Georgia’s duck hunting season begins November 18, special early access for youth and veterans

Duck hunters are gearing up for the opening of the state's duck hunting season starting on November 18, and youth, active military and veterans have an exclusive early hunting opportunity on November 11-12, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) announced Tuesday.

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Duck hunters are gearing up for the opening of the state’s duck hunting season starting on November 18, and youth, active military and veterans have an exclusive early hunting opportunity on November 11-12, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) announced Tuesday.

In a news release, WRD said Georgia’s waterfowl enthusiasts should note that the quota waterfowl hunts on Butler Island will not be available this season due to weather-related delays in scheduled repairs. The Champney waterfowl hunts will proceed as planned.

The upcoming season, divided into two segments, runs from November 18-26 and resumes December 9 until January 28.

During the special early hunt on November 11-12, eligible youth aged 16 or younger, along with active military or veterans, can hunt ducks, Canada geese and mergansers. Participating youth must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old, and only the youth are permitted to hunt.

To legally hunt waterfowl in Georgia, hunters must possess a Georgia hunting license, a Georgia migratory bird license and a federal duck stamp. These requirements can be bundled with the purchase of the Waterfowl Hunter Package available at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

For more information on waterfowl hunting and to plan for the season, hunters should visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.