Georgia Bow Hunting: Season Dates & Public Land
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
September 13
Archery Season Close
January 13
Min Draw Weight
35 lbs
Resident License
$15/yr
Non-Resident License
$111/yr
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkey, Black Bear, Feral Hog
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
North Georgia mountains. Underutilized ridges produce quality bucks away from pressure.
Altamaha WMA
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Hog
South Georgia lowlands. River swamps and creek bottoms hold big deer.
Oconee WMA
Whitetail Deer, Turkey
Central Georgia. Mix of pine and hardwood with managed food plots.
⚖️ Georgia Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
- •Antler restrictions in some WMAs — check area-specific rules
- •Sunday hunting allowed
- •Electronic calls legal for coyotes, not for deer
💡 Expert Tips for Georgia
- →Georgia's rut varies dramatically — south GA peaks in late October, north GA in mid-November
- →National forest ridges in northeast GA see far less pressure than WMAs
- →Creek bottoms and swamp edges are deer highways in south Georgia
- →Turkey season in spring gives bowhunters a second season every year
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide
Georgia Bowhunting FAQ
What are the best WMAs for deer in Georgia?
Georgia's top WMAs for bowhunters include Altamaha (south Georgia swamp hunting), Ocmulgee (central Georgia river bottoms), and Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (managed hunts with quality bucks). The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest offers walk-in access across nearly 900,000 acres with less pressure than named WMAs.