Georgia Deer Hunting Season: Archery Starts Saturday

ATLANTA, GA — It's still hot outside. But, Georgia's bow hunters are gearing up to take to the woods for the beginning of the 2018 deer archery season.

Deer season for archers begins Saturday, Sept. 8, in Georgia. Last year in Georgia, 152,327 archery hunters harvested nearly 65,000 deer, according to the state Department of Natural Resources wildlife division.

In Georgia, hunters are allowed to hunt with bows throughout the entire deer season. Firearm hunters will be allowed to take to their tree stands on Oct. 20 and deer season runs through Jan. 13.

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In metro Atlanta (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties) bow hunters will be allowed to continue hunting deer through Jan. 31.

"While the weather out there might still be warm, it is not too early to think about putting some venison in the freezer," said state deer biologist Charlie Killmaster. "This season, hunters can expect excellent antler growth and great deer body condition with all the rain Georgia experienced throughout the summer."

To hunt deer in Georgia, you must have a valid hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record. Licenses can be bought online, by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at a license agent. A list of agents is available at the same website.

All deer hunters must report their harvest using Georgia Game Check. Deer can be reported on the Outdoors GA app — which now works whether you have cell service or not — online, or by calling 1-800-366-2661.

State law allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer and no more than two antlered deer. One of the antlered deer must have at least four points that are one inch or longer on one side of the antlers.

Where To Hunt

The DNR's Wildlife Resources Division operates more than 100 public wildlife management areas, offering hunting dates throughout deer season. They also will offer some specialty hunts, like primitive-weapon hunts, adult-child hunts and women-only hunts.

Maps of the areas, hunt dates and more information can be found online here.

At the website, hunters also can find information about Voluntary Public Access (VPA) properties. A federal grant allows private landowners to arrange temporary agreements for public hunting opportunities.

Photo courtesy Georgia Department of Natural Resources