Georgia hunters, it’s almost time to head back into the woods.
The state's 2026-27 archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 12, kicking off another deer season across Georgia.
But before hunters grab their bows and head to the stand, there are several dates, rules and changes to know, including a new requirement for how deer carcasses and unused parts are disposed of.
Here's what Georgia hunters need to know.
When does deer season start in Georgia?
According to Georgia Outdoor News, here are the important dates to remember:
- Sept. 12: Archery season begins
- Oct. 3-4: Special antlerless-only firearms weekend
- Oct. 10-16: Youth firearms week
- Oct. 10-Jan. 10: Primitive weapons season
- Oct. 17-Jan. 10: Statewide firearms season
- Jan. 10: Statewide archery season ends
- Jan. 31: Extended archery ends in eligible counties
How many deer can you harvest in Georgia?
Georgia hunters can harvest up to 12 deer during the season, including no more than 10 antlerless deer and two antlered deer. At least one antlered deer must meet the state's minimum antler requirements, according to Huntwise.com.
What licenses do Georgia deer hunters need?
Georgia deer hunters need:
- A hunting license
- A big game license
- A current deer harvest record
Licenses
are available through Georgia's wildlife licensing system and license agents.
Hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1961, generally must complete hunter education before purchasing a hunting license, with certain exceptions.
Don't forget to report your deer
Georgia requires hunters to report every harvested deer through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours.
There's a new rule for deer carcasses
One of the biggest things hunters should know this season involves what happens after the hunt.
Georgia now requires proper disposal of deer carcasses and unused deer parts that are transported or discarded.
The DNRsays hunters can:
- Leave carcass parts on the property where the deer was harvested
- Take them to a commercial deer processor
- Use a permitted solid-waste landfill
- Use another disposal method allowed under Georgia law, such as deep burial or incineration
The rule is part of Georgia's efforts to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).
How many deer were harvested by archery hunters last year?
Georgia DNR says approximately 87,000 archery hunters harvested 42,000 deer last season.
The agency is also encouraging hunters to consider donating additional harvested deer through the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program, which helps provide venison to Georgia families while helping address crop damage caused by deer.
With opening day just days away, Georgia hunters have one final weekend to get their gear ready, review the rules and make sure their licenses and harvest records are in order.
For the full report, visit gon.com/hunting/2026-2027-ga-hunting-seasons-quick-guide.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia deer season starts soon. Start, end dates for archery, firearms
