Georgia Lawmakers Deliver Strong Momentum for Hunters and Conservation After Legislative Crossover Deadline
As the Georgia General Assembly moves deeper into the 2026 legislative session, the momentum for pro-hunting and conservation priorities is building fast. Lawmakers cleared the critical Crossover Deadline on March 6—legislative day 28 of the 40-day session. This deadline requires bills to pass their chamber of origin (House or Senate) to stay alive for consideration in the opposite chamber before the session ends in early April. Bills that miss this mark are typically sidelined for the year.
With that hurdle now behind them, several key measures advancing hunters’ rights, feral hog control, youth education, and long-term land protection are gaining ground. Georgia’s hunters and anglers continue to drive the state’s outdoor economy, and these bills reflect a clear commitment to responsible wildlife management, public access, and habitat stewardship.
Here’s where the most important legislation stands right now:
HB 946: Stronger Tools to Fight Feral Hogs
One of the session’s most practical bills targets Georgia’s invasive feral hog crisis, which costs farmers and the environment millions every year. HB 946 lets landowners and hunters trap and hunt feral hogs without a special wildlife control permit. It opens the door for both residents and non-residents and allows drones to locate hogs (but not to harvest them), keeping fair chase ethics intact while making control efforts far more effective.
The House passed HB 946 overwhelmingly on February 3 with a 163-1 vote. The bill has successfully crossed over and now awaits action in the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee.
SB 148 / HB 451: Hunter Safety Education in Public Schools
Georgia is taking steps to secure the future of hunting by bringing safety education into classrooms. This legislation directs the State Board of Education to create standards for hunter safety courses by April 1, 2026. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, local school boards can offer optional classes for students in grades 6–12, covering firearm safety, ethics, and wildlife management.
The bill has already cleared both chambers. On January 28, it passed the legislature and was sent to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk for signature.
HB 1148: Updating the Conservation Tax Credit
Private landowners play a huge role in protecting Georgia’s hunting habitat. HB 1148 modernizes the state’s tax credit for donating conservation land with clearer definitions, updated credit calculations, and administration now handled by the Department of Natural Resources. It expands eligible purposes, streamlines appraisals, adjusts the annual cap, removes outdated penalties, and keeps credits transferable.
The House passed HB 1148 on March 4. The bill has crossed over and is heading to the Senate for committee referral.
Outdoor Stewardship Funding Gets a Major Boost
Two bills are working to secure the future of Georgia’s Outdoor Stewardship program, which voters approved overwhelmingly in 2018 and funds state parks, wildlife management areas, and public hunting lands.
HB 919 (carried over from last year) fine-tunes the program for more efficient spending on conservation projects and land purchases. It is now awaiting its first policy committee hearing.
Senate Bill 478 takes an even bigger step forward. It eliminates the program’s 2039 sunset date, ties its future to the state constitution for permanent status, and doubles the share of sporting goods sales tax revenue going to the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund—from 40% to 80%. The Senate passed SB 478 on March 4, and the bill has crossed over to the House for committee review.
HB 443 / SB 420: Supporting Saltwater Fisheries and Offshore Anglers
These companion bills create a simple annual offshore fishing endorsement—$10 for Georgia residents and $20 for non-residents—with all money staying at the Department of Natural Resources to fund research and management of species like red drum and cobia.
HB 443 has passed the House, received a favorable report in the Senate, and is now waiting for the Rules Calendar. Companion SB 420 has now passed both legislative chambers as of March 12—putting it on the right track to becoming law.
HB 432: Fairer Turkey Hunting Fees for Non-Residents
House Bill 432 introduces a $100 non-resident turkey permit fee. Georgia hunters will continue to enjoy turkey hunting without extra charges, while the state stays competitive with neighboring states that already charge out-of-state visitors.
The Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee favorably reported the bill by substitute on February 20. It has crossed over and is now headed to the Senate Rules Committee.
SB 499 / HB 1324: Removing State Penalties for Firearm Suppressors
These bills remove suppressors from Georgia’s list of dangerous weapons and eliminate state-level possession penalties. Federal rules under the National Firearms Act remain fully in place, and penalties for illegal use stay strong.
On March 6, SB 499 passed the Senate and has crossed over to the House. HB 1324 failed to pass on its final House floor vote because it did not receive the required constitutional majority of 91 votes.
SB 204: Protecting Statewide Firearm Uniformity
Senate Bill 204 strengthens Georgia’s firearm preemption laws, giving individuals and organizations the ability to sue local governments that violate statewide rules. Uniform laws across counties make life easier for hunters who travel.
The bill passed both chambers on January 13 and was sent to Governor Brian Kemp for signature.
Spring Turkey Season Opens Soon – Get Ready, Georgia Hunters!
With the legislative session in full swing, it’s also time to gear up for one of Georgia’s most popular traditions: spring turkey hunting. The 2026 season is just around the corner.
- Youth and mobility-impaired hunters get an early start on March 21–22, 2026 (private land only).
- Statewide private-land hunting opens March 28 and runs through May 15, 2026 (approximately 7 weeks).
- Public lands (WMAs, VPAs, and National Forests) open April 4 and also run through May 15, 2026.
For complete details, bag limits (2 gobblers per season, 1 per day), WMA-specific rules, and license requirements, check these official sources:
- Georgia DNR Turkey Information & Resources: https://georgiawildlife.com/turkey
- 2025–26 Season Dates (PDF): https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/hunting/Season%20Dates%20July%2025-26.pdf
- Licenses and online regulations: https://www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/
The 2026 session is shaping up to be one of the strongest in years for Georgia’s outdoor community. From expanded feral hog control and school-based hunter education to doubled funding for public lands and reduced regulatory burdens, these measures are delivering real wins for hunters, anglers, and conservation.
Hunter Nation will keep watching every step. We encourage every Georgia sportsman and sportswoman to reach out to their legislators, stay informed through the General Assembly website, and join us at hunternation.us/georgia to make your voice heard.