Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
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.
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.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
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.
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.
Georgia Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
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.
Georgia Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Deer tag / permit
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
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.
Check the full Georgia license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Georgia with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
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
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.
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.