Georgia Deer Hunting Firearms Season Begins
Anticipation is building as the opening of deer hunting firearms season in Georgia is just around the corner. Starting on Sat. Oct. 19, the season will run into January 2025, as announced by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
According to Charlie Killmaster, the state deer biologist for the Wildlife Resources Division, the outlook for this deer season is extremely promising. The success rates for hunters across the state are on the rise and the number of mature bucks hunters are bagging is at an all-time high.
Georgia’s Successful 2023-24 Firearms Deer Season
The 2023-24 firearms deer season saw close to 180,000 hunters reaping nearly 240,000 deer in Georgia. Managed deer hunting plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and vigor of Georgia’s deer population. It is also an excellent means to secure a sustainable, healthy source of local meat, whether for personal use or for charitable giving.
Expansion of Georgia Hunters for the Hungry
Aiming to mitigate agricultural damage and feed families in need of high-quality protein, the Wildlife Resources Division and the Georgia Wildlife Federation are broadening the Hunters for the Hungry Program®. Hunters can participate by locating a local participating processor or becoming a deer processor within the program themselves.
Public Hunting Opportunities in Georgia
The Georgia Wildlife Management Areas provide public access to almost one million acres for hunting. Hunters should check the current hunting guidelines for specific WMA dates and information.
Be aware that the Georgia DNR staff is diligently working to assess and reopen WMAs impacted by Hurricane Helene. Some open WMAs may have obstructions like fallen trees, blocked roads, and damaged bridges and culverts. Hunters are advised to use caution when hunting in these areas.
Legal Firearms and Harvest Limits for Georgia Deer Hunting
During the firearms season, hunters can use centerfire only, .22-cal. or larger firearms with expanding bullets, as well as all archery and primitive weapons. State law permits hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer, and no more than two antlered deer. Deer of either sex may be taken with archery equipment at any time on private land during the deer season. For more information, refer to the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations 2024-25 guidebook.
Georgia Deer Hunting Licenses and Harvest Reporting
Deer hunters in Georgia are required to have a hunting license, a big game license, and a current deer harvest record. Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, or via phone, or at a registered license agent. All harvested deer must be reported within 24 hours through Georgia Game Check, either via the Outdoors GA app, online, or by phone.
Hunters play a vital role in protecting the Georgia deer herd from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a deadly disease affecting deer. For more information on reporting and preventing CWD, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/cwd.
More Information on Georgia Deer Hunting
For additional details on deer hunting, including finding a meat processor, reviewing regulations, and maps, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/deer-info.
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