reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-1-39) › Section 27-1-33 - Noncompliance with laws while on fishing area, fish hatchery, natural area, or wildlife management area; acts constituting criminal trespass

(a)
It shall be unlawful to enter upon or to hunt, trap, or fish on any public fishing area, fish hatchery, or natural area, or wildlife management area owned or operated by the department except in compliance with all applicable laws and all rules and regulations promulgated by the board, including, but not limited to, any law, rule, or regulation relating to seasons or bag limits or requiring a special permit.
(b)
Any person who enters upon or who hunts, traps, or fishes on any public hunting or fishing area, fish hatchery, or natural area or any game management area owned or operated by the department in violation of this Code section commits the offense of criminal trespass.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 264,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 228,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 307, § 4, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-1-39) › Section 27-1-34 - Defenses not available in prosecutions for violations

In any prosecution for the violation of any of the provisions of the wildlife laws, it shall not be a defense that the person taking, possessing, selling, transporting, or storing wildlife was mistaken as to the species, sex, age, size, or any other fact regarding such wildlife or that the person lacked criminal intent, it being one of the purposes of the wildlife laws to penalize recklessness resulting in the violation of the wildlife laws.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-1-39) › Section 27-1-35 - Jurisdiction of probate courts; summons

(a)
The jurisdiction of the probate courts of the several counties of this state is enlarged and extended so that probate courts, acting by and through the judge or presiding officer, shall have the right and power to receive pleas of guilty and impose sentence upon defendants violating the provisions of this title.
(b)
When a person is arrested for any violation of the wildlife laws, the arresting officer may, at his discretion, choose to issue to the offender a summons to appear before a court of jurisdiction. Every such summons shall show:
(1)
That it is issued by authority of the department;
(2)
The name of the person summoned or, if the person to be summoned refuses to give his name or the officer serving the summons believes the name given is false or if the officer is for other cause unable to ascertain the correct name of the person to be summoned, a fictitious name plainly identified as such;
(3)
The offense with which the person being summoned is charged and the date and location of the alleged offense;
(4)
The location of the court and the day and hour at which he is summoned to appear;
(5)
That failure to so appear is a violation of Georgia laws and subject to prosecution;
(6)
The date the summons is served; and
(7)
The name and official designation of the officer serving it.
(c)
Every person so summoned shall appear at the place and on the date ordered except in cases where a bond has been posted in lieu of the summons or where the court has granted a continuance.
(d)
The officer serving a summons pursuant to this Code section shall, on or before the return date of the summons, deliver a copy thereof to the court before which it is returnable, or to the clerk of such court, and shall file any information and such affidavits as may be required with respect to the alleged offense.
(e)
Personal delivery of a summons to the persons charged shall constitute due and proper service of the summons; provided, however, that if the violation is for a vehicle parking violation involving an unattended vehicle, service may be made by placing the summons on the driver's side of the windshield of the vehicle.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-1-39) › Section 27-1-37 - Administrative orders; emergency administrative orders; administrative review

(a)
Whenever the department has reason to believe that a violation of any provision of this title, any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or a condition of any permit issued thereunder has occurred or is occurring, the department may, in its discretion, issue an administrative order requiring the violator to take whatever corrective action the department deems necessary in order to obtain compliance within a period of time set forth in such order. Such order may also authorize the seizure of any wildlife or wild animal which the department determines is being or has been taken, imported, sold, transferred, or possessed in violation of this title, any regulation promulgated pursuant thereto, or a condition of any permit or license issued thereunder. Any such order issued by the department shall become final unless the person named therein files with the department a written request for a hearing within 30 days after the order is served personally or by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery on such person.
(b)
In addition to taking the actions authorized in subsection (a) of this Code section, the department may issue an emergency administrative order for the purpose of authorizing any appropriate enforcement action including, but not limited to, the seizure of wildlife or wild animals; provided, however, that such emergency order must be supported by and have attached thereto an affidavit stating that the affiant has personal knowledge that immediate irreparable injury is likely to occur to wildlife or other natural resources, to wild animals, or to human beings. Any such emergency order issued by the department shall be effective immediately upon the issuance of the order. The person named in the order shall, upon written request within 30 days of the issuance of the order, be entitled to a hearing, the hearing to be held within ten days of receipt of the request.
(c)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require the issuance of an administrative order or emergency administrative order to seize contraband or wildlife in accordance with this title.
(d)
The hearing reviewing an administrative order or an emergency administrative order shall be conducted by an administrative law judge appointed by the Board of Natural Resources. The hearing before the administrative law judge shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," and the rules and regulations adopted by the board pursuant thereto. The decision of the administrative law judge shall constitute the final decision of the board and any party to the hearing, including the department, shall have the right of judicial review thereof in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-1-39) › Section 27-1-38 - Penalty for violations of title

