Does a 16 Year Old Need a Hunting License in Georgia in 2024?

In the state of Georgia, hunting license requirements vary depending on the age of the hunter. The rules for 16-year-olds are as follows:

Resident Hunters Age 16-25

All Georgia residents between the ages of 16 and 25 are required to have a hunter education card when purchasing a season hunting license. They must also possess this card while hunting.

Resident Hunters Over Age 25

Georgia residents over the age of 25 who were born after January 1, 1961 must successfully complete a hunter education course. However, they are not required to present their Hunter Education Card when buying a season hunting license or possess it while hunting.

Nonresident Hunters

All nonresident hunters and landowners must have a nonresident hunting license, with an exception made for persons under 16 years of age hunting small game.

Youth Hunting License

Georgia residents age 15 or under are not required to have a hunting license. However, they must be under adult supervision. Nonresidents age 15 or under are not required to have a hunting license when hunting small game.

Apprentice Hunters

An apprentice hunter is any person who has not successfully completed a hunter education course or does not possess a hunter education certificate. Apprentice hunters may purchase a short-term Apprentice Hunting License to hunt and fish in Georgia.

Lands Pass Requirement

Any person age 16 and older entering any Wildlife Management Area (WMA) or Public Fishing Area (PFA) must have a valid Georgia license that allows hunting or fishing on state land or a Lands Pass (with some exceptions). WMAs and PFAs that require a license to hunt or fish or a Lands Pass are marked with a sign at the site or area entrance.

Additional Licenses and Stamps

Federal Duck Stamp: Required for all waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older, including resident landowners and their immediate family.
Georgia Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License: Required for any person who hunts migratory birds (doves, ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, coots, rails, or gallinules) and is required by age to have a hunting license to hunt.
Sportsman’s License: Includes hunting, big game, fishing, and trout licenses. Duck hunters must obtain a Federal Duck Stamp. Migratory bird hunters must obtain a free Georgia Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License. Saltwater anglers must obtain a free SIP license. Alligator, bear, deer, and turkey hunters must obtain a free Harvest Record.

Lifetime Licenses

Georgia residents are able to purchase lifetime hunting licenses, including the Infant Lifetime Sportsman’s License (under age 2), Youth Lifetime Sportsman’s License (ages 2-15), Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s License (ages 16-49), Older Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s License (ages 50-59), Senior Discount Lifetime Sportsman’s License (ages 60-64), and Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License (age 65 and older).
In summary, a 16-year-old in Georgia must have a hunting license, with some exceptions for resident youth under 16 hunting small game with adult supervision. Additional licenses and stamps may be required depending on the type of hunting and the hunter’s age. It’s important for all hunters to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements and regulations in Georgia.