This guide covers confirmed 2026 season dates, license costs for residents and non-residents, land access options, and gear recommendations. Always confirm final dates and regulations at GeorgiaWildlife.com before you hunt.
The guide is useful for both Georgia residents and non-resident hunters planning a legal 2026 small game season. Here’s what it covers:
- Confirmed 2026 season dates & bag limits for every small game species
- License costs and requirements for residents and non-residents
- Where to hunt—public land options plus private leases through Hunting Locator
Quick Overview: Georgia Small Game Seasons at a Glance
The table below summarizes key dates, limits, and notes for every Georgia small game species. See the notes below for migratory and public land considerations.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Aug 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 | $12 | Gray & fox combined; one of GA’s longest seasons |
| Rabbit | Nov 14, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 | 12 | — |
| Quail | Nov 7, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 | 12 | Bobwhite quail |
| Ruffed Grouse | Oct 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 | 3 | Found primarily in North Georgia mountains |
| Woodcock | Dec 5, 2026 – Jan 18, 2027 | — | Migratory — federal rules apply |
| Snipe | Nov 14, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 | — | Migratory — federal rules apply |
| Dove (Migratory) | Sept 6 – Oct 12; Nov 22 – 30; Dec 18 – Jan 31* | 15/day | Segmented season; federal rules apply |
| Fox & Bobcat | Dec 1 – Feb 28 | No limit | Furbearer |
| Opossum & Raccoon | No closed season (private land) | No limit | Public land differs |
Important notes:
- Dates reflect the most recent published cycle. Always confirm final 2026–27 dates at GeorgiaWildlife.com—the Georgia DNR is the official authority.
- Dove and other migratory birds are subject to additional federal frameworks and season segments.
- As noted by eRegulations, “Hunting seasons, dates, and bag limits on WMAs, PFAs, State Parks, and federal lands may differ from those below.” Always check site-specific rules.
License, Permit & Education Requirements
Before you head afield, here’s what you need to be legal. For species-specific rules, visit our full Georgia small game hunting overview.
- Hunting License: Required for all hunters pursuing small game in Georgia. Resident landowners and immediate family hunting their own property are generally exempt, but must still follow all season dates, bag limits, and reporting requirements. Detailed pricing is in the licenses section below.
- Hunter Education: According to GeorgiaWildlife.com, “Hunter education is required for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1961 before buying a license, with some exceptions.” Online and in-person formats are both accepted.
- Migratory Bird Requirements (HIP): For dove, woodcock, and snipe, federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) participation is required in addition to your state license. A free Non-Resident Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License is also required for applicable license holders 16 and older. Confirm current federal requirements at GeorgiaWildlife.com.
- Digital Tools: Download the Outdoors GA mobile app for digital licenses, check-in capabilities, and regulation updates.
Georgia Small Game Hunting Seasons
Georgia’s small game hunting spans a wide range of species and habitats—hardwood ridge squirrels, brushy-field rabbits, dove fields, and grouse cover in the northern mountains. As Hunting Locator’s overview notes, “Georgia offers abundant opportunities for hunting small game, migratory birds, and furbearers. These hunts provide extended seasons and diverse experiences for hunters.” Migratory species carry federal requirements on top of your state license, covered in the relevant sections below.
Squirrel Season
Georgia squirrel season runs August 15, 2026 through February 28, 2027, with a daily bag limit of 12 squirrels (gray and fox combined). Legal weapons include rimfire rifles, muzzleloaders, air guns, and shotguns. The season is long, the population is healthy, and hardwood forest edges with mature oaks and hickories are reliable starting points for new hunters.
Rabbit Season
Georgia rabbit season opens November 14, 2026 and runs through February 28, 2027, with a daily bag limit of 12 rabbits. As confirmed by Hunting Locator’s Georgia seasons guide, this is one of the more liberal limits in the region. Brushy field margins, briar thickets, and overgrown fence rows hold rabbits throughout the state and suit hunters running beagles well.
