Georgia Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 15 – February 28, 2027

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Official License Fees (Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife Resources Division)

  • Resident:
    • Annual Hunting License: $15.00
    • Annual Combination Hunting & Fishing License: $30.00
    • Resident Sportsman’s License (Includes all paid hunting, fishing, & WMA privileges): $65.00
    • Georgia Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License (HIP required): $5.00
  • Non-Resident:
    • Annual Hunting License: $100.00
    • 1-Day Hunting License: $20.00 (Each additional day: $6.00)
    • Non-Resident Sportsman’s License: $400.00
    • Georgia Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License (HIP required): $25.00

Season Dates, Daily Bag Limits & Possession Limits

Northern Bobwhite Quail

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: November 8 – February 28
    • Limits: 12 daily / 24 in possession

Ruffed Grouse

  • Statewide (North Georgia Mountains):
    • Season Dates: October 15 – February 28
    • Limits: 3 daily / 6 in possession

American Woodcock

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: December 6 – January 19
    • Limits: 3 daily / 9 in possession (Georgia Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License + HIP required)

Wilson’s Snipe

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: November 15 – February 28
    • Limits: 8 daily / 24 in possession (Georgia Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License + HIP required)

Mourning & White-Winged Dove

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: Split Season (September 6 – October 12; November 22 – November 30; December 18 – January 31)
    • Limits: 15 daily in aggregate / 45 in possession

Rails & Gallinules (King, Clapper, Sora, Virginia, Gallinule)

  • Statewide:
    • Season Dates: Split Season (Mid-September – Mid-October; Mid-November – Mid-December)
    • Limits: 15 daily (King & Clapper aggregate); 25 daily (Sora & Virginia aggregate); 15 daily (Gallinules) / Possession limits are 3 times the daily limit

Weather Assessment & Bird Hunting Outlook

Official evaluations from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Wildlife Resources Division) highlight a contrasting weather pattern heading into the fall season. Georgia experienced a severe spring drought that stretched across the Upper Coastal Plain and Piedmont, creating exceptionally dry soil conditions during the initial nesting period for wild bobwhite quail. While moisture deficits suppressed early insect hatches and vegetation growth, steady summer thunderstorm activity returned across much of central and south Georgia, replenishing brooder cover and stabilizing late-summer covey survival. Consequently, wild quail recruitment is expected to be localized, with the strongest wild coveys found on actively managed pine savannahs, fire-maintained agricultural edges, and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Red Hills and Upper Coastal Plain. In the North Georgia mountains, ruffed grouse hunting will remain challenging, requiring hunters to target dense timber cuts and high-elevation young hardwood stands. Migratory woodcock and dove hunters should see solid opportunities as early winter cold fronts push birds into damp river corridors, managed agricultural fields, and moist bottomlands.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com or GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com before planning your hunt.