Georgian muzzleloading enthusiasts are preparing for their first chance at Georgia’s Whitetail deer this fall with the “Primitive season” opening October 15, 2022.

During the primitive weapons season, hunters may use archery equipment, air bows, muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge and larger) and air rifles and muzzleloading firearms that are .30 caliber or larger.

State law allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer, and no more than two antlered deer (with one of the two antlered deer having a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers) or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread.

To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record (free). Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at a license agent (list of agents available online).

For more information on hunting safety, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation.

In recent years, several states have ‘expanded’ the muzzleloader season to include other ‘primitive’ methods of take including single shot rifles, crossbows and air bows to increase the number of hunters and with them, income from sold licenses and sales of hunting equipment. Those remembering when these seasons were exclusively muzzleloader seasons are frustrated with the changes, worried the history and tradition of hunting with a muzzleloader could be lost, but we continue to see strong muzzleloader numbers throughout the US.

I encourage anyone in a state with a “primitive” season to hunt with a muzzleloader. You’ll find it isn’t difficult and the connection with history felt when heading into the woods with a muzzle loader is second to none.