The 2017-2018 hunting seasons and regulations are here! The Hunting Regulations Guide will be on shelves and on-line soon, but while we wait, here’s a sneak peak at some of the major changes and new opportunities for Georgia hunters coming this year!
Statewide Changes
Licenses & Fees
Georgia’s hunting and fishing licenses have been restructured. Customers will now need fewer licenses, and fees have increased. This new pricing structure will help us recapture lost purchasing power through increased license revenue and increased federal funding. To learn more about why we’ve changed the license structure and how we plan to spend the additional money to improve the hunting and fishing in Georgia, click here.
Alligator Opportunity
There are 10 new counties open for alligator hunting this year: Baldwin, Columbia, Hancock, Harris, Jones, McDuffie, Monroe, Talbot, Upson and Warren counties. These hunts are quota-only, so be sure to fill out an application at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com before July 31, 2017!
Bear Season
The South Georgia bear season will add a three-day period (Thurs.-Sat.) the second-to-last weekend in September to increase hunter opportunity and participation. The Central Georgia bear season will now be the second Saturday in January.
Deer Either-Sex Days
There will also be many new either-sex day opportunities to take advantage of this year during deer season. The Ridge, Valley and Piedmont regions have 21 additional either-sex days, and the lower coastal plains region added an additional 14. This year’s deer season will come to a close on Jan. 14, 2018.
Game Check
Reporting your harvest just got better as you can use the Outdoors GA App on your phone or tablet, even if you do not have service in the field. Enter the harvest date and county on the harvest record through the app. Sync the app later, when you have signal or wifi, to receive your confirmation number.
Public Hunting Opportunity Changes
New WMAs
This year also brings many changes to Wildlife Management Area (WMA) hunting rules and regulations. Two new WMAs have opened, both of which have deer, turkey and small game hunting opportunities. Alapaha River WMA is a 6,870 acre tract in Irwin County, and Alligator Creek WMA is a 3,086 acre tract in Wheeler County.
Land Access
Any person, age 16 or older, entering a WMA or PFA must possess a valid license to hunt or fish or a Lands Pass (exclusions apply). Visit www.georgiawildlife.com/LandAccess for a list of all public properties and access requirements. Areas that require a valid license to hunt or fish or a Lands Pass are marked with a posting of a sign at the site or area entrance.
Small Game Hunting
Most WMAs do now allow small game hunting during archery-only deer season and some deer and bear firearms hunts. All hunters must wear fluorescent orange when hunting small game during firearms deer/bear season unless otherwise specified. If you are hunting small game this year on any of the WMAs, make sure to sign in for all small game hunts (unless otherwise stated). Online Sign-in is now through www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com and will be available starting August 1.
Firearm Restrictions
Some firearm and ammo changes: While it used to only be legal on dog-deer hunts, buckshot may now be used on WMAs when hunting appropriate species (such as deer or bear) and consistent with state law. Hunters may also use suppressed or silenced firearms on WMAs. One new WMA restriction is that only youth may carry a gun and hunt on any big game youth hunt on WMAs.
Voluntary Public Access Areas
New Voluntary Public Access (VPA) locations will be open and available for all kinds of hunting, including deer, turkey, dove and waterfowl!
Feral Hogs & Coyotes
Finally, a there is a new opportunity for helping control feral hogs and coyotes on WMAs. The open dates will be from May 16-31 (unless otherwise specified), and any legal big game or small game equipment may be used. Hunters are required to wear orange. Additionally, hunters are still allowed to kill hogs and coyotes as incidental take when hunting big and small game on WMAs.
Questions? Comment and ask!
steven oliver
Thanks for the updates on hunting and other information for Ga. residents. Sincerely, Steven E.Oliver P.S. GOOD JOB .Ga DNR
Mike law
Can you hogs at night?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
On private land, yes. But on WMAs, no.
Joseph Entrekin
I have a GA hunting license that expires 11/2018 but my WMA permit runs out 11/2017. Do I need to purchase a 1 year WMA permit to bridge the gap until 11/2018 when the new license will cover the WMA?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
The WMA permit is no longer needed. You’ll be good with just a hunting license!
Keith M cDilda
Is baiting legal in Evans County Ga .
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Yes.
james
Is their a limit on ammo or magazine restriction while hunting wild hogs? I do understand while during deer season it is 5.
