The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) receives calls each year in reference to large cat sightings. Traditionally, there have been two recognized subspecies of cougar or mountain lion in the eastern United States. The eastern cougar is one of many common names (others being "panther," "catamount," "puma," and "painter") given to large cats that once lived throughout much of eastern North America. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has recently proposed that the eastern cougar be considered extinct in the wild.

September 27, 2025, is National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed a proclamation officially recognizing Sat. Sept. 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) in Georgia. 

General Information

Wildlife Resources Division is pleased to continue its series of programs focusing on the development of hunting skills and conservation knowledge.

Mission

The mission of the Hunt & Learn Program is to provide a conservation-based learning experience for new hunters that places emphasis on the future development of safe and ethical hunting skills.

Each year, around 14,000 individuals pursue hunter education in Georgia. With over 500 active instructors in the state, you are part of a large team of dedicated volunteers teaching safe and responsible hunting. 

Residents and non-residents born on or after January 1, 1961, must successfully complete a hunter education course prior to purchasing a season hunting license. However, a hunter education course is not required to purchase an Apprentice License or a license identified as a “Short Term” License. Hunter education courses certified or mandated by any state wildlife agency or Canadian province are accepted. Hunter Education is not required to hunt on one's own land or land of a parent or guardian.