Georgia Hunting Season 2024-2025: Prepare for Exhilarating Adventure
The 2024-2025 hunting season in Georgia promises unparalleled adventures and thrilling experiences for seasoned hunters and novices alike. As the leaves transform into vibrant hues, signaling the approach of autumn, the state’s diverse landscapes will once again become a haven for avid outdoorsmen and women. Georgia’s hunting season offers a range of opportunities, from pursuing elusive white-tailed deer to stalking majestic turkeys and bagging wild hogs.
However, the 2024-2025 season will be etched in the annals of Georgia hunting history as it marks a significant milestone. For the first time in over two decades, the state will extend the archery deer season to include the entire month of October. This extension is a testament to the growing popularity of archery hunting and the state’s commitment to providing hunters with ample opportunities to enjoy this challenging and rewarding sport.
Beyond the extended archery deer season, the 2024-2025 hunting calendar features a plethora of other exciting dates to mark on your calendar. November will witness the highly anticipated opening of the firearms deer season, offering hunters a chance to pursue their quarry with the precision of modern rifles. Turkey hunters will have their moment in the spotlight during the spring season, which runs from March through May. And for those seeking adventure off the beaten path, wild hog hunting is available year-round, providing a unique and challenging experience in the state’s remote and rugged areas.
Georgia Hunting Dates for the 2024-2025 Season
Hunting Dates for the 2024-2025 Season
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the hunting dates for the 2024-2025 season. The season will run from September 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hunters must have a valid hunting license and follow all applicable regulations.
The following are the specific hunting dates for the 2024-2025 season:
| Species | Dates |
|---|---|
| Deer | September 1 – January 31 |
| Turkey | March 15 – May 15 |
| Quail | November 15 – March 15 |
| Rabbit | October 1 – February 28 |
| Squirrel | September 1 – February 28 |
| Bobcat | November 1 – February 28 |
| Raccoon | October 1 – January 31 |
| Opossum | October 1 – January 31 |
Additional Information
Hunters should be aware of the following additional information regarding the 2024-2025 hunting season:
Bag limits and other regulations may vary depending on the species and location. Hunters should consult the Georgia DNR website or hunting regulations for more information.
Hunters must wear hunter orange clothing while hunting during the deer and turkey seasons. Hunter orange clothing is required for all persons in the hunting party.
Youth hunters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while hunting.
Hunters should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid accidents. This includes being aware of other hunters, livestock, and wildlife.
Bear Hunting in Georgia: Season Dates and Regulations
Season Dates
Georgia’s bear hunting season runs from August 15th to October 20th. The season is divided into two periods: the early season (August 15th-September 28th) and the late season (October 1st-October 20th). During the early season, hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. During the late season, hunting hours are from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Bag Limit
The daily bag limit for bears is two (2) bears per person per day. The possession limit is three (3) bears per person. Hunters may not exceed the bag limit or possession limit for bears in a single season.
Tag Requirements
All hunters must possess a valid Georgia hunting license and a bear hunting tag. Tags are available from any licensed agent or online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.
Special Regulations for Archery Hunters
Archery hunters must use broadheads with a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 of an inch. They must also have a valid Georgia hunting license and an archery bear hunting tag. Archery hunters may not use dogs to hunt bears. Archery hunters may hunt bears during the early and late seasons.
| Season Period | Dates | Hunting Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Early Season | August 15th-September 28th | 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset |
| Late Season | October 1st-October 20th | 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM |
Fishing Season Dates in Georgia
Georgia’s fishing season offers anglers a chance to catch a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and trout. The season dates vary depending on the type of fish and the body of water being fished.
Deer Season Dates
Archery Season:
September 14, 2024, through January 1, 2025
Gun Season:
November 16-22, 2024, and December 7-13, 2024
Muzzleloader Season:
January 4-10, 2025
Turkey Season Dates
Spring Season:
March 23-April 14, 2024, and March 22-April 13, 2025
Fall Season:
October 14-November 12, 2024, and October 13-November 11, 2025
Dove Season Dates
September 1- October 14, 2024, and September 1- October 13, 2025
Quail Season Dates
November 16, 2024, through February 28, 2025
The daily bag limit for quail is 12 birds per day.