Jon
Why is it southern zone can hunt over bait, but northern zone hunters can’t? We all pay the same for license, so why the special priveledge to certain hunters?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
The changes in the state’s baiting law were a legislative decision made by the Georgia General Assembly and not a DNR decision. There was considerable debate within the legislative process concerning this change and, at the time, consensus within the Georgia General Assembly was that there was considerably more support in south Georgia than there was in north Georgia for this change. As such, the law was modified to allow deer to be shot over bait in south Georgia.
Frank kirby
Yes Foxworthy and Jordon consent! What a joke!
Jon Hurley,Sr
I still can not understand why southern zone hunters are allowed this priviledge over northern zone hunters. This descrimination towards hunters who pay same fees and put just as much Money into the state’s economy.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Jon – Baiting is set by the Georgia General Assembly. Thanks for your comment!
Shane Foust
I sent multiple emails over this debate. I am one county away from the southern zone. This makes no sense, a divided state !!
I feed year round and obey to the restrictions during the season. My belief is this, I don’t run corn I run protein and minerals. But tell me what is the difference in a guy hunting over a cut corn field and a guy hunting by a corn feeder ? None
I believe that those who have to pay a full price for a hunting permit but only have a few chances to even hunt, why wouldn’t he have the chance to do so to increase his odds ? What if a family depends on the harvest for food ?
Every state is going to this if it already hasn’t and the increase in the northern economy for local businesses might not be much but it is an increase for purchases.
It’s no different then hunting over a food plot. There is still no guarantee
It’s a debate that I think continues to fall of deaf ears.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Shane – Thank you for your comment. Baiting laws are actually set by the Georgia General Assembly, not DNR. We appreciate your input though!
Bob Jones
This law was and is strictly politically motivated. It is blatantly discriminatory as there is no scientific reason for the division. The law was sponsored by south Ga. legislators who didn’t care if the northern half of the state had equal representation. After several years none of the arguments angst baiting came to pass. There has been no wholesale slaughter, no spread of CWD or any other biological impact., no greater risk to motorist, and the anti hunters have not used it as a tool to fight angst legal hunting in Ga. The DNR can say what they like , however they were angst baiting anywhere during the legislation process. The DNR has great influence with the state legislature and they can right this wrong if they want to. Otherwise write your senator or legislator and tell them to introduce legislation to fix this discrimination . The GON conducted a survey of their subscribers and the result state wide was greater than 70% in favor of allowing baiting; not just the southern half of the state. There is pros and cons to the baiting issue, however to bait or not to bait is not the issue. Discrimination without basis is the issue!!
Bob Jones
Doug Bledsoe
What a shame that hunters have to hunt over bait. It needs to be changed.
Patrick Boleman
If Hogs are a nusance when will be allowed to bait them on WMA’s
Charles Brainerd
Hunting over bait in Georgia is the reason why I moved my hunting practices from Alabama and Georgia
Kathy Hipps Stockton
It is totally unfair! It should state wide or not at all!
marshall rice
When the legislature voted on this several years ago most lawmakers did not want to allow baiting period. But most lawmakers in the south wanted it, very few in the northern counties. This was the compromise. Personally I’d like to see it stopped everywhere
Hazel Senter
I am in total agreement with you looks to me like the southern counties want to rid themselves of all deer this is sad.
RANDY
THIS IS A UPDATE ON BAITING IN NORTHERN ZONE. NATHAN DEAL THROUGH EXECUTIVE ORDER HAS GIVEN DNR OPTIONS TO CHANGE DISTANCE RESTRICTIONS OVER BAIT AS IN SOUTHERN ZONE. DNR HAS JUST PASSED IT AND NOW WITH RULE CHANGE ITS SAME STATEWIDE–AMEN-THANKS NATHAN DEAL
Doug williams
I think dropping the wma stamp is wrong.thats like having a free hunting club to some people.where i hunt on wma guys are already hunting with dogs and night hunting because they know wardens dont come to that area.i started hunting wma forty five years ago and buying the stamp made me feel like i was giving back.please do something about hunters using dogs all season long.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
We made changes to the license structure in order to simplify the license purchase process. The WMA stamp privilege is now incorporated into hunting and fishing licenses, so everyone who purchases one is helping out WMAs! Additionally, the recent fee changes will enable us to have the resources to hire more game wardens.
william barnes
If we, the hunters, that paid for the last license increase would have got to spend this on land and law enforcement we would not need this new increase. the State of Ga took our funds and spent them elsewhere not on hunting related items. This will probably be spent and wasted just like before!!!!!!
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi William – Prices of hunting and fishing licenses in Georgia have no increased since 1992. Here’s a link to information on why the prices have increased and how we will spend the money: http://georgiawildlife.com/changes-hunting-and-fishing-licenses-2017
Keith
So if I purchase a regular hunting license I am legal to hunt any WMA?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Yes! We wanted to simplify the number of licenses needed to hunt public land.