Quail Season
Georgia quail season opens November 7, 2026 and closes February 28, 2027, with a daily bag limit of 12 bobwhite quail. The season length gives both resident and traveling hunters good opportunity to work a dog over quality cover. Georgia DNR actively monitors bobwhite populations and offers a harvest and hunter effort survey for quail hunters.
Ruffed Grouse Season
Ruffed grouse season opens October 15, 2026 and runs through February 28, 2027, with a daily bag limit of 3 birds. Georgia grouse are found in dense rhododendron tangles and steep hardwood draws in the northern mountains—a different kind of hunting than quail or dove. The conservative bag limit reflects the species’ naturally limited range within the state. Expect physical terrain and focus your efforts in the northern mountain counties.
Migratory Birds: Dove, Woodcock & Snipe
Migratory game birds require your Georgia hunting license plus HIP registration and any applicable migratory bird permits. Always verify current federal requirements at GeorgiaWildlife.com before pursuing migratory species. For a full breakdown, visit our Georgia migratory bird hunting guide.
Georgia Dove Season 2026 runs in three segments:
- Early season: September 6 – October 12
- Second season: November 22 – 30
- Third season: December 18 – January 31
The daily bag limit is 15 doves. As GeorgiaWildlife.com confirms, “In addition to State regulations, Federal rules apply to the taking, possession, shipping, transporting, and storing of migratory game birds.”
Woodcock season runs December 5, 2026 through January 18, 2027. Woodcock favor moist, low-lying areas with young alder and birch thickets.
Snipe season opens November 14, 2026 and closes February 28, 2027. Snipe are found in wet meadows and marsh edges; hunting them well takes patience and solid shooting.
Furbearers: Fox, Bobcat, Raccoon & Opossum
- Fox & Bobcat: Season runs December 1 – February 28 with no bag limit.
- Raccoon & Opossum: On private land, there is no closed season and no bag limit. On public land, regulations differ—confirm current rules at GeorgiaWildlife.com before heading out.
As noted in eRegulations’ Georgia small game table, public land seasons for these species may differ from private land rules. Night hunting with dogs is the traditional method for raccoon. For more detail, see our Georgia furbearer hunting season guide.
Georgia Hunting Licenses and Permits
Georgia Hunting Licenses
Georgia offers tiered resident and non-resident licensing options. As confirmed by Hunting Locator’s Georgia hunting guide, here’s the current cost structure:
| License Type | Who It’s For | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Annual Hunting License | Residents | $15/year | Covers small game hunting |
| Sportsman’s License | Residents | $65/year | Broader hunting and fishing privileges |
| Senior Sportsman’s License | Residents age 65+ | $7/year | Discounted combination license |
| Annual Hunting License | Non-Residents | $100/year | Covers small game hunting statewide |
| Short-Term License | Residents | $5/day | Ideal for occasional hunters |
| Short-Term License | Non-Residents | $20/day | Up to 10 consecutive days may be added |
Non-resident annual license pricing is confirmed at $100. Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, through a local license agent, or by calling 800-366-2661. Always verify current pricing directly with Georgia DNR, as fees are subject to change.
Georgia Hunting Permits
Beyond your base license, certain situations and species require additional permits or registrations:
- Migratory Bird Hunting (HIP): Required for anyone pursuing dove, woodcock, snipe, or waterfowl. HIP registration is typically free and can be completed when purchasing your license.
- Non-Resident Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License: Required for Sportsman’s license holders age 16 and over pursuing migratory birds. This is a free license but must be obtained before hunting.
- Federal Duck Stamp: Required for all hunters age 16 and older pursuing migratory waterfowl.
- WMA Quota Hunts: Some Wildlife Management Areas run quota hunts requiring a separate application and permit. Check site-specific listings at GeorgiaWildlife.com well in advance.
- Hunter Education Card: If you were born on or after January 1, 1961, carry your hunter education certification in the field—it’s required for hunters ages 16–25.
