Time To Apply For 2025 Georgia Quota Hunts

“If you want to apply for a quota hunt, be sure to check those deadline dates and don’t wait until the last minute,” says Tina Johannsen, Assistant Chief of the Game Management Section with the Wildlife Resources Division. “Quota hunts allow hunters to participate in high-quality hunts on some great Georgia Wildlife Management Areas.”

A quota hunt is a scheduled event at a Wildlife Management Area or other state-managed property where a limited number of hunters are allowed. Quota levels, such as the number or type of hunters that can participate and the harvest limit, are based upon the sound principles of wildlife management and public desires for a quality hunt. These hunts provide a challenging and rewarding experience for hunters of all levels. Selected hunters must be properly licensed to participate in a quota hunt.

Youth Hunters — Take Note Of Changes, Don’t Lose Your Priority Points!

A youth hunter in Georgia is now defined to mean those aged 15 and under. In the past, there were different age criteria defining youth for different species, causing confusion and potential violations. If you are going to turn 16 on or before June 1, 2026, you will age out and should use your accumulated priority points (if available) to apply for a quota hunt during the 2025-2026 year (hunts occurring July 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026). This change only applies to Youth Quota Hunt Lottery Categories.

“This year will be grace period to allow youth turning 16 before June 1, 2026 a chance to use their priority points for youth quota hunts,” said Kaitlin Goode, WRD Chief of Communications, Education & Outreach. “I really want to make sure that youth applicants are aware of the change in the regulation and don’t miss out this year thinking they have one more year.”

How do you apply for Georgia quota hunts? Visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com and select “Quota Hunts” and follow the steps to complete your application. Be sure your email is current and correct to receive quota updates, confirmations, or any further notices about quota hunts. If you are still unsure how to apply or want to check to see if you applied correctly, call 800.366.2661 to receive assistance.

Application deadlines vary depending on the hunt type. The first deadlines are July 15 for alligator, Aug. 15 for dove (including Adult/Child hunts), and Sept. 1 for most types of deer hunts (including youth hunts).

And again, youth hunters take note of changes this year. Moving forward, the definition of youth hunter means those aged 15 and under. If you are going to turn 16 on or before June 1, 2026, you will age out next year and should use your accumulated points (if available) to apply for a quota hunt during the 2025-2026 year.

For all quota hunt deadlines, selection odds and more, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/quota.