J. Davis
DNR has to many on the taxpayers now don’t hire more sell off 9/10 of the land they own and put it back on the tax digest, then see what DNR needs!
Timothy J.
Georgia needs more law enforcement to enforce laws regulating public lands and those that bait them. It is terribly disappointing to go hunting and find corn all over the ground on WMA’s. I fear I am the one going to get a ticket because I do not know it is there. Are Game wardens going to be more proactive in locating baited areas and closing them off to hunting in these instances? I saw some corn last year on a WMA, the second problem I see is that I have to trample down the woods I am hunting, spreading my scent all over the place just to make sure no one has baited the site before I hunt it and hope I did not miss anything. Baiting seems to be more of a problem since the laws were changed. Are there going to be any changes to address illegal baiting?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Timothy – Can you send your contact information to taylor.brown@dnr.ga.gov. We will have a Game Warden in your area call you to get more information!
June Drawdy
Does the new restrictions mean that on a parent/child hunt, the child is the only one that can carry a gun?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
For big game youth hunts, only the youth may hunt. For other youth hunt types, either the youth or the adult(s) may hunt unless otherwise specified. These hunts will be listed in the hunting regulations booklet coming out in early August.
Ellis West
I hunt Harris County. I have a Young granddaughter and niece who love to hunt with me, We are over run with deer damiging cars, eating plants, Why the four points or better here?
John Adams
I have a suggestion for the Quota Hunt system.
Could you stagger the deadlines for the Deer and State Park quota hunts? Perhaps by one week?
These are both essentially deer hunts. Many of the Deer quota hunts dates overlap with the State Park quota hunt dates.
As an example:
A hunter may submit for the following DEER quota hunt:
Rum Creek WMA – 2nd Hunt
Thursday 11/9/2017 12:00:00 AM – Saturday 11/11/2017 11:59:59 PM
The hunter also submits for the following STATE PARK quota hunt:
Hard Labor Creek State Park
Tuesday 11/7/2017 12:00:00 AM – Wednesday 11/8/2017 11:59:59 PM
If the hunter gets chosen for both, it is very unlikely the hunter would attend both hunts. It would be difficult logistically.
If the hunter gets chosen for neither, he / she loses out on a great quota hunting opportunity for that season.
If the deadline dates were staggered and . . .
The hunter gets chosen for the DEER quota hunt, he / she then could modify their State Park quota hunt application accordingly (remove priority points and / or apply just for a priority point), so as not to be chosen prior to the deadline.
Likewise, if the hunter does not get chosen for the Deer quota hunt, he / she then could modify their State Park quota hunt application accordingly (add priority points), so as to get chosen prior to the deadline.
If the goal of the DNR is to maximize hunter participation at quota hunts – I would think this change would be a simple way to increase participation.
Thank you.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Thanks for your comment, John! That is definitely something we can take under consideration.
david guillebeau
if it is illegal to hunt over bait then i wish we’d enforce it….i bet you could find a bait station on 9 out of 10 clubs,,,real quick and easy, i know we’re busy with calls and not enough rangers…just hunt like a man( no discrimination intended)
Jeff
if you’re trying to lower the number of participants in the adult/youth hunts…you just nailed it. We’ve been going to the same one every year for the past eight years, first hunting with my daughter, and now with my son. I’m not sure it’s the best idea for a 10 year old to be the only one with a gun. We’ve run into bear on several occasions out there. The last time, one got uncomfortably close.
Also, sometimes there’s a shot that a youth just can’t take due to inexperience, be it the distance of the shot, or a deer moving a little too quickly for the child to shoot at responsibly. In those (and several other scenarios), it would be better if both the youth and the adult have a firearm and are allowed to hunt.
We also spend a good bit of time (and in some cases money) planning for these annual trips. This year was no exception. With the change, I just don’t see us going. It’s a shame too, because it’s become a family tradition. Please bring back the previous rule on this.
Jeff
If you’re trying to lower the number of participants in the adult/youth hunts…you just nailed it. We’ve been going to the same one every year for the past eight years, first hunting with my daughter, and now with my son. I’m not sure it’s the best idea for a 10 year old to be the only one with a gun. We’ve run into bear on several occasions out there. The last time, one got uncomfortably close.
