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Hunters under 16, veterans and mobility-impaired hunters
Georgia Youth and Veteran Hunting
The rules for hunters under 16, the youth firearms week in October, the special opportunity turkey weekend, the Nov. 14-15 waterfowl days for youth, military and veterans, the licenses that cost little or nothing, and WMA youth hunts.
Photo: grendelkhan (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Georgia rules for young hunters and veterans
A Georgia youth is anyone under 16. Under 16 means no hunter education card, no hunting license and no big game license for residents, only the free Harvest Record, plus an adult within reach of the gun unless a 12- to 15-year-old has passed hunter education.
| Topic | Georgia rule |
|---|---|
| Who counts as youth | Youth = under 16. |
| Deer | Youth under 16 may use any legal deer firearm during the statewide primitive weapons season (Oct. 10-16, 2026) and WMA primitive weapons hunts. Numerous WMA youth deer hunts (some quota). |
| Bear | Youth under 16 may use any legal bear firearm during the Northern Zone primitive weapons season. |
| Turkey | Special Opportunity turkey season Mar. 20-21, 2027 for youth under 16 and mobility-impaired hunters (private land unless specified), with a non-shooting licensed adult 18+. |
| Waterfowl | Federal Youth, Active Duty Military & Veterans Waterfowl Days Nov. 14-15, 2026. |
| Supervision on hunts | On big game youth hunts one adult (18+) per child and the adult may not hunt; on small game hunts one adult may supervise two children and may hunt. |
| Supervision generally | Hunters under 16 need no course but must be under direct supervision of a licensed adult in position to take immediate control of the firearm. Exception: hunters 12-15 who have completed hunter education may hunt unsupervised (special restrictions on WMAs and federal areas). |
| Veterans | One-Time Honorary Veteran's License free; Military/Veterans Lifetime Sportsman's License $600; Honorary Veteran license holders qualify for WMA specialty hunts; veterans and active-duty military may hunt the Nov. 14-15 waterfowl days. |
| Mobility-impaired hunters | Special Opportunity turkey season; mobility-impaired WMA/NWR/state park deer and turkey hunts (e.g., Albany Nursery, Arrowhead, Carters Lake, Piedmont NWR, River Bend, Richard B. Russell SP); Outdoors Beyond Barriers adaptive program. |
The guide and the WRD hunter education page word the supervision standard slightly differently; the guide is quoted. Sources: youth hunts; waterfowl days; mobility-impaired hunts; supervision, as WRD published it on October 13, 2026.
Georgia youth and veteran season dates, 2026-27
4 dated rows set aside for youth, mobility-impaired hunters or veterans. During the Oct. 10-16 primitive weapons week, hunters under 16 may carry any legal deer firearm.
| Game | Season | Where | Opens | Closes | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bear | Primitive weapons & youth-only firearms | Northern Bear Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Primitive weapons & youth-only firearms | Statewide, excluding archery-only counties | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Federal Youth, Active Duty Military & Veterans Waterfowl Days | Statewide | Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Wild Turkey (Eastern) | Special Opportunity (youth under 16 and mobility-impaired) | Statewide (private land unless otherwise specified) | Mar 20, 2027 | Mar 21, 2027 |
Sources: big game dates; migratory birds, as WRD published it on October 13, 2026.
Georgia licenses for kids, new hunters and veterans
The resident Optional Youth Sportsman’s license, $15.00, covers every hunting and fishing privilege until the 17th birthday. A youth lifetime license runs $600.00.
