Last updated on August 10th, 2023
As of June 1, you can now apply for Georgia’s 2023-2024 quota deer hunts. If you’re not sure what hunts are available, or which you should apply for, we have you covered.
Below is the full list of available hunts by WMA. This article provides the hunt dates, the number of hunters drawn, how many preference points it may take to draw the hunt based on 2022 drawing results, as well as the hunter success rate from last season.
This information does not include the State Park quota deer hunts, as those are covered in a separate article.
The good news is, regardless of how few preference points you have, there are hunts you can draw for Georgia’s 2023 deer season. If you’re fortunate enough to have several points banked, then you should be able to draw just about any WMA deer hunt in the state.
If you need additional information about how to apply for one of these hunts, that’s provided that at the bottom of the article, as well.
Georgia Quota Deer Hunt Options
| WMA | QUOTA | 2023-2024 HUNT DATES | DRAW ODDS (Based on 2022) | 2022 HUNTER SUCCESS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altama Plantation 1 | 50 | 11/09/2023 – 11/11/2023 | 100% (1 point) 24% (0 points) | No Data |
| Altama Plantation 2 | 50 | 11/30/2023 – 12/02/2023 | 100% (0 points) | 14.3% |
| B.F. Grant 1 | 300 | 11/02/2023 – 11/04/2023 | 100% (2 points) 28% (1 point) | 22.8% |
| B.F. Grant 2 | 300 | 11/16/2023 – 11/18/2023 | 100% (1 point) 92% (0 points) | 33.7% |
| Berry College 1 | 1000 | 11/01/2023 – 11/04/2023 | 99% (1 point) 71% (0 points) | 19.5% |
| Berry College 2 | 1000 | 11/29/2023 – 12/02/2023 | 100% (0 points) | 77.8% |
| Blanton Creek 1 | 200 | 10/19/2023 – 10/21/2023 | 100% (1 point) 60% (0 points) | 26.1% |
| Blanton Creek 2 | 200 | 11/16/2023 – 11/18/2023 | 100% (1 point) 60% (0 points) | 26.0% |
| Ceylon 1 | 100 | 10/19/2023 – 10/21/2023 | 100% (2 points) 55% (1 point) | 56.0% |
| Ceylon 2 | 100 | 11/09/2023 – 11/11/2023 | 100% (1 point) 99% (0 points) | 12.9% |
| Ceylon 3 | 100 | 11/30/2023 – 12/02/2023 | 100% (0 points) | 77.8% |
| CFL* – Almo 1 | 150 | 10/19/2023 – 10/21/2023 | 100% (1 point) 86% (0 points) | 31.7% |
| CFL* – Almo 2 | 150 | 11/09/2023 – 11/11/2023 | 100% (1 point) 98% (0 points) | 37.3% |
| CFL* – Fort Perry 1 | 35 | 10/26/2023 – 10/28/2023 | 100% (1 point) 9% (0 points) | 37.5% |
| CFL* – Fort Perry 2 | 35 | 11/09/2023 – 11/11/2023 | 100% (1 point) 26% (0 points) | 27.6% |
| CFL* – Hilliard 1 | 50 | 10/26/2023 – 10/28/2023 | 100% (2 points) \33% (1 point) | 60.6% |
| CFL* – Hilliard 2 | 50 | 11/16/2023 – 11/18/2023 | 100% (2 points) 58% (1 point) | 41.0% |
| Chickasawhatchee 1 | 350 | 11/09/2023 – 11/11/2023 | 100% (1 point) 80% (0 points) | 45.9% |
| Chickasawhatchee 2 | 350 | 12/07/2023 – 12/09/2023 | 100% (1 point) 17% (0 points) | 57.1% |
| Clybel 1 | 200 | 11/02/2023 – 11/04/2023 | 100% (2 points) 41% (1 point) | 49.6% |
| Clybel 2 | 200 | 11/16/2023 – 11/18/2023 | 100% (0 points) | 45.4% |
| Coosawattee | 100 | 11/10/2023 – 11/12/2023 | 100% (3 points) 84% (2 points) | 66.7% |
| Di-Lane Plantation 1 | 400 | 10/12/2023 – 10/14/2023 | 100% (1 point) 25% (0 points) | 25.7% |
| Di-Lane Plantation 2 | 400 | 10/26/2023 – 10/28/2023 | 100% (0 points) | 31.4% |
| Flint River 1 | 25 | 11/02/2023 – 11/04/2023 | 100% (5 points) 53% (4 points) | 37.5% |
| Flint River 2 | 25 | 11/16/2023 – 11/18/2023 | 100% (6 points) 79% (5 points) | 58.3% |
| Gaither 1 | 25 | 11/03/2023 – 11/05/2023 | 100% (3 points) 68% (2 points) | 25.0% |
| Gaither 2 | 25 | 01/12/2024 – 01/14/2024 | 100% (2 points) 9% (1 point) | 23.1% |
| Joe Kurz 1 | 100 | 10/19/2023 – 10/21/2023 | 99% (2 points) 10% (1 point) | 53.5% |
| Joe Kurz 2 | 100 | 11/02/2023 – 11/04/2023 | 100% (3 points) 63% (2 points) | 33.3% |
| Lanahassee 1 | 50 | 11/16/2023 – 11/18/2023 | 100% (2 points) 46% (1 point) | 59.0% |
| Lanahassee 2 | 50 | 11/30/2023 – 12/02/2023 | 100% (1 point) 30% (0 points) | 48.6% |
