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Georgia Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against GA Dept of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $12 · nonresident $100. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery (statewide framework)Sep 12, 2026Oct 9, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Extended Archery: Extended Archery countiesSep 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Primitive Weapons and Youth-Only Firearms (statewide framework)Oct 10, 2026Oct 16, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms (statewide framework)Oct 17, 2026Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Archery - Yellow zone: Deer - Yellow zone (private lands)Sep 12, 2026Oct 9, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Primitive Weapons - Yellow zone: Deer - Yellow zone (private lands)Oct 10, 2026Oct 16, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Yellow zone (first antlered-only segment): Deer - Yellow zone (private lands)Oct 17, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Yellow zone (either-sex days): Deer - Yellow zone (private lands)Nov 28, 2026Nov 29, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Yellow zone (second antlered-only segment): Deer - Yellow zone (private lands)Nov 30, 2026Dec 31, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Yellow zone (New Year's Day either-sex day): Deer - Yellow zone (private lands)Jan 1, 2027Jan 1, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Yellow zone (final antlered-only segment): Deer - Yellow zone (private lands)Jan 2, 2027Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Archery - Orange zone: Deer - Orange zone (private lands)Sep 12, 2026Oct 9, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Primitive Weapons - Orange zone: Deer - Orange zone (private lands)Oct 10, 2026Oct 16, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Orange zone (first antlered-only segment): Deer - Orange zone (private lands)Oct 17, 2026Nov 5, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Orange zone (first either-sex segment): Deer - Orange zone (private lands)Nov 6, 2026Nov 12, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Orange zone (second antlered-only segment): Deer - Orange zone (private lands)Nov 13, 2026Nov 19, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Orange zone (second either-sex segment): Deer - Orange zone (private lands)Nov 20, 2026Nov 26, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Orange zone (third antlered-only segment): Deer - Orange zone (private lands)Nov 27, 2026Dec 27, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Orange zone (final either-sex segment): Deer - Orange zone (private lands)Dec 28, 2026Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Archery - Green zone: Deer - Green zone (private lands)Sep 12, 2026Oct 9, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Primitive Weapons - Green zone: Deer - Green zone (private lands)Oct 10, 2026Oct 16, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Early Antlerless-Only Firearms - Green zone: Deer - Green zone (private lands)Oct 3, 2026Oct 4, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Green zone: Deer - Green zone (private lands)Oct 17, 2026Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Archery - Magenta zone (buck-only opening two weeks): Deer - Magenta zone (private lands)Sep 12, 2026Sep 27, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Archery - Magenta zone (either-sex segment): Deer - Magenta zone (private lands)Sep 28, 2026Oct 9, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Archery - Magenta zone (late segment): Deer - Magenta zone (private lands)Jan 16, 2027Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Primitive Weapons - Magenta zone: Deer - Magenta zone (private lands)Oct 10, 2026Oct 16, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Early Antlerless-Only Firearms - Magenta zone: Deer - Magenta zone (private lands)Oct 3, 2026Oct 4, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Magenta zone: Deer - Magenta zone (private lands)Oct 17, 2026Jan 15, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Archery - Cyan zone: Deer - Cyan zone (private lands)Sep 12, 2026Oct 9, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Primitive Weapons - Cyan zone: Deer - Cyan zone (private lands)Oct 10, 2026Oct 16, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Cyan zone (first antlered-only segment): Deer - Cyan zone (private lands)Oct 17, 2026Nov 5, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Cyan zone (either-sex segment): Deer - Cyan zone (private lands)Nov 6, 2026Nov 12, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Cyan zone (second antlered-only segment): Deer - Cyan zone (private lands)Nov 13, 2026Dec 31, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Cyan zone (New Year's Day either-sex day): Deer - Cyan zone (private lands)Jan 1, 2027Jan 1, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Cyan zone (final antlered-only segment): Deer - Cyan zone (private lands)Jan 2, 2027Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Archery - Gray zone (archery-only counties): Deer - Gray zone (archery only)Sep 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Dog-deer hunting (permit only) - group A: Dog-deer counties group ANov 26, 2026Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + DNR dog-deer permit
Dog-deer hunting (permit only) - group B: Dog-deer counties group BOct 17, 2026Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + DNR dog-deer permit
Dog-deer hunting (permit only) - group C: Dog-deer counties group COct 17, 2026Jan 15, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + DNR dog-deer permit
Dog-deer hunting (permit only) - group D: Dog-deer counties group DDec 5, 2026Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + DNR dog-deer permit

