The Georgia deer season for 2024-2025 is just around the corner, and hunters are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get out in the woods and pursue these magnificent animals. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released the official hunting season dates, and hunters can start planning their trips now. The season will open on Saturday, September 21, 2024, and run through Sunday, January 12, 2025. Hunters will have ample time to bag their deer, and there are plenty of opportunities to hunt in Georgia’s diverse habitats.
In addition to the general season, there are also several special deer hunting seasons in Georgia. These seasons offer hunters a chance to target specific types of deer, such as bucks, does, or fawns. Hunters can also participate in the archery season, which runs from October 1, 2024, through January 12, 2025. The crossbow season runs from September 16, 2024, through January 12, 2025. And the muzzleloader season runs from December 16, 2024, through January 12, 2025. With so many different hunting seasons to choose from, hunters of all skill levels can find an opportunity to pursue deer in Georgia.
The Georgia DNR has also released the official deer hunting regulations for the 2024-2025 season. Hunters are urged to review the regulations carefully before heading out into the woods. The regulations include information on bag limits, hunting methods, and safety requirements. Hunters can find the regulations on the Georgia DNR website or at any local DNR office. By following the regulations, hunters can help ensure a safe and successful deer hunting season.
Georgia Deer Season 2024-2025: Key Dates and Locations
Archery Season
Archery season is the first deer hunting season of the year in Georgia, and it runs from September 14th to November 2nd, 2024. During this season, hunters are permitted to use archery equipment, including bows and arrows, to hunt deer. Archery season is a popular choice for deer hunters because it offers a more challenging and traditional hunting experience. Additionally, archery season typically coincides with the rut, which is the time of year when deer are most active and easier to locate.
Archery season is open in all of Georgia’s 159 counties. However, some counties have specific regulations that archery hunters must follow. For example, some counties require archery hunters to wear blaze orange clothing while hunting. It is important for archery hunters to check the regulations for the county they will be hunting in before the season begins.
The following table provides a summary of the key dates and locations for the 2024-2025 Georgia deer season:
Season | Dates | Counties Open |
---|---|---|
Archery | September 14th – November 2nd, 2024 | All 159 counties |
Early Archery Season
The Georgia Early Archery Season provides hunters with the opportunity to harvest deer using archery equipment before the general firearms season. It is a popular season for bowhunters, as it offers the chance to pursue deer during a time when they are less pressured. The Early Archery Season typically runs from September 15th to October 14th, depending on the county. It is important for hunters to check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for specific season dates and regulations for their county.
In addition to the general deer hunting regulations, the following specific regulations apply to the Early Archery Season:
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– Only archery equipment may be used.
– Hunters must have a valid Georgia hunting license and deer tag.
– Hunters may harvest up to two (2) deer, regardless of sex, during the Early Archery Season.
– Hunters may not harvest antlerless deer on private land in counties that are closed to antlerless deer harvest during the Early Archery Season.
– Hunters must tag all harvested deer immediately.
Bag Limits:
Zone | Deer per Day | Deer per Season |
---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 3 |
2 | 1 | 3 |
3 | 1 | 3 |
Season Dates:
Zone | Start Date | End Date |
---|---|---|
1 | September 15th | October 14th |
2 | September 15th | October 14th |
3 | September 15th | October 14th |
Primitive Weapon Season
The primitive weapon season is a popular deer hunting season in Georgia that takes place during the early fall. This season is open to hunters using traditional archery equipment, muzzleloaders, and crossbows. The primitive weapon season is a great opportunity to experience the challenges and rewards of deer hunting using traditional methods.
The primitive weapon season in Georgia typically begins in late September and runs through the end of October. The exact dates of the season vary from year to year, so it is important to check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for the most up-to-date information.
License Requirements
To hunt deer during the primitive weapon season in Georgia, you must have a valid hunting license and a primitive weapon stamp. The hunting license can be purchased online or at any license agent. The primitive weapon stamp is available at the same locations.
In addition to a hunting license and a primitive weapon stamp, you must also have the proper equipment for deer hunting. This includes a bow, crossbow, or muzzleloader, as well as ammunition and other necessary accessories.
Hunting Regulations
There are a number of regulations that apply to the primitive weapon season in Georgia. These regulations include the following:
- Hunters must hunt from a tree stand or ground blind.
- Hunters must use only traditional archery equipment, muzzleloaders, or crossbows.
- Hunters may only harvest one deer per day.
It is important to be aware of these regulations before hunting during the primitive weapon season in Georgia. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in a fine or other penalties.
Hunting Zones and Bag Limits
Georgia is divided into several different deer hunting zones. Each zone has its own bag limit for deer.
Zone | Bag Limit |
---|---|
1 | 1 deer per day |
2 | 2 deer per day |
3 | 3 deer per day |
It is important to be aware of the bag limit for the zone in which you are hunting. Exceeding the bag limit could result in a fine or other penalties.
