Georgia Turkey Season 2025-2026: Latest Dates, Bags, Licenses & Regulation!
Planning your gobbler pursuit in the Peach State? You’ve landed in the right spot. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 wild turkey hunting opportunities across the state—from specific opener dates and bag limits to licensing requirements and public land zones. Whether you’re chasing longbeards on private property or testing your skills on Wildlife Management Areas, we’ve got the intel that’ll help you tag out this spring.
Quick Reference: Key Turkey Hunting Dates 2025-2026 🗓️
Here’s your at-a-glance breakdown of what matters most:
| Season Type | Opening Date | Closing Date | Bag Limit | Legal Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Land (Spring) | March 28, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | 2 gobblers per season (1 per day) | Shotgun (10-20 gauge, shot #2 or smaller), Muzzleloader, Archery |
| Public Land/WMA (Spring) | April 4, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | 1 gobbler per WMA | Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Archery |
| Special Opportunity Youth/Mobility-Impaired | March 21-22, 2026 | – | 2 gobblers per season | Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Archery |
The statewide regulations maintain a simple approach—two gobblers maximum per hunter for the entire spring period, with a daily limit of one bird. If you’re hitting public lands, remember that bag limit drops to just one gobbler per specific WMA, so choose your hunting ground wisely.
All Turkey Seasons 2025-2026: Detailed Breakdown 🌾
Let me walk you through what your calendar should look like if you’re serious about filling those tags:
Spring Turkey Season (Statewide)
Private Land Dates:
- Opens: Saturday, March 28, 2026
- Closes: Friday, May 15, 2026
- Duration: 49 days of hunting opportunity
- Bag Limit: Two gobblers per season, one per day maximum
Public Land/WMA Dates:
- Opens: Saturday, April 4, 2026 (one week later than private)
- Closes: Friday, May 15, 2026
- Duration: 42 days
- Bag Limit: One gobbler per WMA (statewide season limit still applies)
That week-long delay between private and public land openers gives birds on public property a bit of breathing room. Smart move by the DNR, honestly, considering the pressure these areas receive.
Special Youth & Mobility-Impaired Hunt 🎯
- Dates: March 21-22, 2026 (Saturday-Sunday)
- Eligibility: Youth under 16 years of age and mobility-impaired hunters
- Location: Private land only (unless WMA specifically allows it)
- Bag Limit: Counts toward seasonal bag limit of 2 gobblers
This early opportunity is perfect for getting young hunters into the woods before the regular crowds show up. I’ve taken my nephew out during similar youth hunts, and the reduced pressure makes for a much better learning experience.
Understanding Georgia’s Turkey Hunting Zones 🗺️
Unlike deer hunting, the state doesn’t break wild turkey opportunities into complex geographic zones. Instead, the primary distinction is straightforward: private land versus public land.
That said, individual Wildlife Management Areas may have unique regulations, special quota hunts, or different season structures. Always check the Georgia DNR Interactive Hunting Map before heading out to confirm area-specific rules.
For those interested in exploring hunting opportunities in neighboring states, you might find valuable information in our guides to Alabama turkey season or Florida turkey hunting season.
Wild Turkey Species in Georgia 🦃
The Peach State is home primarily to the Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), the most widespread and abundant subspecies in North America. These magnificent birds are the largest game birds you’ll encounter here, and honestly, they’re no pushovers.
Eastern Wild Turkey Characteristics:
- Weight: Adult gobblers typically 18-24 pounds; hens 8-12 pounds
- Beard: Mature toms sport beards averaging 9-11 inches
- Coloration: Dark body with copper/bronze iridescent feathers, white-barred wing feathers
- Range: Found statewide, from mountain regions to coastal plains
- Population: Estimated at over 500,000 birds (a remarkable recovery from just 17,000 in 1973)
These birds thrive in Georgia’s diverse habitats—hardwood forests, pine plantations, agricultural fields, and even suburban edges where development meets wild spaces.
Georgia Wild Turkey Hunting Regulations 📋
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what’s legal and what’s not:
Legal Hunting Methods
Approved Weapons:
- Shotguns (10-gauge through 20-gauge)
- Shot size: No larger than #2, no smaller than #9
- Muzzleloading firearms
- Archery equipment (longbows, recurve bows, compound bows)
- Crossbows (legal for all hunters)
Prohibited:
- Rifles and handguns (not legal for turkeys)
- Electronic calls (only mouth calls and mechanical friction calls allowed)
- Shot larger than #2
Important Hunting Rules
Bag Limits Recap:
- Season maximum: 2 gobblers
- Daily maximum: 1 gobbler
- WMA restriction: 1 gobbler per individual WMA
- No limit on beard length requirements (regulations removed previous jake restrictions)
Legal Hunting Hours:
- 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset
- No night hunting permitted
Required Tags & Reporting:
- All harvested turkeys must be recorded on your Harvest Record immediately
- Harvest Record required (free with Big Game License)
- Report harvest through Go Outdoors Georgia system
Decoys & Calls:
- Decoys are legal and effective
- Only non-electronic calls permitted (mouth calls, box calls, pot calls, friction calls)
Safety Zones:
- No hunting within safety zones around occupied dwellings without permission
- WMAs have specific safety zones marked on maps
For hunters exploring opportunities across state lines, comparing regulations can be helpful. Check out our coverage of Arkansas turkey season for neighboring state requirements.
