reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
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 27-2-18 - Permits to kill deer causing damage to crops

The department shall be authorized to issue to a person who cultivates crops, who is immediately responsible for their cultivation, or who is the principal owner of the crops a permit to kill deer which have caused or are reasonably certain to cause damage to crops which were planted for the purpose of harvesting and marketing such crops or their by-products. The person shall apply to the department for such a permit on a form containing such information as may be necessary for the proper evaluation and consideration of the application. Permits shall be issued only in cases where the department has determined that the killing of deer is justified. Representatives of the department are authorized to investigate claims of damage and the necessity of killing deer prior to the issuance of such a permit. Permits issued by the department shall include restrictions and conditions relative to the property on which deer may be killed, persons authorized to kill deer on the property, crops which may be protected, number and sex of deer which may be killed, expiration of permit, and such other restrictions and conditions as may be necessary. It shall be unlawful for any person to kill any deer under the authority of any such permit except in accordance with the restrictions and conditions of the 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 27-2-19 - Wildlife importation permits

It shall be unlawful to import any wildlife other than fish, pen raised duck, pen raised turkey, and pen raised quail without obtaining, at no cost, a wildlife importation permit from the department. The department shall only issue such a permit when it has determined that the issuance of the permit is in the best interest of the wildlife of this state. If such a permit is issued, the department shall prescribe the term for each such permit and may impose any conditions it determines necessary to ensure adequate public safety and the best interests of the wildlife of 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 27-2-20 - Federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp; participation in federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person 16 years of age or older to hunt brant, ducks, geese, and swans in this state without a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person required to obtain a hunting license as provided in Code Section
27-2-1
to hunt any migratory game bird, including brant, ducks, geese, swans, doves, rails, woodcock, snipe, gallinules, and coots, without participating in the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program. Participation in such program shall require the completion of an annual screening questionnaire prior to obtaining a Georgia waterfowl and migratory bird stamp or a landowner Georgia waterfowl and migratory bird stamp. Persons holding any other license conveying migratory bird hunting privileges, including a lifetime sportsman's license, shall complete the annual screening questionnaire before hunting migratory birds. Persons shall be in possession of the license and evidence of participation in the annual screening questionnaire as provided by the department while hunting migratory birds.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 22,§ 10, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 307, § 10, 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 27-2-20.1 - Required participation in Saltwater Information Program

It shall be unlawful for any person required to obtain a fishing license as provided in Code Section
27-2-1
to fish in the salt waters of this state without participating in the Saltwater Information Program. Participation in such program shall require the completion of a screening questionnaire prior to obtaining a free Georgia salt water fishing endorsement and the possession of such endorsement or other evidence of participation while salt water fishing.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 676,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2013.
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 27-2-21 - Field and retriever trials; permits; hunting licenses

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct a field or retriever trial without first obtaining a permit, at no cost, from the department. In trials conducted with such a permit, the species of wildlife specified on the permit may be set or pursued by dogs, but such wildlife may not be taken except during the open season for such species of wildlife. The person conducting such a field trial shall require all participants therein to register.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person to participate in a field or retriever trial unless a permit for such trial has been issued by the department and unless the person is registered as a participant in the trial.
(c)
All persons participating in a field or retriever trial will be required to have an appropriate resident hunting license or nonresident hunting/fishing license unless the field or retriever trial is recognized by a nationally registered field trialing organization or unless the field or retriever trial is conducted by a local field trialing organization based in the State of Georgia which is recognized by the department as being qualified to conduct such trial.
(d)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section, properly marked pen raised mallard ducks and properly marked pen raised quail may be killed by any person registered as a participant in a permitted field trial.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 167,§ 7, eff. 5/5/2009.
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 27-2-22 - Wildlife rehabilitation permits

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, hold, or possess in captivity any sick or injured wildlife, except fish, without first obtaining, at no charge, a wildlife rehabilitation permit from the department; provided, however, that such permit shall only be issued to persons determined by the department, based on criteria established by regulation of the board, to be competent and capable of rehabilitating the wildlife for which a permit has been requested; provided, further, that the department shall only issue such a permit when it has determined that the issuance of the permit is in the best interest of the wildlife of this state. If such a permit is issued, the department shall prescribe the term for each such permit and may impose any conditions it determines necessary to ensure adequate public safety and to be in the best interests of the wildlife of 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 27-2-23.1 - Raccoon fur seller's license

