Atlanta isn’t the only attraction in Georgia. Acres of untouched land reach out inviting avid hunters into their living forests. The woods in Georgia are full of hunters, some hunched on the ground, some in roughly constructed tree stands, and some in luxurious tree stands that keep them toasty warm while they await their prey
Plan a hunting trip to Georgia and you’ll visit one of these greatest hunting sites in the southeast. There is no shortage of white tail deer in Georgia, though the hunting season is short, but other prey includes wild turkey, quail, duck, goose, pheasants and more.
Deer and Bear may be hunted from September 8 to October 12. This deadline is extended to October 19 with special considerations; please consult the Georgia DNR, Wildlife Hunting Seasons Dates and Limits for 2007-2008. Deer hunters are restricted to 12 deer per year, and must not shoot anything smaller than a four point deer.
Squirrels are fair game August 15 – February 20. There is a limit of 12 per day, which could be shot from any front porch in rural. November 3 – February 28 crows are in season. Georgians encourage you to visit and bag as many crow as you can handle. There is no limit on the number of crows you may hunt.
Wild turkeys are another plentiful fowl in Georgia. You have to plan well before Thanksgiving if you plan to bag a live turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkeys may only be hunted March 22, 2007 – May 15, 2007. There is a limit of 3 turkeys per hunter. It isn’t uncommon in rural areas, just outside of metro-Atlanta to see turkeys strutting around yards, and out into the streets, and this with Thanksgiving around the corner. Either turkeys aren’t very smart, or they realize they can’t be hunted this time of year.
Dove hunting is also popular in Georgia. The seasons for dove hunting vary throughout the year. The current schedule is September 1-15, October 6-15, and November 22 – January 5.
Fox and bobcat are not animals we like running around Georgia. They tend to contract and spread rabies. It seems as we encroach on their territory they are becoming more aggressive. Fox and bobcat catches are unlimited and hunting is allowed from December 1 – February 29.
October 15-February 29, grouse hunting is permitted. Grouse are similar to small brown turkeys and are hunted for food. They inhabit grassy and brush areas, and are best hunted with hunting dogs. The grouse limit in Georgia is three per day.
Marsh hens are also hunted for food. The hunting season for Marsh hens is extensive, as is the number of Marsh hens. Marsh hens may be hunted statewide from September 22- November 11, and November 17 – December 15. Marsh hens are a great way to stock the freezer, and with a limit of 15 a day, a decent hunter can stock up.
Quail and rabbit may be hunted November 17- February 29. There is plenty of time for quail and rabbit hunting. Opossum season, October 15 – February 29, coincides partially with quail and rabbit season. Hunters should feel free to bag an unlimited number of opossum and haul them out of Georgia. Otherwise, typical Georgia style, we will sit on the porch and shoot opossum as they creep into the yard at night. My beagles love to tree opossum, but I don’t care for the rabid, little creatures.
Raccoons are part of the same hunting season as opossum. There is a one per day limit in Northern Georgia and 3 a day in southern Georgia. I have a feeling if the DNR knew how many raccoons are eating out trash bins, they would increase the limit.
Woodcock, a type of wading bird, can be hunted December 15 – January 13. There has been controversy over the extinction of some woodcock varieties. These birds should be hunted with discretion. The abundance of other fowl in Georgia should encourage hunters to avoid Woodcocks. However, if you do hunt woodcock, the limit is three per day.
If you are ready for a challenging or unusual hunt, go on an alligator hunting between September 1 – October 7. Once considered endangered, due to encroachment in their habitat, conservation efforts have assisted the alligator population in once again reaching a viable level. Hunting is once again helpful. In fact, nuisance alligator agents remove approximately 400 alligators from human populated places in the state. Alligator hunters must use hands, ropes, and hooks. Alligator hunting is a very hands-on hunt. Alligator catches must be at least 48″ long and only one alligator may be caught per hunter. Applications to capture more alligators are available for serious alligator hunters.
Georgia is a great place to hunt. Generally, well over 300,000 hunters register in Georgia. If you decide to hunt in Georgia, do not try to skirt the law. The Department of National Resources patrols regularly for the protection of wildlife and hunters. They will check for proper license for everyone in the hunting group.
Hunting and fishing license are required in Georgia, and may be obtained on-line. Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website, as certain counties have implemented additional restrictions. Hunt legally and hunt safely.
Sources:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources: Hunting; Alligator Hunting Season 2007
Georgia Wildlife: General Info
WISCONSIN NATURAL RESOURCES: The practical grouse hunter
U.S. Geological Survey: American woodcock Scolopax minor
