Big Game Seasons, Dates & Limits

Deer

Archery

Sept. 13 - Oct. 10

See either sex days.

12 per season, Statewide. No more than 10 may be antlerless and no more than 2 may be antlered. One of the 2 antlered deer must have at least 4 points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers or at least a 15-inch outside spread. See Deer Hunting Regulations for requirements in counties with antler restrictions.

*Firearms deer hunting is not allowed in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton (north of GA Hwy 92), and that portion of Glynn County lying within Jekyll Island. In the portion of Forsyth County south of GA Hwy 20 only shotguns and muzzleloaders may be used (no other firearms allowed).

In Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, & Thomas Cos., the first 2 weeks of archery is buck only.

Extended Archery: See Deer Hunting Regulations for counties.

Jan. 12 - 31

Primitive Weapons & Youth-Only Firearms (See Deer Hunting Regulations)

Oct. 11 - Oct. 17

Firearms*

Oct. 18 - Jan. 11

Oct. 18 - Jan. 15 (Baker, Decatur, Calhoun, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, & Thomas Counties)

Bear

Northern Zone

Archery: Sept. 13 - Oct. 10

Primitive Weapons & Youth Only Firearms: Oct. 11 - 17

Firearms: Oct. 18 - Jan. 11

Two per season, provided, however, no more than one of these may be taken from the Central or Southern Zones. See Hunting Information for bear harvest and reporting requirements. See reporting requirements for bears harvested on WMAs.

*If fewer than 6 female bears are harvested on Dec. 20 then a 2nd hunt day will be opened in January (please visit www.georgiawildlife.com after Dec. 22.

Central Zone

Firearms: Dec. 20*

Southern Zone

Firearms: Sept. 18-20, Sept. 25-27, Oct. 2-4, Oct. 9-11

Turkey

Special Opportunity, Statewide

Mar. 21-22, 2026

Only for youth under 16 years of age and mobility-impaired persons. This season does not apply to public lands unless otherwise specified.

Private Lands

Mar. 28 - May 15, 2026

2 Gobblers per season; Daily bag limit of 1 (including Special Opportunity season). On WMAs, VPAs, & National Forest lands: 1 gobbler per area per person. See individual WMA listings for specifics.

WMAs, VPAs & National Forest

Apr. 4 - May 15, 2026