Unless otherwise specifically provided, any person who violates any of the provisions of this title shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; provided, however, that unless otherwise specifically provided, any person who violates any of the provisions of this title or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant thereto relating to the possession or use of fishing gear on trawlers shall be a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and shall be fined $1,000.00 for the first offense, $3,000.00 for the second offense, and $5,000.00 for the third and each subsequent offense.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 946, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-1-39) › Section 27-1-39 - Rules and regulations used to establish criminal violations

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, for purposes of establishing criminal violations of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Board of Natural Resources as provided in this title, the term 'rules and regulations' means those rules and regulations of the Board of Natural Resources in force and effect on January 1, 2024.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 493,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 770,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 307,§ 27, eff. 5/10/2021.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 32,§ 2-2, eff. 4/27/2021.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 600,§ 2-1, eff. 8/5/2020.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 264,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 177,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 544,§ 1, eff. 5/1/2014.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 26,§ 2, eff. 5/15/2013.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 676,§ 1, eff. 5/1/2012.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 635,§ 2, eff. 6/4/2010.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 584,§ 1, eff. 5/13/2008.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 520,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 311, § 2, eff. 10/1/2003.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 946, § 2, eff. 7/1/2002.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 307, § 5, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-1 - Hunting, trapping, or fishing without license or permit generally; nonresidents

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt, fish, trap, or possess any wildlife or feral hog without first procuring all of the licenses, stamps, or permits required or authorized under this title.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any resident of this state who has attained the age of 16 years to hunt, fish in the waters of this state, or trap without a valid hunting license, fishing license, or trapping license, respectively, as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
, except on premises owned by him or her or his or her immediate family; provided, however, that the resident owner of any vessel with a valid registration in accordance with Code Section
52-7-5
shall have, as part of the registration fee for such vessel, a paid one-day resident hunting and fishing license valid only on the anniversary of such owner's date of birth in accordance with the requirements of this title and as otherwise specified by the department. It shall be unlawful for any resident of this state to hunt, fish, or trap in this state without carrying such license upon his or her person, except on premises owned by him or her or his or her immediate family and except when otherwise specifically directed by authorized personnel of the department.
(c)
It shall be unlawful for any person not a resident of Georgia who has attained the age of 16 years to hunt, fish in the waters of this state, or trap in this state without a valid nonresident hunting, fishing, or trapping license, respectively, as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
, except as otherwise specifically provided by law and interstate agreements. It shall be unlawful for any nonresident to hunt, fish in the waters of this state, or trap without carrying such license on his or her person, unless otherwise specifically directed by authorized personnel of the department.
(d)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this Code section, no license shall be required to fish with permission of the owner from noncommercial premises not open to the public, including docks and foreshores of such premises, or at a facility or on a charter boat licensed pursuant to the provisions of Code Section
27-2-23.2
.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 22,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 247,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-3 - Effective periods of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses generally; multiyear licenses

(a)
Except as otherwise specifically provided, all hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, including without limitation commercial fishing and commercial fishing boat licenses issued pursuant to Code Section
27-2-8
, shall be effective from April 1 to March 31 of the following year; except that all annual, two-year, or other multiyear hunting, fishing, and hunting and fishing combination licenses issued pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (4) of Code Section
27-2-23
shall be effective through the applicable one-year, two-year, or multiyear anniversary of the date of issuance. If a person possesses a valid annual, two-year, or other multiyear hunting, fishing, or hunting and fishing combination license at the time of sale of one or more annual, two-year, or other multiyear licenses with identical privileges to the valid license, the new license or licenses shall become effective when the original license expires and shall remain valid through the full applicable period. The department may specify the effective dates and term of the following licenses or permits:
(1)
The Georgia waterfowl and migratory bird stamp to meet requirements of Code Section
27-2-20
;
(2)
The free Georgia salt water fishing endorsement to meet requirements of Code Section
27-2-20.1
; and
(3)
Any permit or requirement authorized by Code Section
27-3-29
regarding harvest recording and reporting.
(b)
Multiyear licenses valid for any desired number of years may be purchased through a single transaction for licenses listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) of Code Section
27-2-23
. The fee for any such multiyear license shall be equivalent to the lowest cost combination of annual or two-year licenses necessary to form the desired multiyear license period. No resident license shall be valid at the time of hunting or fishing unless the licensee is a resident of this state at such time, except for lifetime licenses.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 22,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 684,§ 27, eff. 5/1/2012.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 167,§ 1, eff. 5/5/2009.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 18,§ 27, eff. 5/11/2007.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 311, § 3, eff. 2/29/2004.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-4.1 - Fishing license reciprocity for Florida residents over 65 years of age