Also, sometimes there’s a shot that a youth just can’t take due to inexperience, be it the distance of the shot, or a deer moving a little too quickly for the child to shoot at responsibly. In those (and several other scenarios), it would be better if both the youth and the adult have a firearm and are allowed to hunt.
We also spend a good bit of time (and in some cases money) planning for these annual trips. This year was no exception. With the change, I just don’t see us going. It’s a shame too, because it’s become a family tradition. Please bring back the previous rule on this.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Thanks for your comments, Jeff. We hope that you’ll still attend the hunts with your kids.
Jessie Pruett
On the dove season dates it does not say noon on opening day. Will it still be noon like in the past?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
It will.
Dan Giallourakis
The increase in out of state hunters is ridiculous. Out of staters spend a fortune when they are here and it goes directly into the local economy. Now, not only will we lose the money the increase has driven away in the local economy but the license fees that goes to DNR. I really don’t think that was thought through. Also, why is the legislature making the decisions that should be made by DNR. That is like going to a proctologist for a tooth ache.
David
Does trapping wild hogs on private land require a permit?
Does trapping anything on your own land require a permit?
Are there any resources for donating wild hogs like they have or had for deer?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Here’s a link to all feral hog management info: http://georgiawildlife.com/feralhogs
Currently, I’m not aware of any program for donation, but maybe check with your local food bank!
Bruce Horne
I am 66 years old retired and on fixed income. I own property in Georgia and pay property taxes but I live in Florida. I now have to pay $325 to hunt deer in Georgia. However many of my friends in Georgia go fishing in Florida regularly from Swuannee to big bend. They pay $47 for non resident saltwater or 94 dollars for fresh and salt. It’s a lot cheaper for Georgians to go fishing in Florida than Floridians to hunt in Georgia. Why can’t we have a reciprocal agreement?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Bruce – Thanks for your comments. In Georgia, license prices are set by the Georgia General Assembly.
Curtis brown
Even with the new web site to report all kills do we still carry a harvest record thanks
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Curtis – If you use the app or phone to report your harvest, there’s no need to have paper harvest record.
Thomas Lackey
In lieu of the pro baiting topics mentioned, I propose that the state go back to a ban of baiting statewide. I hunt in both zones. I honestly feel the quality of hunting in my area of the southern zone has diminished since baiting was legalized… I believe it has altered the way deer travel and search for natural food sources. When you have lets say 60%+ of the hunter population baiting for thousands of square miles, I can’t help to think it is changing the way deer travel.
Baiting has definitely changed the way the deer travel on my club. You had better be hunting over a corn pile or cutting somebody off on their pile of bait……
Bruce Kirk
How much are lifetime licenses now and can tou purchase online?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Bruce – You currently cannot purchase lifetime licenses on-line. Here’s a link to fees: http://georgiawildlife.com/lifetimelicense
Paul
can leg snares be used on hogs on private land?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Here’s a guide to feral hog regulations: http://georgiawildlife.com/feralhogs
Rick
If I own land in north GA and live in Tennessee. Can I hunt / fish without a license on my own land?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Nonresident landowners owning land in Georgia must obtain a nonresident license to hunt or fish. http://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes/choose#nonresident
Ricky Eason
I hope the new regulations doesnt take away the Adult/Child hunts to where only the child may hunt on non qouta deer hunts. If so this is a terrible change because of low participation on these hunts and now the participation will be lower. When my son reaches 12 and can hunt legally alone i still cant hunt and parents are less likely to get involved. Just my opinion i hunt adult/ child hunts regularly.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Ricky – Adult/Child hunts are now called Youth Hunts. For any big game youth hunt, only the child is allowed to hunt. A parent can supervise and be with the child at all times to assist, but cannot carry the gun or hunt.
Tom Keenan
Baiting laws are flawed. Should be able to bait in the Southern Zone as well. Our goal is to take game in an ethical and humane way—-seeing game over bait is no different than shooting over a corn or bean field. Does not make sense to me why the State is split in half! To me it is akin to a Speed trap on the roadways—wardens and the State looking to Catch someone who is 5 yards off the required distance or line of sight! Just flawed!!
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Tom – Baiting laws are actually set by the Georgia General Assembly, not DNR. Thanks for your comment!
Tom Keenan
Yes sir I am aware of this! Same applies in Alabama where we also have poor baiting laws! And thank you for your Service to us Outdoor enthusiasts!!
Don
So changes again were made by politicians to squeeze more money out of hunters. Not for the benefit of wildlife management. Gotcha. How many hunters made up the panel that voted in these changes? Or was it the so called “experts” ? Sad…
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Don- We surveyed hunters and our stakeholders before these regulations were passed and a vast majority approved of the price increases. Georgia has not increased prices since 1992. These increase in revenue will allow DNR to improve hunter access, improve existing facilities and increase our number of Game Wardens.
