Hunting Info For McIntosh County, Georgia

The abundance of deer, turkey, waterfowl and hog make McIntosh County a hunter's paradise.

HUNTER SAFETY COURSE AND AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HUNTING:

General: Residents and non-residents (seeking a season hunting license) born on or after Jan. 1, 1961, must successfully complete a hunter safety course prior to purchasing a hunting license. Hunter education courses certified or mandated by any state wildlife agency or Canadian province are accepted. Contact your local DNR Law Enforcement Office or 770/918-6409 for course information.

Replacement Certificates: Anyone who completed a Georgia hunter education course and needs a replacement Hunter Safety Certificate should contact their local DNR Law Enforcement office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 770/918-6409 after office hours for information and instructions.

Hunters Under Age 12 are not required to complete a hunter safety course. No one under age 12 may hunt unless under direct adult supervision (within sight or hearing of person 18 years old or older). It is unlawful for an adult to permit their child or ward under age 12 to hunt unsupervised.

Hunters Age 12-15 must complete a hunter safety course prior to hunting. It is unlawful for an adult to permit their child or ward (age 12-15) to hunt unless the child possesses a hunter safety certificate while hunting.

Hunters Age 16-25 must present a hunter safety certificate when purchasing a hunting license and must possess the certificate while hunting.

Hunters Over Age 25 and born after Jan. 1, 1961 must meet hunter safety course requirements but need not present their hunter safety certificate when buying a license or possess it while hunting.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

General: Reliable identification is required to purchase a license. Conservation rangers can require positive identification when checking licenses. All required hunting licenses and stamps must be in possession while hunting.

HONORARY LICENSE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS: Georgia residents 65 years old or older may obtain an honorary license from any license dealer. Georgia residents who possess a valid Georgia honorary hunting and fishing license may hunt in Florida without Florida hunting licenses. A Florida resident 65 or older who has a Florida Resident Senior Hunting and Fishing Certificate may hunt in Georgia without a hunting license.

HONORARY LICENSE FOR DISABLED GEORGIANS: Georgia residents who are permanently, totally disabled may obtain an honorary license by applying to the License Unit of the Department (2189 Northlake Pkwy., Building 10, Suite 108, Tucker, GA 30084, 770/414-3333). A qualifying disability is an impairment of a permanent and total nature which prevents gainful employment and is certified as such by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, Medicaid, Medicare, or Railroad Retirement System.

RESIDENT LICENSE is required for all resident hunters 16 years old or older, except when hunting on land owned by them or their immediate family (blood or dependent relationship) residing in the same household.

NON-RESIDENT LICENSE: Non-residents of all ages are required to have either the 1-day, 7-day, or season non-resident hunting license and a big game license to hunt big game; non-residents who own 50 or more acres of land in Georgia and their immediate family residing in the same household may hunt on that land without hunting licenses. The non-resident landowner must file with the Department a certified copy of the deed and an affidavit specfying family members who are authorized to hunt.".

ARCHERY LICENSE is required for resident (16 years or older) and all non-resident bow hunters unless they possess an honorary hunting license.

BIG GAME LICENSE is required for hunting deer, turkey, or bear, in addition to a regular Hunting License or Archery License. The big game license requirement is met by residents who purchase an Archery/Firearms license or a Sportsman's License. Everyone else who hunts big game must have a big game license (sticker) attached to their license carrier card and deer harvest record. Deer Harvest Record (new for 1996-97) replaces deer tags but not the big game license. It is attached to the license carier card and should not be detached for placement on a deer carcass. Deer hunters who are not required to purchase a hunting license must have a complimentary deer harvest record, which is issued by any license dealer. It is unlawful to purchase or possess multiple big game licenses, license carrier cards, and deer harvest records.

FEDERAL DUCK STAMP is required for all waterfowl hunters 16 years old or older; and, is available after July 1 from U.S. Post Offices. The stamp must be signed in ink across the face. To purchase a Federal Duck Stamp by telephone, call 1-800-STAMP24.

GEORGIA WATERFOWL CONSERVATION STAMP is required for hunting waterfowl, except for hunters with a valid honorary license or children under the age of 16. Waterfowl hunters must also have a Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (issued for free), in addition to other required licenses and stamps.

MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING STAMP is required for any person who hunts migratory birds (doves, ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, coots, rails, or gallinules). This stamp is free and can be obtained from any license dealer by completing a migratory bird hunter questionnaire.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WMA) STAMP is required for any person 16 years old or older who does not possess a valid honorary license when hunting on a WMA.

ARCHERY/FIREARMS HUNTING LICENSE is a single license that covers regular hunting, archery and big game hunting privileges. Other hunting privileges (WMA stamp, State and Federal Duck Stamp, and the new Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp) must be obtained separately.

SPORTSMAN LICENSE is a single license that covers all sport hunting and fishing privileges (except Federal Duck Stamp). This specifically includes general Hunting License, Big Game License, Archery License, WMA Stamp, Georgia Waterfowl Conservation Stamp, Fishing License, Trout Stamp and State Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp privileges.

