Georgia has several duck species, public and private shooting sites, and birding possibilities. Birds are limited to six each day and 18 per possession during the state’s chase time. Okefenokee Swamp, Savannah River, and Lake Lanier are notable birding locations. Before hunting birds in Georgia, you need a wildlife permit and federal waterfowl stamp, available online or at approved retailers. To guarantee a pleasurable and complying experience, learn wildlife rules, including weapon prohibitions, pursuit zones, and avian limits.
Georgia Duck Season
| Species | Hunt Start Date | Hunt End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Nov. 19 | Nov. 27 |
| Dec. 10 | Jan. 29 | |
| Coots | Nov. 19 | Nov. 27 |
| Dec. 10 | Jan. 29 | |
| Mergansers | Nov. 19 | Nov. 27 |
| Dec. 10 | Jan. 29 | |
| Sea Ducks | Nov. 19 | Nov. 27 |
| Dec. 10 | Jan. 29 | |
| Snow & White-fronted Geese | Oct. 8 | Oct. 23 |
| Nov. 19 | Nov. 27 | |
| Dec. 10 | Jan. 29 | |
| Teal | Sept. 10 | Sept. 25 |
| Canada Geese | Sept. 3 | Sept. 25 |
| Oct. 8 | Oct. 23 | |
| Nov. 19 | Nov. 27 | |
| Dec. 10 | Jan. 29 |
Bag Limits
| Species | Bag Limit | Possession Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Black or Mottled Duck | 1 per day | 3 |
| Canvasback | 2 per day | 6 |
| Fulvous Whistling Duck | 1 per day | 3 |
| Mallards | 2 per day (only 1 may be a hen) | 6 |
| Pintail | 1 per day | 3 |
| Redheads | 2 per day | 6 |
| Scaup | 1 per day | 3 |
| Wood Ducks | 3 per day | 9 |
| Duck Species Not Listed | 6 per day | 18 |
| Eiders | 3 per day (only 1 may be a hen) | 9 |
| Long-tailed Duck | 3 per day | 9 |
| Scoters | 3 per day | 9 |
| Ducks | 6 per day | |
| Canada Geese | 5 per day | |
| Coots | 15 per day | |
| Mergansers | 5 per day | |
| Sea Ducks (Scoters, Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks) | 4 per day | |
| Snow & White-fronted Geese | 5 per day | |
| Teal | 6 per day | |
| Harlequin Ducks | Closed | |
| Atlantic Brant | Closed |
Regulations
- Georgia Power offers duck and goose hunting and within 300 feet of docks, residences, boat ramps, marinas, or open leisure areas requires permission from the lease or property owner. The Game Management Region 2 Office or Georgia Department of Natural Resources portal.
- Waterfowl lovers 16 and older, including resident landowners and their immediate family, must have a Federal Duck Stamp. From July 1 to June 30, this stamp must be signed in ink across the face. Hunters may purchase the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp at US Post Offices, 1-800-STAMP24, or www.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com or usps.com. This stamp permits waterfowl shooting and supports migratory bird conservation.
- Must have a Migratory Bird License which allows duck hunting. Different licensees have exclusions and privileges. Residents pursuing on their property and holders of Sportsman’s, Youth Sportsman’s, Disability Sportsman’s, Disability, Honorary, or Lifetime Sportsman’s Licenses are eligible for a free Georgia Migratory Bird License.
- Georgia’s Lakes Allatoona and Lanier have duck limits for safety and respect. Pursuing within 600 feet of a dock, home, building, bridge, road, boat launch, marina, or recreational area is illegal. For information on open dates, game areas, and other waterfowl laws on these lakes, contact the local Game Management Region Office.
- Lake Walter F. George (LWFG) in Georgia has numerous laws. LWFG prohibits hunt 600 feet from a pier, residence, building, bridge, road, boat launch, marina, or open recreation area. Landwaterfowl hunting is only allowed in “Hunt Areas.” Hunting ducks on the lake requires Corps permission. The permit may be purchased in person or by mail at www.sam.usace.army.mil .il or 229-768-2516.
- Georgia’s lakes, Blackshear, Oconee, Seminole, Sinclair, and Oliver (South of Standing Boy Creek), have limitations for safety and respect. Hunting 300 feet from a dock, home, building, bridge, road, boat launch, marina, or open leisure area is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Georgia duck hunting season start?
The season for ducks, coots, mergansers, and sea ducks runs from November 19 to November 27. After a brief pause, the season begins on December 10 and runs until January 29. These dates are specific to the species mentioned above, giving hunters a chance to go waterfowl hunting during these times.
Do I need a license to participate in duck hunt in Georgia?
A current license is necessary to participate. Specific licenses and permits, such as the Georgia Migratory Bird License and the Federal Duck Stamp, may be necessary for waterfowl hunting.
