Buy the Right Georgia Hunt + Fish Package Without Missing an Add-On
Georgia’s Combo Hunting & Fishing License is useful, but it is not a complete “do everything outdoors” pass. It covers basic mixed hunting and fishing. Big game, trout, saltwater SIP, migratory birds, duck stamp, harvest records, alligator permits and WMA/PFA rules can still change what you need.
This guide compares Combo, Sportsman’s, Deer/Turkey packages, Dove, Waterfowl, Big Game, Trout, SIP, youth, senior, disability, lifetime and nonresident options so you know the correct license stack before checkout.
Which Georgia Fishing and Hunting License Package Is Best?
Fast answer: buy the Combo Hunting & Fishing License only if you need both basic hunting and basic fishing. Upgrade to Sportsman’s License when your trip needs broader paid state privileges such as big game and trout. Do not buy Combo if you only fish, only hunt one short day, only need a Lands Pass, or only need a hard card.
Do not confuse state fees with package-card totals: the official fee table lists Combo at $30 resident / $150 nonresident. Go Outdoors package cards may show higher totals because they include add-ons such as Big Game, Harvest Record, GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License, Federal Duck Stamp or optional hard card.
Georgia Fishing and Hunting License Combo Help Menu
Pick the Right Georgia Hunt + Fish Package
Buy fishing license, not combo
If you only plan to fish, use the fishing license. Add free SIP for saltwater and Trout License for mountain trout. Combo adds hunting privilege you may never use.
Combo Hunting & Fishing
Best for someone who fishes and also hunts basic small game. It is clean and simple, but it does not remove every add-on.
Combo alone is not enough
Big game requires Big Game License unless a broader package or exemption covers it. Deer and turkey also require a free seasonal Harvest Record.
Sportsman’s License
Better when you need several paid state privileges, especially hunting, fishing, big game and trout. You still need some free records/permits.
Check GA migratory license
Combo does not automatically solve migratory-bird rules. Georgia Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License or free qualifying version may still be needed.
Federal Duck Stamp layer
Waterfowl hunters age 16+ need a Federal Duck Stamp. Georgia state packages do not replace this federal requirement.
Best practical rule: choose the license by activity, not by name. Ask: fish only, basic hunt + fish, trout, saltwater, deer/turkey/bear, dove, ducks/geese, alligator, PFA/WMA, or lifetime use?
Georgia Combo License Matrix: What to Buy for Each Goal
| User goal | Best starting point | Add before checkout | Why it is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish freshwater only | Fishing License | Nothing unless site-specific rules apply | Cheaper than combo if you do not hunt. |
| Fish saltwater | Fishing License or Combo | Free SIP permit | SIP is free but required for saltwater anglers age 16+. |
| Fish trout | Fishing License or Combo | Trout License unless package includes trout | Basic combo does not include trout privilege. |
| Fish + hunt small game | Combo Hunting & Fishing | Season/site checks | One clean product for basic mixed use. |
| Fish + deer/turkey/bear | Deer/Turkey package or Sportsman’s | Harvest Record, season and WMA rules | Big game changes the license stack. |
| Fish + dove | Dove package or Combo + GA migratory license | GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License / required record | Avoids missing migratory-bird requirements. |
| Fish + duck/geese | Waterfowl package or correct state stack | Federal Duck Stamp | Duck stamp is federal and separate. |
| Many activities all year | Sportsman’s License | Free SIP, Harvest Record, migratory record, duck stamp as needed | Covers broad state-paid privileges in one package. |
Georgia Combo vs Sportsman’s License: Which Is Better?
| Package | Resident fee | Nonresident fee | Best for | What users miss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combo Hunting & Fishing Annual | $30 | $150 | Basic hunting plus fishing in one product. | Big Game, Trout, SIP, Harvest Record, migratory birds and Federal Duck Stamp may still matter. |
| Sportsman’s Annual | $65 | $400 | Serious users needing broad paid state hunting/fishing privileges. | Federal Duck Stamp is not included; free SIP, Harvest Record and migratory permits may still need to be obtained. |
| Combo One-Day | $5 | $30 | Short mixed hunting/fishing day. | Add-on days and missing species privileges still matter. |
| Sportsman’s One-Day | $25 | $170 | Short trip needing broad paid privileges. | Can be overkill for basic fishing or basic small-game use. |
Plain-English choice: Combo is the basic mixed-use product. Sportsman’s is the broader paid-state-privilege product. Neither removes federal duck stamp rules, free record steps or season/site restrictions.