Georgia Small Game: Where to Hunt
Best Public Lands
Georgia’s WMA system includes “over 100 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) spanning more than one million acres, plus private lands and national forests.” Small game and furbearers on WMAs may generally be hunted under statewide seasons and bag limits, “except during quota hunts and unless otherwise specified in a specific area listing.”
Strong public land options for Georgia small game hunters include:
- Chattahoochee National Forest (North Georgia) – Ruffed grouse and squirrel habitat in the mountainous northern tier; access is generally open under standard national forest rules.
- Piedmont WMA – Diverse habitat in the central Piedmont supporting squirrel, rabbit, and quail.
- Ocmulgee WMA – Large central Georgia tract with good small game variety including rabbit and squirrel.
- Alapaha WMA – South Georgia bottomland with rabbit and squirrel hunting across a mix of pine and hardwood habitat.
- Chickasawhatchee WMA – Southwest Georgia swamp and hardwood habitat, popular for squirrel and raccoon.
- Oconee National Forest – Central Georgia forest system with dispersed access for squirrel and rabbit hunters.
Always confirm site-specific rules and any applicable quota hunt requirements at GeorgiaWildlife.com before visiting any WMA.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
Public land is accessible, but private land typically means less pressure, more flexibility, and habitat you can scout and manage on your own schedule. For hunters without landowner connections, leasing is the most direct path to consistent private access. Lease arrangements range from single-season agreements to year-round access with camping and fishing privileges. In 2022, deer hunting leases in Georgia averaged approximately $16.00 per acre, ranging from $10.00 to $30.00 or more—a useful benchmark when evaluating small game lease pricing.
Hunting Locator connects hunters directly with landowners ready to lease or sell, with a searchable database of verified Georgia hunting properties filterable by acreage, location, game type, and price. Hunters regularly report securing leases within two weeks of joining the platform.
Browse current Georgia hunting leases on Hunting Locator to find land for your 2026 season—from dove fields in the southern agricultural belt to squirrel and rabbit country in the central hardwoods.
Guided Hunts
For non-resident hunters making a first trip to Georgia, or anyone targeting a specific species, a guided hunt is worth considering. A good guide brings local knowledge, established land access, and species-specific experience.
Georgia has guided small game options worth exploring, particularly for:
- Dove hunting – Guides provide field access, decoys, and setup for the high-volume early-season shoots Georgia is known for. The segmented season gives out-of-state hunters multiple trip windows.
- Quail hunting – Guided quail hunts typically include trained pointing dogs, bird boys, and access to managed habitat. This is one of Georgia’s most established guided experiences.
- Rabbit hunting – Some guides offer beagle-assisted hunts on private land for hunters who want the full experience without running their own pack.
Hunting Locator’s outfitter and guide directory connects hunters with experienced Georgia guides offering small game packages across the state. For waterfowl-adjacent guided options, see our Georgia waterfowl hunting season guide.
Small Game Hunting Tips for Georgia Success
Stock up on the right gear at the Hunting Locator Store before the season opens.
- Start with squirrel – Georgia squirrel season opens August 15, ahead of every other small game species. Those early weeks are useful for sharpening woods reading, shot selection, and patience before the rest of the calendar fills in. A .22 LR rifle or a light 20-gauge shotgun handles most situations cleanly.
- Scout dove fields before the September opener – The September 6 opener draws some of the highest hunter participation of any Georgia small game day. Scout cut grain fields and water sources in late August. A 12-gauge or 20-gauge semi-auto with a modified choke and quality dove loads gives you good pattern density and fast follow-up shots.
- Use dogs for rabbit and quail – Dogs cover ground faster, push game into open shooting lanes, and make the day more productive. A well-fitted blaze orange vest for both hunter and dog keeps everyone visible in thick cover.
- Go prepared for North Georgia grouse – Target north-facing slopes with young forest growth in the dense rhododendron and hardwood draws of the northern mountains. A lightweight 20-gauge side-by-side or over/under handles well in tight cover where shots come quickly and close.
