There are rather significant changes for Georgia deer hunters with the upcoming 2023-2024 season, particularly when it comes to either-sex days. As always, make sure to check the regulations before you pull the trigger on an antlerless deer. While most of the state is now either-sex during all of gun season, there are certain dates that are buck-only in some counties. See the doe-day map below.
Georgia’s archery season for deer opens Sept. 9, and the statewide gun season opens Oct. 21. This year’s deer season will close statewide on Sunday, Jan. 14. A significant new exception is for eight southwest Georgia counties, which will now close on Jan. 15 each season. That’s only one day of difference this year, but based on how the calendar falls, it could be up to six additional days some seasons.
Those eight southwest Georgia counties also join a growing list of suburban counties that allow archery-only deer hunting until Jan. 31. The following counties allow either-sex, archery-only hunting for deer until Jan. 31: Baker, Barrow, Bibb, Chatham, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Decatur, DeKalb, Douglas, Early, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Grady, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Miller, Mitchell, Muscogee, Paulding, Richmond, Rockdale, Seminole and Thomas counties.
Antlerless deer may be taken statewide with archery equipment any open date for deer hunting, except on National Forest lands (see National Forest Deer Hunting).
Turkey hunters will for the third straight season have a later opening day—March 30 on private land and April 6 on public land—and the season limit is again two gobblers, and there’s again a one-gobbler-per-day restriction. Make sure you’re not feeding deer—lots of turkey-baiting cases are made.
The complete 2023-24 Georgia Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits will be available at license vendors and online. Hunters are responsible for knowing and abiding by seasons and limits or be subject to charges and fines.
Turkey hunting is a popular spring tradition for many Georgia hunters The Peach State offers ample opportunities to pursue wild turkeys on both public and private lands However, like all good things, turkey season eventually comes to an end. So when exactly does turkey season wrap up in Georgia?
Overview of Georgia Turkey Season Dates
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division sets the turkey season dates each year. Typically the season opens in late March and runs through mid-May. Here are the key dates for the 2024 spring turkey season in Georgia
- March 23-24 – Special youth/mobility impaired only hunt on private lands
- March 30 – Opening day on private lands
- April 6 – Opening day on public lands
- May 15 – Final day statewide on both private and public land
The season dates on public lands can vary by specific wildlife management area (WMA), so hunters should verify the dates before hunting a WMA. Learn more on WMA season variations later in this article.
So to directly answer the question, the 2024 turkey season ends on May 15th statewide, both on private and public land. This season end date applies to adult hunters. The youth turkey hunt weekend is two weeks prior on March 23-24.
Why Turkey Season Ends in Mid-May
Biologists with the Wildlife Resources Division set turkey seasons based primarily on turkey breeding cycles.
Wild turkeys start breeding in late March and early April in Georgia. Hens begin laying eggs by mid-April, and most hens are sitting on nests by early May.
Ending turkey season in mid-May allows the majority of hens to finish the breeding season and start incubating nests without excessive hunter disturbances. This gives turkeys the best chance at reproductive success before nests and poults become more vulnerable.
Georgia hunters are limited to two gobbler harvests statewide. Reducing hunting pressure by mid-May helps maintain robust turkey numbers going into the summer.
Changes to Turkey Season End Date
In the past, Georgia’s turkey season extended later into May. However, due to declining turkey populations and hunter success rates, the Wildlife Resources Division shortened the season in 2022.
Specifically, the agency decided to end the season one week earlier on May 15 instead of May 21. This change aimed to further reduce disturbances during peak nesting and breeding activity.
Georgia also reduced the daily bag limit to one gobbler and imposed other restrictions in 2022 to help restore the declining turkey population.
The season end date change applied statewide on both private and public land. Georgia will maintain the May 15 end date for 2024. Biologists will continue monitoring impacts on turkey productivity and populations.
Turkey Season Ends Vary on Public Lands
One complexity to note is that while the statewide end date is May 15, some WMAs end earlier.
Georgia has over 100 WMAs that allow turkey hunting. However, season end dates can vary by individual public hunting area.
For example, the end date may be April 30 on one WMA, while another ends May 15. Always verify season dates for the specific WMA you plan to hunt before going afield.
The early end dates reduce hunting pressure on public lands when breeding activity peaks. This allows a portion of the flock to complete nesting before the season concludes.
Check the official Georgia hunting regulations or the WMA’s website for exact end dates. The early closure dates help maintain robust turkey densities on managed public lands.
Best Counties for Late Season Hunts
While most of Georgia’s turkey action happens in April, some areas can still offer good late season hunting after other areas have slowed down.
Northwest Georgia consistently produces the highest turkey harvests in the state. The top counties include:
- Polk
- Floyd
- Bartow
- Gilmer
- Burke
These mountainous counties still hold good numbers of birds thanks to abundant forests. The higher elevations also keep the breeding cycle a little later than lower coastal plains.
Even as the season winds down in other regions, northwest Georgia is worth a look for late hunts in May. Just be sure to scout ahead of time, as hunting pressure also increases into those final weeks.
Hunting Past the Season End Date
It’s imperative that turkey hunters follow the established season dates and cease hunting once the season ends on May 15.
There is no leeway or grace period for extra hunting past the closing day. Hunters must exit the woods by sunset on May 15.
Continuing to hunt past the season end date constitutes a violation of Georgia hunting regulations. Penalties can include fines, hunting license suspensions, and even jail time in certain situations.
Following the season rules and limits allows the Wildlife Resources Division to properly manage wild turkey populations long-term. Hunters who ignore regulations can negatively impact recovery efforts.
Youth Turkey Hunts Extend Season
While adult turkey hunters must abide by the May 15 end date, youth hunters get a special opportunity for extra hunting.