(a)
In addition to the fur dealers' licenses provided for in Code Section
27-2-23
, the department shall issue a raccoon fur seller's license for an annual fee of $5.00. A person to whom a raccoon fur seller's license has been issued shall be authorized to sell the raw, undressed furs, hides, skins, or pelts of raccoons lawfully taken by any means other than by trapping.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell the raw, undressed fur, hide, skin, or pelt of a raccoon lawfully taken by means other than trapping unless such person has a current valid raccoon fur seller's license issued by the department. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(c)
A person who purchases or sells raw, undressed furs, hides, skins, or pelts of raccoons taken by trapping and by means other than trapping shall be considered a fur dealer within the meaning of this Code section and must be licensed therefor as provided in Code Section
27-2-23
. The license authorized by this Code section shall be issued only to persons who take raccoons exclusively by lawful means other than trapping.
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 27-2-23.2 - Salt water fishing guide licenses; fees; reporting requirements

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the occupation of salt water fishing guide without holding a valid annual salt water fishing guide license pursuant to the provisions of this Code section.
(b)
(1)
A salt water fishing guide who possesses a valid United States Coast Guard operator of passenger vessel license may purchase an annual customer fishing license pursuant to the provisions of this Code section, which license shall cover all fee-paying anglers while fishing with such guide during the license year; and all such anglers while so covered shall be exempt from fishing license requirements otherwise applicable under this title.
(2)
Any person operating a single hotel or motel facility having a salt water fishing pier or piers may purchase an annual salt water fishing pier license pursuant to the provisions of this Code section, which license shall cover all anglers while fishing from such salt water fishing pier during the license year; and all such anglers while so covered shall be exempt from fishing license requirements otherwise applicable under this title.
(c)
Fees for licenses required under this Code section shall be as follows:
(1)
(A)
Resident salt water fishing guide license, $25.00;
(B)
Nonresident salt water fishing guide license, $50.00;
(2)
(A)
(i)
Customer fishing license for a resident salt water fishing guide carrying six or fewer fee-paying anglers, $150.00;
(ii)
Customer fishing license for a resident salt water fishing guide carrying an unlimited number of fee-paying anglers, $400.00;
(B)
Customer fishing license for a nonresident salt water fishing guide, $400.00; and
(3)
Salt water fishing pier license, $400.00.
(d)
Each person who holds a salt water fishing guide license or salt water fishing pier license pursuant to the provisions of this Code section shall report such information as required by the department at such times and in such manner as the board provides by rule or regulation.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 34,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2007.
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 27-2-24 - Service of process for licensees, permittees, and applicants

All applications to the department for any license or permit, or license and permit, provided by this title shall designate an address in Georgia where the applicant can be personally served with legal process, or shall contain an appointment of an agent in Georgia for acceptance of service of legal process together with the agent's Georgia address, or shall contain a designation of the Secretary of State of Georgia for acceptance of service of legal process. A copy of any application so designating the Secretary of State shall be forwarded by the department to the Secretary of State. The filing of an application with the department for a license or permit, or both, shall constitute an admission by the applicant that the applicant is doing business in Georgia.
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 27-2-25 - Revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal of license or permits; administrative and judicial review

