An official website of the State of Georgia.
2025–2026 Hunting & Fishing Regulations available now—plan your season!
Take a Stand Against CWD
Choose from four card design options!
NEWLY REVISED STRATEGY GUIDES CONSERVATION STATEWIDE
In addition to State regulations, the following Federal rules apply to the taking, possession, shipping, transporting, and storing of migratory game birds. This is only a summary. Each hunter should also consult actual Federal Regulations, which may be found in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20 (www.gpo.gov).
No person shall take migratory game birds:
GA law (Section 27-2-14) permits the release of pen-reared quail on private land for the purposes of training pointing, flushing and retrieving dogs. The only requirement is the possession of documentation showing proof of purchase for the birds being released. There is no closed season for training dogs on private land. Where quail are being released for the purpose of hunting, depending on the circumstances, a private or commercial shooting preserve license is required (Section 27-3-110).
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was initially discovered in Georgia in January 2025. CWD is a neurological disease of the brain and central nervous system affecting cervids (deer, elk and moose). It is always fatal and there are no current vaccines or treatments.
Georgia DNR has implemented the state’s CWD Response Plan and established a CWD Management Area (CMA), which includes the county where the positive samples were found and any county touching a 5-mile radius around the location. The current CMA includes Lanier, Berrien and Lowndes counties.
Feral hogs are an invasive species that can cause extensive damage to native flora and fauna, agricultural crops, livestock, forest regeneration, and the environment.
While sport hunting of feral hogs has become a popular recreational activity, it rarely is an effective tool for managing feral hog populations and damage caused by feral hogs.
Below are some excellent resources to familiarize yourself with the identification, biology, behavior, damage, and control methods of feral hogs.
No limit, no closed season.
Feral hogs may be hunted at night with a light (no voltage restriction), which is carried by the hunter or affixed to a helmet, hat or part of a belt system. Hunting over bait is allowed. No hunting from a vehicle.
Turkey Brood Survey
Coastal boaters are cautioned to be on the lookout after an earlier-than-normal sighting of North Atlantic right whales along the Georgia/South Carolina coast.
Waterfowl hunters will soon be able to return to their favorite spots!
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a public hearing on proposed changes to the state’s “Bird Island Rule” aimed at providing greater protection for seabirds
