GEORGIA · 2026–27 HUNTING SEASONS
Georgia hunting
seasons 2026–27.
Choose your animal, county and dates. Check the right deer schedule, save matching calendar dates and print your hunt summary. Free to use, with official sources beside the rules.
GEORGIA · 2026-27
Find your next hunt.
Choose your species, county and dates. See matching seasons, local limits and dates you can save.
Choose a county to match its deer schedule. Fulton, Forsyth and Glynn also need a hunt-area choice. Official county map & either-sex dates ↗. Archery and firearms may have different sex restrictions on the same day.
Review the summary below, then choose a printer or Save as PDF in your browser’s print window. Larger selections may span several pages.
How to add these dates to your calendar
Download the .ics file above, then choose your calendar app. You can also save dates from a single season below.
Apple Calendar
On a Mac, open Calendar and choose File → Import. Select the downloaded .ics file, choose a destination calendar and confirm. An iCloud calendar can sync these events to your iPhone.
Apple import instructions ↗Google Calendar
Use Google Calendar on a computer. Open Settings → Import & export, select the .ics file, choose the destination calendar and click Import. File import is not available in the phone app.
Google import instructions ↗Outlook
In Outlook on the web, open Calendar → Add calendar → Upload from file. Browse to the .ics file, select a destination calendar and choose Import.
Outlook import instructions ↗These are all-day season-date entries, not shooting-hour reminders or a live subscription. Check Georgia DNR before hunting. Remove old entries before importing an overlapping replacement to avoid duplicates.
GEORGIA · MATCHING DATES
Your Georgia hunting calendar
Showing Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 through Nov. 10, 2026. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are highlighted.
- DeerArchery / crossbow · either sexWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerExtended archery / crossbow · either sexWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerSouthwest archery · either sexWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerYellow county schedule · Firearms bucks onlyWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerCyan county schedule · Firearms either sexWednesday closedThursday closedFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerOrange county schedule · Firearms either sexWednesday closedThursday closedFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerGreen county schedule · Firearms either sexWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerCounty-area firearms · either sexWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerForsyth south of Hwy 20 · either sexWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerMagenta county schedule · Firearms either sexWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- Small gameSquirrelWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- Small gameRuffed grouseWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- Migratory birdsKing / clapper railsWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- Migratory birdsSora / Virginia railsWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- Migratory birdsCrowWednesday closedThursday closedFriday closedSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersRaccoonWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersOpossumWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersCoyoteWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersFeral hogWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersBeaverWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersNutriaWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersArmadilloWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersGroundhogWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersRaccoon · public-land referenceWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- FurbearersOpossum · public-land referenceWednesday openThursday openFriday openSaturday openSunday openMonday openTuesday open
- DeerCyan county schedule · Firearms bucks onlyWednesday openThursday openFriday closedSaturday closedSunday closedMonday closedTuesday closed
- DeerOrange county schedule · Firearms bucks onlyWednesday openThursday openFriday closedSaturday closedSunday closedMonday closedTuesday closed
County and statewide reference dates only. WMA, quota and zone hunts can differ. Year-round entries are clipped to this guide period. Permit and local hunts require confirmation.
PLAN THE WHOLE SEASON
Full season dates
Browse every listed Georgia season in the current guide. These dates stay complete when you change your trip dates above. Expand a species group to see each opening, closing and split-season gap.
Reference schedules: county, zone, equipment, land and eligibility rules determine which dates apply. Check the notes and official sources; unconfirmed schedules remain flagged.
Last checked: Nov. 2, 2026. Only confirmed dates from the current guide are shown; other schedules are marked for confirmation.