Eastern Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Special Opportunity Season (youth under 16 and mobility-impaired), statewide private landsMar 20, 2027Mar 21, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Spring Gobbler - private landsMar 27, 2027May 15, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Spring Gobbler - WMAs, VPAs and National ForestApr 3, 2027May 15, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery - Northern Zone: Northern Bear ZoneSep 12, 2026Oct 9, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Primitive Weapons and Youth-Only Firearms - Northern Zone: Northern Bear ZoneOct 10, 2026Oct 16, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Northern Zone: Northern Bear ZoneOct 17, 2026Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Central Zone (single day): Central Bear ZoneDec 19, 2026Dec 19, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Southern Zone (first segment): Southern Bear ZoneSep 17, 2026Sep 19, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Southern Zone (second segment): Southern Bear ZoneSep 24, 2026Sep 26, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Southern Zone (third segment): Southern Bear ZoneOct 1, 2026Oct 3, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record
Firearms - Southern Zone (fourth segment): Southern Bear ZoneOct 8, 2026Oct 10, 2026Hunting License + Big Game License + Harvest Record

American Alligator Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Quota hunt - all open zones (opens at sunset, closes at sunrise)Aug 14, 2026Oct 5, 2026Hunting License + Quota Alligator Harvest Permit + Harvest Record + CITES tag

Armadillo Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Unprotected species - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License

Beaver Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Unprotected species - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License

Bobcat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Statewide huntingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Unprotected species - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
StatewideNov 7, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Statewide (first segment)Sep 5, 2026Oct 11, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Statewide (second segment)Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Statewide (third segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License

Eurasian Collared-Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
No closed season, no limit (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License

Fox Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Statewide huntingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Gallinules Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Statewide (first segment)Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Statewide (second segment)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License

Groundhog Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Unprotected species - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
StatewideOct 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License
FalconryOct 1, 2026Mar 15, 2027Hunting License + Falconry Permit

Feral Hog Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Private lands - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License (not required on own or immediate family's land)

Mink Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Muskrat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Nutria Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Unprotected species - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License

Opossum Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Private lands - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License
Public landsAug 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License
Trapping - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Trapping License

River Otter Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Bobwhite Quail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
StatewideNov 14, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License
FalconryOct 1, 2026Mar 15, 2027Hunting License + Falconry Permit

Rabbit Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
StatewideNov 14, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License
FalconryOct 1, 2026Mar 15, 2027Hunting License + Falconry Permit

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Private lands - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License
Public landsAug 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License
Trapping - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Trapping License

Sora and Rails (King, Clapper, Sora and Virginia) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Statewide (first segment)Sep 11, 2026Sep 14, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Statewide (second segment)Sep 26, 2026Nov 30, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Falconry (first segment)Sep 5, 2026Sep 27, 2026Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Falconry (second segment)Oct 10, 2026Oct 25, 2026Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Falconry (third segment)Nov 14, 2026Nov 15, 2026Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Falconry (fourth segment)Nov 21, 2026Dec 6, 2026Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Falconry (fifth segment)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License

Skunk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Common (Wilson's) Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
StatewideNov 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License

Squirrel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
StatewideAug 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License
FalconryAug 15, 2026Mar 15, 2027Hunting License + Falconry Permit

European Starling, English Sparrow and Pigeon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Unprotected species - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting License

Duck, Goose & Waterfowl Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Ducks: Statewide (first segment)Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks: Statewide (second segment)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks: Falconry (first segment)Sep 5, 2026Sep 27, 2026Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Ducks: Falconry (second segment)Oct 10, 2026Oct 25, 2026Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Ducks: Falconry (third segment)Nov 14, 2026Nov 15, 2026Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Ducks: Falconry (fourth segment)Nov 21, 2026Dec 6, 2026Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Ducks: Falconry (fifth segment)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027Falconry Permit + Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Teal (early season): Statewide early teal seasonSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose: Statewide (first segment)Sep 5, 2026Sep 27, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose: Statewide (second segment)Oct 10, 2026Oct 25, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose: Statewide (third segment)Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose: Statewide (fourth segment)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose and White-fronted Goose: Statewide (first segment)Oct 10, 2026Oct 25, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose and White-fronted Goose: Statewide (second segment)Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose and White-fronted Goose: Statewide (third segment)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
American Coot: Statewide (first segment)Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
American Coot: Statewide (second segment)Dec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Youth, Active Duty Military and Veterans Waterfowl Days: Federal youth / military / veterans waterfowl daysNov 14, 2026Nov 15, 2026Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp (as applicable)

Weasel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
StatewideDec 5, 2026Jan 18, 2027Hunting License + GA Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with GA Dept of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
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