Georgian culture includes hunting in various ways. It is essential to have a hunting license because it promotes the preservation of Georgia’s natural resources. Hunting and fishing permit sales support animal areas, alien species control, and hunter education.
Georgia requires hunters to have a valid hunting license. The License needed depends on location, desired activities, age, and licensee duration. Georgia hunters can hunt deer, turkey, bear, wild hog, and alligator, but each county has different rules and hunting seasons. Hunting licenses are not needed for youth under 15, but adult supervision is required.
To decide which License you might need, you must review the information available on Georgia’s hunting seasons, including the deer and other big game seasons, which provide details on rules, regulations, and hunting dates.
| GA Hunting License Info | Information |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fees | • Online recreational license transaction fee: $3.00. • Online boat registration transaction fee: $10.00. • Optional hard card price: $6.00. • State transactional discount for renewing certain licenses before expiration: $3.00. |
| Buy a Recreational License | • Options to purchase licenses, stamps, and passes online or find an agent for purchase. • Phone number 1-800-366-2661 for speaking with a local representative. |
| Other Licenses/Permits | • Information on commercial licenses for fishing, trapping, and other fish wildlife commercial operations. • Special permits required for exotic and most native species of wildlife. • Links to applications & forms for various licenses, including lifetime licenses and disability licenses. |
| Contact Information | • For questions, contact DNR at 1-800-366-2661. |
Hunting License for Georgia
General Hunting License
| Georgia Hunting License | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | USD 15.00 | USD 100.00 |
| One-Day Annual Hunting License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | Three-Year | USD 20.00 |
| Additional Day Annual Hunting License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | Three-Year | USD 6.00 |
| Annual Senior Sportsman’s License (65+); also see lifetime licenses | USD 7.00 | Not Available |
| Annual Big Game License | USD 25.00 | USD 225.00 |
| One-Day Big Game License | USD 10.00 | USD 130.00 |
| Additional Day Big Game License | USD 2.00 | USD 8.00 |
| Annual Harvest Record – Alligator, Bear (Northern Zone), Deer & Turkey (Mar. - Feb.) | FREE | FREE |
| Seasonal Quota Alligator Harvest Permit | USD 75.00 | USD 250.00 |
| Seasonal Trapping License | USD 40.00 | USD 325.00 |
| Two-Year Shooting Preserve License | USD 12.00 | USD 12.00 |
| Annual Georgia Waterfowl and Migratory Bird License (Mar. - Feb.) | USD 5.00 | USD 5.00 |
| Annual Disability Hunting License | USD 3.00 | Not Available |
| Three-Year Disability Hunting License | USD 9.00 | Not Available |
Combo Hunting & Fishing License
| Combo Hunting & Fishing License | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Combo Hunting & Fishing License | USD 30 | USD 150 |
| One-Day Combo Hunting & Fishing License | USD 5 | USD 30 |
| Combo Hunting & Fishing License | USD 1 | USD 10 |
| One-Day Apprentice Hunting & Fishing License | USD 5 | USD 30 |
| Additional Day Apprentice Hunting & Fishing License | USD 1 | USD 10 |
Sportsman’s Licenses
| Sportsman's Licenses | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Sportsman’s License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | $65.00 | $400.00 |
| One-Day Sportsman’s License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | $25.00 | $170.00 |
| Additional Day Sportsman’s License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | $3.00 | $20.00 |
| Multi-Yea Optional Youth Sportsman’s License (Residents 15 and under) | $15.00 | Not Offered |
| Annual Non-resident Youth Sportsman’s License (Nonresidents 15 and under) | – | $50.00 |
| Annual Senior Sportsman’s License (Residents 65+); also see lifetime licenses | $7.00 | Not Offered |
| One-Year One-Time Honorary Veteran’s License | FREE | Not Offered |
| Annual Disability Sportsman’s License | $5.00 | Not Offered |
| Three-Year Annual Disability Sportsman’s License | $15.00 | Not Offered |
