Georgia hunters are permitted to return to the woods this Saturday, August 15 as squirrel season opens across the state. For many, however, this marks the opportunity to head for Georgia’s wildlife management areas (WMAs) to pursue wild hogs.
Hog hunting is allowed on Georgia’s WMAs during any open small game or big game season. Hunters may utilize whatever weapon is legal for that season. Beginning on August 15, hunters can pursue hogs on any WMA open for squirrel season. They must utilize only small game legal weapons.
Legal hog hunting weapons during small game season include:
– Any .22-caliber or smaller rimfire or air rifle
– Any muzzle loading firearm
– Any shotgun utilizing No. 2 or smaller shot (no slugs or buckshot)
– Any bow or crossbow
While many wildlife management areas across Georgia have populations of feral hogs, it is best to check with the Regional Game Management office in an area to see where those populations are most prevalent. All WMAs have a small game season beginning August 15. The length and dates of those seasons beyond that vary by WMA. For specific wildlife management area information, hunters may visit eregulations.com/georgia/hunting.
License requirements for public land hog hunting include:
– A Georgia hunting license (If 16 years of age or older and hunting on non-residential land)
– Completion of hunter education course (If born on or after January 1, 1961)
Persons do not need a separate wildlife management area permit or public lands pass as long as they have a valid hunting license.