The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the official release of its comprehensive 2025-2026 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations and Seasons guide. The essential resource for outdoor enthusiasts is now readily available both online and in printed format across the state.

Published by the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, the new guide consolidates critical information designed to facilitate safe and compliant hunting and fishing activities. It covers a wide array of topics, including specific season dates, bag limits, details on wildlife management areas (WMAs), quota hunt information, and youth opportunities for hunters. For anglers, the guide features a helpful color fish identification chart for both freshwater and saltwater species, listings of trout streams, public fishing area (PFA) information, and a comprehensive list of state record fish. Details on recreational licenses are also included.

Hunters and anglers can access or download a PDF copy of the guide directly from GeorgiaWildlife.com. Printed copies are being distributed and can be picked up at Wildlife Resources Division offices and authorized license vendors throughout Georgia.

The 2025-2026 guide introduces several significant regulation changes that users should note:

Major Changes for Hunting:

  • Youth Definition: The definition of “youth” has been updated to include persons under 16 years of age.
  • Early Antlerless-Only Firearms Season: A new two-day early October antlerless-only firearms season has been added for private lands in select counties. This measure aims to support venison donation efforts, particularly in areas experiencing deer-related crop damage.
  • Deer Carcass Disposal: New regulations stipulate that inedible parts of deer carcasses must be disposed of either onsite or, if moved, in accordance with Georgia Department of Agriculture laws.
  • Blaze Pink Authorization: Following the passage of House Bill 167, hunters are now authorized to wear either fluorescent pink or fluorescent orange, provided the material covers at least 500 square inches, during Georgia’s hunting seasons.

Major Changes for Fishing:

  • Bowfishing: Updated catfish regulations have been implemented for bowfishing.
  • PFA Bass Limits: New bass limits have been established for two specific Public Fishing Areas: Evans County PFA and Paradise PFA.

The Georgia DNR urges all hunters and anglers to review the 2025-2026 guide thoroughly before heading out into the field or onto the water to ensure compliance with all updated regulations.

For more information and to view the new guide, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com.

About the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a state agency responsible for conserving, enhancing, and promoting Georgia’s natural, historic, and cultural resources. The Wildlife Resources Division, a part of the DNR, is tasked with conserving, protecting, and propagating Georgia’s wildlife and fish populations and managing the habitats on which they depend.