| Ossabaw Island 1 Archery | 100 | 10/12/2023 – 10/14/2023 | 100% (2 points) 14% (1 point) | 66.7% |
| Ossabaw Island 2 Primitive Weapons | 100 | 10/26/2023 – 10/28/2023 | 100% (1 point) 25% (0 points) | 81.8% |
| Ossabaw Island 3 | 100 | 11/09/2023 – 11/11/2023 | 100% (2 points) 30% (1 point) | 48.6% |
| River Creek 1 | 35 | 11/01/2023 – 11/04/2023 | 100% (2 points) 47% (1 point) | 5.9% |
| River Creek 2 | 35 | 12/06/2023 – 12/09/2023 | 100% (3 points) 76% (2 points) | 33.3% |
| Rum Creek 1 | 200 | 10/26/2023 – 10/28/2023 | 100% (1 point) 8% (0 points) | 57.8% |
| Rum Creek 2 | 200 | 11/09/2023 – 11/11/2023 | 100% (1 point) 85% (0 points) | 45.36 |
| Sapelo Island 1 Primitive Weapons | 125 | 10/19/2023 – 10/21/2023 | 100% (1 point) 41% (0 points) | 87.2% |
| Sapelo Island 2 | 125 | 11/02/2023 – 11/04/2023 | 100% (1 point) 31% (0 points) | 47.4% |
| Sapelo Island 3 | 125 | 11/16/2023 – 11/18/2023 | 100% (1 point) 62% (0 point) | 95.6% |
| Treat Mountain 1 | 200 | 10/06/2023 – 10/08/2023 | 100% (0 points) | 25.0% |
| Treat Mountain 2 | 200 | 11/24/2023 – 11/26/2023 | 100% (0 points) | 25.9% |
| Treat Mountain 3 | 200 | 01/12/2024 – 01/14/2024 | 100% (0 points) | No Data |
Hunts You Can Draw With Zero Points
While many of the Peach State’s quota deer hunts require preference points to draw, there are a handful that typically do not. Below are 10 hunts that you are likely to draw with zero preference points based on last year’s drawing.
- Altama Plantation WMA 2nd Hunt
- B.F. Grant 2nd Hunt
- Berry College 2nd Hunt
- Ceylon WMA 2nd & 3rd Hunts
- Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA – Almo Tract 2nd Hunt
- Clybel WMA 2nd Hunt
- Di-Lane Plantation 2nd Hunt
- Treat Mountain VPA – All 3 Hunts
Keep in mind, though, that things could be different this year based on the number of people who apply, and the demand for certain hunts. Just because you could draw the 2nd Clybel hunt with zero points last don’t mean that will be the case this year.
If you have points to wager, you can always use them. Any points not needed to draw the hunt will be credited back to your account.
Hunts That Require 3+ Points to Draw
HARDEST TO DRAW: Flint River WMA — the first hunt requires 5 points to guarantee a draw and you will need as many as 6 points for the second hunt (based on 2022 data).
- Coosawattee WMA — 3 points to guarantee a draw with an excellend chance with 2 points. The quota for this hunt was increased for 2023, so it may potentially be an easier draw this year.
- Gaither WMA 1st Hunt — 3 points to guarantee a draw and a decent chance with 2 points
- Joe Kurz WMA 2nd Hunt — 3 points to guarantee a draw, but 2 will likely do the trick
How to Apply
The Georgia DNR makes the application process for quota hunts fairly simple. You just need to head over to their website and set up an account if you already haven’t.
Once you’re logged in, you’ll choose “Apply for a Quota Hunt” at the top of the page, then the apply button for Deer Quota Hunts.
At that point, you have to decide whether you are applying as an individual or with a group, then make your hunt selections.
I created a short video that is embedded below to walk you through the entire process. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below, and I will try to answer them best I can.
Keep in mind the video was produced in 2022, so some of the references may be dated, but the process is still the same.
Bonus Deer vs Sign In Hunt
In Georgia, quota deer hunts can either be bonus deer hunts or sign-in hunts. Both require that a hunter sign in before hunting, either at the WMA check station or on the official Georgia Outdoors app or the Georgia DNR website.
The main difference is in what you do if you actually harvest a deer. For a sign-in hunt, you treat the deer as you would if you were hunting on private property — that means marking it on your harvest log and checking it in by phone, app or website.