Gun Season
The gun season for deer in Georgia for the 2024-2025 season will run from October 26, 2024 to January 10, 2025. During this time, hunters will be allowed to use rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders to take deer. There are some specific regulations that apply to the gun season, including:
Bag Limits
The daily bag limit for deer during the gun season is two deer per day, of which no more than one may be a buck. The season bag limit is 10 deer, of which no more than two may be bucks.
Legal Weapons
During the gun season, hunters may use rifles, shotguns, or muzzleloaders to take deer. Rifles must be centerfire and have a minimum caliber of .223 Remington. Shotguns must be 20 gauge or larger and must be loaded with slugs or buckshot. Muzzleloaders must be .45 caliber or larger and must be loaded with a single projectile.
Hunter Education Requirements
All hunters born on or after January 1, 1961, must complete a hunter education course before they can hunt in Georgia. This course covers the basics of safe hunting practices, including how to handle firearms, how to identify different types of deer, and how to field dress a deer.
Harvest Reporting
All deer harvested during the gun season must be reported to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within 24 hours of the harvest. This can be done online, by phone, or in person at a DNR office.
Bag limit: 2 deer per day, no more than 1 buck; Season limit: 10 deer, no more than 2 bucks |
Legal weapons: Rifles (.223 caliber or larger), shotguns (20 gauge or larger, loaded with slugs or buckshot), muzzleloaders (45 caliber or larger, loaded with a single projectile) |
Hunter education: Required for all hunters born on or after January 1, 1961 |
Harvest reporting: All deer harvested must be reported to the Georgia DNR within 24 hours |
Late Archery Season
The late archery season runs from January 15th through February 15th, and it is a great time to hunt deer. The deer are in their winter coats, and they are often more active during the day. The weather is also usually cooler, which makes for more comfortable hunting conditions. Hunters should be aware that the late archery season is only open in certain counties, so it is important to check the regulations before hunting.
Bag Limit
The bag limit for the late archery season is one deer per day, and two deer per season. Hunters may take either a buck or a doe, but only one buck may be taken per season.
Hunting Hours
Hunting hours for the late archery season are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Legal Equipment
Legal equipment for the late archery season includes bows and arrows. Bows must have a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds, and arrows must have a broadhead with a cutting diameter of at least 1 inch.
Other Regulations
There are a few other regulations that hunters should be aware of before hunting during the late archery season. These regulations include:
- Hunters must wear blaze orange during the late archery season.
- Hunters must have a valid hunting license and deer tag.
- Hunters must check their deer within 24 hours of harvest.
County | Open | Bag Limit |
---|---|---|
Bartow | Yes | 1 deer per day, 2 deer per season |
Cherokee | Yes | 1 deer per day, 2 deer per season |
Cobb | No | N/A |
Douglas | Yes | 1 deer per day, 2 deer per season |
Fulton | No | N/A |
Antlerless Deer Season
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced the dates and details for the 2024-2025 antlerless deer season. The season will run from January 3, 2025, through January 11, 2025, in all counties except Chatham, McIntosh, and Glynn.
Season Dates
The antlerless deer season will run from January 3, 2025, through January 11, 2025.
Eligible Counties
The antlerless deer season will be open in all counties except Chatham, McIntosh, and Glynn.
Bag Limit
The daily bag limit for antlerless deer is two (2) per hunter per day, with a season limit of four (4).
Methods of Take
Legal methods of take for antlerless deer include archery, crossbow, and firearms.
Reporting Harvest
All deer harvested during the antlerless deer season must be reported to the Georgia DNR within 24 hours of harvest. Hunters can report their harvest online at georgiawildlife.com/hunting/regulations or by calling the Game Check Hotline at 1-800-367-4263.
Additional Information
For more information on the antlerless deer season, please visit the Georgia DNR website at georgiawildlife.com/hunting/regulations.
Youth Season
The youth deer season provides young hunters with an opportunity to experience the thrill of hunting before the general season. The season typically runs for several days in September and is open to youth who are under the age of 16.
Eligibility
To participate in the youth deer season, young hunters must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be under the age of 16
- Have a valid hunting license and deer tag
- Be accompanied by an adult mentor
Hunting Methods
Youth hunters can use a variety of hunting methods during the youth deer season, including:
- Still hunting
- Stand hunting
- Stalking
Bag Limits
The bag limit for the Georgia youth deer season is one deer per day, with a maximum of two deer per season.
Harvest Reporting
All deer harvested during the youth deer season must be reported to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within 24 hours. Hunters can report their harvest online, by phone, or through the Georgia DNR app.
Hunting Hours
Youth deer season hunting hours vary depending on the county. Hunters should consult the Georgia DNR website for specific hunting hours in their county.
Legal Hunting Weapons
Legal hunting weapons for the Georgia youth deer season include:
Weapon | Ammunition |
---|---|
Rifle | Centerfire ammunition |
Shotgun | Shotgun shells |
Muzzleloader | Black powder |
Archery | Broadhead arrows |
Disabled Hunter Season
Archery Only. Valid for either-sex deer on private land or on designated WMAs, WMAs, or PAs with regular either-sex season. There are two either-sex seasons:
Season | Dates |
---|---|
1st Season | September 21-October 12, 2024 |
2nd Season | October 30-November 18, 2024 |
1st Season | September 19-October 9, 2025 |
2nd Season | October 28-November 16, 2025 |
Regulations
- Archery equipment only.
