Bear, Turkey & Feral Hog Regulations

BEAR

Restriction

Killing of females with cub(s) or a cub under 75 pounds is prohibited.

Northern Zone

In Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Dawson, Fannin, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White, Whitfield Cos.:

• Archery: Sept. 11–Oct. 8
• Primitive Weapons: Oct. 9–15
• Firearms: Oct. 16–Dec. 5

No dogs or bait allowed. Bears must be reported to personnel of the Wildlife Resources Division, Gainesville Office (770) 535-5700 or Armuchee Office (706) 295-6041 within 24 hours of harvest. After hours, call 1-800-241-4113. At a minimum, the hide and skull must be taken to the Gainesville or Armuchee office within 3 business days of harvest for tagging. Bears may also be checked at any WMA check station in the counties listed above that are open for a managed deer/bear/hog hunt between 8 a.m.–8 p.m. during the bear season.

Southern Zone

In Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Echols and Ware Cos.

• Firearms: Sept. 23–25, Sept. 30–Oct. 2, Oct. 7–9

Dog hunting allowed; No baiting. Bears must be checked and tagged at the GA Forestry Commission Offices in Fargo, Folkston or Homerville between 12 noon and 9 p.m. on days of hunts.

Statewide Season Limit

One (1)

TURKEY

Mar. 26–May 15, 2011, statewide.

Season Limit

3 Gobblers.

FERAL HOG

PRIVATE LANDS

No closed season; no limit. Feral hogs may be hunted at night with a light, which is carried on the person, affixed to a helmet or hat, or part of a belt system worn by a hunter. No hunting over bait or from a vehicle. A resident Hunting License is required to hunt feral hogs for all resident hunters 16 years old or older, except when hunting on land owned by them or their immediate family (blood or dependent relationship) residing in the same household. Non-residents must meet non-resident license requirements. Contact the Game Management office nearest you for more information.

Feral Hog Control Permits

may be issued to landowners experiencing wildlife habitat destruction and/or agricultural crop damage. This free permit may be obtained through your local Game Management office. Restrictions apply.

NATIONAL FOREST & CORPS OF ENGINEERS LANDS (outside of WMAs)

Hogs may be taken with archery equipment during archery deer season, with deer weapons during firearms deer season, with turkey weapons during turkey season and with small game weapons during small game season. Pursuing, catching or hunting hogs with dogs is prohibited during firearms deer season. No limit. No night hunting. No hunting over bait. Hunting license requirements must be met. Hunter orange is required during firearms and primitive weapons deer seasons. It is illegal to release hogs on any public lands. It is illegal to release hogs on private land without permission of the landowner.

STOCKING

Relocating feral hogs is illegal unless they have tested negative for brucellosis and pseudorabies within 30 days prior to being moved. Individuals who relocate hogs in violation of laws and regulations are subject to prosecution by the Dept. of Agriculture. It is illegal to release hogs on any public lands. It is illegal to release hogs on private land without permission of the landowner.

WARNING

Feral hogs can carry diseases that are transmissible to people. To avoid possible exposure, wear plastic gloves when field-dressing feral hogs; wash hands with soap and hot water immediately afterwards; avoid direct contact with blood and reproductive organs; cook thoroughly. Properly dispose of all waste.

PROCESSING

Any facility that processes hogs for a fee must be licensed as a red meat establishment by the Dept. of Agriculture. Deer processors can obtain a Custom Feral Hog Exempt license from the GA Dept. of Agriculture, Meat Inspection Section for $10. Contact the Meat Inspection Section at (404) 656-3673 for more information. This licensing requirement does not apply to anyone processing a feral hog for their own use.

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