The Georgia deer hunting season for 2025–2026 offers great opportunities for hunters, with specific dates, licensing requirements, and regulations to ensure sustainable wildlife management. Below is an overview of the season dates, licensing prerequisites, and key rules for deer hunting in Georgia.
Georgia Deer Hunting Season Dates (2025–2026)
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed the following dates for the 2025–2026 deer hunting season:
- Archery Season: September 13 – October 10, 2025
- Primitive Weapons & Youth-Only Firearms: October 11 – October 17, 2025
- Firearms Season: October 18, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Extended Firearms Season: October 18, 2025 – January 14, 2026 (applicable in Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, and Thomas Counties)
- Extended Archery Season: January 12 – January 31, 2026 (in select counties)
Please note that these dates are subject to final approval and may vary by county. For the most accurate and updated information, consult the official Georgia DNR website.
Bag Limits and Antler Restrictions
- Season Bag Limit: Hunters may harvest up to 12 deer per season statewide.
- Antlerless Deer: No more than 10.
- Antlered Deer: No more than 2, with at least one having a minimum of four points (one inch or longer) on one side or a 15-inch outside spread.
These limits are designed to maintain a balanced deer population and promote healthy herd dynamics.
Licensing Requirements
For Residents (Ages 16–64):
- Hunting License: $15 annually.
- Big Game License: Required for hunting deer.
- Harvest Record: Free; mandatory for recording deer harvests.
- Hunter Education Course: Mandatory for those born on or after January 1, 1961, before purchasing a hunting license of annual or longer duration.
For Non-Residents:
- Hunting License: $100 annually.
- Big Game License: Required for hunting deer.
- Harvest Record: Free; mandatory for recording deer harvests.
- Hunter Education Course: Same requirements as residents.
Youth Hunters (Under 16):
- License: Not required for small game; however, a Big Game License and Harvest Record are necessary for deer hunting.
- Supervision: Must be directly supervised by a licensed adult (18+).
Licenses can be purchased online through the Georgia DNR’s official website or authorized retailers.
Key Hunting Regulations
- Legal Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
- Firearms Restrictions: In certain counties (e.g., Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton north of GA Highway 92), firearms deer hunting is prohibited.
- Antler Restrictions: Specific counties may have additional antler restrictions; always verify local regulations.
- Reporting Harvests: All deer harvests must be reported via Georgia Game Check within 24 hours.
Adherence to these regulations ensures ethical hunting practices and conservation of wildlife resources.
Additional Resources
For comprehensive information, including maps, county-specific regulations, and updates, refer to the following resources:
The Georgia deer hunting season is a great time to hunt. By knowing the dates, and by staying informed and compliant with Georgia’s hunting regulations, hunters contribute to the state’s conservation efforts and ensure the sustainability of deer populations for future generations. We look forward to seeing you, and we wish you the best deer hunt for 2025-2026.