Georgia Fishing and Hunting Combo Fee Table
Use this table to understand the official fee structure before checkout. The final cart may add transaction fee, optional hard card, package items or mailing cost.
| License / package | Term | Resident | Nonresident | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combo Hunting & Fishing | Annual | $30 | $150 | Basic mixed hunting and fishing product. |
| Combo Hunting & Fishing | One-day | $5 | $30 | Short mixed-use trip. |
| Combo additional day | Consecutive day | $1 | $10 | Additional days may be added up to 11 consecutive days. |
| Hunting License | Annual | $15 | $100 | Basic hunting privilege. Big game and migratory bird rules may still apply. |
| Fishing License | Annual | $15 | $50 | Basic fishing privilege. SIP and trout may still apply. |
| Big Game License | Annual | $25 | $225 | Needed for deer, bear or turkey unless covered by broader package or exemption. |
| Harvest Record | Annual, Mar.–Feb. | Free | Free | Free but must be obtained for alligator, bear, deer and turkey activity as applicable. |
| Trout License | Annual | $10 | $25 | Needed for designated trout waters or trout possession unless package includes trout. |
| SIP Permit | Annual | Free | Free | Required for saltwater anglers age 16+. |
| GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License | Annual, Mar.–Feb. | $5 | $5 | Migratory bird layer; free for some qualifying packages/statuses. |
| Sportsman’s License | Annual | $65 | $400 | Broad paid state package; federal duck stamp still separate. |
| Optional Youth Sportsman’s | Multi-year | $15 | Not offered | Resident youth 15 and under; privileges run until the 17th birthday. |
| Nonresident Youth Sportsman’s | Annual | Not offered | $50 | For nonresident youth 15 and under. |
| Senior Sportsman’s | Annual | $7 | Not offered | Georgia resident age 65+ should check this before regular adult packages. |
| Georgia Lands Pass | Annual | $30 | $60 | Access product; not a full hunting/fishing substitute. |
Transaction fee note: Georgia lists transaction fees for license purchases. If you know every item you need, buying the stack in one official checkout can reduce avoidable duplicate transaction steps.
Why Go Outdoors Georgia Package Cards May Show $61, $70 or $71
Search users often see different numbers on official package cards and assume the fee table is wrong. Usually, both are correct: the fee table shows the license price, while Go Outdoors package cards can bundle several products and a hard card.
| Portal package example | Why the card total is higher | What to learn |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Sportsman card around $71 | Sportsman’s License plus Harvest Record plus optional hard card. | Base Sportsman’s annual is $65; hard card can raise displayed package total. |
| Deer / Turkey package around $61 | Combo Hunting/Fishing + Big Game + free Harvest Record + hard card. | This is a ready-made deer/turkey stack, not just the basic combo license. |
| Dove Hunter card around $41 | Combo Hunting/Fishing + GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License + hard card. | Dove and migratory bird hunting can need a separate migratory layer. |
| Waterfowl Hunter card around $70 | Combo + GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp + hard card. | Federal Duck Stamp is a separate waterfowl requirement and can be bundled for convenience. |
Checkout tip: do not compare a bare fee-table item to a package card without checking what the package includes. The package may include a hard card, free records or additional paid privileges.
What Georgia Combo Hunting & Fishing Includes — and What It Misses
| Activity | Combo enough? | What else may be needed |
|---|---|---|
| Basic freshwater fishing | Usually yes | Check limits, method rules, PFA rules and waterbody-specific rules. |
| Saltwater fishing | Not by itself | Free annual SIP permit for anglers age 16+. |
| Mountain trout / designated trout waters | No | Trout License unless a broader package includes trout privilege. |
| Small game hunting | Usually yes | Season, method, WMA rules and hunter education compliance. |
| Deer, bear or turkey | No | Big Game License and free Harvest Record unless covered by package/exemption. |
| Dove or other migratory birds | Not always | GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License or free qualifying version. |
| Ducks or geese | No | Georgia migratory layer plus Federal Duck Stamp for hunters age 16+. |
| Alligator quota harvest | No | Quota selection, Harvest Record / quota permit rules and alligator-specific requirements. |
Ruthless rule: Combo is not an “all legal outdoor activities” pass. Your legal stack depends on species, water, land, weapon, season, record and federal stamp rules.
Georgia License Stack by Real Activity
Combo Hunting & Fishing
Good simple stack for basic fishing and basic small game hunting. Check seasons, WMA rules, hunter education and legal method before the trip.
