Department Message

Every year, I’m honored to connect with hunters and anglers across Georgia through our Regulations Guide. This publication serves not only as a practical resource for rules and seasons, but also as a bridge between our agency and the passionate hunters and anglers who make conservation possible through their participation and support.

Hunting and fishing are an important part of life in Georgia. They are traditions that run deep in our state’s cultural fabric. Our diverse geography—from the mountains in the north to the coastal plains in the south—provides for many opportunities to get outside and create lasting memories with family and friends.

DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division and Coastal Resources Division staff work tirelessly to create and maintain habitat and water bodies for our wildlife and fisheries. Our biologists and technicians monitor the populations of game and fish species across the state, collecting data and using it to guide our management decisions. From deer to turkey to trout, our staff’s dedication to Georgia’s natural resources is awe-inspiring. Their expertise and passion together with our hunter and angler support ensures our hunting and fishing opportunities remain sustainable for future generations.

As stewards of Georgia’s wildlife, we recognize the outdoor traditions we cherish depend on healthy ecosystems and engaged hunters and anglers.

Our hunters and anglers are a critical part of success and why Georgia is the best state to hunt and fish. This year I challenge each of you to take someone with you, either to the range, afield, or on the water. Take the time to mentor a new hunter or angler. Pass down this great tradition we love.

I look forward to seeing you in the field or on the water this year.

Walter Rabon
Commissioner, Georgia Department of Natural Resources