Lifetime Licenses
| Lifetime Licenses | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Lifetime Sportsman’s License for (Age Under 2) | USD 500 | USD 500 |
| Youth Lifetime Sportsman’s License (Age 2-15) | USD 600 | NA |
| Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s License (Age16-49) | USD 750 | NA |
| Older Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s License (Age 50-59) | USD 375 | NA |
| Senior Discount Lifetime Sportsman’s License (Age 60-64) | USD 315 | NA |
| Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License (Age 65+) | USD 70 | NA |
| Senior Lifetime Hunting License (Age 65+) | USD 35 | NA |
| Senior Lifetime Fishing License (Age 65+) | 35 | NA |
| Free Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License (born on or before June 30, 1952) | FREE (Refer to Hunting Licenses) | NA |
| Military and Veterans Lifetime Sportsman’s License | USD 600 | NA |
| Non-resident Grandchild Lifetime Sportsman’s License (Age 2-15) | USD 1500 | |
| Shooting Preserve Lifetime License | USD 75 | USD 75 |
Fishing license
| Fishing License | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | USD 15.00 | USD 50.00 |
| One-Day Annual Fishing License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | Refer to combo | USD 10.00 |
| Additional Annual Fishing License (Residents 16-64; All non-residents) | Refer to combo | USD 3.50 |
| Multi-Year Optional Youth Fishing License (12-15) | USD 10.00 | NA |
| Annual Senior Sportsman’s License (65+); also see lifetime licenses | USD 7.00 | NA |
| Annual Trout License | USD 10.00 | USD 25.00 |
| One-Day Trout License | USD 5.00 | USD 10.00 |
| Additional Trout License | USD 1.00 | USD 2.00 |
| Annual SIP Permit | FREE | FREE |
| Seasonal Commercial Fishing License | USD 20.00 | USD 200.00 |
| Annual Disability Fishing License | USD 3.00 | NA |
| Three-Year Disability Fishing License | USD 9.00 | NA |
Disability Hunting Licenses
Since yearly disability licenses require annual document submission, three-year licenses are suggested. The three-year License saves $6 because it only needs one document submittal and no transaction fees.
| Disability Licenses | Fees |
|---|---|
| Resident Sportsman’s License | |
| Annual | $8.00 ($5.00 + $3.00) |
| Three-Year | $18.00 ($15.00 + $3.00) |
| Resident Hunting License | |
| Annual | $6.00 ($3.00 + $3.00) |
| Three-Year | $12.00 ($9.00 + $3.00) |
| Resident Fishing License | |
| Annual | $6.00 ($3.00 + $3.00) |
| Three-Year | $12.00 ($9.00 + $3.00) |
Note: A transaction fee of $3 is added to all the disability licenses above.
Become a WRD License Agent
| Become a WRD License Agent |
|---|
| Email: [email protected] |
| Phone Support: 855-502-6358 |
How can I buy a hunting license in Georgia?
Both residents and nonresidents of Georgia have several choices for purchasing hunting licenses. Depending on your age, location, and sort of game, different hunting licenses may be required. This guide explains how to buy a hunting license in Georgia. First, figure out from above which License you may need as per the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Visit the Georgia DNR page to determine your License.
Purchase your License online: The Go Outdoors Georgia website or the Georgia DNR website both offer internet hunting registration sales. Online transactions have a $3 processing charge.
Purchase your License in person: You can go to a licensed dealer if you’d instead buy your shooting ticket in person. These dealers can be found all over Georgia, and the Go Hunt Georgia website has a comprehensive inventory of suppliers.
Purchase your License by phone: Call 1-800-366-2661 to order a hunting registration over the phone. The processing cost for phone purchases is $5.
Download Disability Hunting License Application Form
Requirements for a hunting license in Georgia
Hunting, residence, and age determine requirements. Georgia hunters need Wildlife Resources Section licenses. A hunter education course, ID, and SSN are required for a hunting pass. Georgia gives free and paid hunting permits in exchange. State land hunting and angling require a pass or Parks Pass. 16- and 17-year-olds need IDs and passes like adults. Hunting in certain areas requires additional licenses.