(a)
Upon a determination by the commissioner that a person has violated this title or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant thereto, the commissioner may revoke, suspend, deny, or refuse to renew any license or permit, or both, required by this title which is held by or has been applied for by the person, for a period of up to two years following the determination of such violation, provided that the license or permit, or both, to be revoked, suspended, denied, or not renewed must not be unrelated to the violation determined by the commissioner. The licensee, permit holder, or applicant for a license or permit, or both, shall be notified of the proposed revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal personally or by a letter sent by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to the name and address indicated on the application for the license or permit, or both, or to the Secretary of State as provided in Code Section
27-2-24
. The proposed revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal shall become final 30 days after issuance if not appealed as provided in this Code section.
(b)
In the event any person who is an employee, agent, or representative of a licensee, permittee, or applicant for a license or permit, or both, engages in the licensed or permitted activity pursuant to the authority of the license or permit of such licensee, permittee, or applicant for a license or permit, or both, and violates this title or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant thereto, the commissioner may revoke, suspend, deny, or refuse to renew a license or permit in accordance with this Code section.
(c)
Any person whose license, permit, or application for a license or permit, or both, is proposed for revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal shall, upon petition within 30 days of issuance of notice given as stated in subsection (a) of this Code section, have a right to a hearing before 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 commissioner, 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 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 27-2-25.2 - Power to suspend licenses

The commissioner shall have the power to suspend any license required by this title when such license holder is not in compliance with a court order for child support as provided in Code Section
19-6-28.1
. The commissioner shall also have the power to deny the application for issuance or renewal of a license required by this title when such applicant is not in compliance with a court order for child support as provided in Code Section
19-6-28.1
. Notwithstanding the provisions of Code Section
27-2-25
, the hearings and appeal procedures provided for in Code Section
19-6-28.1
shall be the only such procedures required to suspend or deny any license pursuant to 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 27-2-26 - Rules and regulations regarding revocation or cancellation procedures; surrender of license, stamp, or permit after revocation or cancellation

(a)
The board is authorized to provide by rule or regulation the procedure whereby the department may, pursuant to Code Section
27-2-25
, revoke or cancel any license, certificate, stamp, card, or permit upon determination that the holder thereof was not entitled to issuance or obtained the license, certificate, stamp, card, or permit by any fraudulent means. Upon revocation or cancellation, the holder thereof shall surrender the license, certificate, stamp, card, or permit to the department.
(b)
Any person who violates any provision of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
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 27-2-27 - Administrative penalties in lieu of revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal

In addition to the authority granted in Code Sections
27-2-4
and
27-2-25
to revoke, suspend, deny, or refuse to renew any license or permit, or both, the commissioner or board, or the commissioner and board, may impose a reasonable penalty, with the written consent of the affected party or parties, not to exceed $1,000.00 for each and every violation, in lieu of revocation, suspension, denial, or nonrenewal of a license or permit, or both. All penalties recovered by the commissioner as provided in this Code section shall be paid into the general fund of the state treasury.
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 27-2-28 - Refusing inspection of identification or license; making false statements in obtaining license or permit; counterfeiting or alteration; unlawful collection of funds

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person who is required to have on his person any license, permit, or stamp issued under this title to refuse the inspection of such license, permit, or stamp upon demand by a game warden or deputy game warden. It shall also be unlawful for any such person, upon demand by a game warden or deputy game warden, to refuse to provide a driver's license or equally reliable identification of such person and his current residence.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person to make any false statement as to any fact which is required as a prerequisite to the issuance of a license or permit; and any license or permit obtained in violation of this Code section is void. Any license agent may require the applicant for a license or permit to show proof of any statement or facts required for issuance of any license or permit.
(c)
It shall be unlawful for any person to counterfeit, change, or alter or to attempt to counterfeit, change, or alter any license or permit issued pursuant to this title. It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a license agent authorized by the department or authorized personnel of the department, to collect any funds for any license or permit issued pursuant to this title or to charge a fee to obtain any such license or permit.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 264,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 22,§ 12, 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 27-2-29 - Free fishing days

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, the commissioner may designate not more than three days, which need not be consecutive, in each calendar year as free fishing days during which residents may, without obtaining a fishing license, exercise the privileges of a holder of a fishing license, subject to all limitations, restrictions, conditions, rules, and regulations applicable to the holder of a fishing license. This Code section shall in no way affect the commercial fishing licenses required under this article.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 939, § 3, 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 2 - WILDLIFE VIOLATOR COMPACT (§§ 27-2-40 — 27-2-42) › Section 27-2-41 - Rules and regulations authorized

