Georgia Deer Season 2025-2026 New Dates & Rules!
Planning your outdoor adventure in the Peach State? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Georgia’s white-tailed deer seasons for 2025-2026, including key dates, regulations, and tips for a successful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned tracker or new to the sport, we’ve got you covered!
🗓️ At a Glance: Georgia Deer Seasons
Here’s a quick overview of the key periods for pursuing white-tailed deer in Georgia:
| Method | Dates | Locations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept 13 – Oct 10, 2025 | Statewide | Either-sex statewide; antlered bucks only first two weeks in select counties |
| Extended Archery | Sept 13, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | Select counties | 29 counties including metro Atlanta areas |
| Primitive Weapons & Youth | Oct 11 – Oct 17, 2025 | Statewide | Youth may use any legal firearm; either-sex |
| Firearms | Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 | Statewide | Either-sex days vary by county; check regulations |
| Extended Firearms | Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 | SW counties | Applies to 8 southwestern counties |
📅 Detailed Breakdown: All Deer Seasons
🏹 Archery Season
- Dates: September 13 – October 10, 2025
- Details: Open statewide on private and public lands (unless WMA-specific dates apply). Either-sex harvest is generally allowed, though exceptions exist in Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Thomas, and Seminole counties where the first two weeks (September 13-27) are for antlered bucks only .
📅 Extended Archery Season
- Dates: September 13, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Details: This special opportunity applies to 29 primarily urban and suburban counties: Baker, Barrow, Bibb, Calhoun, Chatham, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Decatur, DeKalb, Douglas, Early, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Grady, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Miller, Mitchell, Muscogee, Paulding, Richmond, Rockdale, Seminole, and Thomas. Either-sex harvest is allowed throughout .
🔫 Primitive Weapons & Youth-Only Firearms Season
- Dates: October 11 – October 17, 2025
- Details: This week-long period is statewide (except designated archery-only counties) and allows either-sex harvest. Legal equipment includes muzzleloaders (.30-caliber or larger), archery gear, air bows, and air rifles (.30-caliber or larger). Youth under 16 may use any legal deer firearm during this week. Hunter orange (500 sq. inches) is required .
🎯 Firearms Season
- Dates: October 18, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Details: This is the most popular time to pursue whitetails. It’s open statewide on private lands (excluding archery-only counties). Either-sex days vary significantly by county and zone – consult the official regulations map. In eight southwestern counties (Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, and Thomas), the season extends to January 15, 2026 . Legal firearms include centerfire rifles (.22-caliber or larger), shotguns (20-gauge or larger with slugs/buckshot), muzzleloaders, and large-bore air guns. Hunter orange is mandatory .
🦌 Other Game Species in Georgia
While Georgia is primarily known for its white-tailed deer, the state doesn’t have populations of elk, moose, caribou, or exotic/non-native deer species. The focus is on white-tailed deer management, with other popular game species including black bear, turkey, and feral hogs .
📜 Key Regulations for Deer Hunting in Georgia
To ensure a safe and legal experience, adhere to these rules:
- Bag Limits: Hunters may harvest up to 12 deer per season statewide. No more than 10 may be antlerless, and no more than 2 may be antlered. One of the two antlered deer must have at least 4 points (one inch or longer) on one side or a 15-inch outside spread .
- Harvest Reporting: All deer must be reported via Georgia Game Check within 24 hours of harvest .
- Hunter Orange: Required during primitive weapons and firearms seasons (500 square inches above waist) .
- Legal Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset .
- Firearms Restrictions: Firearm hunting for deer is prohibited in certain counties including Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, and parts of Fulton .
- Baiting: Allowed on private land with landowner permission but prohibited on public lands .
💰 License and Tag Fees for 2025-2026
Here’s a breakdown of costs:
- Resident Hunting License: $15
- Resident Big Game License: $25
- Non-Resident Hunting License: $100
- Non-Resident Big Game License: $225
- Sportsman’s License (includes hunting, big game, fishing): $65 (resident)
- WMA License: $19
- Deer Harvest Record: Free (required for all hunters)
Note: Fees contribute directly to wildlife management and conservation efforts.
📋 License Requirements
- Hunter Education: Mandatory for anyone born on or after January 1, 1961 .
- Harvest Record: Required for all deer hunters, regardless of age or license status .
- WMA License: Required for hunting on Wildlife Management Areas .
- Age Requirements: Youth under 16 need a Big Game License and Harvest Record but are exempt from the base hunting license requirement .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I hunt deer on Sundays in Georgia?
A: Yes, Sunday hunting is permitted in accordance with regular season dates and regulations.
Q: Are there any antler restrictions?
A: Yes, one of the two antlered deer must have at least 4 points (1+ inch) on one side or a 15-inch outside spread. Some counties have additional restrictions .
Q: What are the either-sex days in my county?
A: Either-sex days vary significantly by county. Consult the official Georgia DNR regulations for your specific county .
Q: Can non-residents purchase licenses over-the-counter?
A: Yes, non-residents can purchase licenses online or from licensed agents, but should be aware of higher fees .
Q: Is baiting allowed?
A: Baiting is allowed on private land with landowner permission but prohibited on public lands .
✅ Conclusion
Georgia’s 2025-2026 white-tailed deer seasons offer diverse opportunities across archery, primitive weapons, and firearms periods. The extended seasons in urban and southwestern counties provide additional chances to pursue whitetails. Remember to obtain proper licenses, follow all regulations including harvest reporting, and respect bag limits. With varied terrain from mountains to coastal plains, Georgia offers fantastic whitetail pursuits for hunters of all experience levels.
🔗 Always verify details with official sources. For the most accurate and updated information, visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division website.
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