On a bonus deer hunt, instead of marking it on your harvest log, you simply take it to the WMA check station so DNR staff can collect data from the deer. At that point, they will put a plastic tag on the deer to confirm you checked it in. That deer does not count against your statewide bag limit.
Quota Deer Hunt Deadline
The deadline for applying for Georgia’s quota deer hunts is September 1.
Tips for Success
I have enjoyed hunting quota hunts for years, but have spent many more hours working them as a wildlife technician. Those who are routinely successful at these types of hunts are the ones who take the time to do a little homework and take the necessary steps to ensure they get the opportunity to fill a deer tag.
Let’s look at six of those steps that can help you tip the odds in your favor this fall.
Read the Rules
This step is fairly simple and really should go without saying. Take the time to read up on not only the general rules for all Georgia WMAs, but also the rules specific to the WMA you will be hunting.
This includes the timing of the hunt, as well as when and how you sign or check in, any weapon restrictions, camping restrictions, and especially any restrictions on what deer you can legally harvest.
Get a Map
Once you understand the rules of the quota hunt, you will want to study a map of the WMA. It appears the printable PDF maps the DNR used to offer are no longer available, but they do offer a great interactive GIS map system that allows you to look at each WMA as an aerial photo or topographic map that you can zoom in and out on, with various layers you can switch on and off.
To check them out, go to DNR’s main WMA webpage and click on the WMA you would like to check out, then click on the link to the interactive map. These maps will not only allow you to begin getting familiar with the boundaries of the area, but you can also use it to start doing some “cyber scouting” from the comfort of home.
Pay attention the the various access points, look for potential bedding and feeding areas, and pay particular attention to funnels or pinch points. Mark these on your map for when you finally hit the ground to do some boots-on-the-ground scouting. I would pick out a minimum of four to five spots that may be worth checking out in person.
Make a Call
The next step is to get in touch with the wildlife technician who oversees the area, as well as the wildlife biologist. Take what you learned from studying the maps and ask specific questions about the locations you have in mind.
Ask about things like deer density and whether it varies from one part of the WMA to another, about hunting pressure at the various accesses, and about the habitat and deer’s food preferences on the WMA.
The technician will best be able to answer these questions, as they are frequently on the area carrying out the day-to-day management activities. The biologist can be a great resource to discuss overall deer density, hunter success rates and age structure of the deer herd.
Scout the Area
Now it’s time to actually hit the woods and scout those spots that looked promising online. Be on the lookout for potential bedding areas, food sources that will be in use during the hunt, as well as any of the funnels or pinch points you found during your initial research.
When you find an area that looks promising, go ahead and pick out a tree or two that would work for stand sites (providing you hunt from a treestand). If you hunt from the ground, look for a good, natural place for a ground blind. Mark these locations on your map, phone or GPS for future reference.
Time to Hunt!
Of course the final step is to get out and enjoy the hunt!
My best tip for public land hunts is get there early and get to your spot. The old adage “the early bird gets the worm” is certainly true in this case. That doesn’t mean someone won’t walk in on you, but it will certainly put you in a much better position to have the spot you want to hunt all to yourself.
My second tip would be to pack for an all-day hunt. Just because you had the spot you wanted that morning, doesn’t mean someone won’t move in there for the afternoon hunt if you go back to the house or to camp for lunch. Stick it out all day if you can, or worst case, just come back to your truck to eat lunch before heading back in.
Public Land Etiquette
This should go without saying, but one of the most important rules of hunting public land is to treat others as you would like to be treated. Here are a few simple steps every hunter should take to make public land hunting enjoyable for all involved:
- Get in the woods early and come out late. Don’t walk through the woods at prime time – daylight and dusk.
- Ideally, don’t walk through the woods at all other than to get to and from your stand. It’s not the time to wander around scouting while a hunt is going on.
- If you are running late and someone is parked where you planned to hunt, go somewhere else. Don’t ruin their hunt because you overslept.
- If you walk up on someone in the spot you had picked out, go somewhere else. Public land hunting is ALWAYS first come, first served. There are no reserved spots no matter how much flagging you put up (by the way, leave the flagging at home!)
If you were drawn for a Georgia quota hunt this year, congratulations! Keep these six steps in mind, and you should have a safe and enjoyable hunt. If you do harvest a deer, be sure to share those photos with us over at the Georgia Public Land Hunters Facebook group.
Final Thoughts
Georgia’s deer quota hunts can be a great opportunity to enjoy a hunt with friends or get to see a part of the state you haven’t experienced before. Just keep in mind you’ll be sharing the woods with quite a few other hunters, so be sure to respect one another’s space and focus on the experience more than filling a tag. End the end, even if you go home empty handed, you’ll be left with some great memories to last a lifetime.
References
- Georgia quota hunt online application
- Georgia quota hunt selection odds
- 2022-2023 Georgia deer harvest stats