- Keep your digital licenses current – Download the Outdoors GA app and store your digital license before you leave the truck. It keeps you compliant and delivers regulation updates if questions come up in the field.
- Scout private land before opening day – If you’ve secured a lease through Hunting Locator, get on the property early. Identify food sources, travel corridors, and water before the season opens.
- Layer up for late-season hunts – Grouse, woodcock, and the late dove segment run into December and January. Quality base layers, a mid-layer fleece, and a waterproof outer shell keep you comfortable on cold Georgia mornings.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
- Georgia Hunting Season Guide – The complete master guide covering all major Georgia hunting seasons.
- Georgia Small Game Hunting Season – A detailed companion to this guide covering small game species, regulations, and access strategies.
- Georgia Migratory Bird Hunting Season – Dove, woodcock, snipe, and all Georgia migratory bird seasons, including federal regulation guidance.
- Georgia Waterfowl Hunting Season – Duck and goose seasons, zone information, and public/private land access.
- Georgia Deer Hunting Season – All deer-specific dates, licenses, and access options.
- Georgia Turkey Hunting Season – Spring and fall turkey seasons, including public land access and private lease opportunities.
- Georgia Bear Hunting Season – North Georgia bear seasons, quota hunt information, and permit requirements.
- Georgia Alligator Hunting Season – Alligator hunting permits, zones, and methods.
- Georgia Feral Hog Hunting Season – Feral hog regulations, methods, and land access.
- Georgia Furbearer Hunting Season – Fox, bobcat, raccoon, and opossum seasons and regulations in detail.
- Georgia Hunting Leases on Hunting Locator – Browse current private land lease listings, searchable by location, acreage, and game type.
- Hunting Locator Store – Gear for every species and season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Georgia squirrel season open in 2026?
Georgia squirrel season opens August 15, 2026 and runs through February 28, 2027. The daily bag limit is 12 squirrels (gray and fox combined). Legal weapons include rimfire rifles, muzzleloaders, air guns, and shotguns.
How much does a Georgia hunting license cost for residents and non-residents?
Georgia residents pay $15 for a basic annual hunting license, $65 for a Sportsman’s License, or $7 for a Senior Sportsman’s License (age 65 and older). Non-residents pay $100 for an annual hunting license, with short-term options at $5 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents. Licenses are available at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, through local agents, or by calling 800-366-2661.
Do I need extra permits to hunt dove in Georgia?
Yes. Dove is a migratory species, so in addition to your Georgia hunting license you must register in the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP). Non-residents may also need a free Non-Resident Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License. Georgia dove season 2026 runs in three segments: September 6 – October 12, November 22 – 30, and December 18 – January 31, with a daily bag limit of 15. Confirm current federal requirements at GeorgiaWildlife.com.
Can I hunt raccoon and opossum year-round in Georgia?
On private land, yes—raccoon and opossum have no closed season and no bag limit. On public land, different rules apply. Confirm current public land rules at GeorgiaWildlife.com before hunting these species on WMAs or other public properties.
Do I need hunter education to hunt small game in Georgia?
If you were born on or after January 1, 1961, hunter education is required before purchasing a hunting license, with some limited exceptions. Both online and in-person formats are accepted.
How do I find private land to hunt small game in Georgia?
Hunting Locator’s Georgia lease listings let you search verified private land available for seasonal lease by location, acreage, and game type. The platform connects you directly with landowners, and hunters regularly report securing leases within two weeks of joining. For longer-term access, Hunting Locator also connects buyers with landowners interested in selling hunting property.
Planning Your 2026 Season
Georgia’s small game calendar runs from August squirrels through late-February quail and grouse, with dove, woodcock, snipe, and furbearers filling in across the fall and winter. Lock down your license, confirm your dates, and sort out land access before the season opens.
For private land, search Georgia hunting leases on Hunting Locator and connect with landowners ready to welcome hunters this season.