Millard Judd
Why are the out of state hunting license cost so much ? Why cant Florida & Georgia seem to get along with each other ? There are lots of people come to Florida to fish and The great state of Florida don’t charge them much at all to enjoy the great fishing in Florida ??? I think it should cost the same in both states….
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Millard – Thanks for your comment. Georgia actually has not increased license prices since 1992. These prices are set by the Georgia General Assembly.
Clyde Anderson
Non-resident licenses have most definitely increased since 1992, phenomenally. My question is, is the hunt/fish combo mandatory for non-resident hunters over 64, or can we purchase the hunting license alone and save $50?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
You can purchase the non-resident hunting license alone.
Tim Higginbotham
Non resident license have increased several times since 1992.
Dee grist
Was there no talk about extending archery season through January 31 in south west Georgia ?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Dee – We held several public meetings and had an open comment period before passing these regulations. All comments were read and considered by our biologists and Board Members.
tony phillips
Wow $325 for a non-resident license now! Price keeps going up. I enjoy hunting in Georgia and other states as well. Eventually the price will get too high. I have no voice in the prices I am forced to pay, But I would like to remind the good folks at Georgia DNR that I put a LOT of money into the local economy as a non-resident for deer hunting. I could take my wife on a lavish vacation to Hawaii each year for the money I spend on deer hunting in Georgia (hunting lease, licenses, corn, fuel, food, hotel, equipment rental). I would appreciate it if this was taken into consideration when licensing fees are raised. Again I do love to hunt in Georgia but eventually it will reach a breaking point on the expenses.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Tony – The prices of licenses in Georgia actually haven’t increased since 1992. We very much appreciate you hunting in Georgia and hope you will continue!
tony phillips
Thanks for the response. But I disagree. Non-resident licenses have increased. Last Year I was Forced to buy a hunting fishing combo as a non- resident. I paid $305 for a long time. Now it is up to $325. Again VERY EXPENSIVE.
Thank you for your time.
tony phillips
Please let me clarify on the prices. I am referring to the TOTAL cost to deer hunt in Georgia.
The Big Game Tag is very pricey.
Thanks
Brian Smith
The non resident license has increased big time since 1992. I have been hunting in GA as a non resident since 1989 and the price has changed multiple times. Get your fact straight DNR!!
Wayne T Broxton
why not implement a bear tag that would be good for the entire deer season? (Like a gator tag). I have still hunted bear in Georgia for 38 years and have only seen two during the daylight hours on a legal day. Also why can’t we bait them? I am to old to chase behind dogs and get pictures of bear on trail camera at my deer / hog bait sites but only at night. I have one picture of a bear in daylight hours so I don’t think that baiting them ( especially for the elderly ) is going to hurt them.
Wayne Broxton
Is there any particular reason that DNR has not responded to the comment about a bear tag?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Thank you for sharing your opinions on bear management and bear hunting in Georgia.
Our professional biologists physically tag 100% of legally harvested bears and collect data that is used to make management and regulatory decisions. Georgia has 3 more/less distinct populations of bears. Each population is different with respect to population concerns, and this is reflected in the harvest regulations.
Hunting over bait, or supplemental feeds, has been debated several times in the past sessions. We support this process because it allows our customers the opportunity to participate in decision-making. We will continue to work with policymakers on all issues affecting Georgia’s hunters, including hunting over bait.
Bruce
I think hunting over bait or any other decisions should be voted on by the people that purchase the license. I just purchased a lifetime license for my fifeteen year old son and had to pay double the amount because of three months.why did lifetime licenses double?I can understand going up some but not double.
Donald Voss
I own a lot of land in Georgia at several locations. I pay through the nose for taxes, homeowner associations fees, etc and because I live out of the state I have to pay a huge amount for a hunting license to hunt hogs on my own property or just sit by and watch the hogs tear it pieces. This is bs. In addition, poachers are a constant problems and the authorities do nothing about them. The association (of land owners) has a combined area in southern Georgia of two square miles which has three locked gates. However, the poachers cut the locks and enter at will and when the Department of Natural Resources are called and catch them on the property they just tell them to retrieve their dogs and leave. No one lives there full time but I and other owners do visit frequently and called the DNR only to be told “did you see them on your property?” when you reply no, but their dogs are my property you are told that they have to be hunting on your property. There nothing said about illegally trespassing. My over all complaint is having to pay huge amount to hunt on my own property when others hunt there free of charge and at my expense and nothing is done about it.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Donald – It’s been 25 years since Georgia increased license prices. With this increase in revenue, we will be able to hire more Game Wardens to protect the resources and help out with situations exactly like you are describing.
