Georgia Deer Season offers not just a chance for a successful hunt but an opportunity to forge lasting connections with the outdoors. Find the dates, regulations, and opportunities. This in-depth guide covers everything Peach State hunters need to know for a successful deer season.
Georgia Deer Hunting Dates
- Archery: September 9, 2023 – January 31, 2024. Statewide.
- Archery: September 9, 2023 – October 13, 2023. Buck only in certain counties for the first two weeks.
- Primitive Weapons & Youth Firearms: October 14, 2023 – October 20, 2023. Statewide.
- Youth Firearms: October 14, 2023 – October 20, 2023.
- Firearms: October 21, 2023 – January 14, 2024.
- Extended Archery, Primitive Weapons: Ends January 31, 2024.
Dog Deer (Either Sex)
| Nov. 23 – Jan. 14 | Atkinson (south of US Hwy 82), Jefferson, and Johnson (east of GA Hwy 15) |
| Oct. 21 – Jan. 14 | Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Dougherty, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn (except Jekyll Island), Jenkins, Lanier (east of the Alapaha River and southeast of US Hwy 221), Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Pierce (southeast of US Hwy 84 and portion lying northwest of US Hwy 84 and east of Scenic Drive), Screven, Tattnall, Ware (south of US Hwy 82; and that portion lying north of US Hwy 82 and southeast of US Hwy 84), Washington (north of GA Hwy 24), and Wayne (north of US Hwy 341 and west of Beard’s Bluff Rd.; north of GA Hwy 169; and southeast of US Hwy 84) |
| Oct. 21 – Jan. 15 | Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Seminole, and Thomas |
| Dec. 9 – Jan. 14 | Colquitt, Marion, Stewart, Terrell, and Webster |
Regulations
- Legal weapons and ammunition according to season (archery, primitive firearms, etc.).
- Hunter orange requirements during primitive weapons and firearms seasons.
- Antler restrictions in certain counties. One buck must have 4+ antler points or 15″ spread minimum.
- Checking harvested game through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours is mandatory.
- Limits on antlerless and antlered deer, which vary by county. See bag limits.
- Proper licenses and tags required, including license, big game license, and harvest record.
- Hunters aged 16+ must have a valid license. Youth must meet age and hunter education requirements.
- No baiting allowed on WMAs. Restrictions apply for baiting on private lands.
- No hunting deer in lakes, streams, or ponds.
- Certain night pursuing restrictions apply. See official regulations.
- Limits on transportation, carcass disposal, and processing.
Bag Limits
- 10 antlerless deer maximum per hunter, only 2 antlered bucks.
- 1 of the 2 antlered bucks must have minimum 4 points on one side or a 15 inch spread.
- Antlerless bag limits can range from 0 to 10 per county.
- Antlered buck bag limit is 2 deer.
Licenses
- Hunting License: Required for hunters aged 16 and older. Available online, by phone, or from license agents.
- Big Game License: Required in addition to a hunting license to hunt deer and bear.
- Harvest Record: Required for deer hunters to report harvests within 24 hours. Comes with big game license.
- Hunter Education: Required for all first-time hunters under 16. Online or classroom completion.
License costs range from $5 for certain licenses up to $200 for a non-resident big game hunt. Lifetime sportsman’s licenses are also available. Hunter education courses provide certification after completion.
| License Type | Term | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combo Hunting & Fishing License | Annual | $30.00 | $150.00 |
| Combo Hunting & Fishing License | One-Day | $5.00 | $30.00 |
| Combo Hunting & Fishing License | + Additional Day | $1.00 | $10.00 |
| Apprentice Hunting & Fishing License | One-Day | $5.00 | $30.00 |
| Apprentice Hunting & Fishing License | + Additional Day | $1.00 | $10.00 |
| Hunting License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | Annual | $15.00 | $100.00 |
| Hunting License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | One-Day | See Combo | $20.00 |
| Hunting License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | + Additional Day | See Combo | $6.00 |
| Senior Sportsman’s License (65+) | Annual | $7.00 | Not Offered |
| Big Game License | Annual | $25.00 | $225.00 |
| Big Game License | One-Day | $10.00 | $130.00 |
| Big Game License | + Additional Day | $2.00 | $8.00 |
Tags
- Harvest must be tagged immediately with record or temporary tag.
- Temporary harvest tags available if harvest record not readily available.
- Tag must remain attached until processed or at cold storage facility.
- Tagging provides important harvest data. Failure to tagging leads to stiff penalties.
- Harvest must be reported within 24 hours through Georgia Game Check.
Georgia Deer Hunting Opportunities
Beyond the standard deer seasons, Georgia offers additional opportunities:
Archery Only : Extended archery only seasons in metro counties.
Primitive Weapons Hunts: Special hunts for muzzleloaders and archery on certain WMAs.
Quota Hunts: Apply for quota permits to hunt certain WMAs.
Youth Hunts: Special statewide youth deer days in October. Also early youth hunts on some WMAs.
Extended: Later end dates for archery or firearms in some areas.
Either Sex Days: Designated either sex harvest days for antlerless deer.
Key Tips for a Successful Hunt
- Scout hunting areas thoroughly before season to pattern deer movement.
- Use top-quality optics and ammunition suited for your weapon.
- Hunt patiently from elevated stands or blinds near trails and feedings areas.
- Use scent control and camo to avoid detection.
- Consider hiring an experienced guide for private land hunts.
- Follow all regulations and hunting ethics. Take only safe, clean harvest shots.
- Field dress, chill, and process harvested deer properly.
- Share venison with friends and family!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for Georgia's deer hunting seasons?
Archery , runs statewide from September 9, to January 31. Between October 14 and 20. Firearms season runs from October 21, until January 14. Extended Archery/Primitive Weapons runs until January 31.
What licenses and tags do I need to hunt deer in Georgia?
All deer hunters in Georgia need a hunting license, a big game license, and a harvest record. Hunters aged 16+ must have a hunting license, while youth must complete a hunter education course. You will need to tag your harvest immediately with either the harvest record or a temporary harvest tag.
What are the antler restrictions for deer hunting in Georgia?
Most counties require that one antlered buck have at least 4 antler points on one side or a 15-inch antler spread minimum. However, some counties have different antler restrictions. Be sure to check your specific county regulations before hunting.
How many deer can I harvest in Georgia?
The statewide limits are a maximum of 10 antlerless deer and 2 antlered bucks. However, those can vary from 0 to 10 for antlerless and 1 to 2 for bucks depending on your county. Verify your exact bag limits before hunting each season.
What special deer hunting opportunities exist in Georgia?
Beyond regular seasons, there are extended archery, special primitive weapons hunts, quota hunts, youth hunt days, either-sex days, and extended late seasons in certain counties or public lands. Check regulations for details.
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