📅 2025–2026 Season⏱ 6 min read✅ Verified against Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Georgia Hunting License & Hunter Education Requirements

Everything a first-time hunter needs to get licensed in Georgia: whether you need hunter education, which course formats are available, what licenses cost, and where to buy. Current for the 2025–2026 season.

Georgia Hunter Education: Do You Need It?

FactorAnswer
Birth year cutoff (residents born before this are exempt)1961
Exemption applies toJan 1, 1961
Online-only course accepted?Online-only available for adults
Apprentice/mentorship license available?Yes — see details below
Military/veteran exemption?Check our full guide
Official course registrationgeorgiawildlife.com ↗

Georgia Hunting License Costs (2025–2026)

📌 Cost Summary From $15 resident / $100 nonresident
License TypeResidentNon-Resident
Base Annual Hunting License$15$100
Hunter Education Course$19.95$19.95
Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl only)$25$25

Where to Buy Your Georgia Hunting License

  • Online: georgiawildlife.com — fastest option, license available immediately
  • In person: Walmart sporting goods, Bass Pro, Cabela's, independent sporting goods stores
  • State offices: Georgia Department of Natural Resources regional offices — best for complex situations (military exemptions, lifetime licenses)

Step-by-Step: Getting Your First Georgia Hunting License

  1. Confirm your hunter education status

    Use our Requirement Finder or check the table above. If born before 1961, you may be exempt.

  2. Complete hunter education if required

    Register at georgiawildlife.com. Course: Online-only available for adults. Cost: $19.95.

  3. Purchase your license online

    Go to georgiawildlife.com, create an account, enter your certificate number, and select your license type. Resident base license: $15.

  4. Add required tags for your target species

    Deer, turkey, and elk require separate tags in most cases. Check the Georgia hunting regulations digest at georgiawildlife.com for current tag requirements and season dates.

  5. Download and save your license

    Print a backup or save to your phone. Most Georgia game wardens accept digital licenses, but having a printed copy is always safe.

✅ Georgia Insider Note Georgia offers one of the most beginner-friendly setups in the Southeast — online-only course for adults, broad apprentice access, and relatively affordable licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions — Georgia

Yes. Georgia recognizes IHEA-accredited hunter education certificates from all 50 states. If you completed your course in another state, your certificate number is valid when purchasing a Georgia license. You do not need to retake the course.
Yes — Georgia licenses are available online at georgiawildlife.com. You can purchase the same day and begin hunting immediately (assuming it's an open season). Digital licenses are accepted by Georgia game wardens.
Georgia allows first-time hunters to hunt one season before completing hunter education, under adult supervision (21+). See our full guide: Apprentice & Mentorship License Programs.
Visit georgiawildlife.com and use the certificate lookup tool, or try the national lookup at hunter-ed.com/records-lookup. If your record isn't found online, contact Georgia Department of Natural Resources directly. See our full guide: Lost Hunter Ed Certificate Replacement.
Informational Disclaimer: License costs, season dates, and requirements are updated annually by Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Always verify current rules at georgiawildlife.com before purchasing a license.