No fishing license shall be required for any Florida resident who is more than 65 years of age, to the extent that a reciprocal provision exists under Florida law for any Georgia resident who is more than 65 years of age. Florida residents exempted from the requirement of obtaining a fishing license under this Code section shall be entitled to fish in this state without the payment of any fee whatsoever, except that in order to engage in the activities regulated by subsection (a) of Code Section
27-2-6
such a Florida resident must have paid the fee otherwise required for a trout license and must have in his or her possession such proof of such payment as may be prescribed by the department. Florida residents exempted from the requirement of obtaining a fishing license under this Code section are subject to all wildlife laws, rules, and regulations with the exception of provisions requiring fishing licenses. The privileges granted to a Florida resident under this Code section may be suspended or revoked on the same grounds and in the same manner as fishing licenses are suspended and revoked. A Florida resident fishing as authorized by this Code section shall carry upon his or her person proof of his or her age and residence.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-4.2 - Courtesy nonresident fishing licenses to certain paralyzed or disabled veterans

The department is authorized to issue a courtesy nonresident fishing license, without fee, to any person who is not a resident of this state who is a paralyzed or disabled veteran and who is participating in an organized fishing tournament in this state which is sponsored and conducted by a nonprofit charitable association of paralyzed or disabled veterans, provided that such tournament is approved by the department. Such courtesy nonresident license shall be valid for use only during the specified dates of such tournament and for a maximum of seven days and shall include all requirements and privileges of a nonresident fishing license, including the nonresident trout license, for use only in association with such tournament.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 22,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-4.3 - Special hunting privileges for young people with a terminal illness

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "terminal illness" means an incurable or irreversible condition with a corresponding life expectancy that does not exceed 12 months.
(b)
The commissioner is authorized to issue special authorization to hunt big game or alligators to any person not older than 21 years of age who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness by a doctor of medicine currently licensed to practice either by the Georgia Composite Medical Board or the State Board of Examiners in Osteopathy. Such special authorization may include waiving legal weapons requirements, antler restrictions, quota limitations, or hunter education requirements as necessary to facilitate special situations for persons with a terminal illness. The commissioner may impose any terms and conditions deemed necessary to implement the special authorization. Such authorization shall be for only one hunting season.
(c)
The commissioner may prepare an application to be used by persons requesting special authorization and may require signed documentation from a doctor of medicine currently licensed to practice either by the Georgia Composite Medical Board or the State Board of Examiners in Osteopathy verifying that an applicant has a terminal illness.
(d)
A person who receives special authorization to hunt under this Code section shall conduct all hunting under the direct supervision of a licensed adult hunter and abide by the terms and conditions of the special authorization issued by the commissioner.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 706,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-4.4 - Special turkey hunting season for young and mobility impaired hunters

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "mobility impaired person" means any person who has been verified by a doctor of medicine currently licensed to practice by the Georgia Composite Medical Board, the State Board of Examiners in Osteopathy, or an equivalent body of another state to have any one of the following permanent conditions:
(1)
Dependence upon a wheelchair or similar device for ambulation;
(2)
Hemiplegia;
(3)
Monoplegia;
(4)
Paraplegia; or
(5)
Single-leg amputation above the knee.
(b)
The board shall promulgate rules and regulations authorizing the hunting of turkeys during an extended open season to:
(1)
Any person who is 16 years of age or younger; or
(2)
Any mobility impaired person.
(c)
Notwithstanding any provisions of Code Section
27-3-15
to the contrary, such extended season shall be for the weekend prior to the first weekend of the open turkey season, as established by the board.
(d)
Such special authorization shall be subject to all other provisions of this title.
Added by 2013 Ga. Laws 133,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-4.5 - Outdoor mentoring program

