Hunting News

Hunters take note of turkey season changes

Hunters take note of turkey season changes

By Georgia Department of Natural Resources

When turkey hunting season opens April 2, hunters should take note of several changes, including the April 9 season opening If hunting on public lands, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and National Forest land. The season ends May 15.

Hunters will need to note the season bag limit has changed for turkeys for the 2022 season. Only one gobbler may be taken per hunter per day, and a season total of two gobblers. On WMAs and National Forest land (outside of WMAs), the bag limit is one gobbler per area.

“Statewide reproduction in 2020 was slightly below average, which means we might have a slightly lower number of two-year old birds in the woods,” according to Emily Rushton, wild turkey project coordinator. “But the good news is that in 2021 we had the highest reproduction we have seen in a decade, meaning that there are many young birds in the woods, and that is a great sign for seasons to come.”

All turkey hunters, including those under 16 years of age, landowners, honorary, lifetime, and sportsman license holders, must obtain a free harvest record each season. Before moving a harvested turkey, hunters are required to immediately enter the date and county on the harvest record, and within 24 hours, must complete the reporting process through Georgia Game Check.

Resident youth hunters under age 16 will not need a license. Hunters age 16 years or older, including those accompanying youth or others, will need a hunting license and a big game license unless hunting on their own private land.

Licenses can be obtained at a retail license vendor, by calling (800)366-2661, or online.

For more hunting information, click here.

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