GEORGIA (WALB) - Georgia’s deer firearm season is nearly here.

Licensed hunters can harvest deer with firearms on Saturday, Oct. 18. The 2025-2026 deer season ends for most counties on Jan. 11, 2026.

During the firearm season, hunters can use centerfire .22 caliber or larger bullets that expand. Weapons permitted during the primitive hunting season are also legal for use.

State law allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer and no more than two antlered deer. For antlered deer, at least one of the two harvested must have:

• Four points
• One inch or longer, on one side of the antlers
• Or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread

Deer hunters in Georgia must obtain a hunting license, a Big Game License, and a current deer harvest record. All deer must be reported through the Georgia Game Check within 24 hours. Reports can be made through the Outdoors GA app or by calling 1-800-366-2661. Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials strongly recommend referencing the updated 2025-2026 hunting and fishing regulations guidebook before hunting.

While hunting is generally a safe activity, it does carry risks. In the 2024-2025 hunting season, Georgia reported 11 firearm-related hunting accidents. Using DNR’s four primary rules of firearm safety can lower the risks associated with hunting, often referred to as ACTT:

A- Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded

C- Control the muzzle of the firearm at all times

T- Target, be certain of the target and what is in front of and behind it

T- Trigger, keep your finger outside the trigger guard until the hunter is ready to shoot

DNR says over 200,000 hunters participated in the 2024-2025 hunting season. That season, 220,000 deer were harvested.

Regulated hunting ensures Georgia’s deer population is healthy and strong while reducing negative agricultural impacts, according to DNR. Hunting can also help feed those in need through the Hunters for the Hungry program.

In South Georgia, three Georgia counties are a part of Georgia’s CWD management area. Deer harvested in Lanier, Lowndes, and Berrien Counties should be tested for Chronic wasting disease before consumption.

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