Deer
25 season entries
| Season | Dates | Where | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery / crossbow · either sexOpen now · through Jan. 10Bow / crossbow | Sept. 12, 2026 – Jan. 10, 2027 | Private land statewide Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Extended archery / crossbow · either sexOpen now · through Jan. 31Bow / crossbow | Sept. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | Private land statewide Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Southwest archery · bucks onlyClosed for 2026-27Bow / crossbow | Sept. 12 – Sept. 27, 2026 | Private land statewide Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Antlered bucks only under this entry; no antlerless deer. Up to 2 antlered deer across all seasons; one must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Southwest archery · either sexOpen now · through Jan. 31Bow / crossbow | Sept. 28, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | Private land statewide Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Primitive weapons - eligible countiesClosed for 2026-27Qualifying muzzleloader / air rifle / air bow | Oct. 10 – Oct. 16, 2026 | Private land outside archery-only counties and restricted county areas Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Youth firearms - primitive weapons weekClosed for 2026-27Legal deer firearm; county equipment restrictions apply | Oct. 10 – Oct. 16, 2026 | Private land outside archery-only counties and restricted county areas Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. Youth must be under 16; adult supervision and licensing requirements apply. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Primitive weapons - designated county areasClosed for 2026-27Qualifying muzzleloader / air rifle / air bow | Oct. 10 – Oct. 16, 2026 | Private land: Fulton south of Hwy 92; Forsyth north of Hwy 20; Glynn outside Jekyll Island Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Youth firearms - designated county areasClosed for 2026-27Legal deer firearm; county equipment restrictions apply | Oct. 10 – Oct. 16, 2026 | Private land: Fulton south of Hwy 92; Forsyth north of Hwy 20; Glynn outside Jekyll Island Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. Youth must be under 16; adult supervision and licensing requirements apply. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Primitive weapons - Forsyth south of Hwy 20Closed for 2026-27Muzzleloader only (south of GA Hwy 20) | Oct. 10 – Oct. 16, 2026 | Private land: Forsyth south of GA Hwy 20; shotgun / muzzleloader restrictions apply Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Youth firearms - Forsyth south of Hwy 20Closed for 2026-27Legal deer firearm; shotgun / muzzleloader only south of GA Hwy 20 | Oct. 10 – Oct. 16, 2026 | Private land: Forsyth south of GA Hwy 20; shotgun / muzzleloader restrictions apply Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. Youth must be under 16; adult supervision and licensing requirements apply. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Yellow county schedule · Firearms either sexOpens Nov. 28, 2026Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Nov. 28 – Nov. 29, 2026 Jan. 1, 2027 | Private land · Yellow map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Yellow county schedule · Firearms bucks onlyOpen now · through Nov. 27Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Oct. 17 – Nov. 27, 2026 Nov. 30 – Dec. 31, 2026 Jan. 2 – Jan. 10, 2027 | Private land · Yellow map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Antlered bucks only under this entry; no antlerless deer. Up to 2 antlered deer across all seasons; one must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Cyan county schedule · Firearms either sexOpens Nov. 6 (in 2 days)Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Nov. 6 – Nov. 12, 2026 Jan. 1, 2027 | Private land · Cyan map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Cyan county schedule · Firearms bucks onlyOpen now · through Nov. 5Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Oct. 17 – Nov. 5, 2026 Nov. 13 – Dec. 31, 2026 Jan. 2 – Jan. 10, 2027 | Private land · Cyan map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Antlered bucks only under this entry; no antlerless deer. Up to 2 antlered deer across all seasons; one must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Orange county schedule · Firearms either sexOpens Nov. 6 (in 2 days)Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Nov. 6 – Nov. 12, 2026 Nov. 20 – Nov. 26, 2026 Dec. 28, 2026 – Jan. 10, 2027 | Private land · Orange map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Orange county schedule · Firearms bucks onlyOpen now · through Nov. 5Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Oct. 17 – Nov. 5, 2026 Nov. 13 – Nov. 19, 2026 Nov. 27 – Dec. 27, 2026 | Private land · Orange map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Antlered bucks only under this entry; no antlerless deer. Up to 2 antlered deer across all seasons; one must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Green county schedule · Firearms either sexOpen now · through Jan. 10Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Oct. 17, 2026 – Jan. 10, 2027 | Private land · Green map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| County-area firearms · either sexOpen now · through Jan. 10Legal deer firearm, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Oct. 17, 2026 – Jan. 10, 2027 | Fulton south of Hwy 92; Forsyth north of Hwy 20; Glynn outside Jekyll Island Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Forsyth south of Hwy 20 · either sexOpen now · through Jan. 10Shotgun / muzzleloader only; no rifles or handguns | Oct. 17, 2026 – Jan. 10, 2027 | Private land · Forsyth south of GA Hwy 20 Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Green county schedule · Firearms antlerless onlyClosed for 2026-27Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Oct. 3 – Oct. 4, 2026 | Private land · Green map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Antlerless deer only under this entry; no antlered deer. At most 10 antlerless deer across the season; all shared season limits apply.source · source |