| License | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional Youth Sportsman's License | resident | $15.00 | Multi-year, valid until 17th birthday | Resident youth 15 and under; all hunting and fishing privileges incl. big game and trout. Hunter education required at 16. |
| Nonresident Youth Sportsman's License | nonresident | $50.00 | Annual | Nonresident youth 15 and under; all hunting and fishing incl. big game and trout, except the alligator harvest permit. |
| Infant Lifetime Sportsman's License (under 2) | resident | $500.00 | Lifetime | Lifetime licenses include hunting, big game, WMA access, fishing, trout, migratory bird and alligator permit if drawn; harvest record, migratory bird license and SIP still obtained free annually; federal duck stamp extra. |
| Youth Lifetime Sportsman's License (2-15) | resident | $600.00 | Lifetime | – |
| Non-resident Grandchild Lifetime Sportsman's License (2-15) | nonresident | $1,500.00 | Lifetime | Grandchild of a resident paid Lifetime License holder (free Senior Lifetime does not qualify). |
| Apprentice Hunting & Fishing License | resident | $5.00 | One day (+$1.00 per additional day, up to 11 days) | For hunters 16+ who have not completed hunter education; includes saltwater and general freshwater fishing and WMA/PFA access. Big game license still needed for deer, turkey or bear. |
| Apprentice Hunting & Fishing License | nonresident | $30.00 | One day (+$10.00 per additional day, up to 11 days) | No hunter education required. |
| One-Time Honorary Veteran's License | resident | Free | One year (one time only) | Georgia resident veterans with 90+ consecutive days active duty, honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005; DD-214 and DNR application. |
| Military and Veterans Lifetime Sportsman's License | resident | $600.00 | Lifetime | WRD lifetime page: ages 18-49, active military (CAC or LES) or honorably discharged veterans with 90 days federal active duty (DD-214). |
| Disability Hunting License | resident | $3.00 | Annual | Permanently and totally disabled Georgia residents (certified by VA, SSA, Medicaid, Medicare or Railroad Retirement); paper application only. |
| Harvest Record (alligator, bear, deer, turkey) | resident | Free | Annual (March-February) | Required for anyone hunting alligator, bear, deer or turkey regardless of age or license; available from March 1 for the upcoming season. |
Sources: license table; licensing help, as WRD published it on October 13, 2026.
Georgia programs for new and adaptive hunters
Hunt and Learn
One- to three-day educational hunts for youth (10-17) and adults with little or no experience (e.g., Buck Shoals and Clybel WMAs).
S.H.A.R.P. at Charlie Elliott
Safe Harvest and Responsible Practices (S.H.A.R.P.) program at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center for new adult or youth hunters.
Outdoors Beyond Barriers
Adaptive outdoor program for hunters with disabilities.
Specialty WMA hunts
WMA hunts reserved for youth, ladies, disability license holders, Returning Georgia Veteran Honorary license holders and hunters over 65.
Youth dove fields
Managed WMA/VPA dove fields, many by quota on opening day (Sept. 5, 2026); youth dove fields.
Hunter education
Free in-person classroom course; free online course for students under 16 (HUNTINGsmart); free NRA Foundation online course for all ages; paid online providers (Ilearntohunt, HUNTERcourse.com, Hunter-ed.com incl. Spanish, HUNTINGsmart, Hunter Ed Course, Recademics). Bowhunter education optional online. Graduates get a free 3-month pass to DNR shooting ranges.
Georgia WMAs with youth and mobility-impaired hunts
53 areas list hunts set aside for young or mobility-impaired hunters. Big game youth hunts pair one adult with one child, and the adult does not hunt.
| Area | Counties | Youth listings | Mobility-impaired listings | Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Nursery WMA | Dougherty | 2 | 2 | Turkey, Quail, Deer |
| Altamaha WMA | McIntosh | 2 | 0 | Butler Island, Champney Island |
| Arrowhead WMA | Floyd | 1 | 2 | Small Game Seasons, Deer & Bear, Turkey |
| B.F. Grant WMA | Putnam, Morgan | 1 | 0 | Turkey |
| Big Lazer Creek WMA | Talbot, Upson | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge | Bibb, Twiggs | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Buck Shoals WMA | White | 4 | 0 | Deer & Bear, Turkey, Small Game Seasons, Dove |
| Carter's Lake WMA | Gilmer, Murray, Gordon | 1 | 1 | Deer & bear, Deer |
| Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA: Almo Tract | Talbot, Marion | 2 | 0 | Deer, Dove |
| Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA: Fort Perry Tract | Marion | 2 | 0 | Deer, Dove |
| Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA: Hilliard Plantation Tract | Marion | 2 | 0 | Deer, Dove |
| Chickasawhatchee WMA | Dougherty, Calhoun, Baker | 2 | 0 | Deer, Quail |
