A Georgia Special WMA hog and coyote season is set for 2019. Georgia Department Of Natural Resources is allowing coyote and hog hunting with big-game firearms May 16-31 on most WMAs.
Hogs and coyotes in Georgia are taking a tole on habitat and coyotes are killing up to 50% of the fawns born every year. Normally varmint hunting on Georgia WMAs has to be done with small game rifles and shotguns but on the dates above, hunters can use centerfire rifles and other weapons for taking hogs and coyotes.
If participating in this special season, hunters must wear orange, electronic calls are legal, and night hunting and baiting are not allowed. Dogs are allowed by special permission in some areas.
Phone numbers to Region offices are at https://georgiawildlife.com/about/contact#gm.
After your hunt, enter the Coyote Cull for a chance to win a Franchi Momentum rifle from Adventure Outdoors, $500 from Trinity Custom Homes or a trapping package from Southern Snares & Outfitters worth over $200.
Non-Native & Invasive Species Regs (Except Special Season)
Feral Hog
Limit
No limit, no closed season.
Regulations
Feral hogs may be hunted at night with a light (no voltage restriction), which is carried by the hunter or affixed to a helmet, hat or part of a belt system. Hunting over bait is allowed. No hunting from a vehicle.
Wildlife Management Areas
Feral hogs may be taken during any small or big game season with the appropriate lawful weapons. Hunter orange is required and no night hunting or baiting is allowed. Electronic calls may be used. Additionally, a Feral Hog and Coyote season will be held from May 16-31 on all WMAs (unless otherwise specified). During this two week hunt, any legal firearm for big or small game may be used, except on Archery Only areas. View hunt dates and regulations for specific WMAs.
National Forest Areas (outside of WMAs)
Hogs may be taken with archery equipment during archery deer season, with deer weapons during firearms deer season, with turkey weapons during turkey season and with small game weapons during small game season. No night hunting or baiting is allowed. Hunter orange is required during firearms and primitive weapons deer seasons.
Legal Weapons
Any legal weapon allowed on private land.
License Requirements
All residents age 16 years of age or older must possess a hunting license to hunt feral hog, except when hunting on land owned by the hunter or their immediate family (blood or dependent) residing in the same household. Nonresidents must possess a nonresident hunting license.
Invasive Species
It is unlawful to take nongame wildlife except coyotes, armadillos, groundhogs, beavers, starlings, English sparrows, pigeons, fiddler crabs and venomous snakes. Additionally, rats, mice, frogs spring lizards, freshwater crayfish and freshwater mussels may be taken except for species on Georgia’s protected species list.
Coyotes
Limit
No limit, no closed season.
Regulations
No closed season for trapping coyotes. Electronic calls may be used. Regulations on Wildlife Management Areas.
Wildlife Management Areas
Coyotes may be taken during any small or big game season with the appropriate lawful weapons. Hunter orange is required and no night hunting or baiting is allowed. Electronic calls may be used. Additionally, a Feral Hog and Coyote season will be held from May 16-31 on all WMAs (unless otherwise specified). During this two week hunt, any legal firearm for big or small game may be used, except on Archery Only areas.
License Requirements
All residents age 16 years of age or older must possess a hunting license to hunt coyote, except when hunting on land owned by the hunter or their immediate family (blood or dependent) residing in the same household. Nonresidents must possess a nonresident hunting license.
Beavers
Limit
No limit, no closed season.
Regulations
No closed season for trapping beavers.
License Requirements
All residents age 16 years of age or older must possess a hunting license to hunt beaver, except when hunting on land owned by the hunter or their immediate family (blood or dependent) residing in the same household. Nonresidents must possess a nonresident hunting license.
Armadillos, Groundhogs, Starlings, Pigeons & English Sparrows
Limit
No limit, no closed season.
License Requirements
All residents age 16 years of age or older must possess a hunting license to hunt these species, except when hunting on land owned by the hunter or their immediate family (blood or dependent) residing in the same household. Nonresidents must possess a nonresident hunting license.