| County-area firearms · antlerless onlyClosed for 2026-27Legal deer firearm, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Oct. 3 – Oct. 4, 2026 | Fulton south of Hwy 92; Forsyth north of Hwy 20; Glynn outside Jekyll Island Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Antlerless deer only under this entry; no antlered deer. At most 10 antlerless deer across the season; all shared season limits apply.source · source |
| Forsyth south of Hwy 20 · antlerless onlyClosed for 2026-27Shotgun / muzzleloader only; no rifles or handguns | Oct. 3 – Oct. 4, 2026 | Private land · Forsyth south of GA Hwy 20 Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Antlerless deer only under this entry; no antlered deer. At most 10 antlerless deer across the season; all shared season limits apply.source · source |
| Magenta county schedule · Firearms either sexOpen now · through Jan. 15Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Oct. 17, 2026 – Jan. 15, 2027 | Private land · Magenta map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
| Magenta county schedule · Firearms antlerless onlyClosed for 2026-27Legal deer rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader or qualifying air gun / air bow | Oct. 3 – Oct. 4, 2026 | Private land · Magenta map counties Private-land reference. Archery remains legal during primitive/firearms seasons under its own dates and sex rules. County antler restrictions and authorized local access still apply. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. National Forest and WMA dates/sex rules differ. | Antlerless deer only under this entry; no antlered deer. At most 10 antlerless deer across the season; all shared season limits apply.source · source |
| Dog deer · property permit requiredCheck Georgia DNRPermitted dog-deer hunting | Check Georgia DNR | Only authorized county portions and DNR-permitted properties County road/river boundaries, tract size, dog/vehicle identification and the property permit control this hunt. | Shared season limit: 12 deer, at most 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the 2 bucks must have at least 4 points (1 inch or longer) on one antler OR a 15-inch outside spread.source · source |
Turkey
4 season entries
| Season | Dates | Where | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring gobbler · private landOpens March 27, 2027Bow / crossbow, legal turkey shotgun or muzzleloader, qualifying .30+ air rifle / air bow | March 27 – May 15, 2027 | Private land statewide No fall turkey season is listed. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. Special-opportunity hunts require a licensed adult 18+ who may call but may not hunt. Public-area rules differ. | Gobblers only: 1 daily; 2 total per hunter per season, including special-opportunity harvests.source · source |
| Youth under 16 · special opportunityOpens March 20, 2027Legal turkey equipment | March 20 – March 21, 2027 | Private land; public land only if specifically authorized No fall turkey season is listed. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. Special-opportunity hunts require a licensed adult 18+ who may call but may not hunt. Public-area rules differ. | Gobblers only: 1 daily; 2 total per hunter per season, including special-opportunity harvests.source · source |
| Mobility-impaired · special opportunityOpens March 20, 2027Legal turkey equipment | March 20 – March 21, 2027 | Private land; public land only if specifically authorized No fall turkey season is listed. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. Special-opportunity hunts require a licensed adult 18+ who may call but may not hunt. Public-area rules differ. | Gobblers only: 1 daily; 2 total per hunter per season, including special-opportunity harvests.source · source |
| Spring gobbler · WMA / VPA / National Forest referenceOpens April 3, 2027Area-specific legal turkey equipment | April 3 – May 15, 2027 | Public lands; individual property schedules control No fall turkey season is listed. Record harvest before moving it and Game Check within 24 hours. Special-opportunity hunts require a licensed adult 18+ who may call but may not hunt. Public-area rules differ. | Gobblers only: 1 daily; 2 total per hunter per season, including special-opportunity harvests. On WMAs, VPAs and National Forests: at most 1 gobbler per area per hunter.source · source |
Ducks, geese & waterfowl
9 season entries
| Season | Dates | Where | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks & sea ducksOpens Nov. 21, 2026Legal waterfowl equipment; non-toxic shot | Nov. 21 – Nov. 29, 2026 Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. Confirm GA migratory-bird license, federal duck stamp, non-toxic shot and legal equipment. Lake access, setback distances, permits and public-area dates can differ. | 6 ducks daily combined, at most 4 sea ducks. Sublimits: 2 mallards (at most 1 hen), 1 black OR mottled duck combined, 2 canvasbacks, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 1 scaup and 3 wood ducks. Sea ducks: up to 3 eiders (at most 1 hen), 3 long-tailed ducks and 3 scoters within the combined limits. Harlequin closed.source · source |
