No, you don’t need a hunting license to hunt on your own land.
However, hunters must get a hunting license if the land does not belong to them even if the landowners have given them the approval to hunt on their land.
Although it is easier for landowners to share their property with hunters, there are still many regulations guiding such practice.
Below are the four things a landowner must know before hunters can hunt on their lands.
1. Licenses Are Needed – Hunters must have a valid license for every current year. But, a license is not required if a hunter is hunting on his own land. Licenses are renewable yearly and licenses expire exactly a year from the date of their first issuance. It must also be noted that special licenses must be obtained by anyone who wants to hunt waterfowl, alligators, or big game.
2. Liability – Though, legislation was passed to remove the burden of liability on landowners especially in a state like Georgia, landowners can still be found liable in certain situations. The law covers landowners from civil liability in case of injuries done to persons who make use of their property for recreational reasons without any form of charges unless the landowners willfully fail to warn of a dangerous condition beforehand.
3. The Restriction Of The Firearm – For many years, there is some kind of firearms that were never allowed on any private property. But such regulations have been overturned in recent times. This allows hunters to carry a variety of firearms. An example of such a firearm includes a suppressor, which is allowed as far as there is proof of legal possession by the owner.
4. Dress Code – No dress code is required to be worn when hunting on private land but there are some exceptions. You are required to adhere to a specific dress code if you are hunting for animals like hogs and bears during their different hunting seasons.
Hunting License Information
Every hunter that is required by law to carry a license must show such whenever it is required by any officer whose job is the enforcement of inland fish and game laws. The hunters are required to carry an electronic copy of their hunting license or hunter education certificate. The electronic copy of the license doesn’t need a signature.
Exemptions For License
All Persons Are Required To Have Proper Licenses Ahead Of Hunting Or Trapping Seasons. Below Are The Exemptions:
1. Resident and nonresident landowners along with their spouses, children and grandchildren are not required to carry a hunting license to hunt on inland waters as far as they are within the boundaries of their own property.
2. Tenants who are on the land they rented or occupied do not need a license as far as there is written permission given to them by the landowners. Persons who have leased out their property but don’t permanently live on the property are not exempted from obtaining a license.
3. Residents who are above the age of 65 are not required to obtain a license on a property within their county.
4. Resident hunters below the age of 12 are not required to obtain a hunting license or hunting education but nonresident below the age of 12 must have a hunting license but does not need a hunting education to get a hunting license.
5. Residents who are below the age of 16 don’t require a hunting license as far as they are been accompanied by someone older than 18 years
6. If you are not hunting but you are accompanying a disabled hunter such as a person must possess a valid Disabled Resident Lifetime hunting license.
About Apprentice Hunting License
An apprentice hunting license is a one-time purchase for both resident and nonresident hunters. It is valid for two years. This enables you to take a Hunter Safety course.
Anyone having an apprentice hunting license must be supervised by an adult who is above the age of 18.
Replacement Of Licenses
If you want a replacement of your license whether it was issued online or by an agent, all you need to do is to go to the website and reprint the license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Of The Licenses Should One Obtain?
Answer: Except for an exemption, a license is required for both resident and nonresident hunters. Other licenses and permits may also apply depending on the type of species being hunted. Below are the licenses required based on the species of animals or birds you intend to hunt.
Hunting Of Small Game – You require a hunting license if they want to hunt small game. State Forest Use Permit or National Forest Permit may also be needed
Hunting Of Rails, Snipe, Gallinules, Woodcock Or Dove – A hunting license is needed if you want to hunt any of these birds. Additionally, State Forest Use Permit or National Forest Permit may also be needed
Hunting Of Deer, Turkey Or Bear – You must obtain a deer license, turkey license, or deer license. This is in addition to the normal hunting license.
Hunting With Archery Tackle – Apart from obtaining a hunting license, an archery tackle license is also required. Bonus Bear Permits, State Forest Use Permit or National Forest Permit may also apply.
Hunting With A Muzzleloader – You must have a muzzleloading license with a hunting license if you will be hunting using a muzzleloading firearm during a bear or deer season.
Hunting Of Waterfowl – A hunting license is required. A Federal Duck Stamp is also needed.
2. If One Turns 16 After Obtaining A Junior License; Will The License Still Be Useful Or One Needs A New License?
Answer: The license is still valid until it expires.
If I Have An Apprentice License; Do I Still Need To Purchase Bear, Turkey Or Deer License?
Answer: Yes, an apprentice license is equal to a hunting license. Additional licenses or permits will still be required.