When is Primitive Weapons Deer Hunting Season in Georgia?

The woods open up to muzzleloader and air rifle hunters starting Saturday, and state wildlife officials say last year’s harvest numbers suggest thousands will answer the call.

🦌 Why It Matters: Nearly 6,000 deer were taken during last year’s primitive weapons season by more than 26,000 hunters — and this year’s expanded donation program means extra harvests can feed Georgia families while helping farmers deal with crop damage.

🎯 What’s Happening: The week-long season begins Oct. 11 and allows hunters to use muzzleloading firearms, air rifles, archery equipment and air bows. Youth hunters can use modern firearms during this window.

Charlie Killmaster, state deer biologist with the Wildlife Resources Division, says the timing lands before the peak of the rut for most counties — making it an ideal stretch to harvest does for donation through the Hunters for the Hungry program, which the state and Georgia Wildlife Federation just expanded.

🏞️ Where to Hunt: Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas provide access to nearly one million acres of public hunting land. Hunters should verify specific dates and regulations for individual WMAs before heading out.

⚖️ The Rules: Hunters can take up to 10 antlerless deer and no more than two antlered deer this season. One of those two antlered deer must have at least four points measuring one inch or longer on one side, or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread. Legal equipment includes muzzleloading shotguns 20 gauge and larger, plus air rifles and muzzleloading firearms that are .30 caliber or larger. Scopes are permitted.

🧪 The Disease Factor: Chronic Wasting Disease turned up in Georgia for the first time this year. State officials are pushing hunters who harvest deer in Lanier, Berrien and Lowndes counties to get their animals tested. Deer heads can be dropped at participating processors, taxidermists or freezer sites. Testing is available statewide but only encouraged in those three counties for now.

📱 Report Your Harvest: All deer must be reported through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours using the Outdoors GA app, the state website or by phone. Hunters need a hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record.

The Sources:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.