Georgia offers a youth-only turkey hunt weekend prior to the regular opening day. For 2024, youth 16 and under can hunt on March 23-24 on private lands only.
This gives young hunters a chance to pursue gobblers before pressure increases from the wider hunting public. Mentored youth can gain valuable experience and lessons during this special outing.
The youth weekend serves as an introduction to turkey hunting for the next generation of Georgia sportsmen and women. Interested youth should start planning now with a parent or guardian.
Turkey Season Prep and Scouting
As the 2024 turkey season approaches, don’t wait until the last minute to start planning and scouting.
Early scouting improves your odds by revealing flock patterns and locations before opening day. Look for scratchings, tracks, feathers, and droppings as sign of turkey activity.
Also pattern potential hunting spots that offer food sources, cover, and roosting sites. Good candidates include open hardwoods near agriculture. Scout multiple locations to have backup areas.
Practice calling and shooting your hunting gear ahead of time. Sharpening skills and instincts will lead to greater success. Don’t forget to purchase licenses and stamps.
Proper preparation helps you make the most of your time when turkey season finally arrives. Don’t just hope for the best on opening day. Do your scouting homework now before the spring woods come alive with gobbling birds.
Enjoy the Hunt Before Season’s End
The 2024 turkey season offers Georgia hunters ample chances to bag spring gobblers. But make your plans and hit the woods soon, because the season will conclude on May 15.
Don’t let the deadline sneak up before you’ve had a chance for success. Use the tips and info in this article to maximize your hunting this spring. With smart preparation, scouting and skills, you can fully enjoy Georgia’s turkey season before time runs out.
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2023-24 Georgia Hunting Season Dates
Deer Seasons
Archery Sept. 9 – Jan. 14
Extended Archery* Sept. 9 – Jan. 31
(*Suburban counties & SW GA)
Youth Firearms Week Oct. 14-20
Primitive Weapons Oct. 14 – Jan. 14
Firearms Oct. 21 – Jan. 14
SW GA (8 counties) Oct. 21 – Jan. 15
National Forest Deer Hunting Chattahoochee National Forest firearms deer season (outside of WMAs): Oct. 21 – Jan. 1. West of I-75, follow county either-sex days. East of I-75, entirely closed to antlerless deer hunting. Oconee NF firearms deer: Oct. 21 – Jan. 14. Either-sex days on Oconee NF (outside of WMAs): Nov. 4-5, Nov. 25-26, Dec. 30-31.
Waterfowl Seasons
Early Teal Sept. 9-24
Canada Geese Sept. 2-24; Oct. 14-29; Nov. 18-26; Dec. 9 – Jan. 28
Duck Nov. 18-26; Dec. 9 – Jan. 28
Youth/Military Waterfowl Nov. 11-12
Bear Northern Zone
Archery Sept. 9 – Jan. 14
Primitive Weapons Oct. 14 – Jan. 14
Firearms Oct. 21 – Jan. 14
Bear Central Zone
Bear Southern Zone
Sept. 28-30; Oct. 5-7; Oct. 12-14
2024 Turkey Seasons
Kids, Mobility Impaired: March 23-24
Public-Land: April 6 – May 15
Private-Land: March 30 – May 15
* Two gobbler per season limit; one-gobbler-per-day restriction.
Alligator
Zone & Quota Limited Aug. 18 – Oct. 2
Dove Statewide
Sept. 2 – Oct. 8; Nov. 18- 26;
Dec. 19 – Jan. 31
Opossum & Raccoon (No Limit)
Private-Land: No Closed Season
Public-Land: Aug. 15 – Feb. 29
2023-2024 Small Game & Other Seasons
Crow Nov. 4 – Feb. 29
Fox & Bobcat Dec. 1 – Feb. 29
Grouse Oct. 15 – Feb. 29
Quail Nov. 18 – Feb. 29
Rabbit Nov. 18 – Feb. 29
Snipe Nov. 15 – Feb. 28
Squirrel Aug. 15 – Feb. 29
Woodcock Dec. 9 – Jan. 22
How to Hunt Late Season Turkeys
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey season in Georgia?
Can you shoot Jakes in Georgia?
What hunting season is in Georgia right now?
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Species
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Season
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Dove
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Statewide Sept. 2–Oct. 8, Nov. 18–26, Dec. 19–Jan. 31
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Fox & Bobcat
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Dec. 1–Feb. 29
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Grouse
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Statewide Oct. 15–Feb. 29
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Sora & Rails
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Statewide Oct. 8–28, Nov. 8–Dec. 26
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How early to go out turkey hunting?
When is turkey hunting season in Georgia?
The Georgia turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 2, 2022. However, if hunting on public lands, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and National Forest land, the season opens on April 9, 2022. Turkey season ends on May 15, 2022, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Bag Limit Change!
Are Georgia Turkey hunters ready for another tough season?
Hunters may be in store for another tough season as poult production continues to be an issue. Season dates and regulations have been set for the 2024 Georgia turkey season, and the season structure and regulations are nearly identical to last season.
What are Georgia’s best public land turkey hunting opportunities?
As I mentioned earlier, many of Georgia’s best public land turkey hunting opportunities are quota hunts. That means you must apply for the hunt prior to turkey season and be drawn in order to participate. Each year you apply for a hunt and don’t get drawn, you will earn a preference point, which improves your odds of being drawn in future seasons.
How many turkeys are harvested in Georgia?
Based on data provided by the Georgia DNR, the overall Georgia turkey harvest has declined from a high of over 40,000 birds in 2005 to just 11,909 in 2023. Subsequently, the harvest rate (turkeys harvested per hunter) has dropped from an average of over 0.65 to a low of 0.29 in 2022 (2023 data was not available for this at the time of publishing).