Donald Voss
In response to your claim that the out of state license fee has not increased you better check again because it went up $50.00. In addition, I am 75 years old, disabled, a veteran and a Georgia tax payer and because I live out of state I still have to pay a huge license fee to hunt on my own property. My question is why?
Mattehw
which WMAs allow this opportunity to hunt wild hogs and coyotes May 16-31? Do all of them allow this? Where is the page for that please..?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Matthew – The WMAs that will not allow the May 16-31 season are marked in the hunting guide that will be out later this week.
Mattehw
thank you!!
Charles Ruth
I’m disabled and can hunt for free in fl. but have to pay the same as everyone else to hunt in Ga.That doesn’t seem far to me. I have to put away 3 months worth of money that I get from our government just to hunt Ga.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Charles, A 3-year disability hunting license is only $9.
Charles Ruth
I forgot to mention that I’m a fl. resident So would it still be $ 9 for 3 years
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
No, the discounted disability price is only for Georgia residents. You would need to purchase a non-resident hunting license.
Glenn Gray
Sounds like a bunch of cry babies.Wanting to hunt when the youth is suppose to be the hunter. I own Land in ALA. Bought out of state Lic.The whole time I hunted on my Land. When you bait the deer,it seems to me that the deer would just feed before dayling,and after dark.The food source is always there,no browsing or hunting food. And just a lazy way of shooting deer. No hunting involved. Lazy Bunch of NON DEER HUNTERS.
George costanzo
Will deer processors be required to get the Harvest number from the Hunter when he brings his deer for processing?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
They will not, but it is still required that all hunters check their deer.
woodrow walker
i agre on the baiting law being unfair.one law one state.also any thing you take to the woods for dear is baiting.such as a deer wick that is baiting.anything toy have that is not natural is baiting.
Lawrence DeVries
All you keep using as an excuse to your out of state license fee increase is that fees haven’t risen since 1992. I don’t care if they haven’t gone up since 1892. If they are ridiculously high comparatively to other states for the same vestiges, then there is no rational excuse. I can only hope Fl does the same to you Georgians to re-coup some of our money cause there’s certainly a ton of you down here after our resources.
Fred Day
Where does the southern zone start
Ed
I guess people still after [I know 40 years of complaining about hunting over bait]
can’t kill a deer,by getting in the woods and scouting the land,then climb in a tree and kill 12 deer.
Bait is not needed and has no place in teaching my kids about fair chase.
Joe Fagan
Can we use buck shot on coyotes or hogs during small game season or only during deer season?
M.S. Brackin
Hunting is hunting, fishing is fishing. Hogs were brought in for ” sport ” by Florida land owners. Land leases have been driven up by “invasive species” from the south. State residents have lost access. The money you spend does not always cover your cost. Quit whining and let’s settle this in the Ga/ Fla game in J’ville. ” Who let the Dawgs out”!
Mitchell Gibbs
So a Florida resident can rent a camper spot on Club Road, Toomsboro, GA, put up a mail box, claim GA residence, buy a GA hunting license and hunt Beaver Dam WMA legally? That doesn’t seem right to me.
Doug Walker
Can you buy or how can you get a WMA map? I found it online but when you print it out its to small to make out anything(roads,property lines). Do you offer maps?
Ronald Priest
Please make separate campgrounds for those who can not live for a day or two without electricity and tv. Very few people abide by the hours prohibiting generator use. Some of us really would love to camp in peace and quite.
David Miller
I live near paulding forest why do we not have a dove field on 25,000 acres it has dates for dove shoots ,plenty of places for fields ,PowerLines ect, this would benefit more than just doves
Fred
Being a resident of the state now I can attest that the NR fees are not that bad considering you can kill 12 deer with millions of acres of public land.
Find a state in the north that allows that opportunity and i’ll blow ya,…
Shane Long
I put corn & minerals out in the off season for the deer. I have feeders suspended in the trees (we have a lot of bear also) on a timer. I turn off the feeders 2-3 weeks prior to archery season. Do I have to remove the feeders or is it enough for them to be inoperable?
Alan Ralph
Did i read correctly that You now have to sign in overtime you hunt small game in 2017-2018?
Sam
To hunt in public lands (WMA’s), do I required to purchase a “WRD” license when I’m already have a hunting license?
