License Requirements

Reliable identification and a Social Security Number (SSN) are required to purchase a license (OCGA § 19-11-9.1). Conservation rangers may require positive identification when checking licenses. All required hunting licenses and stamps must be in possession while hunting. Any person hunting or providing assistance to another hunter must meet applicable licensing requirements as specified below.

Resident means any citizen of the United States who has been domiciled within the State of Georgia for a period of at least three months. Residents include full-time military personnel on active duty who list Georgia as their home of record in their official military files or who are stationed at a military base located in Georgia and the dependents of such military personnel. Residents also include out-of-state college students living in Georgia. Students may use a current Georgia student ID as documentation.

Resident hunters under age 16 are not required to possess any of the following: Hunting, Big Game, Wildlife Management Area, Georgia Waterfowl Conservation, Deer-Dog Hunting, Alligator Hunting licenses or Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. However, they must possess a Deer Harvest Record.

Honorary License for Senior Citizens: Georgia residents 65 years old or older may obtain an Honorary License free of charge from any license dealer, or a permanent Lifetime License card for $10.

Honorary License for Disabled Georgians: Georgia residents who are permanently, totally disabled may obtain an Honorary License by applying to the License Unit, 2065 US Hwy 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025, 1-800-366-2661.

A qualifying disability is an impairment of a permanent and total nature, which prevents gainful employment and is certified as such by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, Medicaid, Medicare, or Railroad Retirement System. Honorary License for disabled Georgians must be renewed every 3 years.

Honorary License for Returning Georgia Veterans: A one-year (from date of issuance) Honorary License is available to returning veterans, that were on active duty for 90 or more consecutive days, and who were discharged on or after July 1, 2005. Such veterans may obtain this license by providing a copy of their DD Form 214, and a completed DNR application. Applications for this license may be obtained at any WRD office, on the web at gohuntgeorgia.com, or by contacting the License Unit, 2065 US Hwy 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025, 1-800-366-2661.

Resident Hunting or Hunting & Fishing License is required 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-Resident Hunting & Fishing License is required for all non-resident hunters, except non-resident small game hunters under 16. Additionally, non-resident big game hunters (deer, turkey, or bear) 16 years of age and older must possess a valid Big Game License. When hunting big game, non-residents under age 16 must possess a valid non-resident Hunting License, but are exempt from the Big Game License requirement. All non-resident deer hunters must possess a deer harvest record regardless of age.

Alligator hunting license is required, in addition to a valid Hunting License, for anyone 16 years of age or older hunting alligator or assisting an alligator permit holder. This privilege is not covered by the Sportsman License. However, Lifetime and Honorary License holders do not need an Alligator Hunting License.

Big game license is required for hunting deer, turkey, or bear, in addition to a regular Hunting License. The Big Game License requirement is met by residents who possess a Lifetime, Honorary, or
Sportsman License. Everyone else who hunts big game must purchase a Big Game License except non-residents under age 16. It is unlawful to purchase or possess multiple Big Game Licenses.

Deer dog hunting license is required for all hunters participating in a dog deer hunt. Hunters who possess a valid Honorary, Lifetime, or Sportsman’s License can obtain the deer-dog license at no cost.

Deer harvest record is required for any person, regardless of age, who hunts deer. The Deer Harvest Record is valid only for a single deer hunting season and expires at the end of January each year. Deer hunters who are not required to purchase a Big Game License (Youth under 16, Honorary & Lifetime License holders) must obtain a free Deer Harvest Record at gohuntgeorgia.com or from any license agent. All deer hunters must obtain new Deer Harvest Record each deer season. It is unlawful to possess multiple Deer Harvest Records.

Wildlife Management Area (WMA) License is required for any person 16 years old or older, who does not possess a valid Honorary, Sportsman, or Lifetime License, when hunting on a WMA, PFA or State Park (except that any person hunting on a State Park quota hunt is exempt from this requirement).

Migratory Bird Hunting License or Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) License is required for any person who possesses a license and hunts migratory birds (doves, ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, coots, rails, or gallinules). This license is free. This license is valid only for a single hunting season and expires at the end of February each year.

Georgia Waterfowl Conservation License is required for hunting waterfowl, except for hunters with a valid Honorary, Sportsman, or Lifetime License or children under the age of 16. Waterfowl hunters must also obtain a free Migratory Bird Hunting License (H.I.P. permit) in addition to other required licenses and stamps.

Federal Duck Stamp is required for all waterfowl hunters 16 years old or older and is available after July 1 from U.S. Post Offices. The stamp is valid from July 1–June 30 and must be signed in ink across the face. The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp is available at US Post Offices, 1-800-STAMP24 or usps.com.

Sportsman License is a license that covers all hunting and fishing privileges excluding: Deer Dog License, Alligator License, and Federal Duck Stamp. This license specifically includes Hunting, Big Game, WMA, Georgia Waterfowl Conservation, Fishing and Trout Licenses. Migratory bird hunters must obtain a H.I.P. license. Deer hunters must obtain a deer harvest record. Deer Dog hunters must obtain a Deer Dog license (free of charge).

Lifetime Licenses are valid for the life of the person and cover all hunting and fishing privileges (except Federal Duck Stamp). This specifically includes Alligator, Hunting, Big Game, WMA, Georgia Waterfowl Conservation, Fishing, and Trout Licenses. Migratory bird hunters must obtain a H.I.P. license. Deer hunters must obtain a deer harvest record. Deer Dog hunters must obtain a Deer Dog license (free of charge). Lifetime License applications can be obtained at gohuntgeorgia.com, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) offices, or by mail. See identification and proof of residency requirements.

Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass (GORP)

Any person, age 16-64, entering any designated fee area on state-owned WMAs and PFAs must possess a valid GORP. Persons who possess a valid three-day hunting & fishing, WMA, Lifetime, Sportsman’s, or Honorary license are exempt from this requirement. Designated fee areas are marked with the posting of a sign at the site or area entrance.