Gun Laws And 2a
Primitive weapons deer hunting season opens Saturday
Primitive weapons deer hunting season opens Saturday
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Social Circle, Georgia
SOCIAL CIRCLE — The week-long Georgia primitive weapons deer hunting season begins Sat., Oct. 11. Last year, nearly 6,000 deer were harvested by over 26,000 hunters, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
“It’s that time of deer season when muzzleloader and air rifle enthusiasts can start hitting the woods alongside archery hunters,” said Charlie Killmaster, state deer biologist with the WRD Game Management Section. “Don’t forget youth hunters can use a modern firearm during this season as well. And with the expansion of the Hunters for the Hungry program, primitive weapons/youth-only firearms season is a great time to take an extra doe to donate before the peak of the rut kicks in for most counties.”
To reduce agricultural damage and help Georgia families in need of quality protein, WRD and the Georgia Wildlife Federation are expanding the Hunters for the Hungry Program®. To locate a processor in your area or to become a Hunters for the Hungry® deer processor, visit GWF.org/ghfth/.
Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (GeorgiaWildlife.com/allwmas) offer public access to nearly one million acres of hunting opportunity.
Hunters should check the current hunting regulations for specific WMA dates and info (GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources).
Hunting Need-to-Know: — Legal Equipment: During the primitive weapons season, hunters may use archery equipment, air bows, muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge and larger) and air rifles and muzzleloading firearms that are .30 caliber or larger. Scopes and other optical sighting devices are legal for muzzleloading firearms and archery equipment.
— Dates/Harvest Limit: State law allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer, and no more than two antlered deer (with one of the two antlered deer having a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread).
For most hunters in the state, the deer season ends on Jan. 11. For counties with extended firearms or archery season, review the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations 2025-26 guidebook at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources. Deer of either sex may be taken with archery equipment at any time on private land during the primitive weapons and firearms deer season.
— Licenses: Georgia deer hunters must have a hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record. Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or at a license agent (list of agents available online).
— Report Harvest: All harvested deer must be reported through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours. Deer can be reported on the Outdoors GA app (which works regardless of cell service), at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, or by calling 1-800-366-2661.
“Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was first detected in Georgia earlier this year, and I highly encourage you to visit georgiawildlife.com/cwd to learn more.” says Killmaster. “If you harvest a deer in Lanier, Berrien, and Lowndes Counties, we encourage you to have it tested for CWD. Folks can leave their deer head at a participating processor, taxidermist, or freezer site. Testing deer from all other counties isn’t necessary but is available to all hunters statewide. CWD information, testing locations, test results, and more can be found at georgiawildlife.com/cwd.
The Georgia primitive weapons deer hunting season marks an important time in the hunting calendar, allowing enthusiasts to engage in the timeless tradition of harvesting game with traditional tools. As the season approaches, many hunters are gearing up, reflecting on techniques and practices passed down through generations. This year, the partnership between the WRD and Georgia Wildlife Federation highlights a growing trend towards community-driven initiatives that celebrate hunting and foster a spirit of giving through programs like Hunters for the Hungry®.
As we embark on this week of primitive weapons hunting, it’s essential to embrace the opportunity not just to hunt, but to contribute to those in need. Early reports suggest that participation in the Hunters for the Hungry program is gaining momentum, underscoring a positive shift towards building community resilience. For hunters, this season provides a chance to act with purpose, ensuring that our activities benefit both our sport and our neighbors. The impact of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) awareness cannot be overstated; vigilance is necessary as we monitor this issue across counties. Awareness of the challenges and responsibilities we face as hunters is a crucial element of maintaining the privilege to pursue our passion. Bottom line: Be proactive, be considerate, and engage with your community this hunting season.