Drew
If I have a two year, hunting and fishing combo license, does that cover me to hunt dove? Or will I need to purchase a separate license? It’s a little unclear what the hunting license will and will not cover.
Jerry Bragg
I would like to say that the increase in youth two year old lieasces
Jerry Bragg
I would like to say the increase in two year old license is way to high . May wife and I have always purchased hunting & Fishing license for our grand kids. But the price you have it now is that our grand kids will not get there license. This is a lose for the DNR that they will not get this money that they get interest on for 14 years, until they get 16 years old. And for a child that may and may not hunt or fish. No wander DNR can’t get people to hunt and fish anymore. They make bad decisions. Maybe instead of increasing the hunters license fee. You should charge the farmers a fee for the shooting 25 deer in one night a fee. The hunters that pays to hunt and can only kill a limited number of deer. But the farmers can shoot as may deer they want at night and in the gut so they want die in there field.
Stephen
What are the resistance requirements
I live on my property about six months a year
John Cooper
I am having a difficult time finding the crossbow regulations online. Actually, don’t own a crossbow yet, but considering the purchase of one to hunt deer and turkey.
Thanks
Ryan Bonnell
I bought a veterans lifetime sportsman’s license some year’s ago in which the WMA stamp was included. The Lands Access pass is covered under the veterans lifetime sportsman’s license, correct?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Yes, Ryan.
Greg Snead
I thought I remembered that kids 16 and under could hunt with rifles during primitive hunting week. Can they or not?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
They can. That begins Oct. 14.
Mike Mitchell
I own the land I hunt on. Do I need a license to hunt my own property for deer? IF not . What do I need to do when I take the deer to the processer be processed?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
You do not need a license, but you will need a harvest record, which can be found at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com.
You’re also required to check your game (deer and turkey) by calling 1-800-366-2661, visiting gooutdoorsgeorgia.com or downloading our GA Outdoors App.
Ricardo Rodriguez
I am 71 years old and have had a hunting and fishing license for a few years. Under the new fees does that mean that I would be required to purchase a new lifetime license or would I be grandfathered?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Ricardo – If you were born on or before June 30, 1952, the lifetime license is still free for you.
Blake Bargeron
Can we still hunt hog year round besides turkey season?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
There is no closed season on feral hogs. You can take them year round.
Robert Crews
In the regulations it still states that Non-residents MUST purchase a combo hunt-fish license the hunt in Georgia. Everywhere else I look says you MAY purchase a combo hunt fish or a hunting license and a big game permit to hunt deer. Very confusing. Some of my friends have already bought the combo when they don’t even fish. They should get a refund.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Can you point to the regulations that say they must?
Josh
Can kids shoot doe or buck today in Lamar county ga
ROSCO G A CHASTAIN
Why do you have to set up a new account just to get the paper harvest record. This is bull crap
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Rosco —
If you already havean account with us you can download your harvest record from that account. You do not need to create a new account. http://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/regulations/HarvestRecord%20GaGameCheck%20FAQs%20rev5.pdf
kris
Where I live the hunters shoot as many deer as they possibly can without a care. This is just one day of hunting. When I have an older neighbor say that “the deer sure don’t seem to be as plentiful” I’m wondering, where are the wardens? Aren’t they suppose to be checking out places that are being hunted? I live out in the country for a reason. I do not like to see wildlife obliterated as I would like to enjoy it.
Doesn’t the state of Georgia have wild life management of some sort?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Kris — Our wardens work hard to patrol all areas of their regions. We do practice wildlife management in Georgia and have strict bag limits to ensure our wildlife are managed appropriately.
khris
If I’m only going for feral hog, do I need any other license other than just the regular hunting license? I just moved to Georgia and I’m trying to make sure I have a full understanding.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Nope, just the regular hunting license.
Ronald Priest
I never get a response when I ask for there to be designated campsites on management areas for those who do not want to hear generators. I have begged over and over for this issue to be addressed. Now special provisions are made to allow generators to run all hours for medical reasons. Some really would appreciate the peace and quiet of nature.
Gene
Is it legal to bait deer in south Georgia WMA land ?
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
It is illegal to bait deer or any other game species on WMA land.
Ralph Ellis
Is the 280 care section of Ohoopee dunes off hwy. 221 archery hunt only. If something are crossbows allowed?
Rob
Is buckshot legal to carry during small game seasons, only if used on feral hog. For example, your scouting for duck holes and have no steel shot or any other shot in possession, but would like to take a hog with a buckshot if one is encounter during your scout.
