A Guide to Hunting in Georgia

There is nothing quite as rewarding as hunting out in the open wild. The sounds of nature surrounding you, the patient, peaceful waiting, and then the adrenaline of the spot. In Georgia there are a variety of places where you can bag a trophy animal. Whether you are in it for the thrill, the amazing taste of wild game, or the bonding experience with your loved ones, Georgia has it all.

Whitetail Deer in Northwest Georgia Mountains

This area of Georgia mountains has steep ridges and deep valleys. Berry College Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Rome boasts 15,585-acres and is home to two archery hunts as well as three firearms hunts. The success rate of these hunts was an outstanding 40%.

If you are looking elsewhere, Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA is another great location, although it had a only 14 percent success rate. Various seasons include:

• Archery: Either Sex, Sept. 14 - Oct 11, Statewide
• Extended archery either sex, ONLY for Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett & Rockdale Counties: Jan. 2 - 31
• Primitive weapons: Either sex, Oct. 12 - 18, Statewide
• Firearms - Northern Zone: Oct. 19 - Jan. 1
• Firearms - Southern Zone: Oct. 19 - Jan. 15

NOTE: New either sex days.

Black Bear in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Georgia is known for its vast forests and its fantastic black bear hunting. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the best place to bag one of these beasts, which can be a little dangerous. As with all other big game, a black bear can easily go from prey to attacker, so it is important to exercise the proper safety precautions.

The summer months in Georgia can be very hot and humid, making the Blue Ridge Mountains an ideal place for the bears to live. Various seasons include:

Northern Zone: Archery: Sept. 14-Oct. 11. Primitive Weapons: Oct. 12-18. Firearms: Oct. 19 - Dec. 1

Central Zone: Firearms: Dec.14

Southern Zone: Firearms: Sept. 26-28; Oct. 3-5; Oct. 10-12

Turkey Hunting in Georgia

Georgia is a great place to bag big turkeys, and is a great way to kick off a year of hunting, or introduce a young hunter to open season. These strong and power birds can be hunted all across the state of Georgia, especially Big Hammock which is situated in the middle of the state.

When: Statewide, March 22 - May 15

Gettin Gators at Lake Seminole

The Georgia Alligator is its own species, and is actually quite different than the American Crocodile. Still, the hunting of these animals has been greatly regulated to prevent over hunting. Most of the hunting takes place in southern Georgia where marshes and swamps are prevalent.

When to Hunt: Sept. 7- Oct. 6 - 1 per quota permit holder (Zone & Quota Limited).

Be prepared before you hit the Great Wilderness

You should always be fully equipped before you head out on your hunting trip. This includes everything from permits and licenses to your weapon of choice. It is also very important to be as safe as possible on hunting trips. Many people often think that getting attacked by a wild animal is the greatest danger in the wild, but it is actually getting lost. Consider using phone plans from Roadpost so you will always be able to contact help if you need to.