Combo + Big Game + Harvest Record
Combo gives basic hunting/fishing. Deer pushes you into Big Game and free Harvest Record unless a broader package covers the paid part.
Combo + Big Game + Harvest Record
Turkey is big game. Do not assume Combo alone covers it. Carry harvest proof and follow reporting/check rules.
Combo + Big Game + Harvest Record
Bear requires the big-game layer. Also check zone, season, harvest reporting and WMA restrictions.
Combo + Trout License
Combo includes basic fishing, but trout privilege is separate unless a broader package includes state-paid trout privilege.
Combo + SIP
Saltwater fishing requires the free SIP permit. Add it even when your package already covers basic fishing.
Combo + Georgia migratory bird license
Dove is a migratory bird. Check the Georgia Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License requirement or free qualifying version.
Combo + GA migratory + Federal Duck Stamp
Waterfowl hunting adds the federal duck stamp layer. A Georgia package does not replace federal stamp rules.
Best Georgia Resident Fishing and Hunting Package Options
Resident buying logic: if you fish and hunt basic small game, combo is clean. If you add deer, bear, turkey and trout, compare Sportsman’s before building separate paid pieces.
| Resident user | Best starting package | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Only fishes lakes or rivers | Fishing License | No need to pay for hunting privileges. |
| Fishes + hunts small game | Combo Hunting & Fishing | One product covers basic mixed use. |
| Fishes + hunts deer/turkey | Compare Combo + Big Game vs Sportsman’s | Big game and Harvest Record context changes the math. |
| Fishes trout + hunts big game | Sportsman’s likely cleaner | Multiple paid privileges can make Sportsman’s simpler. |
| Dove or waterfowl hunter | Dove / Waterfowl package or correct add-on stack | Migratory birds and Federal Duck Stamp can change the package. |
| Age 65+ | Senior Sportsman’s or lifetime senior | Senior pricing can be much lower than adult package pricing. |
Best Georgia Nonresident Combo Package Options
Nonresidents should be more careful because the price jump is large. A nonresident annual Combo is $150, Big Game is $225, and Sportsman’s is $400 before transaction fees or optional hard card.
| Visitor plan | Likely best starting point | Cost clue | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-day fishing only | Nonresident one-day fishing | $10 | Add SIP for saltwater or trout license for trout. |
| One-day basic hunt + fish | One-day Combo | $30 | Does not solve big game, migratory birds or duck stamp by itself. |
| Annual fish + basic hunting | Annual Combo | $150 | Same as $50 fishing + $100 hunting; convenience, not a special discount. |
| Deer / bear / turkey | Combo + Big Game or Sportsman’s | Big Game annual $225 | Harvest Record and season rules still apply. |
| Broad annual hunt + fish | Sportsman’s | $400 | Only worth it if you use the paid privileges. |
| Nonresident youth 15 and under | Nonresident Youth Sportsman’s | $50 annual | Big game, harvest and supervision rules still need checking. |
Visitor warning: if you are coming for one targeted hunt, do not buy annual combo blindly. Start from species and duration, then build only what the trip requires.
Big Game, Deer and Turkey: Why Combo Alone Is Not Enough
The basic combo license is not the full deer, bear or turkey setup. Big game pushes you into another license layer, and deer/turkey activity usually also requires a free seasonal Harvest Record.
Start with the target species
If the trip includes deer, bear or turkey, do not stop at Combo. Check Big Game License or Sportsman’s coverage.
Add free Harvest Record where required
Free does not mean automatic. Add the Harvest Record before the hunt and keep proof ready. A new record must be obtained each season starting March 1.
Check hunter education
Georgia package pages note hunter education requirements for hunters born on or after January 1, 1961. Do not wait until opening morning to check this.
Check season, weapon and WMA rules
License package does not decide legal weapon, either-sex days, quota hunts, WMA rules, county rules, reporting or carcass disposal requirements.
Hard truth: the most expensive combo mistake is buying “Combo Hunting & Fishing” and thinking deer or turkey is solved. Build the big-game stack before paying.
Trout and Saltwater SIP: Fishing Add-Ons Combo Buyers Still Need to Check
Free annual permit
Saltwater anglers age 16+ need the free SIP permit, including people with combo, Sportsman’s, senior or lifetime-style privileges.
$10 resident / $25 nonresident annual
Combo does not automatically cover mountain trout. Sportsman’s-style packages may cover state-paid trout privilege, but verify before fishing designated trout waters.