LEGAL FIREARMS AND ARCHERY EQUIPMENT

DEER, BEAR, AND HOG FIREARMS:

Shotguns: 20-gauge or larger loaded with slugs or buckshot. Buckshot is not allowed on WMAs, unless otherwise specified. Small game weapons are allowed for hog hunting on some WMA hunts.

Modern Rifles: .22-cal. or larger centerfires with expanding bullets.

Muzzleloaders: .44-cal. or larger. On WMA primitive weapons hunts, muzzleloaders (iron sights only) and legal bows may be used.

Handguns: Any producing energy levels exceeding 500 ft/lbs at 100 yds.

TURKEY FIREARMS: Shotguns with No. 2 or smaller shot and any muzzleloading rifle.

SMAll GAME FIREARMS:

Shotguns: Any having shot shell size no greater than 3.5 inches in length with No. 2 or smaller lead shot or federally approved nontoxic shot (steel, bismuth or steel coated with copper, nickel, zinc chromate or zinc chloride) size "F" or smaller.

Buck

Shotguns (Waterfowl): Any 10-gauge or smaller loaded with federally approved nontoxic shot (steel, bismuth or steel coated with copper, nickel, zinc chromate or zinc chloride) of size "F" or smaller. No lead shot may be in possession while hunting waterfowl.

Rifles and Handguns: Any .22-cal rimfire or any muzzleloading firearm.

FURBEARER FIREARMS:

Fox, bobcat, raccoon, and opossum may be taken only with small game firearms.

NONGAME FIREARMS: For unprotected species only - any firearm.

SPECIAL FIREARM RESTRICTIONS:

PLUGGED SHOTGUNS: Shotguns must be plugged to a maximum capacity of 3 shells (magazine and chamber combined) except for deer hunting. For deer hunting shotguns are limited to 5 shells. Plugs must be of one piece and incapable of being removed through the loading end of the magazine.

Silencers: Silencers may not be used for hunting.

ARCHERY: Longbow and compound bows are allowed for hunting any game. Any bow used for hunting deer and bear must have a minimum pull of 40 lbs. Only broadhead type arrows are legal for deer hunting. Crossbows are not legal for hunting any species except by special permit issued by the Department. A crossbow hunting permit is issued only for hunting deer to persons with permanent, medically determinable physical impairments that precludes use of a traditional, hand-held bow. Disabled persons should contact the License Unit, 2189 Northlake Pkwy., Building 10, Suite 108, Tucker, GA 30084 (770/414-3333) for crossbow permit applications.

BIG GAME DEER HUNTING

Season Limit is 5 deer, only 2 of which may be antlered bucks; 3 must be anterless and harvested during either-sex seasons. However, deer killed on WMAs or National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) requiring check-out of harvested deer will be tagged with a special WMA/NWR tag and do not count towards the season limit of 5 total or 2 antlered bucks. Deer killed on WMA sign-in hunts and all other deer killed in Georgia must be recorded on the hunters deer harvest record (attached to the license carrier card) and counted towards the hunter's season limit.

ARCHERY SEASON

Either Sex: Sept. 21-Oct. 25. Statewide. Exception: Antlered bucks may be harvested in Dooly County only if they have a minimum outside antler spread of 15 inches.

Either Sex: Sept. 21-Jan 1. In that portion of Bibb County east of I-75 and I-475 to a line following US Hwy. 129 north to GA Southern and FL Railroad and north of Seaboard Coastline Railroad to Twiggs County, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, and that portion of Fulton County lying north of GA Hwy. 92.

Archers may not possess any firearm while hunting during the archery season for deer. Archery hunting is allowed during firearms deer seasons in accordance with firearms regulations.

TURKEY AND BEAR HUNTING

TURKEY: Mar. 22-May 15 statewide. Season Limit: 3 Gobblers.

BEAR: Northern Zone: Nov. 16-Dec. 8. In Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Habersham, Lumpkin, Murrary, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union, and White Counties. No dogs allowed. Bears must be reported to and tagged by personnel of the Wildlife Resources Division Gainesville office (990/535-5700), Armuchee Office (706/295-6041), or Calhoun Office (706/629-8674). within 24 hours of kill.

Southern Zone: Sept. 27-28; Oct. 4-5; Oct 11-12, In Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Echols, and Ware Counties. Dog hunting allowed. Bears must be checked and tagged at the GA Forestry Commission Office at Folkston, the Dixon Memorial WMA Check Station, or GA Forestry Commission Office in Homerville from 12 noon through 9 p.m. on days of hunts.

Season Limit: 1. Killing of females with cubs or cubs under 75 pounds live weight is prohibited.

SMALL GAME HUNTING

BOBCAT AND FOX: Dec. 1-Feb. 15. No limit. Dog hunting is allowed, and bobcats and foxes may be hunted with small game firearms by hunters using manual calls.

GROUSE: Oct. 15-Feb. 28; Daily limit: 3 OPOSSUM: Oct. 15-Feb. 15; No limit.

QUAIL: Southern Zone: Nov. 16-Feb. 28; Daily Limit: 12.

