The Unlimited Quail Hunt '26

Big Game

In Georgia, white-tailed deer and wild turkey are the primary big game species statewide, along with black bear in certain regions.

There is no lottery needed for standard Deer or bear licenses – a Georgia hunter simply needs to buy a Big Game license (in addition to a base hunting license) to hunt deer or bear. All deer hunters must report each harvest through Georgia’s Game Check system (via app or phone) and tag the deer on their harvest record.

Turkey hunting in Georgia requires the Big Game license as well; the spring season bag limit is 2 gobblers, and like deer, all turkeys taken must be reported in Game Check. Georgia does not require a special permit for turkey beyond the big game license.

Alligator hunting is available by quota draw. Georgia conducts an alligator tag lottery – hunters must apply in summer, and if selected, are issued an alligator harvest permit for a specific zone and season (typically September). Alligator hunting is limited to Georgia residents (or non-residents with a Georgia sponsor) and has a one-gator per permit limit.

Black bear seasons are limited to certain counties; in those areas, a bear can be taken with the Big Game license (bag limit 1 bear/year, and bears must be checked at DNR check stations).

Bear hunting for non-residents is allowed (no draw, just the license), mainly in the mountains or swamps where seasons exist.

Small Game

A standard hunting license allows hunting of squirrels, rabbits, bobwhite quail, grouse, mourning doves, migratory birds, and waterfowl (as well as unprotected species like coyotes and armadillos).

Dove hunting is a popular season that opens in early September – no special permit needed except a free HIP registration for migratory birds.

Waterfowl hunting in Georgia requires a Georgia Waterfowl License (state duck stamp endorsement) and a Federal Duck Stamp. Georgia also requires a free Georgia Migratory Bird License (HIP) for any migratory bird hunting.

Documents Required

• A valid Georgia Hunting License (resident annual, non-resident annual or short-term as needed). This covers hunting of small game.
• A Big Game License endorsement (for deer, turkey, and bear).
• A free Harvest Record (obtainable online with your license) for recording any deer or turkey taken. You must log the kill on the harvest record and report it via Georgia Game Check within 24 hours.
• HIP registration (Harvest Information Program); a Georgia Waterfowl License and the Federal Duck Stamp, if needed
• If hunting on a WMA or other state-managed land, a WMA Permit may be required
• Hunter Education Certificate

Minimum Hunter Age

Georgia has no minimum age to hunt under supervision. Youth under age 16 do not need a hunting license to hunt in Georgia, provided they are accompanied by a licensed adult. At age 16, hunters must obtain their own license and must have completed a Hunter Education course

Georgia also offers an “Apprentice” hunting license for one-time use by those who have not completed Hunter Ed – this allows hunting under adult supervision for up to a year without the course.

More information

• georgiawildlife.com - Georgia Wildlife Resources Division