37 S.

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J. L. Lester WMA

2026-27 season.

Check before you hunt. Confirm these dates in 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting Regulations. Seasons, closures and area rules can change.

Deer and bear

Oct 3–4, Jan 9–10

Firearms. Quota hunt, 20 hunters drawn. Only for youth hunters. Bonus deer hunt.

In the guide: “Deer & Bear · Firearms: [Q20] [youth] [bonus] Oct. 3-4, Jan. 9-10”

Nov 22–29, Dec 21 – Jan 1

Archery.

In the guide: “Deer & Bear · Archery: Nov. 22-29, Dec. 21-Jan. 1”

Turkey

Apr 3 – May 15

Any legal weapon.

In the guide: “Turkey: Apr. 3-May 15”

Dove

Sep 5, Sep 12

Any legal weapon. Only for youth hunters.

In the guide: “Dove: [youth] Sept. 5, 12”

Sep 19, Sep 26

Any legal weapon.

In the guide: “Dove: Sept. 19, 26”

Ducks and geese

Follows the statewide seasons.

  • Ducks: Nov 21–29, Dec 12 – Jan 31
  • Geese: Sep 5–27, Oct 10–25, Nov 21–29, Dec 12 – Jan 31
  • Teal: Sep 12–20

In the guide: “Waterfowl seasons: State Seasons”

Quail

Dec 20, Jan 3, Feb 14, Feb 20

Any legal weapon. Quota hunt, 3 hunters drawn.

In the guide: “Small game seasons · Quail: [Q3] Dec. 20, Jan. 3, Feb. 14, 20”

Rabbit

Jan 2, Feb 21

Any legal weapon. Quota hunt, 5 hunters drawn.

In the guide: “Small game seasons · Rabbit: [Q5] Jan. 2, Feb. 21”

Area rules

No ATVs. No night hunting. No camping in barn. Fishing prohibited during deer hunts, quota hunts and field trials. No May 16-31 coyote season.

Nearby areas

Tallapoosa River WMA around 6 miles away

Treat Mountain WMA around 9 miles away

Paulding Forest WMA around 15 miles away

Sheffield WMA around 15 miles away

Berry College WMA around 25 miles away

All bear, deer, and turkey hunters must sign in unless the area listing says otherwise. All deer hunts are either sex unless otherwise noted. On antler restricted areas, only bucks with at least four points one inch or longer on either antler, or an outside spread of at least 15 inches, are legal. Unless otherwise stated, any small game with an open state season may be hunted during an area's small game dates. No small game or furbearer hunting during deer, quail, or quota hunts, except waterfowl during archery deer hunts in open state season. Legal hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, and 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset for doves and waterfowl. Youth, active duty military and veterans may hunt ducks and geese on Nov. 14-15.

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