| CootOpens Nov. 21, 2026Legal waterfowl equipment; non-toxic shot | Nov. 21 – Nov. 29, 2026 Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. Confirm GA migratory-bird license, federal duck stamp, non-toxic shot and legal equipment. Lake access, setback distances, permits and public-area dates can differ. | 15 daily.source · source |
| GallinulesOpens Nov. 21, 2026Legal waterfowl equipment; non-toxic shot | Nov. 21 – Nov. 29, 2026 Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. Confirm GA migratory-bird license, federal duck stamp, non-toxic shot and legal equipment. Lake access, setback distances, permits and public-area dates can differ. | 15 daily.source · source |
| MergansersOpens Nov. 21, 2026Legal waterfowl equipment; non-toxic shot | Nov. 21 – Nov. 29, 2026 Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. Confirm GA migratory-bird license, federal duck stamp, non-toxic shot and legal equipment. Lake access, setback distances, permits and public-area dates can differ. | 5 daily.source · source |
| September tealClosed for 2026-27Legal waterfowl equipment; non-toxic shot | Sept. 12 – Sept. 20, 2026 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. Confirm GA migratory-bird license, federal duck stamp, non-toxic shot and legal equipment. Lake access, setback distances, permits and public-area dates can differ. | 6 teal daily.source · source |
| Canada gooseReopens Nov. 21, 2026Legal waterfowl equipment; non-toxic shot | Sept. 5 – Sept. 27, 2026 Oct. 10 – Oct. 25, 2026 Nov. 21 – Nov. 29, 2026 Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. Confirm GA migratory-bird license, federal duck stamp, non-toxic shot and legal equipment. Lake access, setback distances, permits and public-area dates can differ. The current guide/flyer groups snow and white-fronted geese under a five-bird limit, while Rule 391-4-2-.43 shares five between Canada and white-fronted geese and lists snow geese separately. Confirm current combined limits with Georgia DNR before saving a goose hunt. | 5 daily; combined goose limits apply.source · source |
| Snow & white-fronted geeseReopens Nov. 21, 2026Legal waterfowl equipment; non-toxic shot | Oct. 10 – Oct. 25, 2026 Nov. 21 – Nov. 29, 2026 Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. Confirm GA migratory-bird license, federal duck stamp, non-toxic shot and legal equipment. Lake access, setback distances, permits and public-area dates can differ. The current guide/flyer groups snow and white-fronted geese under a five-bird limit, while Rule 391-4-2-.43 shares five between Canada and white-fronted geese and lists snow geese separately. Confirm current combined limits with Georgia DNR before saving a goose hunt. | 5 daily combined; confirm shared goose limits in the current guide.source · source |
| Youth under 16 waterfowl daysOpens Nov. 14 (in 10 days)Legal waterfowl equipment; non-toxic shot | Nov. 14 – Nov. 15, 2026 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. Confirm GA migratory-bird license, federal duck stamp, non-toxic shot and legal equipment. Lake access, setback distances, permits and public-area dates can differ. A licensed adult 18+ must accompany the youth and may not hunt. | 6 ducks daily combined, at most 4 sea ducks. Sublimits: 2 mallards (at most 1 hen), 1 black OR mottled duck combined, 2 canvasbacks, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 1 scaup and 3 wood ducks. Sea ducks: up to 3 eiders (at most 1 hen), 3 long-tailed ducks and 3 scoters within the combined limits. Harlequin closed. Coot/gallinules: 15 daily each; mergansers: 5 daily; goose limits still apply.source · source |
| Active duty / veteran waterfowl daysOpens Nov. 14 (in 10 days)Legal waterfowl equipment; non-toxic shot | Nov. 14 – Nov. 15, 2026 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. Confirm GA migratory-bird license, federal duck stamp, non-toxic shot and legal equipment. Lake access, setback distances, permits and public-area dates can differ.Confirm qualifying service and carry required licenses and proof. | 6 ducks daily combined, at most 4 sea ducks. Sublimits: 2 mallards (at most 1 hen), 1 black OR mottled duck combined, 2 canvasbacks, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 1 scaup and 3 wood ducks. Sea ducks: up to 3 eiders (at most 1 hen), 3 long-tailed ducks and 3 scoters within the combined limits. Harlequin closed. Coot/gallinules: 15 daily each; mergansers: 5 daily; goose limits still apply.source · source |
Small game & upland birds
4 season entries
| Season | Dates | Where | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SquirrelOpen now · through Feb. 28Legal species-specific hunting equipment | Aug. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Private land statewide Legal hours generally 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. These are hunting dates; falconry and trapping use separate rules. Local access and public-area dates must be checked. | 12 daily.source · source |
| RabbitOpens Nov. 14 (in 10 days)Legal species-specific hunting equipment | Nov. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Private land statewide Legal hours generally 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. These are hunting dates; falconry and trapping use separate rules. Local access and public-area dates must be checked. | 12 daily.source · source |