One-day trout exists
Resident one-day trout is $5 and nonresident one-day trout is $10. Use it for short trips when annual trout is not needed.
More than rod fishing
SIP matters for coastal fishing activities beyond simple rod-and-reel, including some saltwater bait and harvest methods.
Practical fishing rule: if you see “combo,” still ask two fishing questions: “Am I going to saltwater?” and “Am I going to trout water?”
Official SIP permit information | Official trout regulations
Dove, Duck, Goose and Migratory Bird License Checks
Migratory bird and waterfowl hunting can require extra steps beyond a basic combo package. The cleanest way to avoid errors is to separate Georgia state license items from federal duck stamp rules.
| Bird activity | Georgia layer | Federal layer | Combo mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dove, woodcock, snipe, coots, rails or similar migratory birds | GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License may be required for age 16+ | Check federal migratory context as applicable | Do not assume basic combo handles migratory bird records. |
| Ducks or geese | GA Waterfowl & Migratory Bird License / qualifying free version | Federal Duck Stamp required for waterfowl hunters age 16+ | Sportsman’s or Combo is not a replacement for Federal Duck Stamp. |
| Sportsman’s holder | Free seasonal Georgia migratory item still must be obtained if participating | Federal Duck Stamp still needed for waterfowl | Paid package does not mean every free/federal item is auto-attached. |
Waterfowl warning: separate six things: hunting license, Georgia migratory bird item, Federal Duck Stamp, season dates, shooting hours and WMA-specific rules.
Youth, Senior, Disability and Veteran Package Options
| Category | Package / cost | Best use | Practical caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident youth 15 and under | Optional Youth Sportsman’s, $15 multi-year | Excellent gift / early-start package through the youth privilege period. | Adult supervision, hunter education and activity-specific rules still matter. |
| Nonresident youth 15 and under | Nonresident Youth Sportsman’s, $50 annual | Youth visitors needing broader hunting/fishing access. | Check big game, harvest and supervision rules. |
| Resident age 65+ | Senior Sportsman’s, $7 annual | Resident seniors who need broad annual privileges. | Free or lifetime senior options may be better depending on birth date. |
| Resident disability applicant | Disability Sportsman’s, $5 annual / $15 three-year | Qualified resident users needing broad privileges at reduced cost. | Documentation and application requirements apply. |
| Honorary veteran | One-Time Honorary Veteran’s License, free | Qualified resident veterans by official process. | Do not assume eligibility without documentation. |
Best insider tip: seniors and youth should not copy adult package advice. Their discount packages can completely change the best-value answer.
Georgia Lifetime Sportsman’s License Options
Lifetime licenses are not for everyone, but they can be powerful for Georgia residents who will hunt and fish for many years. Compare lifetime cost against the annual package you would truly buy.
| Lifetime license | Age | Resident cost | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Lifetime Sportsman’s | Under 2 | $500 | Long-term family gift when the child is very young. |
| Youth Lifetime Sportsman’s | 2–15 | $600 | Youth who will likely hunt/fish long term. |
| Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s | 16–49 | $750 | Committed Georgia outdoors user. |
| Older Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s | 50–59 | $375 | Older adult still active in hunting/fishing. |
| Senior Discount Lifetime Sportsman’s | 60–64 | $315 | Near-senior user before age 65. |
| Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s | 65+ | $70 | Resident senior who wants lifetime broad privileges. |
| Senior Lifetime Hunting | 65+ | $35 | Senior who hunts but does not need fishing lifetime. |
| Senior Lifetime Fishing | 65+ | $35 | Senior who fishes but does not need hunting lifetime. |
| Free Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s | Born on or before June 30, 1952 | Free | Qualifying older Georgia residents. |
Lifetime math tip: do not compare lifetime cost only against one fishing license. Compare against the package you would actually buy each year, including hunting, big game, trout and Sportsman’s-style needs.
How to Buy the Correct Georgia Combo License Online
List every activity first
Write down fishing, saltwater, trout, small game, deer, bear, turkey, migratory birds, waterfowl, WMA/PFA access and alligator quota before opening checkout.
Choose Combo only if you need both basic hunting and fishing
If you only fish, buy fishing. If you only hunt, buy hunting. Combo is clean when both basic privileges are needed.
Check whether Sportsman’s saves cart confusion
If you add big game, trout and multiple paid privileges, compare Sportsman’s before buying separate pieces.
