Deer Season Opens Saturday to Archers

If you like to use a bow and arrow to hunt deer, you probably already know that archery deer season opens statewide on Saturday.  Hunters can use archery equipment throughout the entire deer season which ends on January 8, 2023, for most Georgia counties including Franklin, Hart, Banks, Stephens, and Elbert.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources reminds you that it is important to practice safe hunting.  That includes (the obvious) being absolutely certain you know what you’re shooting at.  Also the DNR reminds hunters to keep up with changes in the hunting regulations.  One major change that began last year was regarding a change to the size of the second buck requirement.  Individuals with a recreational hunting license can harvest two bucks a year.   One of those bucks can be any size.  Historically, the second buck has had to have four points on one side, one inch in length or longer.  Last year, the DNR amended that requirement making it permissable for a hunter to harvest a buck that had a 15-inch outside spread instead of only bucks that had four points on one side.  In other words, if you have an older deer that does not have a lot of points but has a wide spread, you can harvest that deer as your number two buck.

During the 2021-2022 season, roughly 83,000 archery hunters harvested approximately 44,000 deer.  Georgia Wildlife Resources Division operates more than 100 public wildlife management areas .

Hunters can find additional opportunities on Voluntary Public Access (VPA) areas.  However, if you plan to hunt on private property, you must get permission from the owner.  The DNR highly encourages you to check back with the owner at the beginning of a new season to confirm you still have permission to hunt on their property.  Things can change between seasons: the owner might die, the property gets sold to someone who does not want hunting on their land, or the owner has a change of heart, etc.

To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, big game license and a current deer harvest record (which is free).  Licenses can be purchased online at www.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at a license agent (list of agents available online). 

And looking ahead for you hunters intending on using other weapons, primitive weapons and youth firearms season begins on October 15.  Open season for regular firearms is October 22.