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Outdoor mentee" means any resident to whom the department has never issued both a hunting and fishing license, or an outdoor passport, under this chapter.
(2)
"Outdoor mentor" means any individual who is 18 years of age or older and who has a current license that allows hunting and fishing pursuant to this chapter.
(3)
"Outdoor passport" means a reduced cost license issued by the department which licenses or permits noncommercial hunting and fishing privileges across all categories of hunting and fishing.
(b)
The General Assembly finds that an outdoor mentor program can spark interest in hunting and fishing as lifelong activities; provide safe, memorable, and positive introductions for first-time hunting and fishing experiences; and promote safe and ethical hunting and fishing practices.
(c)
The department shall establish and maintain an outdoor mentor program that enables experienced hunters and fishers to mentor new hunters and fishers in safe, ethical, and responsible hunting and fishing practices. In furtherance of such outdoor mentor program, the department:
(1)
Shall establish a mentor education course that provides instruction to outdoor mentors, the completion of which shall be required before he or she may mentor an outdoor mentee under the program;
(2)
Shall work with partners to develop incentives for outdoor mentors and may include reduced license fees for an outdoor mentor participating in the program;
(3)
Shall issue outdoor mentees participating in the program an outdoor passport which shall expire one year after issuance; and
(4)
Shall prepare necessary applications and impose any further criteria and terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Code section for implementation of the program.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 478,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-6 - Trout license, Georgia waterfowl and migratory bird stamp, big game license, and alligator harvest permit

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person who has attained the age of 16 years to fish for or possess mountain trout or to fish in any waters designated as trout waters or trout streams pursuant to Code Section
27-4-51
unless such person has in his or her possession a trout license in addition to his or her fishing license.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person who has attained the age of 16 years to hunt or possess big game unless such person has in his or her possession a big game license in addition to the required hunting license; provided, however, that all nonresidents, regardless of age, must possess a nonresident hunting/fishing license along with any harvest records required by law or regulation to hunt big game in this state.
(c)
It shall be unlawful for any person who has attained the age of 16 years to hunt migratory game birds unless such person has in his or her possession a Georgia waterfowl and migratory bird stamp in addition to the required hunting license; provided, however, that a Georgia waterfowl and migratory bird stamp or a landowner Georgia waterfowl and migratory bird stamp shall be required for any resident of this state to hunt migratory birds on premises owned by him or her or his or her immediate family.
(d)
It shall be unlawful for any person who has attained the age of 16 years to hunt alligators unless such person has in his or her possession a valid hunting license. A resident or nonresident alligator harvest permit shall be required to harvest an alligator. Such permit shall be free to lifetime license holders if selected as part of any department quota or lottery.
(e)
No resident of this state shall be required to obtain a trout license or big game license to hunt, fish, or trap on premises owned by him or her or his or her immediate family.
(f)
Any visitor to a state park, whether a resident or nonresident of Georgia, shall not be required to purchase a trout license when fishing in impounded waters on lands owned or leased by the department.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 770,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 22,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 167,§ 4, eff. 5/5/2009.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 311, § 6, eff. 7/1/2003.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 307.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-8 - Commercial fishing boat licenses

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in commercial fishing with a boat or vessel in the salt waters of this state without first obtaining a valid commercial fishing boat license for the boat or vessel. The owner or operator of the boat or vessel shall present in writing an application for the license, setting forth such data and information as the department shall require. The application shall be made upon a form prescribed by the department and shall be under oath and duly witnessed by an officer authorized by law to administer oaths.
(b)
Fees for licenses required under this Code section shall be as follows:
(1)
A trawler (which shall be any boat or vessel which utilizes one or more trawls or power-drawn nets in the taking of shrimp, crabs, or fish), up to and including 18 feet in overall length: $85.00;
(2)
A trawler more than 18 feet in overall length: $85.00 plus $3.00 per foot or fraction thereof of overall length in excess of 18 feet; and
(3)
All boats other than trawlers, regardless of length: $5.00.
(c)
To defray the additional cost of regulating and policing, aliens and nonresidents shall be charged a license fee in addition to that provided by subsection (b) of this Code section in the amount of $150.00 for each trawl boat or vessel used and $50.00 for each boat or vessel other than a trawler used in commercial fishing or in the taking of seafood, which boat or vessel is owned, in whole or part, by such nonresident or alien, provided that, in the event such nonresident or alien applying for the license is a resident of another state which charges nonresidents a license fee greater than the total license fee charged for nonresidents in this state, then the additional license fee provided for nonresidents in this subsection shall be increased to the amount necessary to cause the Georgia nonresident license fee to be the same amount as the nonresident license fee of such other state.
(d)
The owner or operator of a trawler licensed according to subsection (b) of this Code section may purchase a trawler crew license as provided for in subparagraphs (Y) and (Z) of paragraph (8) of Code Section
27-2-23
. Such license shall cover all crew members aboard the trawler while fishing, and all such crew members while so covered shall be exempt from the personal commercial fishing license requirements otherwise applicable under this title. Such trawler crew license shall be separate and distinct from any other license, shall be valid only for the trawler for which it is purchased, and shall not be transferable to any other trawler or vessel. Such trawler crew license shall be valid for a fishing year as provided for in Code Section
27-2-3
and shall be carried onboard the trawler while the trawler is in operation for purposes of the trawler crew license.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 493,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 22,§ 9, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-9 - Taxidermist licenses; unlawful acts and omissions by taxidermists

