Georgia’s primitive weapons deer hunting season opens Saturday, Oct. 10, giving hunters a week-long opportunity to pursue deer with muzzleloaders, archery equipment and other legal primitive weapons.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says nearly 11,000 deer were harvested during last year’s primitive weapons season. That total included deer taken with muzzleloaders and archery equipment, along with deer harvested by youth hunters using firearms.
“The primitive weapons season is a prime window for deer hunting,” said Charlie Killmaster, state deer biologist with the WRD Game Management Section. “While most hunters are limited to muzzleloaders and archery, youth hunters can use modern firearms.”
Killmaster said the season also provides hunters with an opportunity to harvest an additional doe before the rut intensifies.
During primitive weapons season, hunters may use archery equipment, air bows, muzzleloading shotguns of 20 gauge or larger, air rifles and muzzleloading firearms that are .30 caliber or larger. Scopes and other optical sighting devices are legal for muzzleloading firearms and archery equipment.
State law allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer and no more than two antlered deer during the season. One of the two antlered deer must have at least four points measuring one inch or longer on one side of the antlers or have a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread.
For most Georgia hunters, deer season ends Jan. 11. Some counties have extended firearms or archery seasons, and hunters should check the 2026-27 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations for specific dates and requirements.
Georgia deer hunters must have a hunting license, big game license and current deer harvest record. All harvested deer must be reported through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours. Hunters can report their harvest through the Outdoors GA app, online through Go Outdoors Georgia or by calling 1-800-366-2661.
WRD is also reminding hunters about opportunities available through Georgia Hunters for the Hungry. The program, operated in partnership with the Georgia Wildlife Federation, allows hunters to donate harvested deer to help provide protein to Georgia families in need.
Public hunting opportunities are available on Georgia Wildlife Management Areas, which provide access to nearly one million acres across the state. Hunters should check regulations for individual WMAs before hunting because dates and requirements can vary.
State wildlife officials are also emphasizing muzzleloader safety ahead of Saturday’s opening day.
Hunters are encouraged to use only powder recommended by the firearm manufacturer, keep powder containers away from flames and sparks and never smoke near a muzzleloader. Powder should be poured into the barrel using an intermediate measuring device rather than directly from a powder container.
Officials say hunters should treat a misfire as though the firearm could discharge at any moment and should make sure the projectile is firmly seated on the powder before firing. Hunters should never blow down the barrel of a muzzleloader to clear sparks.
As with all firearms, hunters should keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, treat every firearm as though it is loaded and make sure the firearm is completely unloaded before cleaning it. Alcohol and drugs should never be used while handling a firearm.
Hunters using muzzleloaders are also encouraged to review their firearm’s owner’s manual and become familiar with its operation before heading into the field.
WRD is asking hunters in Atkinson, Berrien, Lanier and Lowndes counties to help with monitoring for chronic wasting disease by having harvested deer tested. Testing is also available to hunters elsewhere in Georgia, although officials say testing deer from other counties is not currently necessary.
Additional information about deer hunting, season regulations, processors, maps and safety requirements is available through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.