Don’t let the heat and humidity lull you into thinking hunting seasons are not right around the corner—we’re only six weeks from the start of squirrel season in Georgia!
Most Georgia counties are either-sex for deer—meaning antlerless deer can be taken—during the entire deer season. However, there are exceptions, particularly in north Georgia. As always, make sure to check the regulations and either-sex days before you pull the trigger on an antlerless deer. There are certain dates that are buck-only in some counties. See the doe-day map below.
Georgia’s archery season for deer opens Sept. 14, and the statewide gun season opens Oct. 19. This year’s deer season will close statewide on Sunday, Jan. 12. A significant recent change to Georgia’s deer season is in eight southwest Georgia counties, which now close on Jan. 15 each season. That’s only three days of difference this year, but based on how the calendar falls, it could be up to six additional days some seasons.
Those eight southwest Georgia counties also join a growing list of suburban counties that allow archery-only deer hunting until Jan. 31. The following counties allow either-sex, archery-only hunting for deer until Jan. 31: Baker, Barrow, Bibb, Chatham, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Decatur, DeKalb, Douglas, Early, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Grady, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Miller, Mitchell, Muscogee, Paulding, Richmond, Rockdale, Seminole and Thomas counties.
Turkey hunters will for the fourth straight season have a later opening day—March 29 on private land and April 5 on public land—and the season limit is again two gobblers, and there’s again a one-gobbler-per-day restriction. Make sure you’re not feeding deer—lots of turkey-baiting cases are made.
Click here to see the complete 2024-25 Georgia Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits, or look for a printed copy at license vendors. Hunters are responsible for knowing and abiding by seasons and limits or be subject to charges and fines.
For turkey hunters, springtime in Georgia signals that beloved turkey season is here again! Georgia offers excellent turkey hunting opportunities across the state. But when exactly are those spring turkey seasons? This guide covers everything you need to know about turkey season dates, permits, limits and regulations in Georgia.
Overview of Turkey Seasons
There is one main turkey season in Georgia:
- Spring Turkey Season – From late March through mid May annually. This is the primary turkey hunting opportunity.
Fall turkey hunting is very limited in Georgia. Only a handful of counties have a fall season from late October through January.
Georgia Spring Turkey Season Dates
For 2025, the statewide general Georgia spring turkey season runs from March 29 through May 15. Hunters can hunt turkeys statewide on private lands during this period.
On public lands, the season is a bit shorter, running from April 5 through May 15. The season is divided into multiple segments, with 1-2 weeks in between each segment.
There is also a special 2-day youth turkey hunt open statewide on March 22-23 This allows youth under 16 to hunt before the general season opens
Spring Turkey Permits & Limits
To hunt turkeys in Georgia hunters need a hunting license plus a turkey permit.
- Up to 2 gobbler permits can be purchased per hunter.
- Only 1 gobbler can be taken per day.
- Max of 2 gobblers total per season.
Licenses Required to Hunt Turkey
All turkey hunters in Georgia need:
- Valid hunting license – resident or non-resident adult license
- Turkey permit(s) for season hunting
Migratory bird permits are also required when hunting public lands.
Legal Hunting Methods for Turkey
- Shotguns – No larger than 10 gauge, with #2 or smaller shot
- Muzzleloaders – .36 caliber or larger
- Archery – Longbows, recurves, compounds, crossbows allowed
Tagging, Checking & Transporting
- All turkeys taken must be tagged immediately with hunters name, date etc.
- Turkeys must be checked online or by phone by 8pm on date of harvest
- It’s illegal to field dress a turkey before reporting it
Review all rules and regulations before the season.
Turkey Hunting Safety Tips
- Never stalk a turkey – set up a blind/decoys and call them in
- Don’t wear red, white or blue during turkey season
- Be sure of your target – confirm beard before shooting
- Watch out for aggressive toms during breeding season
Apply for Quota Turkey Hunts on Public Lands
Several WMAs in Georgia hold quota turkey hunts. You must apply in advance to participate in these public land hunts. Application dates are normally December – February.
