The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division announced the opening Tuesday, October 13, while reminding hunters to review licensing requirements, harvest limits and firearm safety rules before heading into the woods.

During the 2025-2026 firearms deer season, approximately 200,000 hunters harvested an estimated 250,000 deer across Georgia. State wildlife officials say regulated hunting helps maintain a healthy deer population while providing a source of locally harvested meat for families.

“Georgia continues to produce outstanding bucks every year, a testament of how well hunters and landowners have managed deer,” said Charlie Killmaster, the Wildlife Resources Division’s state deer biologist.

What Georgia Hunters Need to Know About the 2026 Season

Hunters planning to participate this season should make sure they understand Georgia’s deer hunting rules, including the number of deer they may harvest, the firearms permitted and the reporting requirements.

Under state regulations, hunters may harvest up to 10 antlerless deer and no more than two antlered deer during the season. At least one of the two antlered deer must have either a minimum of four points, each at least one inch long, on one side of its antlers or an outside antler spread of at least 15 inches.

For most hunters, the deer season ends January 10, 2027. However, certain counties have extended firearms or archery seasons, so hunters should consult the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations 2026-2027 guidebook before planning a trip.

During firearms season, legal firearms include centerfire firearms of .22 caliber or larger using expanding bullets, along with weapons permitted during archery and primitive weapons seasons.

Hunters may also take deer of either sex with archery equipment on private land during the primitive weapons and firearms deer seasons, subject to applicable regulations.

Hunting Licenses and Deer Harvest Reporting

Georgia deer hunters must have a valid hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record.

Licenses are available online through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by calling 1-800-366-2661 or through an authorized license agent.

Hunters must report every harvested deer through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours. Reports can be submitted through the Outdoors GA mobile app, online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com or by calling 1-800-366-2661. The state says the app works even when cellular service is unavailable.

Hunters should also review county-specific regulations and public-land requirements before visiting a hunting area.

Nearly 1 Million Acres Available for Public Hunting

Hunters who do not have access to private property can explore Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas, which collectively offer access to nearly 1 million acres of public hunting opportunities.

However, hunting dates and requirements can vary by management area. Hunters should check the current regulations and individual property information before visiting.

Maps, deer hunting information, season details and other resources are available through the state’s deer hunting information page.

Hunters Encouraged to Donate Deer to Help Georgia Families

Georgia is also expanding its Hunters for the Hungry program, a partnership involving the Wildlife Resources Division and the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

The initiative connects hunters with participating deer processors to help provide venison to families in need while supporting efforts to reduce agricultural damage caused by deer.

Killmaster encouraged hunters to consider harvesting an additional antlerless deer for the program, noting that each donated deer can provide enough protein for more than 100 meals.

Hunters interested in participating can find a processor or learn how to become a participating processor through the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

Deer Hunters Asked to Help Monitor Chronic Wasting Disease

Georgia wildlife officials are asking hunters who harvest deer in Atkinson, Berrien, Lanier and Lowndes counties to help monitor chronic wasting disease, commonly known as CWD.

Hunters in those counties are encouraged to have their deer tested by a participating processor or taxidermist, or to take the deer’s head to an approved freezer site.

Testing is not required for deer harvested in other Georgia counties, although testing is available statewide.

CWD is a contagious neurological disease affecting deer and other members of the deer family. Hunters can find information about testing locations, results and the state’s monitoring efforts at GeorgiaWildlife.com/cwd.

Georgia Officials Remind Hunters of Four Firearms Safety Rules

Along with the season announcement, the Wildlife Resources Division is reminding hunters to review four basic firearm safety rules before heading outdoors.

During the previous deer firearms season, Georgia recorded six firearms hunting incidents among approximately 200,000 participating hunters, according to the department.

Officials recommend remembering the four primary rules through the acronym ACTT:

• A — Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Never assume a firearm is unloaded, even when someone tells you it is.
• C — Control the muzzle at all times. Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
• T — Be certain of your target and what is in front of it and beyond it. Identify the target and what lies behind it before firing.
• T — Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Place your finger on the trigger only when you have made the decision to fire.

The department says these precautions are covered in hunter education courses and are important for reducing the risk of preventable accidents.

Additional information about hunter education and firearm safety is available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation. Hunters can also contact the Wildlife Resources Division’s Hunter Education office at 706-557-3355.

Where to Find Official Hunting Information

Before the October 17 season opener, hunters should verify the regulations that apply to their county, confirm their licenses and harvest records are current, and review reporting requirements.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources provides season dates, regulations, maps, public hunting area information and other resources through its official hunting resources page.

With an estimated 250,000 deer harvested during the previous firearms season, Georgia officials expect another busy season while encouraging hunters to prioritize safety, follow regulations and consider helping families in need through the Hunters for the Hungry program.