The qualifying requirements for a hunting license in Georgia are described below.
Residents Requirements
Hunting License: Hunting licenses are available to 16-64-year-olds. Young Sportsman’s Licenses are elective for 15-year-olds. A hunter education school is required for a yearly or longer hunting license.
Combo Hunting & Fishing License: An yearly combo hunting and fishing ticket for Georgians 16–64 provides essential hunting and fishing rights. The yearly or more extended License requires a hunter education course.
Apprentice Combo Hunting & Fishing License: The Apprentice Combo Hunting & Fishing License lets 16-year-olds without hunter schooling try hunting without an approved hunter. Mentors or approved hunters should teach hunting. Anyone over 16 can buy one-day trainee permits, and there is no limit. Ten successive one-day permits can be piled.
Sportsman’s License: Resident hunters 16–64 can get a Sportsman’s Pass. This ticket covers state-paid hunting and fishing rights except for the Alligator Harvest Pass. The ticket covers hunting, big game, Georgia Migratory Bird Pass, trout, and salt and freshwater fishing. The complimentary Deer, Turkey, Alligator, Bear Harvest Records (Northern Zone only), Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp, free yearly Saltwater Information Program (SIP) pass for seawater angling, and $25 Federal Duck Stamp may be needed for certain activities. A yearly or longer Sportsman’s License requires a hunter education course.
Senior Hunting License: Local Game permits are reduced for seniors over 65. The yearly pass is free for elders born before July 1, 1952. This pass does not include a big game or waterfowl and migrating bird stamps. Other lifelong licenses are available.
Sportsman’s License: Georgia gives reduced Sportsman’s permits to elders (65+) born on or after July 1, 1952, with lifelong ($70) or yearly ($7) choices. Seniors born before July 1, 1952, receive free lifelong licenses.
GA fishing license for senior citizens: A reduced Resident Fishing License for seniors 65 and older do not cover trout fishing. Seniors born before July 1, 1952, can get a free lifelong pass and buy it annually.
Fishing License: Georgians 16–64 need a fishing pass to fish in fresh and saltwater. Saltwater fishing requires the free Saltwater Information Program (SIP) pass, while upland trout angling requires the paid Trout License. Fishing permits are yearly or short-term.
Optional Youth Fishing License: People under 15 can get an Optional Child Fishing License until they are 17. The License allows alpine fish.
Young Sportsman’s License: 15-year-old local hunters can get the Young Sportsman’s Pass. This hunting pass lasts until the youth’s 17th birthday. Hunting alone or after 16 requires hunter schooling. They’ll get a Sportsman’s License between 16 and 17. Harvest Records, Georgia Migratory Bird Stamps, Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permits, and Federal Duck Stamps may require free IDs.
Residence Proof: Georgia residents must show a driver’s License or formal GA ID card with a Georgia address to buy leisure hunting and fishing permits. One home means one state residency. Active-duty military people, their families, and nonresident full-time college students who live in Georgia and attend a Georgia school can buy resident leisure hunting and fishing licenses. Georgia citizens with a valid driver’s License or formal Georgia identity card given by the Department of Driver Services three months prior can buy a lifelong license, except for short-term permits issued under GA Code Section 40-5-21.1.
Landowners: Georgia resident landowners who hunt on their land or on land owned by their immediate family (living in the same household and blood relative or claimed as a dependent) are exempt from Georgia hunting and fishing license requirements but need a free Harvest Record (all ages) when hunting deer or turkey, a free Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp (16+ years old) when hunting migratory birds, and a Federal Duck Stamp ($25) when hunting ducks. Except for those allowing a 12-15-year-old to hunt on their land, they do not need hunter schooling.
Nonresident Requirements
Hunting Licenses: Nonresident 16-year-olds can buy a yearly hunting pass for fundamental rights. Annual or longer hunting permits require hunter education. Nonresidents under 15 must have this License to hunt big game, but not a license. To hunt deer, turkey, alligator, and bear in the Northern Zone, everyone needs a free Harvest Record. Location and sport may require extra permits like the Joint Hunting and Fishing Pass.