The Board of Natural Resources shall make and publish in print or electronically such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this article.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 615,§ 10, eff. 6/3/2010.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 939, § 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 2 - WILDLIFE VIOLATOR COMPACT (§§ 27-2-40 — 27-2-42) › Section 27-2-42 - Penalty for violating

It shall be unlawful for any person whose license, privilege, or right to hunt, fish, trap, possess, or transport wildlife, having been suspended or revoked pursuant to this article, to exercise that right or privilege within this state or to purchase or possess such a license which grants such right or privilege. Any person who hunts, fishes, traps, possesses, or transports wildlife in this state or who purchases or possesses a license to hunt, fish, trap, possess, or transport wildlife in this state in violation of such suspension or revocation pursuant to this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,500.00 nor more than $5,000.00 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or both.
Added by 2002 Ga. Laws 939, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-1.1 - Acts prohibited on wildlife management areas

It shall be unlawful for any person on any wildlife management area owned or operated by the department:
(1)
To possess a firearm other than a handgun, as such term is defined in Code Section
16-11-125.1
, during a closed hunting season for that area unless such firearm is unloaded and stored in a motor vehicle so as not to be readily accessible or to possess a handgun during a closed hunting season for that area unless such person is a lawful weapons carrier as defined in Code Section
16-11-125.1
;
(2)
To possess a loaded firearm other than a handgun, as such term is defined in Code Section
16-11-125.1
, in a motor vehicle during a legal open hunting season for that area or to possess a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle during a legal open hunting season for that area unless such person is a lawful weapons carrier as defined in Code Section
16-11-125.1
;
(3)
To be under the influence of drugs, intoxicating liquors, beers, or wines. The determination of whether any person is under the influence of drugs or intoxicating liquors, beers, or wines may be made in accordance with Code Section
27-3-7
;
(4)
To hunt within 50 yards of any road which receives regular maintenance for the purpose of public vehicular access;
(5)
To target practice, except where an authorized shooting range is made available by the department, and then only in a manner consistent with the rules for shooting ranges promulgated by the board;
(6)
To drive a vehicle around a closed gate, cable, sign, or other structure or device intended to prevent vehicular access to a road entering onto or within such an area;
(7)
To hunt within any posted safety zone;
(8)
To camp upon or drive a motor vehicle over any permanent pasture or area planted in crops;
(9)
While hunting bears in any such area opened to bear hunting, to kill a female bear with a cub or cubs or to kill a cub weighing less than 75 pounds;
(10)
To fail to report if he or she kills a deer, bear, or turkey in the manner specified by the rules of the department for that wildlife management area on the date killed to the state game and fish checking station on the area;
(11)
To construct any tree stand or to hunt from any tree stand except a portable or natural tree stand; or
(12)
To trap except with a special trapping permit issued by the department.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 596,§ 14, eff. 4/12/2022.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 643,§ 2-13, eff. 6/4/2010.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 9, § 27, eff. 5/14/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-2 - Hunting at night

It shall be unlawful to hunt at night any game bird or game animal in this state except for alligators, raccoons, opossums, foxes, and bobcats. Any light used to hunt raccoons, opossums, foxes, or bobcats shall be carried on the person of a hunter, affixed to a helmet or hat worn by a hunter, or be part of a belt system worn by a hunter.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 18,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 311, § 8, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-3 - Hours for hunting migratory game birds

It shall be unlawful to hunt migratory game birds between sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. It shall also be unlawful to hunt migratory game birds between one-half hour before sunrise and sunset, except that it shall not be unlawful to hunt migratory game birds during those hours as may be designated by the board for a particular migratory game bird. In accordance with the framework of open hunting season dates established by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and as may be appropriate based on sound wildlife management principles, the board is specifically authorized to promulgate rules and regulations establishing the hours, on a state-wide, regional, or local basis, for hunting migratory game birds. The board is specifically authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations without complying with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," and all rules and regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to this Code section shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-6 - Possession of firearm while hunting with bow and arrow

