2026 Georgia Legislative Session: Advancing Hunting Rights and Conservation Efforts
As proud advocates for Georgia's hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and anglers, Hunter Nation is committed to keeping our community informed about the policies that shape our cherished traditions. The 2025-2026 biennial session of the Georgia General Assembly is well underway, with several bills moving forward that directly impact hunting, wildlife management, and conservation. This year's focus includes innovative approaches to invasive species control, education for the next generation of hunters, and bolstering funding for habitat preservation. These measures reflect Georgia's strong heritage of responsible stewardship, where hunters play a pivotal role in maintaining balanced ecosystems and funding conservation through licenses and excise taxes.
Georgia's outdoor economy is booming, generating billions in revenue and supporting jobs across the state. Hunters alone contribute significantly—around 800,000 Georgians participate annually, injecting tens of millions into wildlife restoration programs via taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery gear. With invasive species like feral hogs causing widespread agricultural damage and threatening native wildlife, and ongoing needs for habitat protection, lawmakers are stepping up. Below, we break down key legislation, starting with HB 946, and highlight additional bills based on the latest developments as of mid-February 2026.
HB 946: Expanding Feral Hog Control for Landowners and Hunters
House Bill 946 is a game-changer for managing one of Georgia's most destructive invasive species: feral hogs. These animals cause millions in crop and property damage each year, and current regulations have limited effective control measures. The bill authorizes hunting and trapping of feral hogs without requiring a specific wildlife control permit, allowing both residents and non-residents to participate under broader circumstances. It repeals outdated provisions on feral hog permits and, notably, permits the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to locate hogs—though not for actual harvesting, preserving fair chase ethics.
HB 946 passed the House overwhelmingly with a 163-1 vote and is now pending in the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee. This legislation aligns with broader efforts to address exotic invasive species while incorporating technology responsibly. For hunters, it means more opportunities to contribute to conservation by removing these pests year-round, without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Hunter Nation views this bill as a practical step toward protecting Georgia's farms, forests, and native wildlife.
HB 451/SB 148: Introducing Hunter Safety Education in Schools
Preparing the next generation of responsible hunters is crucial for sustaining our traditions. House Bill 451, carried forward into 2026 and incorporated into Senate Bill 148, requires the State Board of Education to develop content standards for hunting safety instruction by April 1, 2026. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, local school boards can offer elective courses in grades 6-12, based on the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) established hunter education curriculum. Topics include firearm safety, wildlife management, field preparation, and wilderness survival—essential skills for safe outdoor pursuits.
This measure advanced significantly in early 2026. On January 28, the Senate unanimously agreed to House amendments from the prior year, and as of February 9, SB 148 is heading to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for signature. Governor Kemp, recently honored as the 2026 Governor of the Year by Safari Club International for his conservation leadership, has a track record of supporting such initiatives. This bill not only promotes safety but also educates youth on the conservation role hunters play, potentially boosting recruitment in a state where hunting traditions run deep.
HB 1148: Reauthorizing the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit
Conservation funding is the backbone of habitat protection, and HB 1148 aims to extend a proven tool for landowners. Sponsored by Rep. Chas Cannon (R), the bill reauthorizes the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit for five years through 2031. This incentive encourages private landowners to donate land or easements for permanent conservation, benefiting wildlife corridors, water quality, and public access for hunting and fishing.
Introduced in the 2026 session, HB 1148 is gaining traction amid calls to bolster voluntary conservation efforts. It's a direct response to the program's success since its inception, which has preserved thousands of acres. Hunter Nation views this as essential for maintaining huntable lands, especially as development pressures mount in growing areas like metro Atlanta and coastal regions.
HB 919: Enhancing the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund
Carried over from 2025, House Bill 919, introduced by Rep. Jesse Petrea, seeks to update and strengthen the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act. Established in 2018 with overwhelming voter approval (83%), the program dedicates lottery proceeds to conservation projects, including state parks, wildlife management areas, and acquisitions for hunting, fishing, and recreation. HB 919 would refine the trust fund's operations, ensuring more efficient allocation for stewardship and critical land purchases.
The 2025-2026 funding cycle is open, with pre-applications due by October 17, 2025, and full applications closing May 29, 2026. This bill complements ongoing DNR efforts, like the State Wildlife Action Plan, which addresses over 640 species of conservation needs and controls invasives like feral hogs and coyotes. With Georgia's "No-Net-Loss" policy for public hunting lands under Governor Kemp, HB 919 could secure even more opportunities for sportsmen and women.
HB 443/SB 420: Supporting Saltwater Fisheries Management
House Bill 443/SB 420 introduces modest fees for reef and migratory fish endorsements on fishing licenses. These funds would advance saltwater fisheries research and management in the South Atlantic, benefiting anglers targeting species like red drum and cobia. Sponsored by pro-sportsmen legislators, both bills are sucessfully moving through the legislative process.
In summary, the 2026 session is shaping up to be a win for Georgia's hunters and conservationists. From tackling feral hogs with modern tools to educating youth and securing funding for habitats, these bills empower us to protect what we love. Hunter Nation encourages members to contact their legislators and stay engaged. Visit the Georgia General Assembly website for updates, and join us in advocating for policies that ensure our outdoor legacy endures for generations.
Let's keep Georgia wild and free.
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