Sports License: Sportsman’s Licenses for nonresident hunters 16 and older grant all state-paid hunting and fishing rights except the Alligator Harvest Pass. This License is yearly or short-term. The Harvest Record for deer, turkey, alligator, and bear (Northern Zone only), Georgia Migratory Bird Pass, and Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit for seawater angling is additional free permits. Duck and goose hunting requires a Federal Duck Stamp.
Youth Sportsman’s License: Nonresident kids under 15 can hunt small games without a license, but they need an essential hunting permit for big games and a free Harvest Record for deer, turkey, alligator, and bear (Northern Zone only). State WMAs and PFAs don’t require permits. 15-year-olds can buy a $50 Nonresident Minor Sportsman’s Pass to hunt big game. They can use their young Sportsman’s pass for hunting and fishing until it ends. Youth license users need a free Migratory Bird Pass and SIP at 16.
Combo Hunting and Fishing License: 16-year-old nonresidents can buy a yearly mix hunting and fishing ticket. The License is yearly or short-term. This title requires hunters schooling. The free Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit for saltwater fishing, a Trout License for mountain trout fishing, a Big Game License and free Harvest Record for hunting deer, bear, and turkey, and a Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp for duck and goose hunting may be needed.
Apprentice Combo Hunting & Fishing License: The trainee pass lets 16-year-olds and older without hunter schooling try hunting. Though not needed, we suggest learning from a guide or licensed hunter. Unlimited one-day apprentice licenses can be stacked for up to 10 days. Location and sport may require extra permits like the Joint Hunting and Fishing Pass.
Fishing License: Nonresidents 16 and older must have a fishing ticket to fish in Georgia’s fresh and salt seas. The pass allows essential fishing. The free Saltwater Information Program (SIP) pass for seawater fishing and the paid Trout License for highland trout angling may be needed in addition to the Joint Hunting and Fishing License.
Landowners: Nonresident landlords and their foreign family members must obtain nonresident permits to hunt or fish in Georgia, but nonresidents under 16 can fish or kill small game without a license. Big game hunting is free for nonresidents under 16, but they must have an excellent transient hunting ticket.
License Regulations
• Hunters must get a free deer kill report, and Georgia Migratory Bird Pass each season. Georgia citizens can save $5 by buying a resident sportsman’s pass for $65/year, which covers hunting, big game, fishing in fresh and seawater, and trout fishing. Alligator licenses and federal bird stamps must be bought separately.
• The Apprentice Pass lets 16-year-olds hunt for one day without a hunter education school. This pass allows ocean and freshwater angling on WMAs and PFAs. One-day licenses cost $5, with $1 add-ons for up to 11 days. Big game licenses are needed to kill deer, turkey, and bear. Mountain trout fishing requires a trout ticket.
• Sportsmen can merge yearly hunting and fishing permits into a multi-year ticket. This removes utility costs and saves $3.00. It’s suitable for long-term hunters and anglers.
• Georgia citizens of all ages can purchase lifelong fishing and hunting licenses for a one-time fee. The Lifelong License meets all state license standards, but a federal duck stamp, Harvest Record, Georgia Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Stamp, and Coastal Information Program permit are still needed each season. Senior discount lifelong licenses cost $70 for a lifetime of full-privilege state cards for citizens 65 and older. These permits make great gifts for sportsmen and kids.
• Georgia gives a free Resident Lifelong Fishing License to blind people. This card requires a recent Physician’s Confirmation of Total Blindness and a handicap application mark. Candidates must also submit a Veterans Affairs letter certifying 100% disability or a Social Security Administration Notice of Prize Letter from the past year. A copy of the applicant’s Georgia driver’s License or formal Georgia ID card is also needed to prove residency. Request a Notice of Prize Letter from the Social Security Bureau at 1-800-772-1213 to get the License. Georgia permits are sold online, by phone, and at license agents.