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of taxidermy or provide taxidermy services to anyone other than himself unless he has first been issued a taxidermist license by the department as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
. Such license shall authorize the holder thereof to have, at his business premises, wildlife which has been legally taken for the sole purpose of preserving or mounting or preserving and mounting. Such license shall be issued only after submission of an application in such form and containing such information and conditions as may be prescribed by the department.
(b)
Any wildlife at the business premises of a taxidermist must have a tag attached displaying a number that can be cross-referenced with the same number in the written records that are required in subsection (f) of this Code section. Any wildlife transferred to another taxidermist must have an additional tag attached showing the name, address, and telephone number of the taxidermist which has the original written record needed for cross-referencing to the numbered tag. Such tags may be removed as necessary during mounting but must otherwise remain on the wildlife until final disposition.
(c)
It shall be unlawful for any taxidermist to fail to notify the department of any wildlife in his possession which he knows or reasonably should know was not legally taken.
(d)
It shall be unlawful for a taxidermist to sell any wildlife or part thereof without the prior written permission of the commissioner or his designee; provided, however, that it shall not be unlawful for a taxidermist to mount and sell legally taken furbearers, deer, and squirrel, or parts thereof.
(e)
It shall be unlawful for a taxidermist to possess or mount any game species for which there is no open season or any endangered, rare, threatened, or unusual species without obtaining a special permit from the department. There shall be no charge for such permit.
(f)
It shall be unlawful for any taxidermist to fail to keep at his business premises a written record of all wildlife received by him, which record shall show the name and address of the owner, the date such wildlife was killed, the number and species of such wildlife, and the date received. Each taxidermist shall keep such records at his business premises until he has disposed of the specimen to which the records refer.
(g)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title to the contrary, it shall not be unlawful for a licensed taxidermist to mount and sell legally taken furbearers or alligators and alligator products without procuring a fur dealer's license.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-10 - Commercial alligator farming licenses

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in alligator farming unless such person has a valid commercial alligator farming license as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
. Any person desiring to establish, maintain, and operate a commercial alligator farm shall apply to the department for such a license.
(b)
It shall be lawful for any person with a valid commercial alligator farming license to possess and propagate live alligators and to process and sell or export the hides of the alligators harvested on such alligator farm, provided that it shall be unlawful for any person, including a person with a commercial alligator farming license, to acquire any live alligator, except by propagation of live alligators lawfully in his possession, without first obtaining a permit from the department to acquire the live alligator. It shall also be unlawful for any person, including a person with a valid commercial alligator farming license, to sell, barter, exchange, give, or loan any live alligator to any other person without first obtaining a permit from the department to so sell, barter, exchange, give, or loan the live alligator.
(c)
It shall be unlawful for any person with a valid commercial alligator farming license to acquire or possess any alligator hide or carcass except from the harvest of live alligators lawfully in his possession and on his alligator farm.
(d)
At such time as is deemed necessary by the department to discharge its responsibilities under this Code section, every person with a valid commercial alligator farming license shall file reports with the department in such form and containing such information as deemed necessary by the department. In addition, every such licensee shall maintain on his business premises records in such form and containing such information as is required by the department to discharge its responsibilities under this Code section.
(e)
The board shall have the authority to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations relative to commercial alligator farming including, but not limited to, the power:
(1)
To establish standards relating to enclosures, housing facilities, handling, care, and treatment of live alligators on the alligator farm of the licensee;
(2)
To establish standards relating to the processing, marking, sale, and exportation of hides of alligators harvested on the alligator farm of the licensee;
(3)
To require, at such times as it deems necessary for the department to discharge its responsibilities under this Code section, from each licensee an application for a commercial alligator farming license in such form and containing such information as the department deems necessary; and
(4)
To require each licensee to maintain on his business premises records in such form and containing such information as is required by the department to discharge its responsibilities under this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-11 - Game-holding permits

