Migratory Birds Seasons

Federally Regulated Migratory Birds

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regulates the harvest of migratory birds by establishing framework (opening and closing dates, maximum season length, and maximum bag limits) within which states can set their migratory bird hunting seasons. Georgia annually establishes waterfowl and late-season migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits that maximize opportunity within the framework adopted by the USFWS.

In addition to State regulations, Federal rules apply to the taking, possession, shipping, transporting, and storage of migratory birds. Each hunter should also consult official Federal Regulations, which may be found in: Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20.

GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License

A GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License is required for any person age 16 and older who hunts migratory birds (doves, ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, coots, soras, rails, or gallinules). A free GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License is available for all resident Landowners hunting their own land and also for any Sportsman’s License, Youth Sportsman’s License, Disability Sportsman’s License, Disability Hunting License, Honorary License or Lifetime Sportsman’s License holder.

Federal Duck Stamp

Federal Duck Stamp is required for all waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older including resident landowners and their immediate family. Due to the passing of the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 and related to purchasing this Stamp through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, electronic Duck Stamps are now valid when purchased and between July 1st and June 30th of the following year. Physical Duck Stamps are no longer required, but they will be mailed by a federal fulfillment center following March 10th after the electronical Duck Stamp purchase. This Stamp is also available at US Post Offices, 1-800-STAMP24, or usps.com.

Legal Hours

All Migratory Birds: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.

Federal Youth, Active Duty Military, & Veterans Waterfowl Days

Nov. 16-17, 2024

Youth 16 years of age or younger may hunt waterfowl or geese on these days. An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth into the field but may not hunt. Additionally, active duty military and veterans may hunt waterfowl or geese on these days in accordance with all other license requirements and bag limits.

Crows

Electronic calls may be used. Crows may be taken outside of these dates only when causing agricultural damage.

Eurasian Collared Doves

May be taken at any time; no limit.

Non-Toxic Shot

Any 10-gauge or smaller loaded with federally approved nontoxic shot of size “F” or smaller. No lead shot may be in possession while hunting waterfowl.

Possession of Migratory Birds Harvested by Another

Persons possessing migratory birds harvested by another hunter must possess, in writing, the hunter’s signature, address, total number of birds harvested by species and dates of harvest.

Banded Birds

Hunters harvesting any banded migratory bird should go to the Bird Banding Laboratory website at www.reportband.gov to report the band number and how, when and where it was recovered.

Falconry (for Migratory Birds)

Valid falconry permit and hunting license required.

Limits:

3 per day, 9 in possession

Dates:

Sept. 7-29

Oct. 12-27

Nov. 16-17

Nov. 23 - Jan. 26

CAUTION: More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges open to public hunting. For additional information on Federal Regulations, contact Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 75 Spring Street, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 or call 404-679-7057.

Special Regulations

Lakes Allatoona & Lanier Restrictions:

No hunting allowed within 600 feet of a dock, house, structure, bridge, road, boat ramp, marina or open recreation area. Contact the local Game Management Region Office (see Contact Information) for open dates, closed recreation areas open for hunting and other special rules for waterfowl hunting on Lakes Allatoona & Lanier, or visit georgiawildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.

Georgia Power Lakes (in North Georgia):

No hunting allowed within 300 feet of any dock, house, boat ramp, marina or open recreation area without permission from the lease or property owner.

Lakes open for duck and goose hunting: Lake Burton, Lake Seed, Lake Rabun, Tallulah Falls Lake, Lake Tugalo and Lake Yonah. Contact the Game Management Region 2 Office at 770-535-5700 for dates and other special rules for waterfowl hunting on Georgia Power Lakes in North Georgia, or visit georgiawildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.

Lake Walter F. George (LWFG):

No hunting allowed on the portions of LWFG in Georgia within 600 feet of a dock, house, structure, bridge, road, boat ramp, marina, or open recreation area. Waterfowl hunting from land is prohibited outside of the specified “Hunting Areas”. A Corps permit is required to hunt waterfowl on all areas of the lake, except the Eufaula NWR. Information on how to purchase a permit (in person or by mail only): www.sam.usace.army.mil or 229-768-2516.

Lake Blackshear, Lake Oconee, Lake Seminole, Lake Sinclair & Lake Oliver (South of Standing Boy Creek):

No hunting allowed within 300 feet of a dock, house, structure, bridge, road, boat ramp, marina or open recreation area.