Join Our Newsletter
Georgia’s Primitive Weapons Deer Hunting Season Kicks Off on Saturday, October 11
The highly anticipated week-long primitive weapons deer hunting season in Georgia is set to begin on Saturday, October 11. Last year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) reported that nearly 6,000 deer were harvested by over 26,000 hunters during this period.
Special to Grice Connect
Oct 8, 2025 2:08 PM
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Share via Text Message
Photo from Georgia Department of Natural Resources
As the primitive weapons deer hunting season approaches, muzzleloader and air rifle enthusiasts can look forward to hitting the woods alongside archery hunters. Charlie Killmaster, the state deer biologist with the WRD Game Management Section, emphasizes, “It’s that time of deer season when muzzleloader and air rifle enthusiasts can start hitting the woods alongside archery hunters.” He also reminds us that youth hunters are permitted to use modern firearms during this season. With the expansion of the Hunters for the Hungry program, this is an excellent opportunity for hunters to take an extra doe to donate before the peak of the rut begins in most counties.
Expansion of Georgia Hunters for the Hungry Program
To help reduce agricultural damage and provide quality protein to families in need, the WRD and the Georgia Wildlife Federation are expanding the Hunters for the Hungry Program®. For information on locating a processor in your area or becoming a Hunters for the Hungry® deer processor, visit GWF.org/ghfth/.
Public Hunting Opportunities
Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas (GeorgiaWildlife.com/allwmas) offer nearly one million acres of public hunting access. Hunters are encouraged to check current hunting regulations for specific WMA dates and details (GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources).
Hunting Need-to-Know:
Legal Equipment: During the primitive weapons season, hunters may utilize 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 permitted for both 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 needing to have a minimum of four points, each one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread). For most hunters, the deer season concludes on January 11. For counties with extended firearms or archery seasons, refer to the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations 2025-26 guidebook at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources. On private land, deer of either sex may be taken with archery equipment at any time during the primitive weapons and firearms deer season.
Licenses: Georgia deer hunters are required to possess a hunting license, a big game license, and a current deer harvest record. Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, via phone, or at a license agent (a list of agents is available online).
Report Harvest: All harvested deer must be reported through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours. Deer can be reported using the Outdoors GA app (which functions without cell service), at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, or by calling the designated number.
“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,” advises Killmaster. “If you harvest a deer in Lanier, Berrien, and Lowndes Counties, we encourage you to have it tested for CWD. Hunters can leave their deer head at a participating processor, taxidermist, or freezer site. Testing for deer from all other counties is not necessary but is available to all hunters statewide. For CWD information, testing locations, test results, and more, visit georgiawildlife.com/cwd.”
For further details on deer hunting, including finding a game processor, viewing regulations, and accessing maps (such as either sex day or the rut map), visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/deer-info.
This has been shared
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Share via Text Message
Is Statesboro’s local news important to you?
If it is, we could use your help. Consider a small monthly contribution to support your local journalists. Click here to learn more.
Statesboro’s Ghazala Hashmi makes history as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor
Nov 4, 2025 9:57 PM
Statesboro Food Bank celebrates expansion with ribbon cutting ceremony
Nov 4, 2025 7:25 PM
Mayor McCollar, Councilmember Johnson win; FLOST & ESPLOST pass
Nov 4, 2025 7:22 PM
Source: https://www.griceconnect.com/local-news/georgias-primitive-weapons-deer-hunting-season-opens-saturday-october-11-11304739
