For many Georgians, the true harbinger of the fall season isn’t cooler temperatures, but rather the highly anticipated opening day of archery deer hunting. That day is almost here, as the statewide archery deer hunting season is set to begin this Saturday, September 13, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Last year, the state saw a significant participation with 86,000 archery hunters harvesting approximately 40,000 deer. Archery equipment will be permitted for use throughout the entire 2025-2026 deer season across the state.

“Archery season is an excellent time to share your harvest with the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry® program,” said state deer biologist Charlie Killmaster. “While you can donate any deer throughout the year, I especially encourage hunters near agricultural land to take an extra antlerless deer this year to help reduce crop damage. A well-placed arrow can provide dozens of meals to fellow Georgians and help your neighboring farmer all in one shot.”

Georgia Hunters for the Hungry Program To address food insecurity and assist in managing agricultural damage, the Georgia DNR and Georgia Wildlife Federation continue to expand the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry Program. Hunters interested in donating deer or processors wishing to participate can find more information at GWF.org/ghfth/.

Public Hunting Opportunities Public land opportunities abound, with Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offering nearly one million acres for hunting. Hunters should consult the current hunting regulations for specific WMA dates and information.

Hunting Need-to-Know:

  • Harvest Limits: Hunters are permitted to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer and a maximum of two antlered deer. Of the two antlered deer, one must have at least four points (one inch or longer) on one side or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread.
  • Season End: For most hunters, the deer season concludes on January 11. Hunters in counties with extended firearms or archery seasons should refer to the Georgia Hunting and Fishing
  • Regulations 2025-26 guidebook at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources.
  • Licenses: A hunting license, a big game license, and a current deer harvest record are mandatory. Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or through a licensed agent.
  • Report Harvest: All harvested deer must be reported via Georgia Game Check within 24 hours using the Outdoors GA app, GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, or by calling 1-800-366-2661.
  • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Update “Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was first detected in Georgia earlier this year,” Killmaster noted. “We encourage CWD testing for deer harvested in Lanier and Berrien counties, which is the CWD Management Area. Hunters can leave their harvested 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.” Comprehensive CWD information, testing locations, and results are available at georgiawildlife.com/cwd.
  • New Deer Carcass Disposal Rule To mitigate the spread of CWD, a new statewide rule for deer carcass disposal is now in effect for anyone transporting or disposing of carcasses or parts, including hunters and taxidermists. Proper disposal methods include:
    • Leaving parts on the property where the deer was killed.
    • Utilizing a commercial deer processor, as they are required to dispose of unused parts properly.
    • Disposing of parts in a permitted solid waste landfill (like household garbage).
    • Deep burial, incineration, or other approved methods outlined in the Dead Animal Disposal Act (O.C.G.A. § 4-5-1 to 4-5-11).

For further information on deer hunting, including game processor locations, regulations, and maps, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/deer-info.