It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any center-fire or rimfire firearm other than a handgun, as such term is defined in Code Section
16-11-125.1
, while hunting with a bow and arrow during archery or primitive weapons season for deer or while hunting with a muzzleloading firearm during a primitive weapons season for deer or to possess a loaded handgun while hunting with a bow and arrow during archery or primitive weapons season for deer or while hunting with a muzzleloading firearm during primitive weapons season for deer unless such person is a lawful weapons carrier as defined in Code Section
16-11-125.1
.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 596,§ 15, eff. 4/12/2022.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 643,§ 2-14, eff. 6/4/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-8 - Unlawful devices

It shall be unlawful for any person to make use of any pitfall, deadfall, catch, snare, trap, net, salt lick, blind pig, baited hook, or other device for the purpose of taking any game animal or game bird or any other wildlife, except as otherwise provided in this title or by rule or regulation of the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-10 - Hunting upon or discharging weapons across a public road

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt, with or without dogs, any wildlife upon any public road in this state. It shall also be unlawful for any person while hunting to discharge any weapon from or across any public road in this state.
(b)
Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 and not more than $1,000.00 and, in the discretion of the sentencing court, imprisonment for not more than 12 months; provided, however, that such fine shall not be subject to suspension, stay, or probation except that if the court finds that payment of such fine would impose great economic hardship upon the defendant, the court may order such fine paid in installments.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-12 - Unlawful substances and equipment; computer assisted remote hunting prohibited

(a)
It shall be unlawful to hunt any wild animal, game animal, or game bird by means of drugs, poisons, chemicals, smoke, gas, explosives, or recorded calls or sounds including, but not limited to, electronically imitated or amplified calls or sounds, except that bobcat and fox may be hunted using recorded calls or sounds. It shall also be unlawful to use electronic communications equipment for the purpose of facilitating pursuit of any wild animal, game bird, or game animal.
(b)
(1)
As used in this subsection, the term "computer assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or other device, equipment, hardware, or software to control remotely the aiming and discharge of a firearm or other weapon so as to allow a person not holding that firearm or other weapon to hunt or shoot a wild animal or any wildlife.
(2)
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, or association to engage in computer assisted remote hunting or provide or operate a facility that allows others to engage in computer assisted remote hunting if the wild animal or wildlife being hunted or shot is located in this state.
(3)
(A)
Any person violating the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000.00 and not more than $5,000.00, imprisonment for a term not to exceed 12 months, or both such fine and imprisonment.
(B)
Any equipment used or intended for use in a violation of this Code section, excluding motor vehicles, is declared to be contraband and shall be forfeited in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 16 of Title 9.
(C)
The hunting and fishing privileges of any person convicted of violating this subsection shall be suspended for three years.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 493,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 98,§ 3-18, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 520,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-13 - Hunting of wildlife or feral hog from boats, aircraft, or motor vehicles

(a)
It shall be unlawful to hunt any wildlife or feral hog from an electric, gas, or diesel boat, a steamboat, a sailboat, an aircraft, a hydroplane, a hovercraft, or a motor vehicle; except that alligators may be hunted from any boat or watercraft under power and feral hogs may be hunted from motor vehicles in accordance with an applicable wildlife control permit issued by the department.
(b)
Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250.00 and, in the discretion of the sentencing court, imprisonment for not more than 12 months; provided, however, that such fine shall not be subject to suspension, stay, or probation except that if the court finds that payment of such fine would impose great economic hardship upon the defendant, the court may order such fine paid in installments.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 228,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 311, § 10, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-14 - Killing or crippling of game bird or game animal without reasonable effort to retrieve

It shall be unlawful for any person to kill or cripple any game bird or game animal without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the same.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-16 - Hunting with dogs generally; training of hunting dogs

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession any firearms, axes, climbers, or other equipment for taking game while training hunting dogs, provided that handguns with blank ammunition or shot cartridges may be used for training hunting dogs, and shotguns with number six shot or smaller shot may be used while training pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs using pen raised quail and pigeons.
(b)
There is no closed season for training hunting dogs, except as otherwise provided.
(c)
It shall be unlawful to run deer with dogs, except during the lawful open season for hunting deer with dogs.
(d)
It shall be unlawful to take game by any means while training hunting dogs, except during the lawful open seasons for such game; provided, however, that pen raised quail may be taken at any time for training hunting dogs if the dog trainer maintains proof of purchase of pen raised quail.
(e)
It shall be unlawful for any person to train hunting dogs on property other than that owned by such person or his immediate family unless such person has a hunting license in his immediate possession.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 825, § 2, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-18 - Hunting foxes with dogs