It shall be unlawful for any person to hold or possess any game animal or game bird for the purpose of propagation or to hold such animal or bird as a pet without first obtaining a valid game-holding permit as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
. The department may grant such a permit when, in its discretion, it determines that the issuance of the permit is in the best interest of the game animal or game bird and in the best interest of the wildlife and the citizens of this state. If such a permit is issued, the department shall prescribe the term for each permit and may impose conditions as it determines necessary. Any game animal or game bird held under such permit may not be sold by the holder but must be retained, consumed, or disposed of without charge, in accordance with this title, provided that holders of valid commercial shooting preserve licenses may charge a fee to users of such preserves who take or attempt to take such species. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to authorize the holding or possession of the progeny of any game bird or game animal under the permit under which a parent is held or possessed, unless specifically so stated on the game-holding permit.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-12 - Scientific collecting permits

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, or transport any of the wildlife of this state, or the plumage, skin, or body thereof, or the nests or eggs of the same for scientific purposes without obtaining a scientific collecting permit and complying with this Code section.
(b)
Application for a scientific collecting permit must be made on forms obtained from the department and must be accompanied by the permit fee as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
and a project proposal containing the justification for and an outline of the proposed collecting activities.
(c)
The department shall issue such a permit only if it has determined that the proposed collecting activities are in the best interest of the wildlife resources. In making such a determination, the department shall consider the following:
(1)
Whether there is a need for the information or data;
(2)
Whether the proposed collecting activities would duplicate sound research previously accomplished;
(3)
Whether there would be benefit to the species or population being studied;
(4)
Whether the project would be detrimental to the particular wildlife population or associated populations or to the habitat of the wildlife; and
(5)
Whether the project is of reasonably sound design.
(d)
Based on the conditions outlined in subsection (c) of this Code section, such permit may contain conditions on the number and type of wildlife to be collected, the dates and locations of collecting, and the type of gear which may be used. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title to the contrary, the department may authorize the use of baskets, nets, seines, traps, chemicals, and electrical devices for purposes of collecting pursuant to this Code section.
(e)
Persons issued a scientific collecting permit shall treat all wildlife humanely and shall notify the department at least three days in advance of the date of collecting. Such persons shall also submit to the department reports detailing the information or data obtained from such collecting activities. The reports shall be submitted by the following March 31 or within 60 days after collecting, whichever is later.
(f)
Permits may be denied, revoked, or not renewed in accordance with the procedures outlined in Code Section
27-2-25
for the reasons outlined in said Code section or for any of the following reasons:
(1)
Violation of specific conditions listed on the permit;
(2)
Excessive collection of wildlife;
(3)
Submitting false information;
(4)
Failure to maintain records;
(5)
Failure to notify the department within three days of collecting activities;
(6)
Inhumane treatment of wildlife; or
(7)
Any other violation of this Code section or the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-13 - Wildlife exhibition permits

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, hold, or possess any wildlife in captivity for the purpose of display or exhibition to the public without first procuring a valid wildlife exhibition permit as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
. No such permit shall be issued by the department except where the exhibition or display is solely for educational purposes. The department may impose conditions on such permit requiring adequate sanitation facilities, housing, and feed for the animals and insuring the safety of the public in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board. Exhibitions of wildlife by educational institutions; state, city, county, or municipal zoos; or transient circuses shall not be required to procure a wildlife exhibition permit, provided that such exhibitors must comply with all regulations of the board relating to sanitation, housing, feed, and public safety. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require a permit to exhibit or display fish.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person holding any wildlife in captivity pursuant to a wildlife exhibition permit to release the wildlife from captivity or to house or maintain the wildlife in such a manner as to pose a reasonable possibility that the wildlife may be released accidentally or escape from captivity.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-13.1 - Film production wildlife permits; release

