Georgia Bear Season 2026-27
Georgia bear season dates start with Sep 12-Oct 9, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Georgia's listed 2026-27 bear season runs Sep 12-Oct 9, 2026.
Firearms Black Bear opens Oct 8, 2026 and closes Oct 10, 2026.
Primitive Weapons Black Bear opens Oct 10, 2026 and closes Oct 16, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Georgia DNR Wildlife.
Bear
Black Bear
Archery
Zone: Northern Zone
Black Bear
Firearms
Bears must be taken within 24 hours to Fargo Georgia Forestry Commission Office or state approved cooperator. Dixon Memorial WMA open Sept. 24-26, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Zone: Southern Zone
Black Bear
Primitive Weapons
During the northern zone primitive weapons season, only youth may use any firearm legal for bear.
Zone: Northern Zone
Black Bear
Firearms
Bears killed during bonus deer hunts must be reported via Georgia Game Check. Within 3 business days, bears must be taken to a Game Management Office or state approved cooperator.
Zone: Northern Zone
Black Bear
Firearms
Bears must be taken within 24 hours to Fargo Georgia Forestry Commission Office or state approved cooperator. Multiple season dates: Sept. 17-19, Sept. 24-26, Oct. 1-3, Oct. 8-10.
Zone: Southern Zone
Black Bear
Firearms
Bears must be taken within 24 hours to Fargo Georgia Forestry Commission Office or state approved cooperator.
Zone: Southern Zone
Black Bear
Firearms
Bears must be taken within 24 hours to Fargo Georgia Forestry Commission Office or state approved cooperator.
Zone: Southern Zone
Black Bear
Firearms
A second day may be offered; check website for details after December 14, 2025. Harvested bears must be tagged at the Oaky Woods WMA check station between noon and 9 p.m. on the day of the hunt.
Zone: Central Zone
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Nearby bear seasons
Georgia Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Georgia?
September 12, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Georgia — archery black bear runs Sep 12-Oct 9, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Georgia DNR Wildlife.
What are the 2026-27 bear season dates in Georgia?
Georgia lists 8 bear season windows: Archery Black Bear (Sep 12-Oct 9, 2026); Firearms Black Bear (Sep 17-19, 2026); Firearms Black Bear (Sep 24-26, 2026); Firearms Black Bear (Oct 1-3, 2026); Firearms Black Bear (Oct 8-10, 2026); Primitive Weapons Black Bear (Oct 10-16, 2026); Firearms Black Bear (Oct 17, 2026-Jan 10, 2027); Firearms Black Bear (opens Dec 19, 2026). Always verify against Georgia DNR Wildlife before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Georgia?
Yes — Georgia lists separate bear seasons for Archery Black Bear, Firearms Black Bear, Primitive Weapons Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Georgia DNR Wildlife.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Georgia DNR Wildlife.