As summer winds down and the anticipation for hunting and fishing seasons ramps up in Georgia, a trio of new laws is set to shake things up for outdoor enthusiasts. Effective July 1, 2025, these regulations, passed by the Georgia General Assembly during its 2025 session, bring practical changes to how folks can hunt and fish across the state. From eye-catching gear options to updated fishing rules, here’s a deep dive into what’s new and how it impacts time spent in the woods or on the water.
Georgia’s legislature meets for most of the first half of each year, which is why July 1 is the go-to date for new laws to kick in. This year, three bills—HB 167, HB 287, and HB 491—focus on game and fish regulations, tweaking everything from what hunters can wear to how certain fish can be caught. These changes aren’t massive overhauls, but they’re worth knowing before heading out for deer, bear, or a day on the river.
Fluorescent Pink Hits the Hunting Scene with HB 167
First up, HB 167 is turning heads with a splash of color. Hunters chasing feral hogs, bears, or deer can now swap out the classic blaze orange for fluorescent pink as an outer garment. This applies not just to those pulling the trigger but also to anyone tagging along on the hunt. The idea is to keep safety first while giving folks a bit more choice in their gear. Whether it’s a pink vest or jacket, the bright hue ensures visibility in the field, and it’s a practical option for those who already own pink outdoor clothing or want to stand out without sacrificing safety. For many, this small change opens the door to personalizing their hunting setup while sticking to the rules.
HB 287: More Access for Hunters, Less Hassle for Shellfish Harvesters
Next, HB 287 is all about making the outdoors more accessible and streamlining some fishing regulations. This bill allows the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue free courtesy hunting licenses to people with paralysis or disabilities who are taking part in organized hunting events. These events must be run by a nonprofit charitable group or the DNR itself, ensuring the focus stays on community-driven opportunities. It’s a move that makes hunting more inclusive, letting more folks experience the thrill of the chase without the added cost of a license.
On the fishing side, HB 287 also lays out clearer rules for resident shellfish crew licensing. It sets guidelines for how these licenses work and exempts harvesters working under a master harvester with a valid crew license from needing their own. This cuts down on red tape for those in the shellfish trade, making it easier for crews to operate legally without jumping through extra hoops. For anyone involved in Georgia’s coastal fishing industry, this tweak could mean less hassle and more time on the water.
HB 491: Catfish Limits and Air Gun Extensions
Finally, HB 491 brings a mix of restrictions and extensions that affect both hunters and anglers. For bowfishing fans, there’s a new limit to watch out for: it’s now illegal to take catfish with a bow and arrow in any Georgia waters, unless specific conditions are met. Previously, this ban only applied to the Savannah River and its basin, but the new law expands it statewide. This change aims to protect catfish populations across Georgia’s rivers and lakes, ensuring sustainable fishing for years to come. Anglers who enjoy bowfishing will need to double-check local rules to stay compliant.
On the hunting front, HB 491 delivers good news for those who prefer air guns. The bill extends the legal use of air guns for big game hunting during primitive weapon hunts, primitive weapon seasons, and firearm seasons through 2030. This provision was set to expire on July 1, 2025, but the extension gives hunters five more years to use these tools. Air guns offer a quieter, low-recoil option for taking down big game, and their continued legality during these seasons gives hunters more flexibility in choosing their gear. Whether it’s for deer or other big game, this extension keeps air guns in the mix for those who value their precision and ease of use.
Why These Changes Matter
These three laws reflect Georgia’s ongoing effort to balance tradition with practical updates in its outdoor regulations. The state doesn’t pass a ton of hunting and fishing laws each year—just a handful, as is typical—so these changes stand out for their focus on safety, accessibility, and sustainability. For hunters, the addition of fluorescent pink gear and the extended use of air guns offer more options in the field. For anglers, the catfish bowfishing ban and shellfish licensing tweaks aim to protect resources and simplify operations. And for those with disabilities, the courtesy license opens new doors to enjoy Georgia’s rich hunting heritage.
As July 1, 2025, approaches, anyone planning to hunt or fish in Georgia should take a moment to brush up on these changes. The DNR’s website or local wildlife offices are solid spots to get the full scoop on how these laws apply to specific areas or seasons. Whether it’s gearing up in blaze pink, grabbing a bow for fish other than catfish, or helping a friend with a disability join a hunt, these updates are set to shape the next chapter of outdoor adventures in the Peach State. With fall seasons just around the corner, now’s the time to get ready and hit the ground running—or casting.