Check the Georgia Hunting Seasons & Regulations guide for details on WMA turkey hunts. Apply early as these quota hunts fill up fast!
Enjoy the Turkey Season
Now you know when turkey season occurs in Georgia and how to prepare. Get your license and permits, pattern your shotgun, scout birds, set up blinds, and you’ll be ready for an exciting spring turkey hunt! Wishing you a safe and successful season.
- Spring Turkey Season: 7 times
- Fall Turkey Season: 2 times
- Public Lands: 5 times
- Spring Turkey Permits: 3 times
- Spring Turkey Limits: 2 times
Opossum & Raccoon (No Limit)
Private-Land: No Closed Season Public-Land: Aug. 15 – Feb. 28
2024-2025 Small Game & Other Seasons
Crow: Nov. 2 – Feb. 28
Fox & Bobcat: Dec. 1 – Feb. 28
Grouse: Oct. 15 – Feb. 28
Quail: Nov. 9 – Feb. 28
Rabbit: Nov. 16 – Feb. 28
Snipe: Nov. 15 – Feb. 28
Squirrel: Aug. 15 – Feb. 28
Woodcock: Dec. 7 – Jan. 20
Best PUBLIC LAND Turkey Season EVER IN GEORGIA!
FAQ
What are the Georgia hunting seasons?
- Archery (Either-Sex Statewide): September 14 – January 31.
- Primitive Weapons & Youth Only: October 12 – 18.
- Firearms (Bick Only Statewide): October 19 – January 12.
Is it legal to shoot a turkey off the roost in Georgia?
Hunters may use decoys, but they are not permitted to hunt turkeys with dogs, use recorded turkey calls or sounds, or shoot turkeys on the roost, or over bait.
Where is the best turkey hunting in Georgia?
Some of the finest Georgia turkey hunting can be found here at Gray Ghost Plantation in the state’s middle part. With a 90% success rate. Our Guides are the best callers in the business and cater to the turkey hunter one on one. Our turkey hunting in Georgia is some of the best in the region.
Do I need a hunting license to hunt on my own property in Georgia?
Resident Hunting, Combo or Sportsman’s License is required for all resident hunters 16 years of age or older, except when hunting or fishing on one’s own land or land owned by immediate family (blood or dependent relationship) residing in the same household.
When is turkey hunting season in Georgia?
Georgia’s statewide turkey hunting season is from March 30 to May 15, 2024 on private property and April 6 to May 15, 2024 on public hunting land. March 23–24, 2024 offers a great chance for youth (accompanied by legal guardians) and mobility-impaired people.
Is it legal to hunt turkeys in Georgia?
To hunt turkeys in Georgia, hunters must obtain the appropriate season hunting licenses as it is legal and ethical. The state prioritizes hunter safety and turkey sustainability, so all hunters must know and abide by the rules.
Are turkey hunters ready for a resurgence in Georgia?
Hunters should keep their ears open and be ready for more vocal activity in the coming years, signaling a potential resurgence in Georgia’s turkey population. While it may look like an average season overall for Georgia turkey hunters, success can vary by region. Some parts of the state experienced better poult production in 2023 than others.
Why is turkey hunting important in Georgia?
Turkey hunting is important in Georgia due to the state’s efforts to encourage youth participation. Georgia sets aside youth hunting days before the main season, providing young hunters with fewer pressures and more learning and success opportunities.
How do I apply for a turkey hunt in Georgia?
Georgia accepts applications for limited turkey hunts from June 1 through February 15. You must register and be selected to participate. You gain a choice point if you are not picked, which improves your likelihood of being chosen in subsequent seasons. A few days after the deadline, the Georgia DNR performs the selection and informs candidates.
Which Georgia counties harvest the most turkeys?
The Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain regions of Georgia have consistently produced the highest turkey harvests over the last two decades. But on a local level, several counties in northwest Georgia actually lead the statewide harvest. For detailed county-by-county turkey harvest data, check out Georgia DNR’s Interactive Turkey Harvest Map.