Georgia’s Early Goose And Teal Seasons In September

This 7-month pup got her first duck hunt during the 2022 early teal season in Georgia. It was limit of blue wing teal for the pup and Jake Croley.

Hunters can get a jump on the waterfowl season with the upcoming early teal and Canada goose hunting seasons.

Early Canada goose season for 2024 is Sept. 7-29, with a daily limit of five geese. The early teal season for 2024 is Sept. 14-29, with a daily limit of six teal.

“Teal migrate earlier than other ducks, as they have the furthest distance to cover since they winter in South America,” said Kara Nitschke, state waterfowl biologist. “The key for finding teal is locating shallow water with submerged or emergent vegetation and other food sources. Since they are smaller birds, water levels need to be low so they can feed—a couple of inches to a foot at the most.

Geese, meanwhile, are much easier to find in Georgia, although they’ve learned to congregate in areas where hunting isn’t allowed.

“Look for geese in open water near pastures, fields or other grassy areas,” Kara said. “Early season geese tend to be predictable, and they prefer to fly into an area, land on the water then walk up the bank to feed in nearby fields. If you can pinpoint where they are traveling to feed, you can bet they’ll be returning to the same spot again and again.”

Need a place to hunt teal and geese? Visit a Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) that is open for small-game hunting during the statewide teal and goose seasons, or even at beaver ponds and other natural wetlands (always ensure you have permission to hunt any private property). Lakes and reservoirs such as Juliette, Clarks Hill, West Point and Seminole also offer hunting opportunities for teal and geese.

Waterfowl hunters need a hunting license, the Georgia migratory bird stamp and the federal duck stamp. All licenses may be purchased at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.