| Clayhole Swamp WMA | Glynn | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Clybel WMA | Jasper, Newton | 3 | 0 | Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl Seasons |
| Conasauga River WMA | Murray, Whitfield | 1 | 0 | Waterfowl Seasons |
| Di-Lane WMA | Burke | 3 | 0 | Turkey, Dove, Quail |
| Dodge County PFA | Dodge | 1 | 0 | Turkey |
| Doerun Pitcherplant Bog WMA | Colquitt | 1 | 0 | Turkey |
| Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge | Stewart, Quitman | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Featherfield WMA | Seminole | 2 | 0 | Turkey, Dove |
| Flat Creek PFA | Houston | 1 | 0 | Turkey |
| Flint River WMA | Dooly | 1 | 0 | dove |
| Gaither WMA | Newton | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Grand Bay WMA | Lanier, Lowndes | 2 | 0 | Deer, Turkey |
| Griffin Ridge WMA | Long | 2 | 0 | Deer, Turkey |
| Hugh M. Gillis PFA | Laurens | 1 | 0 | Turkey |
| Indian Ford Farms Dove Field | Toombs | 1 | 0 | Dove |
| J.L. Lester WMA | Polk | 2 | 0 | Deer & bear, Dove |
| Little River WMA | Putnam | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Lula Bridge WMA | Hall | 1 | 0 | Waterfowl Seasons |
| Mead Farm WMA | Burke | 1 | 0 | Waterfowl Seasons |
| Moody Forest WMA | Appling | 1 | 0 | Turkey |
| Oaky Woods WMA | Houston, Pulaski | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Ocmulgee WMA | Bleckley, Pulaski, Twiggs | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Oconee WMA | Greene, Hancock, Putnam | 2 | 0 | Waterfowl Seasons |
| Ossabaw Island WMA | Chatham | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Paradise PFA | Berrien | 1 | 0 | Dove |
| Paulks Pasture WMA | Glynn | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Penholoway Swamp WMA | Wayne | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Phinizy Swamp WMA | Richmond | 1 | 0 | Waterfowl Seasons |
| Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge | Jones, Jasper | 1 | 1 | Deer |
| Redlands WMA | Greene, Oglethorpe, Morgan, Oconee | 1 | 0 | Dove |
| Richard B. Russell State Park | Elbert | 0 | 1 | Deer |
| River Bend WMA | Laurens | 0 | 1 | Deer |
| River Creek, The Rolf & Alexandra Kauka WMA | Thomas, Grady | 5 | 0 | Deer, Turkey, Dove, Quail, Waterfowl Seasons |
| Rum Creek WMA | Monroe | 3 | 0 | Turkey, Waterfowl Seasons |
| Sansavilla WMA | Wayne, Glynn | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Sapelo Island WMA | McIntosh | 1 | 0 | Deer |
| Silver Lake WMA | Decatur | 3 | 0 | Deer, Turkey, Quail |
| Standing Boy Creek State Park | Muscogee | 1 | 0 | Turkey |
| Walton WMA | Walton | 1 | 0 | Dove |
| West Point WMA | Heard, Troup | 4 | 0 | Waterfowl Seasons, Turkey |
| Wilson Shoals WMA | Banks | 1 | 0 | Dove |
Counts are rows marked youth or mobility-impaired in each 2026-27 area listing; some are quota hunts. Sources: WMA listings; mobility-impaired hunts, as WRD published it on October 13, 2026.
Georgia youth and veteran hunting questions
Does a child need a hunting license in Georgia?
Not a resident under 16. The only requirement for deer, turkey, bear or alligator is the free Harvest Record. Nonresidents under 16 need a nonresident license for big game.
Can a 12-year-old hunt alone in Georgia?
Only after completing hunter education; hunters 12 to 15 with the course may hunt without supervision, with extra limits on WMAs and federal land. Younger children stay with a licensed adult.
When is the youth deer week?
Oct. 10-16, 2026, the statewide primitive weapons season, when hunters under 16 may use any legal deer firearm.
When is the youth turkey season?
The special opportunity weekend, March 20-21, 2027, for youth under 16 and mobility-impaired hunters, with a licensed adult who does not shoot.
Are there waterfowl days for veterans?
Yes. Nov. 14-15, 2026 are the federal youth, active duty military and veterans waterfowl days.
What licenses do veterans get?
A free one-time honorary license for qualifying resident veterans, and the $600.00 Military and Veterans lifetime license.
Can an adult hunt while supervising a child?
On small game hunts one adult may supervise two children and hunt too. On big game youth hunts it is one adult per child, and the adult may not hunt.
What happens at a WRD Hunt and Learn event?
One- to three-day educational hunts for youth (10-17) and adults with little or no experience (e.g., Buck Shoals and Clybel WMAs).
Straight from Georgia’s Wildlife Resources Division
Everything here was read from the 2026-27 Georgia regulations guide and georgiawildlife.com on October 13, 2026. A WMA listing can be stricter than the statewide rule, so read the area page too.
Other photos on this page: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region (Public domain); gailhampshire (CC BY 2.0); USFWS/Southeast (Public domain); USFWS Headquarters (CC BY 2.0); Petit Jeano (CC BY 2.0).