HUNTING LICENSES

In addition to hunter education certificates, hunting licenses are required to hunt within the state. The type of license you need will depend on your age, the type of game being hunted, and your residency status. There are numerous licenses, both free and paid which may be required. Always be sure to check which license you need to hunt a particular game animal and that you’re carrying the correct licenses and permits with you, before heading out on your hunt. 

SPORTSMAN’S LICENSE

Hunters may choose to purchase a $65 annual Sportsman License. The Sportsman’s License provides all state paid hunting and fishing privileges, with the exception of the paid Alligator Harvest Permit. For more information on hunting license requirements visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR) Wildlife Resources Division website. 

SPECIAL PERMITS

Special permits may be required within the state of Georgia to hunt for particular animals. Hunters who wish to hunt deer with dogs require a special permit. Additionally hunters who wish to use falconry during their hunt must obtain a special permit. For more information on special permits, and when they’re required visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resource, Law Enforcement Division website. 

Lifetime Licenses

Hunters who participate in the sport frequently may choose to purchase a one-time Lifetime License. Fees for the Lifetime License vary depending on age, however, they may be beneficial to hunters who would prefer not to purchase a new license each year or season. The Lifetime Licenses are valid for the hunter’s lifetime and continue to be valid even if the hunter eventually resides in another state. Lifetime Licenses include the privileges available from the following other types of licenses:

• Hunting
• Big Game
• Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
• Quota Alligator Harvest Permit—if you are drawn for an alligator through the quota system
• Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Stamp
• Salt and Freshwater Fishing
• Mountain Trout

GAME SPECIES

The state of Georgia offers a number of different game species, and hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages, skill levels, and interests. It’s landscape, which includes mountain ranges, coastal waters, and heavily wooded forests, is populated by a variety of game species including deer, turkey, bear, dove, small game species, and a variety of waterfowl. In addition, the state offers alligator hunting opportunities, and trapping. 

Overall the state has no shortage of opportunities for big game, small game, and waterfowl hunters alike. For more information about game species in Georgia, and rules and regulations that apply to hunters, visit the Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division website.   

NON-GAME SPECIES

Some animals in Georgia are qualified as “non-game species”. Non-game wildlife means all species of flora and fauna indigenous to Georgia which are not legally taken through hunting, fishing, trapping or otherwise.

Hunters or trappers may still take some non-game species which are considered a nuisance, or are not protected. These species include coyotes, armadillos, groundhogs, beavers, starlings, English sparrows, pigeons, fiddler crabs and venomous snakes

There is no closed season for some non-game species including feral hogs, coyotes, beaver groundhogs, and some types of birds. They may be hunted using lawful means, although certain regions may have restrictions in place. 

Hunters should also note that additional caution should be taken when hunting armadillo and they may carry leprosy.  

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

Georgia is home to several species which are designated as endangered, threatened or at-risk These species may not be hunted under any circumstances – to take an endangered or threatened species is unlawful within the state. 

INVASIVE SPECIES

Like most states, Georgia has been invaded by a variety of invasive and nuisance species. These animals, plants, fish, and invertebrates typically have no natural predators which can results in rapid spread and population growth. This in turn can seriously harm the state’s lands and waters, and can be detrimental to the health and population numbers of a variety of the state’s native plants and animals. 

Invasive species in Georgia include the africanized honey bee, feral pigs, nutria, asian clams, in addition numerous other plants, insects, mammals, mollusks, birds and fish.  

Anyone who encounters invasive species within the state is encouraged to report it to help stop the spread. For more information on how and where to report various types of invasive species visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/us/georgia

PUBLIC LAND

There are numerous public land hunting opportunities in Georgia. These include hunts within Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), in addition to Voluntary Public Access (VPA) Properties. VPA areas are available thanks to cooperating private landowners within the state. To find a WMA near you, use the Georgia DNR Interactive Map.

Hunters should remember that varying rules, regulations, and restrictions may apply when hunting on public lands including on WMAs and within VPA properties. Hunters must follow the regulations within the particular area – this may include firearm type restrictions, road closures, and check-in or sign-in hunt requirements. 

Check-in hunts

Check-in hunts require that hunters check-in prior to hunting. Hunters may check-in beginning at noon one day prior to the hunt, anytime during the hunt, or online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com. 

Sign-in hunts

All big game hunters must either sign-in or check-in prior to hunting any big-game. Sign-in begins at noon one day prior to the hunt at check stations or kiosks, and is required once per hunt. 

PRIVATE LAND

Much of the land in Georgia is either privately owned or managed. Hunters may freely take most game animals on their own land, or may get permission from private landowners to hunt on their property. Hunters must be aware of rules and regulations that apply when hunting on private property, such as landowner rights, which include the following:

• Landowners may grant or deny permission to hunt on their land
• Landowners are permitted to charge for a hunting lease
• Hunters may be required by the landowner to sign a liability waiver
• Landowners may impose stricter bag limits or harvest requirements for game animals taken on their property, within existing game laws.

Additionally, there are numerous land lease opportunities within the state. For more information on private land hunting opportunities, land leasing opportunities, and joining a pre-existing hunting club, visit the Georgia DNR State Parks and Historic Site website. 

RESTRICTED HUNTING AREAS

Many regions within the state of Georgia have placed restrictions within hunting areas. Some of these areas may not permit hunting at all, while others have put regulations in place which restrict where firearms are permitted, which firearms can be used and when they may be discharged, and which animals may be taken. These restrictions may be in place depending on the county, or if the hunter is on federally owned property. 

It is the responsibility of the hunter to be aware of and follow these restrictions. Violations of these restrictions may result in heavy fines. For more information on restricted areas, land access, closures and available amenities visit the Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division website. 

What Are Wildlife Management Areas?

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are lands that are managed and controlled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. WMAs offer varied landscapes and opportunities to hunt multiple game types. Due to the dynamic topography and wildlife found within each WMA, different regulations may apply. 

WMA Regulations

Some example of unlawful activities that apply on WMAs include:

• Driving tactics for hunting deer (man-drives)
• Possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle
• Hunting big game animals with dogs (unless specifically allowed)
• Hunting within 50 yards of any road open to vehicle access
• Baiting