Migratory Bird Season Dates
Duck and goose season dates vary depending on the zone. For more information, please visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
Resident and Non-Resident Hunting Licenses
Both resident and non-resident hunters must purchase a hunting license. The cost of the license varies depending on the type of license purchased. For more information, please visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
Hunting Safety Tips
Always follow hunting safety tips when hunting in Georgia. These tips include wearing blaze orange, being aware of your surroundings, and never hunting under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For more information on hunting safety, please visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
Regulations for Hunting and Fishing in Georgia
Georgia’s hunting and fishing regulations are designed to protect wildlife populations and ensure sustainable hunting and fishing practices. These regulations cover various aspects, including legal hunting methods, hunting seasons, and bag limits.
Hunting Regulations
Hunting is regulated based on species and location. Hunters must obtain valid hunting licenses and tags to participate in hunting seasons. Specific regulations apply to each game species.
License Requirements
Hunters must obtain a valid hunting license prior to hunting. Georgia offers different types of hunting licenses depending on the species being hunted and the type of hunting.
Hunting Seasons
Hunting seasons for different species vary throughout the year. Hunters should consult the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website for detailed information on hunting seasons and bag limits.
Legal Hunting Methods
Bag Limits
Bag limits specify the maximum number of animals that a hunter can harvest during a hunting season. Bag limits are established to prevent overharvesting and ensure sustainable wildlife populations.
Fishing Regulations
Fishing regulations in Georgia govern the methods of fishing, fish size limits, and fishing seasons. Anglers must obtain a valid fishing license before fishing in public waters.
Fishing Seasons
Most fish species in Georgia have open seasons throughout the year. However, some species, such as trout, have specific fishing seasons and regulations.
Fish Size Limits
Fish size limits are regulations that specify the minimum allowed size for harvesting a particular fish species. These regulations aim to protect juvenile fish and ensure the sustainability of fish populations.
Fishing Methods
License Information for Hunting and Fishing in Georgia
To hunt or fish in Georgia, you must have a valid license. Licenses can be purchased online, at license vendors, or by mail. The cost of a license varies depending on the type of license you need and your residency status. For more information on license fees, please visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
Types of Hunting Licenses
There are several different types of hunting licenses available in Georgia, including:
- Big game hunting license
- Small game hunting license
- Archery hunting license
- Muzzleloader hunting license
- Crossbow hunting license
Types of Fishing Licenses
There are also several different types of fishing licenses available in Georgia, including:
- Resident fishing license
- Non-resident fishing license
- Lifetime fishing license
- Trout fishing license
- Saltwater fishing license
License Requirements
In addition to a license, you may also need to purchase a hunting or fishing stamp. Stamps are required for certain types of hunting and fishing, such as hunting deer or fishing for trout. For more information on license requirements, please visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
Where to Purchase a License
Licenses can be purchased online, at license vendors, or by mail. To purchase a license online, visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website. To find a license vendor near you, visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or call 1-800-366-2661. To purchase a license by mail, complete the application form and mail it to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, 2070 U.S. Highway 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025.
License Fees
The cost of a license varies depending on the type of license you need and your residency status. For more information on license fees, please visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Big game hunting license | $35 | $150 |
| Small game hunting license | $20 | $75 |
| Archery hunting license | $25 | $100 |
| Muzzleloader hunting license | $25 | $100 |
| Crossbow hunting license | $25 | $100 |
License Validity
Licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. To renew your license, you must purchase a new license before the expiration date of your current license.
