The week-long primitive weapons deer hunting season begins Saturday, Oct. 10. During primitive weapons season, hunters may use archery equipment (including crossbows), muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge or larger) and muzzleloading firearms (.44 caliber or larger).
“Our primitive weapons deer season provides hunters the opportunity to hunt with traditional or inline black powder firearms or to continue hunting with archery gear,” said John Bowers, assistant chief of Game Management for the Wildlife Resources Division. “Hunters are allowed to hunt either-sex deer during this week-long opportunity. Primitive weapons hunters have a wide variety of options depending on their personal choices and needs without being burdened by complex regulations.”
More than one million acres of public hunting land is available to hunters in Georgia, including more than 100 state-operated wildlife management areas where special hunts are offered throughout the season, including primitive weapons hunts. Dates and locations for these hunts are available in the 2009-2010 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, and WMA maps are available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
During the 2008 primitive weapons season, 58,264 hunters harvested 16,897 deer - a harvest rate that has remained relatively stable in recent years.
Hunters are allowed a season total of ten antlerless deer and two antlered deer (one of the two antlered deer must have a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers).
Under the new hunting and fishing license sales system, the primitive weapons license is no longer required to hunt during archery and primitive weapons seasons. However, a valid hunting and big game license is required, as is a deer harvest record. In most cases, a separate WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA.
All hunters, including archers, must wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the waist during primitive weapons season. Scopes and other optical sighting devices are considered legal for muzzleloading firearms and archery equipment.
Georgia is considered the top destination in the country for non-resident hunters and continues to draw tens of thousands of deer hunters from across the country each year. The state’s quality deer herd and the more than one million available acres of public hunting land serve as the main appeal.