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GA

Deer Hunting in Georgia: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)

Deer hunting in Georgia starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.

Resident Tag $40 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $325 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 13 – Oct 10 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER

Georgia Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer

Start here for Georgia deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.

Resident Deer Tag $40

Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.

Non-Resident Deer Tag $325

Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.

Access Type OTC access

Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.

Primary Season Sep 13 - Oct 10

Archery; also check Primitive Weapons.

For Georgia deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Annual hunting license plus Big Game license is the deer access cost; free Harvest Record still required for deer reporting. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Georgia, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.

OVERVIEW

Deer Hunting in Georgia

Georgia deer access is not a free deer tag attached to the base hunting license. Adult residents generally budget for the $15 annual hunting license plus the $25 Big Game license, while non-residents generally budget for the $100 annual hunting license plus the $225 non-resident Big Game license. The deer/turkey Harvest Record itself is free, but it is a reporting credential layered on top of the required hunting and Big Game privileges. Georgia allows a 12-deer season limit, with no more than 2 antlered bucks and a statewide rule that at least one buck have 4 points on one side or a 15-inch spread. CWD has been detected in south Georgia, and hunters should follow the current CWD Management Area guidance, voluntary testing options, carcass transport rules, and Georgia Game Check reporting requirements.

Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS

Georgia Deer Season Dates (2026)

All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.

Season Type Start Date End Date Weapon
Archery Sep 13 Oct 10 Bow and crossbow
Primitive Weapons Oct 11 Oct 17 Muzzleloader, bow
Firearms Oct 18 Jan 11 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow, handgun
Youth Deer Weekend Sep 6 Sep 7 Any legal weapon; ages 10-15
Extended Archery (select counties) Jan 12 Jan 31 Bow and crossbow; either-sex; specific counties only
Extended Firearms (SW GA counties) Oct 18 Jan 15 Any legal weapon; Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Thomas counties
Multiple Seasons

Georgia offers 6 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.

COSTS

Georgia Deer Tag Fees

Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.

Resident
$40

Deer tag / permit

Non-Resident
$325

Over-the-counter tag available

Annual hunting license plus Big Game license is the deer access cost; free Harvest Record still required for deer reporting

PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP

Choose the right Georgia deer planning path

Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.

REGULATIONS

CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Georgia

Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.

CWD Status

Detected

Lanier County, Berrien County, Lowndes County, Atkinson County

CWD Testing / Transport

CWD detected

Zones: Lanier County, Berrien County, Lowndes County, Atkinson County

Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.

Bag Limit

Daily: 1 · Season: 12 total (2 antlered, 10 antlerless)

One antlered buck must have ≥4 points per side or ≥15-inch spread. All harvests must be reported via Georgia Game Check within 24 hours

Allowed Weapons

Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader

Official Source

Always verify current regulations with the official source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.

FAQ

Deer Hunting in Georgia — FAQ

Is CWD testing mandatory in Georgia?

No, but it is strongly encouraged, especially if hunting within the CWD Management Area (Lanier, Berrien, Lowndes, Atkinson counties) established after the disease was detected in late 2024.

What are the antler restrictions?

Hunters may take 2 bucks per season. Statewide, at least one of those bucks must have 4 points (1 inch+) on one side, or an outside spread of 15 inches. Certain counties have stricter regulations.

Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Georgia?

No, Georgia offers over-the-counter (OTC) deer tags that can be purchased without a draw. Some special hunts or antlerless permits may require a separate lottery.

What deer species can I hunt in Georgia?

Georgia is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.

Can non-residents hunt deer in Georgia?

Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Georgia. A typical adult non-resident deer setup is the $100 annual hunting license plus the $225 Big Game license, for $325 before any WMA or other optional access costs. The Harvest Record is free but still required for deer reporting.

Plan Your Georgia Deer Hunt

Compare deer hunting costs, get the tag you need, and learn the regulations for Georgia.