Rob
In regards, to Georgia WMA hunting seasonal dates.
Dan Vogel
Can you migratory bird hunt- (Ducks) on Sundays in Atkinson Co?
Cindy Trentini
Can someone please tell me when the youth turkey hunt is for 2018?
Thanks, Cindy
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Cindy! The special opportunity youth turkey hunt is March 17-18, 2018.
jeff everidge
Doing a project and I was wondering how many registered hunters are in the state of ga. any help would be appreciated.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Jeff. There are 630,000 hunters in Georgia.
RONNIE NELMS
I am traveling to south georgia to turkey hunt with an outfitter who sells both hog hunts and turkey hunts. I know he legally baits for hogs on his properties. What are the regulations on how far away from his hog baiting areas do I need to be a legal turkey hunter. The info I find is vague and the discussion web sites were not very helpful either. I have researched Georgia DNR websites and can not determine the law. It says that it is the discrimnation of the ranger. That would mean to me the ranger sets the law. I am confuesd and would like a specific answer before spending my hard earned cash for out of state license and the hunt. Thanks for your reply! Ronnie
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Ronnie! You must be at least 200 yards away from and not within sight of bait.
JD
Still waiting for Georgia to allow deer hunting with big bore air rifles…..
Katheryn Ward
Very nice post .
Terry
I’ll turn 65 on July5, 2018. Will I be eligible for a free lifetime license this year?
Kenneth
Are the Lehigh Xtreme Penetrator bullets legal for deer hunting in GA? The latest firearms regulations I have found are from 2010 , before these bullets come to market.The bullets themselves do not expand , but they leave a wound cavity like an expanding bullet due to the flutes cut into the bullet. I think they should be considered if no one has made a determination on them yet.
Kenny
Are the Lehigh Xtreme Penetrator , Defender, Or Hunter bullets legal for deer in GA? I can’t find any info in the regulations that is up to date.They are solid bullets that do not expand , but they leave a wound cavity like that of an expanding bullet due to flutes in the front.Many states allow them & they work well as can be seen in many Youtube videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAxqkxkSz4k
Cheryl Bryant
WHY DID I SEE A DEER WITH AN ORANGE EAR TAG CROSS IN FRONT OF ME THE OTHER NIGHT. WHAT ARE THE TAGS FOR AND IS IT LEGAL TO SHOOT THEM DURING HUNTING SEASON.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
The deer has probably been tagged as part of a research study. It’s legal to harvest them during hunting season. If there’s a number on the tag, please call it to let them know the animal was taken.
Rick Nichols
The youth lifetime license (under 2 years of age) went from $200 to $503. Please explain the reasoning for 151% increase.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Hi Rick. Georgia’s hunting and fishing prices were among the lowest in the nation. We have raised them to a level consistent with the Southeastern range.
Alan Contreras
A lot of people complaining about prices here… We get 12 deer for one price. Just moved here from Michigan. Go ahead and look at their prices. You get 2 deer for $80 and unless you have private land, you’re basically in a lottery for more doe tags. Only two weeks of rifle season… Tens of thousands of acres of public land but you are very limited on the hunting. A lot of privileges here.
As this is a question forum, I am wondering if there is anywhere that gives detailed regulations for WMAs. I’ve seen season restrictions and the general restrictions section online, however it took me finding this forum to see that we cannot hunt WMAs at night. Where can I find the listed regulations detailing what can’t be done on WMAs. The only thing I’ve found for public land has the heading “National Forest Land (Outside of WMAs)” then lists no hunting hogs at night or over bait. If it says outside of WMAs, I’m lead to believe that they are not included in this section. Please point me in the right direction so I can properly abide by these regulations.
Much appreciated!
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Welcome to Georgia! I’m going to drop a few links here for you:
2018-19 Hunting Regulations Guide: http://www.eregulations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/18GAHD_LR2.pdf
If you go to page 38, it’ll cover all of the general WMA regulations. The pages after this will show you individual WMA restrictions and regulations.
Interactive hunting map: https://georgiawildlife.com/locations/hunting
This map will let you put in your address and find WMA hunting opportunities near you. You can also filter by game species to find properties that manage for that animal.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy hunting!
Alan Contreras
This was very helpful.
Just in case someone else has the same question, the first link you posted appears to be a file from your computer’s desktop rather than an online link. It does not go anywhere when plugging it in as a URL.
However, I was able to figure out what you were getting at and I will post the link to the guide/regulation book below.
Thanks again.
http://www.eregulations.com/georgia/hunting/