Georgia archery season offers hunting opportunities for small and large game species, with amazing scenery and various conditions. The Peach State has deer, turkey, bear, and alligators available for your hunting trip. Georgia offers hunter education for newcomers and licenses through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website.
Georgia (GA) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Plan your hunting trip with the Georgia Interactive Hunting Map, and locate the best regions for the game you want to bag. The state offers programs for seasoned and new hunters, with first-timers and junior hunters participating in Hunt and Learn programs providing skills necessary for hunting and processing game.
Experienced hunters can participate in the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) program. This program pairs hunters with state hunting locations nearby. WMAs host specialty hunts for several hunting groups and experience levels.
When does Archery Season Start in GA?
Georgia Deer Seasons
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Archery September 10-January 8
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Extended Archery September 10-January 31
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Primitive Weapons October 15-January 8
Deer hunts require permits. Georgia only issues 7,500 permits annually, so get yours early. Specialty hunts also require permits, and nonresident junior hunters may not hunt during the youth season. Some counties have specialized regulations regarding legal deer considerations.
Georgia Bear Seasons
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Archery September 10-January 8
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Primitive Weapons October 15-January 8
Georgia 2023 Turkey Seasons
General Spring 2023 Season
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Private Land April 1-May 15
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Public Land April 8-May 15
Georgia Alligator Seasons
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General Season August 19 -October 3
*Hunters require permits to hunt alligators, with a limitation of one animal per year.
Georgia Small Game Seasons
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Fox and Bobcat December 1-February 28
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Grouse October 15-February 28
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Opossum October 15-February 28
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Quail November 12-February 28
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Rabbit November 12-February 28
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Raccoon October 15-February 28
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Squirrel August 15-February 28
Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animal.
Can You Hunt on Sundays in Georgia?
Yes, hunting is permitted on Sundays in Georgia, requiring no special considerations or permits.
What are the legal hunting hours in Georgia?
Legal hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise til 30 minutes after sunset. However, alligators, opossums, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, feral hogs, and bobcats are permitted for night hunts.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in GA
New hunters must complete a Hunter Education Certificate to purchase permits or licenses legally. You can buy licenses through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or its approved agents.
Georgia Resident
Residents are persons residing in Georgia for at least three months. Out-of-state students living in Georgia and active-duty military personnel are considered residents. All residents aged 16 to 64 must purchase a resident hunting license. Additional licenses and permits may be required.
Nonresidents
All nonresident hunters must purchase a nonresident hunting license. Exceptions are for persons under 16 years of age that hunt small game.
Youth Hunting License
Residents aged 15 or under don’t need a hunting license.
Senior Hunting License
Residents aged 65 or older are eligible for an Honorary Lifetime Sportsman’s License at no charge.
Military and Veteran License
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Georgia can buy resident hunting licenses. Resident veterans on active duty for 90 or longer are eligible for a free One-Time Veteran’s Hunting and Fishing License.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory birds. Additionally, hunters must have proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid for 12 months from the purchase date. Georgia residents have the option of buying a lifetime hunting license.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