• Georgia hunters and anglers may need the free state catch record, Georgia Migratory Bird Stamp, SIP License for sea fishing, or federal duck stamp. Online, phone, or license clerks renew these licenses and permits yearly. For a handicap license that involves hunting, people born after January 1, 1961, must finish hunter education. The handicap license does not cover commercial permits and fishing.
FAQ related to Georgia hunting licenses
How much does a Georgia hunting license cost?
Georgia hunting licenses cost $15 for residents and $100 for nonresidents, with discounted short-term licenses. Seniors and those born before June 30, 1952, are eligible for discounted or complimentary licenses. When purchasing licenses online, by phone, or in person, transaction costs vary from $3 to $5 as transaction fees. Unlicensed hunting may result in fines.
What are the residency requirements for a Georgia hunting license?
Age and domicile criteria vary. All local hunters 16 years or older must have a resident hunting license. Georgia citizens 16–64 must have a resident hunting license. Resident hunting licenses require Georgia residency. Georgia also gives free and paid hunting licenses like the Hunter and Lifelong License. Hunting permits can be bought online, in person, at authorized sites, or by phone.
How do I obtain a Georgia hunting license?
You can buy a Georgia hunting license online, by phone, or at an authorized location. Based on age and location, different licenses are offered. Hunter’s education or residency proof may be needed. Details can be obtained by calling 1-800-366-2661 or visiting the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website. Licenses are mailed or emailed after submission and payment.
Do I need a hunter education course to get a Georgia hunting license?
Before buying a season-long hunting license in Georgia, hunters born after January 1, 1961, must finish a hunter education course. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources offers in-person and online courses. 16–25-year-old hunters need a hunter education pass. Georgia citizens under 12 and elders over 64 do not need a hunting pass except for chasing deer with a gun or crossbow. Georgia hunters must finish hunter education qualification, choose the correct license type, and buy the License from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website or a Georgia-approved agent.
Can I purchase a Georgia hunting license online?
You can buy a Georgia hunting license online or from a Georgia-approved agent. Before buying a season-long hunting license, you must pass hunter education. A Novice or Short Term License can be purchased without a hunter education course.
Georgia gives resident, nonresident, and big game hunting licenses. The Sportsman’s License, Child Sportsman’s License, and Handicap Hunting and Fishing License provide citizens with the most hunting and fishing rights. Hunting certain game species requires a free Harvest Log each season. Online, phone, or in-person purchases are available for all permits.
Yes, hunting on private land in Georgia requires a license unless you are the landlord or a part of their close family. Georgia citizens can hunt deer, turkey, and bear on land without a hunting ticket or big game permit. Hunting on private land exempts resident landlords from hunter education. Landowners who allow hunting are not liable.
Yes, hunting on private land in Georgia requires a license unless you are the landlord or a part of their close family. Georgia citizens can hunt deer, turkey, and bear on land without a hunting ticket or big game permit. Hunting on private land exempts resident landlords from hunter education. Landowners who allow hunting are not liable.
What are the age requirements for a Georgia hunting license?
Georgia residents aged 16–64 can buy a hunting pass, while those under 15 can get a Young Sportsman’s License. Youth Hunts and quota hunts are open to 10-17-year-olds, and under-12s hunting under adult guidance do not need hunter education. Hunting unattended requires a school for 12-15-year-olds. Before gaining a hunting pass, those born after January 1, 1961, must take an approved course. Licenses are required for 16-year-olds visiting Wildlife Management Areas and Public Angling Areas. Georgians under 16 need supervision but no license.
Are any additional licenses or permits required for specific types of hunting in Georgia?
Depending on the wild mammal you seek, you may need additional licenses, permits, IDs, and stamps to hunt in Georgia. Age and location determine license fees and criteria. Hunting wild pigs require extra permits. Research the game animal’s laws and needs before planning your hunting trip. More information can be found on the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division website.
Source: Georgia Wildlife
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