The Georgia turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 2, 2022. Conversely, the season for hunting on public lands, such as National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), starts on April 9, 2022. Turkey season ends on May 15, 2022, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Bag Limit Change: As of the 2022 hunting season, hunters should be informed that the turkey bag limit has been modified. Only one gobbler may be taken per hunter per day, and a season total of two gobblers. On WMAs and National Forest land (outside of WMAs), the bag limit is one gobbler per area.
According to Emily Rushton, coordinator of the Wildlife Resources Division’s wild turkey project, “we might have a slightly lower number of two-year old birds in the woods because statewide reproduction in 2020 was slightly below average.” The good news is that there are a lot of young birds in the woods, which is a sign of things to come as reproduction reached its highest point in ten years in 2021. ”.
What can hunters expect this spring in each state region? Harvest in the Ridge and Valley and Blue Ridge regions might decrease because 2020 saw fewer reproduction in the northern part of the state. Fortunately, in the Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain regions of the state, where many of our hunters focus their efforts, there was a slight increase in reproduction in 2020. This suggests that harvest may be increasing in these areas. The state’s most southern regions may see a decrease in harvest because there was less reproduction in the Lower Coastal Plain in 2020.
All turkey hunters, including those under sixteen, landowners, honorary, lifetime, and sportsman license holders, must have a free harvest record each hunting season. Before transferring a harvested turkey, hunters are required to promptly note the harvest date and county on the harvest record. They also have 24 hours to complete the reporting process through Georgia Game Check. More information at https://georgiawildlife. com/HarvestRecordGeorgiaGameCheck.
Resident youth hunters under age 16 will not need a license. Hunters who are 16 years of age or older (including those who are escorting children or others) are required to possess both a hunting license and a big game license, unless they are hunting on their own private land. Get your license at https://www. gooutdoorsgeorgia. com/, at a retail license vendor or by phone at 1-800-366-2661.
Hunters, did you know that every time you purchase a license or any equipment related to turkey hunting (such as shotguns, ammunition, and other items), you are making a positive impact on the state’s larger wildlife conservation effort? A portion of your purchases supports the Wildlife Restoration Program, which returns money to the states for projects like habitat management and species research and management. So, thank you hunters!.
Hello, friends who love turkey hunting! The 2024 Georgia turkey hunting season is quickly approaching, so get ready to show off your skills! This guide has everything you need to bag your first gobbler, regardless of your level of experience.
Mark Your Calendars:
- Private Land: The hunt kicks off on Saturday, March 30, 2024, for those lucky enough to have their own private hunting grounds.
- Public Lands: For those hitting the public lands, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and National Forest land, the season starts a week later on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
- Season Finale: Gobble ’til you drop, because the season ends for everyone on May 15, 2024.
What to Expect:
- Poult Production: While not quite as high as the record-breaking 2021 season, 2022 saw a decent poult production, averaging 1.5 poults per hen. This means you can expect a good number of gobblers this spring, similar to recent years.
- Regional Variations: The Coastal Plain regions saw a slight dip in poult production compared to 2021, but the Blue Ridge, Ridge & Valley, and Piedmont regions held steady. So, no matter where you’re hunting in Georgia, you’re in for a good time.
Bag Limits:
- Daily: One gobbler per hunter, per day.
- Season: Two gobblers per hunter for the entire season.
- WMAs and National Forests: One gobbler per area.
Get Your Gear Ready:
- Harvest Record: It’s mandatory for all turkey hunters, even youngsters under 16, landowners, and license holders. Fill it out immediately after bagging your bird and complete the reporting process within 24 hours through Georgia Game Check.
- Licenses: Resident youth hunters under 16 don’t need a license, but everyone else (including those accompanying youngsters) needs a hunting license and a big game license unless hunting on their own private land. Grab yours at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, retail vendors, or by calling 1-800-366-2661.
Support Wildlife Conservation:
Every time you buy a hunting license or equipment like shotguns and ammo, you’re contributing to the Wildlife Restoration Program. This program funnels money back into Georgia, supporting habitat management, species research, and conservation efforts. So, keep on hunting and keep on giving back!
Ready to Gobble?
Head over to GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources for more info on the 2024 turkey hunting season. Remember, safety first, and have a blast out there!
Big Changes for the 2022 Georgia Turkey Season!
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey season in Georgia?
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Species
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Season
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Turkey
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Statewide: Private Land: Mar. 30–May 15, 2024; Public Land: April 6–May 15, 2024 Special Opportunity Youth/ Mobility Impaired Mar. 23–24, 2024
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Alligator
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Zone & Quota Limited Aug. 18 (sunset)–Oct. 2 (sunrise)
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Crows
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Statewide Nov. 4–Feb. 29
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What are the hunting seasons in Georgia?
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Species
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Dates
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Big Game
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Bear
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Firearms: Dec. 16*
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Firearms: Sept. 21-23, Sept. 28-30, Oct. 5-7, Oct. 12-14
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Turkey
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Mar. 23-24, 2024
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Mar. 30 – May 15, 2024
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Is turkey hunting good in Georgia?
How many turkeys can you harvest in Georgia?