- Either-sex deer.
- Private land or designated WMAs, WMAs, or PAs with regular either-sex season.
- Must have a valid Disabled Hunter Permit.
- No dogs allowed.
- No baiting or feeding allowed.
- No trail cameras allowed.
- No ground blinds or elevated stands allowed except for hunters with mobility impairments who are unable to hunt from the ground.
Special Season Options
Georgia offers a variety of special season options for deer hunting, including:
Archery Season
Archery season typically runs from September through October and allows hunters to use bows and crossbows to harvest deer.
Early Season
Early season can vary in different WMAs and allows hunters to harvest deer with firearms prior to the general season.
Late Season
Late season usually starts in January and allows hunters to harvest deer with firearms after the general season.
Youth Season
Youth season is designed for young hunters and typically takes place on a weekend in September.
Mobility Impaired Season
Mobility impaired season allows individuals with disabilities to hunt deer from a stationary stand.
No Dogs Season
No dogs season prohibits the use of dogs for deer hunting in certain areas.
Urban Deer Season
Urban deer season is designed to manage deer populations in urban areas.
Primitive Weapons Season
Primitive weapons season allows hunters to use muzzleloaders, bows, and crossbows to harvest deer.
National Wildlife Refuge Season
National Wildlife Refuge season allows hunting on certain National Wildlife Refuges in Georgia.
Quota Hunts
Quota hunts are limited-entry hunts that require hunters to apply for a permit in advance. These hunts are designed to provide hunters with an opportunity to harvest deer in areas with high deer densities.
WMAs | Quota Tags |
---|---|
Rock Eagle WMA | 100 |
Chestatee WMA | 75 |
Oconee National Forest | 50 |
Bankhead National Forest | 25 |
County-Specific Regulations and Maps
Archery season for deer opens on September 15th and runs through January 15th. Primitive weapons season opens on October 1st and runs through January 15th. Gun season opens on November 11th and runs through January 15th. Bag limits vary by county, so be sure to check the regulations for the county you plan to hunt in. You can find county-specific regulations and maps on the Georgia DNR website.
County-Specific Regulations
The following are some of the county-specific regulations that you should be aware of when hunting deer in Georgia:
- In some counties, there is a limit on the number of deer that you can harvest per day or per season.
- In some counties, there are restrictions on the type of weapons that you can use to hunt deer.
- In some counties, there are restrictions on the time of day that you can hunt deer.
- In some counties, there are restrictions on the location where you can hunt deer.
It is important to be aware of the regulations for the county you plan to hunt in before you go out hunting. You can find county-specific regulations on the Georgia DNR website.
County-Specific Maps
The Georgia DNR provides county-specific maps that show the areas where you can hunt deer. These maps are available on the Georgia DNR website.
When using county-specific maps, it is important to pay attention to the following:
- The maps show the areas where you are allowed to hunt deer.
- The maps show the boundaries of the county.
- The maps show the location of roads and other features.
County-specific maps can be a valuable tool for planning your hunting trip. You can use the maps to find areas where you are allowed to hunt deer and to plan your route to and from the hunting area.
County | Archery Season | Primitive Weapons Season | Gun Season | Bag Limit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Baker | September 15 – January 15 | October 1 – January 15 | November 11 – January 15 | 2 deer per day, 4 deer per season |
Baldwin | September 15 – January 15 | October 1 – January 15 | November 11 – January 15 | 2 deer per day, 4 deer per season |
Banks | September 15 – January 15 | October 1 – January 15 | November 11 – January 15 | 2 deer per day, 4 deer per season |
Georgia Deer Season 2024-2025 Map
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released the 2024-2025 deer season map. The map shows the boundaries of the state’s 10 deer management units (DMUs) and the season dates for each unit. The map also includes information on bag limits, antler restrictions, and other regulations.
Deer season in Georgia typically runs from October through January. However, the specific season dates vary depending on the DMU. For example, the season in DMU 1 runs from October 15th through January 15th, while the season in DMU 10 runs from October 1st through January 31st.
The bag limit for deer in Georgia is two per day, with a maximum of four per season. Antler restrictions are in place in some DMUs to help manage the deer population. For more information on deer season regulations, please visit the Georgia DNR website.
People Also Ask About Georgia Deer Season 2024-2025 Map
What are the season dates for the 2024-2025 deer season in Georgia?
The season dates vary depending on the DMU. For more information, please visit the Georgia DNR website.
What is the bag limit for deer in Georgia?
The bag limit is two per day, with a maximum of four per season.
Are there any antler restrictions in Georgia?
Yes, antler restrictions are in place in some DMUs to help manage the deer population. For more information, please visit the Georgia DNR website.