When does deer hunting season start in Georgia?

When Does Deer Hunting Season Start in Georgia?

Georgia is known for its rich deer hunting culture, with a long history of deer hunting dating back to the early days of the state. Deer hunting is a popular outdoor recreational activity in Georgia, attracting thousands of hunters each year. But when exactly does deer hunting season start in Georgia? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of deer hunting seasons in Georgia, highlighting the important dates, bag limits, and regulations that every hunter should know.

When Does Deer Hunting Season Start in Georgia?

The deer hunting season in Georgia typically starts in late September and early October, with the specific dates varying depending on the zone and type of deer hunted. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (DNR) regulates deer hunting in the state, and they provide detailed information on hunting seasons, bag limits, and regulations on their website.

Georgia Deer Hunting Seasons

Georgia is divided into six deer hunting zones, each with its own set of hunting seasons and regulations. The six zones are:

• Northern Zone: Zone 1
• North-Central Zone: Zone 2
• Central Zone: Zone 3
• South-Central Zone: Zone 4
• Southern Zone: Zone 5
• Coastal Zone: Zone 6

Here’s a breakdown of the deer hunting seasons by zone:

Important Notes:

• Antlerless deer hunting seasons typically run for a longer period than antlered deer hunting seasons.
• Youth-only deer hunting days may be included in some zones, allowing young hunters (ages 11-16) to participate in hunting with a licensed adult.
• Bag limits, firearms restrictions, and other regulations apply to each zone.

Georgia Deer Bag Limits

The bag limit for deer hunting in Georgia is 2 deer per season, with a minimum antler requirement of 12 inches inside spread (minimum inside spread for archery and muzzleloader). Additionally, antlered deer must have at least 1 inch of brow tine to count towards the bag limit. Here are some specific bag limits for each zone:

Additional Regulations:

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• No doe hunting during firearms season: Only antlerless deer may be harvested during archery and muzzleloader seasons.
• Hunters must check deer at a check station or through the online reporting system: Failure to report deer harvested may result in loss of hunting privileges.
• No hunting on Sunday: Deer hunting is not allowed on Sundays, with the exception of special events and youth-only days.

Conclusion

Georgia offers a wide range of deer hunting opportunities, with various seasons and regulations to cater to different types of hunters. Understanding the specific rules and regulations for your hunting zone is crucial to a successful and enjoyable deer hunting experience in Georgia. Always follow safety guidelines, and practice responsible hunting practices to help conserve Georgia’s deer populations. Happy hunting!