| Bobwhite quailOpens Nov. 14 (in 10 days)Legal species-specific hunting equipment | Nov. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Private land statewide Legal hours generally 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. These are hunting dates; falconry and trapping use separate rules. Local access and public-area dates must be checked. | Private land: 12 daily. On WMAs, VPAs and National Forests: 3 per person daily; check individual area rules.source · source |
| Ruffed grouseOpen now · through Feb. 28Legal species-specific hunting equipment | Oct. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Private land statewide Legal hours generally 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. These are hunting dates; falconry and trapping use separate rules. Local access and public-area dates must be checked. | 3 daily.source · source |
Doves & migratory birds
6 season entries
| Season | Dates | Where | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning / white-winged doveReopens Nov. 21, 2026Legal migratory-bird equipment | Sept. 5 – Oct. 11, 2026 Nov. 21 – Nov. 29, 2026 Dec. 19, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession is 3 times the daily bag where a daily bag applies. Confirm license and equipment requirements. | 15 daily combined mourning and white-winged doves.source · source |
| WoodcockOpens Dec. 5, 2026Legal migratory-bird equipment | Dec. 5, 2026 – Jan. 18, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession is 3 times the daily bag where a daily bag applies. Confirm license and equipment requirements. | 3 daily.source · source |
| Common / Wilson’s snipeOpens Nov. 15 (in 11 days)Legal migratory-bird equipment | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession is 3 times the daily bag where a daily bag applies. Confirm license and equipment requirements. | 8 daily.source · source |
| King / clapper railsOpen now · through Nov. 30Legal migratory-bird equipment | Sept. 11 – Sept. 14, 2026 Sept. 26 – Nov. 30, 2026 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession is 3 times the daily bag where a daily bag applies. Confirm license and equipment requirements. | 15 daily combined king and clapper rails.source · source |
| Sora / Virginia railsOpen now · through Nov. 30Legal migratory-bird equipment | Sept. 11 – Sept. 14, 2026 Sept. 26 – Nov. 30, 2026 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession is 3 times the daily bag where a daily bag applies. Confirm license and equipment requirements. | 25 daily combined sora and Virginia rails.source · source |
| CrowOpens Nov. 7 (in 3 days)Legal migratory-bird equipment | Nov. 7, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Private land statewide 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Possession is 3 times the daily bag where a daily bag applies. Confirm license and equipment requirements. | No daily limit.source · source |
Furbearers & feral hog
13 season entries
| Season | Dates | Where | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| RaccoonOpen now · through June 30Legal species-specific hunting equipment | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | Private land statewide No closed hunting season on private land. Night hunting permitted with the legal carried/attached light. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| OpossumOpen now · through June 30Legal species-specific hunting equipment | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | Private land statewide No closed hunting season on private land. Night hunting permitted with the legal carried/attached light. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| FoxOpens Dec. 1, 2026Legal species-specific hunting equipment | Dec. 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Private land statewide Night hunting permitted; legal light placement and equipment rules apply. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| BobcatOpens Dec. 1, 2026Legal species-specific hunting equipment | Dec. 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Private land statewide Night hunting permitted; legal light placement, equipment and applicable export-tag rules differ from trapping. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| CoyoteOpen now · through June 30Legal species-specific hunting equipment | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | Private land statewide Unprotected species; no closed season on private land. Night hunting allowed; electronic calls permitted. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| Feral hogOpen now · through June 30Legal species-specific hunting equipment | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | Private land statewide Private land: no closed season; night hunting allowed. Public lands use the open game season’s equipment and prohibit night hunting. Transport/release rules apply. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| BeaverOpen now · through June 30Legal species-specific hunting equipment | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | Private land statewide Unprotected species; no closed season. Confirm legal hours and equipment. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| NutriaOpen now · through June 30Legal species-specific hunting equipment | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | Private land statewide Unprotected species; no closed season. Confirm legal hours and equipment. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| ArmadilloOpen now · through June 30Legal species-specific hunting equipment | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | Private land statewide Unprotected species; no closed season. Confirm legal hours and equipment. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| GroundhogOpen now · through June 30Legal species-specific hunting equipment | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | Private land statewide Unprotected species; no closed season. Confirm legal hours and equipment. Year-round entries are clipped to the current guide period, July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Hunting and trapping are separate. | No limit.source · source |
