GEORGIA LAWS & REGULATIONS

Curious of What Georgia’s Hunting Laws and Regulations are?

The Department of Natural Resources of Georgia conserves and promotes fishing, hunting and wildlife resources through management, education and scientific research.When hunting seasons begin in Georgia, all hunters must have a valid hunting license along with a other required permits depending on the hunted specie. It is unlawful to hunt without landowner’s permission as well as hunting being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is also unlawful to possess, hold, release, and import any game without a permit from the DNR as well as destoying any natural habitat of hunted species. No hunter shall shoot near occupied buildings, shoot across public roads, and hunt in a powered-on vehicle.

*Visit Georgia’s Hunting Regulations for More Information*

FEATURED ANIMALS

BLACK BEAR

Prior to the 1800’s, black bears (Ursus americanus) were common throughout Georgia. Habitat loss, unrestricted hunting, and human intolerance caused a serious population decline. Thanks to sound wildlife management practices, bears have recovered to their present healthy population of about 5,100 statewide.

Buy a License: Depending on age and residency, Georgia law may require hunters to have a current Georgia hunting license in their possession while hunting in Georgia. Requirements vary. Licenses may be purchased online, in person at participating locations, or by phone. Your purchase supports the conservation of Georgia’s outdoor resources.

General Season: September 17, 2020 – January 10, 2021
Archery Season: September 12, 2020 – January 10, 2021

Bag Limit: 2 per season

*Seasons differ based in different zones – Visit Georgia’s Hunting Seasons for specific zones*

ALLIGATOR

The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has changed little from its original form some 180 million years ago. Alligators were hunted to near extinction in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, but protective action by state and federal governments helped keep them from disappearing completely.

General Season: August 14 (sunset), 2020 – October 5 (sunrise), 2021

Bag Limit: One (1) alligator. Legal alligators must be greater than or equal to 48 inches in length as measured from end of the snout to tip of the tail for Zones 1–9.

*Seasons differ based in different zones – Visit Georgia’s Hunting Seasons for specific zones*

WATERFOWL

Georgia’s abundant waterfowl resources include both year-round residents as well as wintering migrants. However, the vast majority of Georgia’s waterfowl are migrants from the northeastern United States, the upper midwest, central Canada, and other northern areas. These ducks spend the spring and summer in traditional northern breeding areas, and then migrate to southern latitudes during the fall and winter. The ducks then return to the breeding areas the following spring to repeat this annual cycle.