Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Georgia hunting license:
- Step 1: Complete the online Hunter Education Certification course
- Step 2: Select your license type
- Step 3: Buy your Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) license through an online purchase or in-person through a licensed agent.
GA Hunter Education Certification
Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.
We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by for use in Georgia for GA residents and non-residents alike.
After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.
We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Georgia), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.
Select Your Georgia Hunting License
Georgia offers a comprehensive range of hunting licenses tailored to residents, non-residents, youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Below is an overview of the primary license types available:
Resident Licenses
A resident is a person who has lived in Georgia for at least 3 months. Out-of-state college students living in Georgia and active-duty military members and their dependents are considered residents.
All Georgia residents ages 16 to 64 must have a resident hunting license. Additional state permits may be required.
Residents can quality for lifetime licenses which cover all state-paid hunting and fishing privileges for life.
Resident Hunting License: Required for residents aged 16–64 to hunt small game.
Resident Sportsman's License: Provides all state-paid hunting and fishing privileges, including big game, migratory birds, and trout (excludes alligator harvest permit and federal duck stamp).
Senior Licenses:
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Annual Senior Hunting License: For residents aged 65+
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Senior Lifetime Hunting License: For residents aged 65+
- Free Senior Lifetime Sportsman's License: Available to residents born on or before June 30, 1952.
- Youth Licenses:
- Optional Youth Sportsman's License: For residents under 16; valid until 17th birthday.
- Disability Licenses:
- Annual Disability Hunting License: For residents with permanent disabilities.
- Three-Year Disability Hunting License
Non-Resident Licenses
All non-resident hunters and landowners must have a non-resident hunting license to ensure the conservation of our local wildlife. An exception is made for a person under 16 years of age hunting small game. Additional licenses may be required.
Non-Resident Hunting License: Required for non-residents aged 16+ to hunt small game.
Non-Resident Sportsman's License: Includes hunting, big game, fishing, and trout privileges.
Non-Resident Youth Sportsman's License: For non-residents under 16; includes hunting and fishing privileges.
Youth & Apprentice Licenses
Youth Exemptions: Residents under 16 can hunt small game without a license but must be under adult supervision.
Apprentice Hunting License: Allows individuals to hunt and fish without completing a hunter education course; valid for up to 11 consecutive days.
Required Add-ons & Permits
Big Game License: Required for hunting deer, turkey, and bear.
Harvest Record: Free and required for hunting deer, turkey, or bear.
Georgia Migratory Bird License: Free and required for hunting migratory birds (e.g., doves, ducks, geese).
Federal Duck Stamp: Required for waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older.
Alligator Harvest Permit: Required if selected for an alligator quota hunt.
Hunting licenses are good for 12 months from the date of purchase, supporting wildlife conservation efforts in Georgia. Georgia residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.
Where to buy your Georgia Hunting License
To hunt in Georgia, you must comply with hunting regulations, including meeting the license requirements, and you can buy your license and access your customer account either online through their licensing platform here or in person through a licensing agent, all listed here.
Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Georgia:
- Bass Pro Shops – Macon, GA Address: 5000 Bass Pro Blvd, Macon, GA 31210 Phone: (478) 757-7600
- Academy Sports + Outdoors – Augusta, GA Address: 4210 Washington Rd, Evans, GA 30809 Phone: (706) 210-6100
- Walmart Supercenter – Valdosta, GA Address: 340 Norman Dr, Valdosta, GA 31601 Phone: (229) 242-4441
- Dunham’s Sports – Rome, GA Address: 2770 Martha Berry Hwy, Rome, GA 30165 Phone: (706) 232-1000
- Dick's Sporting Goods – Alpharetta, GA Address: 13075 North Point Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30022 Phone: (770) 410-1360
Where to Find Additional Resources
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information:
Questions: 706-557-3333 Licenses: 800-366-2661 Website: georgiawildlife.com