Georgia Turkey License & Tag Fees 🎟️
Here’s what you’ll pay to legally pursue gobblers in 2025-2026:
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Annual Fee | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License | $15 | Basic hunting privileges (ages 16-64) |
| Big Game License | $25 | Required for deer, turkey, and bear |
| Sportsman’s License | $65 | Includes hunting, fishing, and big game privileges |
| Senior Sportsman’s (65+) | $7 | Discounted rate for seniors |
Harvest Record (Deer & Turkey): FREE (required for all big game hunters)
One-Day Options:
- Hunting + Big Game: $10 + $2 = $12
- Additional days: $3 per day
Nonresident Licenses
| License Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Hunting License | $100 |
| Big Game License | $130 |
| Combo (Hunting + Big Game) | $225 |
| One-Day Hunting + Big Game | $20 + $8 = $28 |
Transaction Fees:
- Online/retail: $3
- By phone: $5
- Optional hard card: $6
Pro Tip: If you plan to hunt and fish, the Sportsman’s License ($65 for residents) is easily the best value. It covers everything—hunting, fishing, and big game privileges—saving you money if you’d otherwise buy licenses separately.
Georgia Turkey License Requirements 📝
Before you head into the woods, make sure you’ve checked these boxes:
What You Need to Hunt Turkey
- Valid Hunting License
- Resident (ages 16-64): $15 annually
- Senior (65+): $7 annually
- Nonresident (16+): $100 annually
- Big Game License
- Required for all turkey hunters
- Resident: $25 | Nonresident: $130
- Included with Sportsman’s License purchase
- Harvest Record
- FREE with Big Game License
- Must be in possession while hunting
- Required to record harvest immediately
- Hunter Education
- Required for hunters born on or after January 1, 1961
- Proof of completion must be carried while hunting
- WMA Access (for public land hunters)
- Most public land hunting requires valid hunting license
- Some WMAs require quota hunt applications and drawings
Exemptions
- Youth under 16: Must have appropriate license and be accompanied by adult (21+) with valid license
- Seniors 65+: Discounted license rates available
- Landowners: Must still have all required licenses even when hunting their own property
- Veterans: One-time honorary veterans license available ($5)
Where to Buy
Purchase licenses through:
- Online: GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com (recommended)
- By phone: 1-800-366-2661
- Retail outlets: Sporting goods stores, Walmart, outdoor retailers statewide
All licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase date (except specified one-day options).
Related Bird Hunting Opportunities 🕊️
While you’re out there chasing gobblers, the state offers several other bird hunting opportunities you might want to consider:
Dove Season
- Dates: September 6-October 12, November 22-30, December 19-January 31
- Bag Limit: 15 per day, 45 in possession
- Dove hunting is hugely popular and makes excellent practice for shotgun skills
Quail Season
- Dates: November 8-February 28
- Bag Limit: 12 per day
- Classic Georgia upland bird hunting experience
Woodcock Season
- Dates: December 6-January 19
- Bag Limit: 3 per day, 9 in possession
- Found in moist woodlands and thickets
Waterfowl Seasons
- Various duck and goose seasons run fall through winter
- Check Georgia Waterfowl Regulations for specific dates and limits
Georgia Turkey Hunting FAQs ❓
Q: Can I hunt with a rifle or handgun for turkeys?
A: No. Legal weapons are limited to shotguns (10-20 gauge with shot #2 or smaller), muzzleloaders, and archery equipment including crossbows.
Q: Do I need to wear hunter orange while turkey hunting?
A: No hunter orange requirement exists specifically for spring wild turkey hunting. However, many hunters choose to wear orange when walking to and from their hunting location for safety.
Q: Can I use an electronic turkey call?
A: No. Only non-electronic calls are permitted—this includes mouth calls, box calls, slate calls, and other friction-type calls.
Q: What’s the success rate on public land (WMAs)?
A: Recent data shows WMA hunter success rates around 5.9% statewide. Private land success rates are typically higher due to lower hunting pressure and better knowledge of bird patterns.
Q: Can I hunt hens?
A: No. Only gobblers (male turkeys) may be legally harvested during spring turkey season. Previous restrictions on jakes have been removed, so any bearded bird is legal.
Q: Do I need to check in my harvested turkey?
A: You must immediately record your harvest on your Harvest Record and report it through the Go Outdoors Georgia system. Physical check stations are no longer required.
Q: Can nonresidents hunt turkeys in Georgia?
A: Absolutely. Nonresident licenses are available, though they cost significantly more than resident licenses ($100 hunting + $130 big game = $225 combo).
Q: What about fall turkey hunting?
A: The state does not currently offer a fall wild turkey hunting opportunity. Spring-only hunting has been the standard for many years.
Wrapping It Up: Get Ready for 2026 Spring Gobblers 🎯
The 2025-2026 wild turkey hunting opportunity in the Peach State kicks off March 28, 2026, for private land hunters and April 4, 2026, for public land enthusiasts. With a two-gobbler season limit and generous 49-day private land window, you’ve got plenty of time to work a stubborn tom into range.
Make sure you’ve secured your hunting license ($15 resident), Big Game License ($25 resident), and free Harvest Record before opening day. Scout your locations early, practice your calling, pattern your shotgun, and respect the resource we’re fortunate to pursue.
Whether you’re working a ridge in the North Georgia mountains, calling across a South Georgia pine plantation, or setting up on a WMA, remember that conservation efforts brought these birds back from the brink. Hunt ethically, report your harvest, and help ensure future generations can enjoy this incredible tradition.
Now get out there and make some memories. Those spring mornings, gobbling toms, and hard-earned harvests—that’s what it’s all about.
For the most current and accurate information, consult:
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
- Go Outdoors Georgia (License Purchase)
Hunt safely, legally, and ethically. Good luck this spring! 🦃
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