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.
Georgia provides excellent turkey hunting opportunities across the state Both spring and fall turkey seasons give hunters a chance to pursue these wary birds But when exactly are the turkey seasons in the Peach State? This guide covers everything you need to know about Georgia turkey hunting dates and regulations.
Overview of Georgia Turkey Seasons
There are two main turkey hunting seasons in Georgia:
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Spring turkey season – The most popular season, open statewide. Runs from late March through mid May annually
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Fall turkey season – Less popular than spring. Includes a separate archery segment and limited firearm counties. Held in October/November.
Turkey hunting is managed with northern, southern, and central zones in Georgia. Permits, licenses, and regulations vary by season.
Spring Turkey Season Dates in Georgia
The spring turkey season is highly anticipated by Georgia hunters. Typical spring season dates are:
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Opening day – Late March on private lands, early April on public lands.
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Closing day – Mid May statewide.
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Youth season – Late March, just before opening day.
Check the Georgia DNR website each February for the upcoming year’s exact season dates, which are set annually.
Spring Turkey Permits, Licenses, and Limits
Spring turkey hunters will need:
- Hunting license or exemption
- Harvest record
- Permit – can be obtained over the counter
The 2025 spring limit is 2 gobblers total, with a 1 per day restriction. Shotguns and archery equipment are allowed.
Fall Turkey Season Dates in Georgia
The fall turkey season provides additional hunting opportunities. Typical dates are:
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Archery – Early October through January statewide.
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Firearm – Typically 2-3 days in mid/late October. Limited counties open.
Verify the exact 2025 fall turkey dates and details on the Georgia DNR website when they are released in summer 2024.
Fall Turkey Permits, Licenses, and Limits
Fall turkey hunters will need:
- Hunting license or exemption
- Harvest record
- Permit – over the counter for archery, lottery draw for firearm
Either sex turkeys can be harvested in the fall. See the Georgia hunting regulation guide for details.
More Turkey Hunting Tips for Georgia
Here are some additional tips for your spring and fall turkey hunting:
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Scout ahead of season to pattern flocks and locate roost sites.
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Use realistic turkey decoys and variety of calls to draw in birds.
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Conceal yourself well and minimize movements when birds are near.
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Learn safe practices for field dressing and processing harvested birds.
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Check Georgia DNR website for updated regulations before every season.
With excellent turkey populations and ample seasons, Georgia provides some of the best turkey hunting opportunities in the country. Carefully plan your hunt, obtain proper licenses well in advance, and use smart hunting strategies for an enjoyable time in the Georgia woods pursuing wild turkeys.
2024-25 Georgia Hunting Season Dates
Archery Sept. 14 – Jan. 12
Extended Archery* Sept. 14 – Jan. 31 Extended Archery (ONLY for 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) *Buck only for the first two weeks (Sept. 14-27) in Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Thomas and Seminole counties.
Youth Firearms Week Oct. 12-18
Primitive Weapons Oct. 12 – Jan. 12
Firearms Oct. 19 – Jan. 12 Firearms deer hunting is not allowed in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton (north of GA Highway 92), and that portion of Glynn County lying within Jekyll Island. In the portion of Forsyth County south of GA Highway 20, only shotguns and muzzleloaders may be used (no other firearms allowed).
Extended Firearms SW GA (Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Thomas and Seminole counties) Oct. 19 – Jan. 15
National Forest Deer Hunting Chattahoochee National Forest firearms deer season (outside of WMAs): Oct. 19 – Jan. 1. West of I-75, follow county either-sex days. East of I-75, entirely closed to antlerless deer hunting seasons, buck-only including during archery and primitive-weapons dates. Oconee NF firearms deer: Oct. 19 – Jan. 12. Either-sex days on Oconee NF (outside of WMAs): Nov. 2-3, Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, Dec. 28-29.
Early Teal Sept. 14-29
Canada Geese Sept. 7-29; Oct. 12-27; Nov. 23 – Dec. 1; Dec. 7 – Jan. 26
Duck Nov. 23 – Dec. 1; Dec. 7 – Jan. 26
Youth/Military Waterfowl Nov. 16-17
Bear Northern Zone Archery Sept. 14 – Oct. 11 Primitive Weapons Oct. 12-18 *During the northern zone primitive weapons season, only youth may use any firearm legal for deer. Firearms Oct. 19 – Jan. 12
Bear Central Zone Firearms Dec. 14 **A second day may be offered in the Central Bear Zone; details after December 23, 2024.
Bear Southern Zone Firearms Sept. 19-21; Sept. 26-28; Oct. 3-5; Oct. 10-12
Kids, Mobility Impaired: March 22-23 Private-Land: March 29 – May 15 Public-Land: April 5 – May 15 * Two gobbler per season limit; one-gobbler-per-day restriction.
Zone & Quota Limited Aug. 16 (sunset) – Oct. 7 (sunrise)
Sept. 7 – Oct. 13; Nov. 23 – Dec. 1; Dec. 19 – Jan. 31
Opossum & Raccoon (No Limit)
Private-Land: No Closed Season Public-Land: Aug. 15 – Feb. 28
Best PUBLIC LAND Turkey Season EVER IN GEORGIA!
FAQ
What are the hunting seasons in Georgia?
- Turkey: Early April to mid-May
- Dove: Early September to mid-October, late November, and mid-December to late January
- Falconry: Early October to mid-March
- Waterfowl (geese): Early to late September, mid to late-October, late November, and mid-December to late January
- Waterfowl (ducks): Late November, mid-December to late January
- Fox & Bobcat: December 1–February 28
- Grouse: October 15–February 28
- Sora & Rails: September 16–23, October 15–December 15
- Archery: September 14–January 12
- Primitive Weapons: October 12
- Firearms: October 19
What is the limit on turkey season in Georgia 2024?
“ The daily and season bag limits are one gobbler may be taken per hunter per day, and a season total of two gobblers. On WMAs and National Forest land (outside of WMAs), the bag limit is one gobbler per area.
Can you bait turkeys in Georgia?
- It’s illegal to place or scatter bait, such as corn, wheat, apples, or salts, in areas where hunters are or will be hunting.
- This includes baiting game birds or game animals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are there any public land turkey hunting opportunities in Georgia?
For example, more turkeys were killed on the Chattahoochee National Forest than any other public land, but when you consider the massive size of the forest, other WMAs actually produce more turkeys per acre. As I mentioned earlier, many of Georgia’s best public land turkey hunting opportunities are quota hunts.
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.