RABBIT: Nov. 16-Feb. 28; Daily limit: 12.

RACCOON: Oct. 15-Feb.15: Daily limit 1.

SQUIRREL: Aug. 15-Feb. 28; Daily limit: 12.

Coyotes, armadillos, groundhogs, beavers, starlings, pigeons, and English sparrows: No closed season. No limit. Electronic calls may be used for hunting coyotes, except on WMAs.

FERAL HOG HUNTING

PRIVATE LANDS: No closed season; no limit. No hunting over bait, from a vehicle, or at night with a light over 6 volts. No hunting license is required for hog hunting on private lands.

WMAs: The taking of feral hogs on WMAs is allowed only during deer hunts unless stated otherwise in the WMA listing. Hunting hogs with dogs is not allowed. There is no limit unless specified in the WMA listings. Hunting licenses and WMA Stamp are required.

NATIONAL FOREST LANDS: Hog hunting on national forest lands outside of WMAs is allowed during the state archery deer season with bow and arrow, and with deer firearms Oct. 26-Feb. 28. Hogs may not be hunted with the aid of dogs during firearms deer season on national forest lands. No limit. No night hunting.

WMA's in McIntosh County

Altamaha (27,078 acres)

Deer-Archery(Either Sex); Sept21-Oct 25: Sign-In Firearms(Buck Only); Oct 26-Jan 12; Sign-In. Firearms (Either Sex); Nov. 2_10;Nov. 27-Dec. 1: Dec. 28-Jan 1: No Quota; Sign -In.

Turkey-Mar.22-May 15; Sign-In.

Small Game (except snipe) - Aug. 15-Feb. 28 during the state seasons except on Butler Island, which is open after Waterfowl Season; Snipe hunting is allowed Wed. - Sun. during state season, except on Butler Island which opens after Waterfowl Season; No check in.

Fox, Bobcat Raccoon, Opussum (Dog Training Only) - Aug 1 - Oct. 25 and Feb. 16 - Mar. 19: Take Season Jan. 13- Feb. 15 except on Butler Island which opens after Waterfowl Seasons; No Check-In.

Dove - Wed., Sat. and state holidays Sept. 28; Oct. 2,5,9,12,16.19,23,26; Any day Nov. 28-30; Dec. 10- Jan. 15; No Check-In. No dove hunting on Butler Island during duck season.

Waterfowl - Wed-Sun. State Season except Butler Island, which is Sat. only; shooting hours on the entire area are mornings until 12 noon and until sunset on the last day of the season; Butler Island Quota; Check-In no later than 5:15 a.m. EST. Standby hunters will be issued unclaimed blinds.

Feral Hogs - west of Butler and Champney Islands during firearms deer season and on all islands with bow and arrow during statewide archery deer season.

Special Regulations - Acess to Rhetts Island at designated sites only. Refugees will be closed to firearms at all times, but open to rabbitt hunting with bow and arrow after Waterfowl Season. Firearms deer hunting allowed only on lands west of Butler and Champney Islands. All blinds, decoys, and other personal property must be removed immediately after hunt. Air boats are prohibited inside managed waterfowl impoundments. All roads and dikes are closed to motorized traffic unless other wise specified.

Directions From Darien: Take US Hwy 17 south 1.5 miles; check station is on the west side on Hwy 17.

Sapelo Island (8,9990 acres)

Deer - Archery (either sex); South End; Nov. 7-9; Dec 19-21; Quota 150; Check-In required. North End; Sept. 21 - Oct. 22; Sign-In. Firearms (Either Sex); Nov.21 - 23; Dec. 5 - 7; Quota 150; Check-In. Primitive weapons (Either Sex); Oct 24-26; Quota 150; Check-In.

Turkey - Mar.22-May 15; Sign-In.

Small Game - Aug. 15 - Sept 20; Oct. 27-Nov. 5; Nov. 10-19; Nov. 24-Dec. 3; Dec. 8-17; Dec. 22-Feb. 28. Ant small game with an open state season may be taken; No Check-In.

Raccoon, Opossum (Dog Traing Only) Aug. 1- Oct. 14; Feb 16. Mar 19. Take season - Oct. 15-Oct 22; Oct 27-Nov 19; Nov 24-30; Dec. 1-3; Dec8-Feb 15; No Check-In.

Dove - Sat. only Sept. 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19; Ant day Nov. 28-30; Dec. 10-Jan. 15; No Check-In.

Special Regulations; Limited transportation on state boat for Check-In hunts can be obtained through the McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce. Stream anchorage mat be required for hunters using their own boats. All hunter access is allowed only at Moses Hammock Dock at head of Duplin River. No motor vehicles allowed on island. Hunters must be removed by 12:00 noon on the following. Departures and returns from deer hunting must be made from Moses Hammock campsite. Hunters are required to stay outside the boundaries of the safety zones. Hunting is restricted to the north end of Sapelo Island unless otherwise indicated.

Directions - Contact McIntosh Chamber of Commerce (912-437-6684)