Blog / When is hunting season in Georgia?

By Connor Thomas
Tuesday, February 21, 2023

 
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The activity of hunting is allowed in the United States of America, and it is regulated by the state law, which requires hunters to follow those laws. However, it is to be noted that hunting is not a constitutional right of the citizens of the United States, but rather a privilege granted by the government in the form of a hunting license. While not all hunting activities require a license, one is required when planning to hunt protected species. On the other hand, hunting of vermin is allowed since they are responsible for diseases and damages.

The subject of hunting is a controversial one, with some people advocating for animal rights opposing the decision to hunt animals, even with the permission of the State. However, there are various reasons why hunting is allowed. One of the reasons is that animals are part of nature and have a natural instinct to procreate. Therefore, hunting them down is sometimes necessary to control their population and maintain a balance in the ecosystem. Moreover, hunting is a form of recreation that helps humans to indulge in outdoor activities, and it can also help people connect better with nature. Additionally, hunting can be a means to get food for humans, as it has been since the early ages.

In Georgia, the hunting season is governed by the state, and the hunting activities are regulated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Different species have different hunting seasons, and it is necessary to know them before going hunting. For instance, the hunting season for deer starts from September 10 using the means of archery of either sex of the animal. For extended archery, the last date is till the end of the month of January. If firearms are used, the season is between October 22 to January 8, and for those using primitive weapons, it is between October 15 to January 8. However, no more than 12 deer can be hunted in a season out of which the limit for antlered deer is two and the limit for antlerless deer is 10.

For hunting bear, the dates vary, with the zones divided into three parts – Northern, Southern, and Central. If archery is used, the date is from September 10 to January 8. If primitive weapons are used, it is from October 15 to January 8, and if firearms are used, it is from October 22 to January 8. For people hunting in the Southern zone, firearms can be used only on several dates in the months of September and October. In the Central zone, firearms can be used only on December 17.

Finally, if you are looking to hunt turkey, you can start the game from the 1st day of April to the 15th day of May if you are hunting on private land. However, if you are looking to hunt on public land, you will get the opportunity from the 8th day of April to the 15th day of May. Youth and Mobility Impaired people can hunt on two days of March, i.e., on its 25th and 26th days.