Seasons for Migratory Game Birds in Georgia
9. Late Canada Goose Season
The Late Canada Goose Season in Georgia is an extended season that allows hunters to harvest additional Canada geese after the regular season has ended. This season is designed to help control the Canada goose population in the state and provide additional hunting opportunities for hunters. The Late Canada Goose Season typically begins in late January and runs through the end of February. During this season, hunters are allowed to harvest up to two Canada geese per day, with a possession limit of four geese.
| Season | Dates | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Early Canada Goose Season | September 1 – September 15 | 2 geese per day, 4 in possession |
| Regular Canada Goose Season | October 1 – January 15 | 2 geese per day, 4 in possession |
| Late Canada Goose Season | January 16 – February 28 | 2 geese per day, 4 in possession |
Wildlife Management Areas and Public Hunting Lands in Georgia
Georgia offers a variety of public hunting lands, including some of the best dove and deer hunting in the country. With over 10 million acres of public land, there is plenty of space to find a spot to hunt.
Types of Public Hunting Lands
There are three main types of public hunting lands in Georgia: Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Public Hunting Lands (PHLs), and National Forests.
WMAs are managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and are open to the public for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities. PHLs are owned by the state but are not managed by the DNR. National Forests are owned by the federal government and are open to the public for a variety of recreational activities, including hunting.
Hunting Regulations and Seasons
Hunting regulations in Georgia vary depending on the type of game hunted and the location. It is important to check the DNR website for the latest regulations before hunting.
In general, the hunting season for deer runs from October to January. The hunting season for turkey runs from March to May. The hunting season for dove runs from September to November.
Wildlife Management Areas
There are over 60 WMAs in Georgia, ranging in size from a few hundred acres to several thousand acres. WMAs are open to the public for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities. Some WMAs also offer camping and other facilities.
Public Hunting Lands
There are over 1 million acres of PHLs in Georgia. PHLs are open to the public for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities. However, PHLs are not managed by the DNR and may have different regulations than WMAs.
National Forests
There are over 2 million acres of National Forests in Georgia. National Forests are open to the public for a variety of recreational activities, including hunting. However, hunting regulations in National Forests may differ from those in WMAs and PHLs.
How to Find a Hunting Spot
The best way to find a hunting spot is to contact the DNR or visit the DNR website. The DNR can provide you with a map of WMAs and PHLs in your area. You can also find information about hunting regulations and seasons on the DNR website.
Hunting Tips
Here are a few tips for hunting in Georgia:
- Do your research. Learn about the type of game you are hunting and the regulations for the area you will be hunting.
- Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and boots.
- Be safe. Always follow the rules of hunting and be aware of your surroundings.
- Respect other hunters. Be courteous and share the land.
- Have fun! Hunting is a great way to experience the outdoors and spend time with friends and family.
Additional Resources
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources: https://georgiawildlife.com/
- National Wild Turkey Federation: https://www.nwtf.org/
- Georgia Field Trial Association: https://www.gfta.org/
Georgia Hunting Season 2024-2025 Schedule
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the hunting season dates for the 2024-2025 season. The dates are subject to change, so be sure to check the DNR website for the most up-to-date information.
**Deer Season**
The deer season will run from October 16, 2024 to January 15, 2025. The bag limit is two bucks per hunter, with a maximum of four deer per household.
**Bear Season**
The bear season will run from October 16, 2024 to January 15, 2025. The bag limit is one bear per hunter.
**Turkey Season**
The turkey season will run from March 21, 2025 to May 17, 2025. The bag limit is three turkeys per hunter.
**Quail Season**
The quail season will run from November 1, 2024 to March 15, 2025. The bag limit is 12 quail per hunter.
**Rabbit Season**
The rabbit season will run from October 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. The bag limit is eight rabbits per hunter.
People Also Ask About Georgia Hunting Season 2024-2025 Schedule
What are the hunting license fees for Georgia?
The cost of a hunting license in Georgia varies depending on the type of license and the residency status of the hunter. For more information, please visit the DNR website.
Where can I find hunting regulations for Georgia?
The hunting regulations for Georgia can be found on the DNR website. The regulations include information on bag limits, season dates, and hunting methods.
How do I apply for a deer hunting permit in Georgia?
Deer hunting permits are available through the DNR website. The application period for the 2024-2025 season will open in July 2024.