It shall be lawful to hunt foxes with dogs; provided, however, that no hunter shall go upon the land of another without the permission of the owner or the lessee of such land or the lessee of the game rights of such land.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-19.1 - Regulation of the exporting, farming, and selling of fresh-water turtles

(a)
It shall be unlawful to export, farm, or sell any fresh-water turtle or part thereof except in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the board.
(b)
As the board deems appropriate for purposes of this Code section, it may promulgate such rules and regulations as are reasonable and necessary under sound wildlife management practices.
Added by 2010 Ga. Laws 635,§ 5, eff. 6/4/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-20 - Taking rabbits and hares out of season

It shall be unlawful for any person to take rabbits or hares in this state except during the lawful hunting season as prescribed by law or rules and regulations. Persons under 16 years of age may trap or capture rabbits or hares by use of rabbit boxes or similar traps and sell them under the conditions set forth in Code Section
27-3-67
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-21 - Killing of bears by property owners

Any property owner or his or her agent shall have the right to petition the department to remove any bear which shall constitute a clear and immediate threat to his or her property. The property owner shall petition the department for such removal on a form containing such information as may be necessary for the proper evaluation and consideration of the application. Removal shall occur only in cases where the department has determined that the removal of the bear is justified. Representatives of the department are authorized to investigate claims of damage and the necessity of removal of the bear prior to taking action on the petition.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-22 - Hunting, possessing, or transporting birds generally

It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt, trap, take, possess, sell, purchase, ship, or transport any hawk, eagle, owl, or any other bird or any part, nest, or egg thereof, except for the English or European house sparrow, the European starling, feral pigeons, and domestic fowl, and except as otherwise permitted by the game and fish laws of this state; provided, however, that any person may transport into this state feathers of birds, other than migratory game birds, for millinery purposes.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-23 - Sale of tails of squirrels

Notwithstanding any other provision of this title to the contrary, it shall be lawful to sell the tails of legally taken squirrels.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-24 - Restrictions on hunting feral hogs

(a)
It shall be unlawful to hunt, or engage in the hunting of, feral hogs:
(1)
Upon the lands of another or enter upon the lands of another in pursuit of feral hogs without first obtaining permission from the landowner or lessee of such land or the lessee of the game rights of such land;
(2)
Upon any land which is posted without having the permission required by paragraph (1) of this subsection in writing and carried upon the person; or
(3)
During the firearms deer season unless the hunter and each person accompanying the hunter are wearing a total of at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange material as an outer garment and such material or garment is worn above the waistline, and may include a head covering.
(a.1)
(1)
The board may by rule or regulation restrict the feeding, baiting, or hunting of feral hogs upon, over, around, or near feed or bait in any county wherein there is a documented occurrence of a communicable disease in deer and in any county adjoining such county. Such restriction may be imposed in such county and any adjoining county for a period of up to and including one year and may be extended for additional periods of up to and including two years each upon documentation that the communicable disease is still present in deer in such county. No person shall feed, bait, or hunt feral hogs in violation of any restriction imposed pursuant to this paragraph.
(2)
The department shall give notice of such restriction by mail or electronic means to each person holding a current license to hunt whose last known address is within a restricted county. The department may place or designate the placement of signs and markers so as to give notice of such restriction.
(a.2)
Nothing in this Code section shall prohibit any person from placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering any corn, wheat, or other grains, salts, apples, or other feed or bait so as to constitute a lure, attraction, or enticement for feral hogs; provided, however, that any such lure, attraction, or enticement shall not be placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered so as to cause hunting any species of wildlife on any adjoining property to be prohibited under this Code section.
(b)
It shall be unlawful to transport any live feral hog without carrying on his or her person a feral hog transport permit issued by the Department of Agriculture pursuant to Code Section
2-7-201
. Any person who captures live feral hogs without such permit shall kill such feral hogs prior to transport from the point of capture.
(c)
The Board of Natural Resources is authorized by rules or regulations to control and regulate the hunting or taking of feral hogs on wildlife management areas.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 264,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 228,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 61,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 18,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-25 - Hunting bears; required outer garments

