The statewide archery deer hunting season begins Saturday, Sept. 14, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Last year, 85,000 archery hunters harvested 55,000 deer. Statewide, hunters can use archery equipment throughout the entire 2024-2025 deer season.

“Hunters heading out for archery season can begin filling their own freezers and then sharing any further abundance with the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program,” said state deer biologist Charlie Killmaster. “We want to especially encourage those that hunt near crop fields to harvest extra antlerless deer to donate. Not only will this help reduce potential agriculture damage but will also provide a healthy meat source to those in need. Archery season is also an ideal time to donate as deer processors can more easily handle the increased volume.”

“We continue to ask hunters to help protect the Georgia deer herd from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal disease affecting deer. This disease has not been detected in our state and you can be instrumental in keeping it out,” says Killmaster. “Do not bring live deer, whole carcasses or heads into Georgia, know what parts you can bring back from an out-of-state hunt, and report deer with any disease symptoms. You can find more info at GeorgiaWildlife.com/cwd.”

For more on deer hunting, including finding a game processor, viewing regulations, maps (either sex day or the rut map), visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/deer-info.