-fronted Goose5 combined per day (15 in possession)
Fox and BobcatNo limitCoot15 perr day (45 in possession)
Dove15 per day (45 in possession)Duck6 per day (18 in possession)
Grouse3 per dayGallinules15 per day (45 in possession)
Sea Duck5 per day (15 in possession)Merganser5 per day (15 in possession)
Woodcock3 per day (9 in possession)Teal6 per day (18 in possession)
Quail12 per dayRabbit12 per day
Squirrel12 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. 

A hunter looks over a turkey kill on the ground, Georgia hunting concept.

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. 

Close-up of a whitetail buck, Georgia deer season 2024 concept.

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 most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details July 31, 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.

More Content Like This

State Hunting Guide

The Guide to the Louisiana Hunting Season 2026

Teri Williams

If you love duck hunting, Louisiana is known as the duck hunters’ paradise. Whether you live here or are thinking about more places to hunt waterfowl this year, get to the Pelican State! It’s one of the most critical areas for ducks to spend the wint...Read More

Read More
State Hunting Guide

The Guide to the Wyoming Hunting Seasons 2026

Teri Williams

Hunters living in Wyoming understand what they have almost literally in their backyard: a sought-after destination for big game hunting. If you don’t live in Wyoming, it could be on your bucket list of places to travel for a trophy to bring home this...Read More

Read More
State Hunting Guide

The Guide to the North Carolina Hunting Seasons 2026

Teri Williams

North Carolina hunting seasons for 2026–2027 vary by species and region, with key dates established for North Carolina Hunting Seasons covering deer, bear, and wild turkey.Read More

Read More

1 of 3