It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt bears or for any person to accompany another person hunting bears unless each person shall wear a total of at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange material as an outer garment during firearms and primitive weapons seasons. Such clothing must be worn above the waistline and may include a head covering.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 307, § 13, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-26 - Hunting bears; restrictions; penalties

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
(1)
Hunt, take, or attempt to take a bear except during the open season for hunting and taking bears or under authority of a permit by the Department of Natural Resources to kill or take a bear;
(2)
Buy, sell, barter, or exchange a bear or bear part; or
(3)
Possess or transport a freshly killed bear or bear part except during the open season for hunting and taking bears and except as provided in Code Section
27-3-28
.
(b)
Each act constituting a violation of this Code section is a separate offense.
(c)
Any person violating the provisions of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, and, upon conviction, may be punished by a fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $5,000.00, by confinement for a term not to exceed 12 months, or both. The court may order that restitution be paid to the department of not less than $1,500.00 for each bear or bear part which is the subject of a violation of this Code section. Any equipment which is used or intended for use in a violation of this Code section, excluding motor vehicles, is declared to be contraband and is forfeited in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 16 of Title 9. The hunting and fishing privileges of any person convicted of violating the provisions of this Code section shall be suspended for three years.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 98,§ 3-19, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 635,§ 6, eff. 6/4/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-27 - Unlawful use of bear bait

(a)
It is unlawful to use any type of bait to concentrate the bear population in any area or to lure them to any location which gives or might give a hunter an unnatural advantage when hunting bear.
(b)
Any person violating the provisions of this Code section is guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and, upon conviction, may be punished by a fine of not less than $500.00 and not to exceed $5,000.00 or by confinement for a term not to exceed 12 months, or both.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-28 - Person may take possession of native wildlife which has been killed by a motor vehicle

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, any person may lawfully possess native wildlife which has been accidentally killed by a motor vehicle. The following exceptions and conditions to this general rule shall apply:
(1)
Any person taking possession of a bear accidentally killed by a motor vehicle shall notify the department or a law enforcement officer of the fact and location of the taking of possession and his or her name and address within 48 hours after taking possession of the bear; and
(2)
This Code section shall not authorize any person to take possession of any animal of a species designated as a protected species under Article 5 of this chapter or under federal law.
(b)
A law enforcement officer receiving a report of a person taking possession of a bear under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall in turn transmit the reported information to the department within 48 hours after receipt of such information.
Added by 2010 Ga. Laws 635,§ 7, eff. 6/4/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 3 - WILDLIFE GENERALLY (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-185) › Article 1 - HUNTING (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-50) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 27-3-1 — 27-3-29) › Section 27-3-29 - Recording and reporting requirements for game animals and birds; penalty for violations

(a)
The board shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing harvest recording and reporting requirements for game animals and game birds. Such rules and regulations shall describe the type of information that is required, the requirements for transportation of the carcass of a game animal or game bird killed by another person, and the requirements for possession of the carcass of a game animal or game bird by any private or commercial cold storage or processing facility.
(b)
Except in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations of the board regarding required harvest recording and reporting, it shall be unlawful for:
(1)
Any person killing a game animal or game bird to remove the carcass from the place of killing or for any person to transport the carcass of a game animal or game bird killed by another person; or
(2)
Any private or commercial cold storage or processing facility to possess the carcass of a game animal or game bird.
(c)
It shall be unlawful to obtain, possess, or otherwise use multiple sets of licenses or harvest records for the purpose of circumventing the bag limit for any game animal or game bird for which a harvest record is required by the rules and regulations of the board.
(d)
Any person violating the provisions of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both.
Added by 2015 Ga. Laws 177,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2015.