(a)
(1)
For purposes of this subsection, the term "film production" means the creation of film, video, or digital projects in this state, including, but not limited to, the creation of feature films, documentaries, series, pilots, movies for television, advertisements, music videos, and interactive entertainment.
(2)
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, hold, or possess any wildlife in captivity for film production purposes or to otherwise provide wildlife for use in film production without first procuring a film production wildlife permit as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
. No wildlife may be possessed by the applicant prior to a film production wildlife permit being granted by the department, unless such wildlife was legally possessed by the applicant prior to the grant of the permit. The department may impose conditions on such permit requiring adequate sanitation facilities, housing, and feed for the animals and insuring the safety of the public in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.
(3)
A permit issued pursuant to this subsection shall authorize the permit holder to transport, possess, or transfer wildlife for any permitted purpose related to film production; provided, however, that possession of a permit shall not exempt the holder from any other local, state, or federal requirements.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person holding any wildlife in captivity pursuant to a permit issued in accordance with this Code section to release the wildlife from captivity or to house or maintain the wildlife in such a manner as to pose a reasonable possibility that the wildlife may be released accidentally or escape from captivity.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 456,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-14 - Liberation-of-wildlife and liberation-of-domestic fish permits

It shall be unlawful for any person to liberate any wildlife within this state or to liberate domestic fish except into private ponds except under permit from the department; provided, however, that pen raised quail may be released for purposes of training pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs.
Amended by 2004 Ga. Laws 728, § 2-3, eff. 5/17/2004.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 825, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-15 - Wildlife storage permits

It shall be unlawful for any person operating a grocery store, hotel, market, cold storage house, restaurant, or other commercial facility to receive for storage or to store any wildlife or parts thereof without first obtaining a wildlife storage permit from the department and without requiring the person delivering the wildlife for storage to exhibit a valid license authorizing the person to take or possess the wildlife, provided that nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require a permit to store fish.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-16 - Commercial quail breeder permits; maintenance of records by holders; selling and transporting of pen raised quail generally

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of propagating quail for food, restocking, propagation, or other commercial purposes unless the quail are pen raised quail and unless the person has obtained a commercial quail breeder permit as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
. For purposes of this Code section, the term "pen raised quail" means a quail that has been hatched from an egg laid by a quail confined in a pen or coop.
(b)
Each person holding a commercial quail breeder permit shall keep records, in a suitably bound book, of all bird carcasses sold, to whom sold, and the number sold.
(c)
It shall be unlawful to sell the carcass of any pen raised quail unless the carcass has been stamped with the following information:
Ga. Department of Natural Resources
Comm. Quail Permit
No.__________________
(Name of Breeder)
Permit expires __
(date)
____, ____
(d)
It shall be unlawful to sell pen raised quail which have been killed with a firearm.
(e)
It shall be unlawful to transport any pen raised quail without meeting the requirements of this title relating to the transportation of wildlife, provided that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the number of pen raised quail which may be transported in this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 2 - LICENSES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-42) › Article 1 - LICENCES, PERMITS, AND STAMPS GENERALLY (§§ 27-2-1 — 27-2-31) › Section 27-2-17 - Falconry permits; duties, permitted acts, and prohibitions pertaining to permit holders

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to trap, take, transport, or possess raptors for falconry purposes unless such person possesses, in addition to any licenses and permits otherwise required by this title, a valid falconry permit as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any nonresident to trap, take, or attempt to trap or take a raptor from the wild in this state or to transport or possess any raptor in this state unless such nonresident possesses:
(1)
A valid falconry license or permit issued by his or her state, tribe, or territory, provided that such state, tribe, or territory has been certified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as compliant with applicable federal falconry law; and
(2)
All licenses and permits otherwise required by this title.
(c)
Application for a falconry permit shall be made on forms obtained from the department.
(d)
No falconry permit shall be issued until the applicant's raptor housing facilities and equipment have been inspected and certified by the department.
(e)
The department shall have the right, during reasonable times, to enter upon the premises of persons subject to this Code section to inspect and certify compliance with federal and state standards.
(f)
It shall be lawful for a falconer who is in full compliance with this Code section to take small game with raptors, so long as such falconer observes all other laws regulating the taking of small game.
(g)
The board shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Code section and to ensure compliance with federal law. If the commissioner certifies that any rule is necessary for compliance with federal law, the board may adopt such rule without complying with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 264,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 167,§ 6, eff. 5/5/2009.