| Raccoon · public-land referenceOpen now · through Feb. 28Legal species-specific hunting equipment | Aug. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Department-managed public lands; area rules control Public-area dates and night restrictions differ. Check the specific property. | No limit.source · source |
| Opossum · public-land referenceOpen now · through Feb. 28Legal species-specific hunting equipment | Aug. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 | Department-managed public lands; area rules control Public-area dates and night restrictions differ. Check the specific property. | No limit.source · source |
| Feral hog · public-land referenceCheck Georgia DNRLegal species-specific hunting equipment | Check Georgia DNR | WMAs / National Forests and other public lands No night hunting or hunting over bait on WMAs/National Forests. Confirm the specific open game season and area authorization. | No limit; area and open game-season equipment control.source · source |
Black bear (zone reference)
1 season entry
| Season | Dates | Where | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black bear · zone and tagging referenceCheck Georgia DNRLegal species-specific hunting equipment | Check Georgia DNR | Northern, Central or Southern bear zones only Northern dates follow the three deer equipment periods; Central gun Dec. 19, with a possible January day only if DNR opens it; Southern gun Sept. 17–19, Sept. 24–26, Oct. 1–3 and Oct. 8–10. Zone county boundaries, cub/weight prohibitions, dog restrictions and tagging deadlines differ. | 2 per season; at most 1 from Central/Southern zones combined.source · source |
Alligator (quota permit)
1 season entry
| Season | Dates | Where | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alligator · quota permitClosed for 2026-27Permitted capture and dispatch equipment | Aug. 14 – Oct. 5, 2026 | Authorized alligator zone and waters only Opens at sunset Aug. 14 and ends at sunrise Oct. 5; all-day dates do not establish hunting hours. Check the selected zone, quota permit, minimum length and legal methods. | 1 per quota permit holder; minimum lengths and zone conditions apply.source · source |
Year-round rules: Certain unprotected species, feral hog, raccoon and opossum have no closed private-land hunting season. Hours, equipment, access and public-land rules still apply.
BY SPECIES
Pick your species
DEER HARVEST & CWD
Testing and carcass disposal
The current CWD Management Area includes Atkinson, Berrien, Lanier and Lowndes. DNR strongly encourages voluntary testing of deer harvested there; check current sampling sites. A DNR-approved positive test can qualify for a deer bag-limit credit. This is not a mandatory-sampling calendar.
Statewide carcass-disposal requirements apply. Use an approved disposal method; imported deer parts also have restrictions. Record harvest before moving it and report through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours.
Source: Georgia DNR: current CWD Management Area ↗; Georgia DNR: CWD guidance and carcass disposal ↗; Georgia DNR: voluntary CWD testing locations ↗; Georgia guide: legal equipment, hours and Game Check ↗
CHECK BEFORE YOU GO
Local rules & source notes
- Choose the exact county and, in Fulton, Forsyth or Glynn, the hunt area. County choices do not grant access or override city, island, lake or property restrictions.
- The current guide’s extended-archery table says either-sex throughout, but southwest counties have an explicit Sept. 12–27 bucks-only exception. The specific exception is preserved.
- Some administrative-rule text omits counties shown by the current 2026–27 guide or uses conflicting youth wording. The current guide/map is documented alongside the law; special mobility and permit hunts remain guarded.
- WMAs, VPAs, National Forests, reservoirs, state parks, quota, dog-deer, bear and alligator hunts require their own verification. Falconry and trapping seasons are separate and are not automatic finder choices.
- The current guide/flyer groups snow and white-fronted geese under a five-bird limit, while Rule 391-4-2-.43 shares five between Canada and white-fronted geese and lists snow geese separately. Confirm current combined limits with Georgia DNR before saving a goose hunt.
Source: Georgia guide: county map and either-sex deer days ↗; Georgia guide: deer rules and county antler restrictions ↗; Georgia guide: public hunting and WMA requirements ↗; Georgia DNR: current alerts and closures ↗
WHERE THESE DATES COME FROM
Official sources
We compare Georgia DNR’s current guide, official season flyers and administrative rules. County exceptions and split dates stay separate. Missing or permit-dependent dates require confirmation. Sources are reviewed weekly, with editorial review before changes are published.
- Georgia DNR: hunting resources and current guides ↗
- Georgia DNR: current 2026–27 Hunting & Fishing Guide ↗
- Georgia guide: county map and either-sex deer days ↗
- Georgia DNR: 2026–27 migratory-bird season flyer ↗
- Georgia Administrative Rules: hunting regulations ↗
- Georgia DNR: current alerts and closures ↗
Last checked: Nov. 2, 2026. Saved calendar files and printouts do not update automatically. Report a change.