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Georgia

Georgia Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Georgia hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026
Resident License $15 General hunting
Non-Resident License $100 General hunting
Hunter Education Required Born after 1961-01-01
Online Purchase Yes Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
LICENSE FEES

Georgia Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026.

Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Resident Annual Hunting $15
Resident Big Game License $25
Resident Combo Hunting & Fishing $30
Resident Sportsman's License $65
Resident Youth (Under 16) Free
Resident Senior Honorary (65+) Free
Resident Lifetime Sportsman $500

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Non-Resident Annual Hunting $100
Non-Resident Big Game License $225
Non-Resident 1-Day Hunting $20
Non-Resident Sportsman's License $400
Non-Resident Youth (Under 16) Free

Tags & Permits

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Deer Free Free
Turkey Free Free
Bear Free Free
Alligator (Quota Hunt) $75 $250
Feral Hog Free Free

Endorsements & Stamps

Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp $5 Required for dove, duck, and all migratory bird hunting (16+)
Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30
HIP Certification Free Free; required for all migratory bird hunters
Harvest Record Free Free; mandatory for deer, turkey, bear, and alligator harvest reporting
Wildlife Management Area (WMA) License $19 Required for hunting on WMA lands; included in Sportsman's license
PURCHASE

How to Buy a Georgia Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

1

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com. Create an account or sign in. Select hunting license + Big Game license. Obtain free Harvest Record. Apply for alligator quota hunt during application period. Pay with credit/debit card (transaction fee applies). Print or save your digital license

2

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Local bait and tackle shops, Georgia DNR regional offices

3

Buy By Phone

Call 770-918-6416. Transaction fee may apply

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Georgia hunting license is online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Georgia

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1961
Online course: Available — Cost: Free
Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required
Minimum age: 0 years old
Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education
Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt
EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Georgia?

Category Benefit Details
Youth (Under 16) Free Georgia residents under 16 hunt free; NR youth also free; must be accompanied by licensed adult
Senior (65+) Free (lifetime) GA residents 65+ receive free honorary hunting and fishing license for life; just show valid GA ID
Disabled Veteran (any %) Free GA resident disabled veterans at ANY percentage receive free honorary licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in GA may purchase at resident rates
Landowner Exempt on own land GA resident landowners hunt own property free; Big Game license still required for deer/turkey
Children (Under 12) Free, no license No license required; must be accompanied and within arm's reach of licensed adult
SEASONS

Georgia Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Species Season Dates Weapon
White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 13 – Oct 10 Bow and crossbow
White-tailed Deer Primitive Weapons Oct 11 – Oct 17 Muzzleloader, bow
White-tailed Deer Firearms Oct 18 – Jan 10 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow, handgun
White-tailed Deer Youth Deer Weekend Sep 6 – Sep 7 Any legal weapon; ages 10-15
Turkey Youth Spring Mar 15 – Mar 16 Shotgun, bow
Turkey Spring Mar 20 – May 15 Shotgun, bow
Turkey Fall Oct 18 – Dec 20 Shotgun, bow (select counties)
Bear Archery/Firearms Sep 13 – Jan 10 Bow, rifle, muzzleloader (select north GA counties)
Dove Season 1 Sep 6 – Oct 12 Shotgun
Dove Season 2 Nov 22 – Nov 30 Shotgun
Dove Season 3 Dec 20 – Jan 15 Shotgun
Duck/Waterfowl Regular Nov 22 – Jan 25 Shotgun (non-toxic shot)
Quail Regular Nov 8 – Feb 28 Shotgun
Rabbit Regular Nov 8 – Feb 28 Shotgun, dogs permitted
Alligator Quota Hunt Sep – Oct Archery equipment, bang sticks, snatch hooks
Feral Hog Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 Any legal weapon; no limit
BAG LIMITS

Georgia Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Species Daily Limit Season Limit Notes
White-tailed Deer 1 12 total (2 antlered) One of the most generous limits in the US; antlerless unlimited on private land in many counties
Turkey (Spring) 1 3 Gobblers and bearded hens only; 3 per spring
Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex; select counties only
Bear 1 1 One per season; north Georgia mountains only
Dove 15 No season limit Mourning and white-winged combined
Quail 12 No season limit Bobwhite quail; wild populations declining; plantation hunting popular
Duck 6 No season limit Species-specific limits; non-toxic shot required
Feral Hog No limit No limit Invasive species; year-round open season; no bag limit
COMPARE

How Georgia Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Georgia?

Resident annual hunting: $15 + Big Game ($25) = $40 total. Sportsman's ($65) bundles everything. Non-residents: $100 + $225 big game = $325 total. Seniors 65+ and disabled veterans hunt FREE. Youth under 16: free.

How many deer can you kill in Georgia?

Georgia has one of America's most generous limits: 12 deer per season (2 antlered bucks + 10 antlerless). On private land in many counties, antlerless limits are even higher. A free Harvest Record and Big Game license are required.

Do seniors hunt free in Georgia?

Yes — GA residents 65+ receive free honorary hunting and fishing licenses for life. No purchase needed — just carry valid Georgia ID. This is one of the most generous senior programs anywhere. A free Harvest Record is needed for big game.

Can I hunt alligators in Georgia?

Yes, through a quota lottery draw. Tags cost $75 (res) / $250 (NR). About 1,000 permits are issued annually. Season runs September-October in designated zones. Special equipment required: archery gear, bang sticks, or snatch hooks.

What is the Sportsman's license?

The Sportsman's ($65) is Georgia's all-inclusive package: hunting, fishing, big game, migratory bird stamp, trout, and WMA access. Much cheaper than buying separately ($40 hunting/big game + $10 fishing + $5 migratory + $19 WMA = $74).

Is there a minimum age to hunt in Georgia?

No minimum age. Youth under 16 hunt free (res and NR). Children must be accompanied by a licensed adult within arm's reach. An apprentice hunting program lets first-time hunters go afield before completing hunter education.

Can I hunt hogs year-round in Georgia?

Yes — feral hogs are classified as a nuisance species. They can be hunted year-round with no season or bag limit on private land. On WMA lands, check specific WMA regulations. Night hunting with lights is permitted on private land.

Can I buy a Georgia hunting license online?

Yes, at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com. Remember to also obtain the free Harvest Record for deer, turkey, bear, and alligator. Also available at Walmart, Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, and sporting goods stores.

Ready to Get Your Georgia Hunting License?

Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division website to purchase your license online today.