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. 10–Oct. 14
• Primitive Weapons: Oct. 15–21
• Firearms: Oct. 22–Dec. 4

Hunting bears with dogs or over bait is prohibited. Harvested 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. Harvested 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.

Central Zone In Bibb, Houston, Twiggs Cos.:

• Firearms: Nov. 12

Hunting bears with dogs or over bait is prohibited. Hunting bears on WMAs in the Central Zone is prohibited. Harvested bears must be checked and tagged at the Oaky Woods WMA check station between 12 noon and 9 p.m. on the day of the hunt.

Southern Zone In Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Echols and Ware Cos.:

• Firearms: Sept. 29–Oct. 1, Oct. 6–8, Oct. 13–15

Hunting with dogs is allowed. Hunting over bait is prohibited. 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: Two (2); provided, however, that no more than one (1) of which may be taken from the Southern and Central Zones.