Add free records and permits
Free does not mean automatic. SIP, Harvest Record and Georgia migratory bird items may still need to be obtained and carried.
Review hard card and transaction choices
Hard card is optional and can raise the package total. It may not print lifetime licenses or harvest records, so keep proof separately.
Use official purchase channels only
Buy through Go Outdoors Georgia, an official license agent or by calling 800-366-2661. Review the cart total before paying.
Save proof for every item
Screenshot combo/Sportsman’s, SIP, trout, Harvest Record, migratory license and any other permit. Keep offline proof for low-signal areas.
Real Insider Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Sportsman’s when you only fish
A fishing-only user should usually buy the fishing license, SIP if saltwater and trout only if needed. Sportsman’s is overkill for a basic lake trip.
Thinking combo covers deer
Deer, bear and turkey require big-game context. Combo alone is not the full stack.
Forgetting SIP or Harvest Record
Free permits still must be obtained. Free does not mean automatically attached to your license.
Ignoring Federal Duck Stamp
Georgia packages do not replace the federal duck stamp requirement for waterfowl hunters age 16+.
Not checking WMA/PFA rules
A license gets you in the conversation. Quota hunts, sign-in, closures, shooting hours and area-specific rules decide legality.
Only relying on phone signal
Save offline screenshots before driving to WMAs, trout streams, marshes or rural hunting land.
Ruthless package rule: never buy by license name alone. Buy by activity: fish, trout, saltwater, small game, big game, turkey, deer, bear, waterfowl, WMA, PFA or alligator.
Related Georgia Fishing License Guides
Use these related guides when the user’s intent is narrower than combo hunting and fishing packages.
Official Georgia Combo License Links, Support and Map
The guide above explains the decision. Use the official links below only when you are ready to buy, verify final rules, print proof, locate an agent or contact Georgia DNR.
Go Outdoors Georgia
Buy Combo, Sportsman’s, Big Game, Trout, SIP, Harvest Record and other Georgia licenses or permits.
Georgia License Fee Table
Use the current eRegulations table for combo, hunting, fishing, Sportsman’s, lifetime and access fees.
Georgia Hunting Regulations
Check seasons, WMA rules, big game, migratory birds, unlawful activities and quota details.
Georgia Fishing Regulations
Check trout, saltwater, freshwater limits, methods, PFAs and border-water agreements.
Go Outdoors Georgia Help
Phone: 800-366-2661
Use for account, purchase, app, printing or license lookup help.
Wildlife Resources Division
2067 US Highway 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025
Main: 706-557-3333
Georgia Fishing and Hunting Combo License FAQs
How much is a Georgia Combo Hunting and Fishing License?
The annual Combo Hunting & Fishing License is listed at $30 for residents and $150 for nonresidents. One-day combo is $5 resident and $30 nonresident, with additional consecutive days available.
Is the Georgia combo license cheaper than buying fishing and hunting separately?
Usually no. Resident annual fishing is $15 and resident annual hunting is $15, which equals the $30 resident combo. Nonresident annual fishing is $50 and hunting is $100, which equals the $150 nonresident combo.
Why does Go Outdoors Georgia show package totals like $61 or $71?
Those package cards can include more than one item, such as Combo, Big Game, Harvest Record, Sportsman’s and hard card. Compare the package contents, not just the top-line number.
Does Georgia Combo Hunting and Fishing include big game?
No. Deer, bear and turkey are big game. You generally need Big Game License and deer/turkey Harvest Record unless a broader package or exemption applies.
Does combo include trout fishing?
No. A Trout License is required for designated trout waters or mountain trout possession unless your broader package includes trout privilege.
Does combo include the saltwater SIP permit?
Saltwater anglers age 16+ still need the free annual Saltwater Information Program permit. Add it in the official portal and save proof.
When is Georgia Sportsman’s License better than combo?
Sportsman’s is better when you need multiple state-paid hunting and fishing privileges, such as broad hunting/fishing, big game and trout. It is overkill if you only fish or only need basic hunting.
How much is Georgia Sportsman’s License?
The annual Sportsman’s License is listed at $65 for residents and $400 for nonresidents before optional hard card, transaction fee or other checkout items. One-day Sportsman’s is $25 resident and $170 nonresident.
Do waterfowl hunters need anything extra?
Yes. Georgia migratory bird license rules can apply, and waterfowl hunters age 16 or older need a Federal Duck Stamp. Do not assume combo replaces federal requirements.
Is the Youth Sportsman’s License a good value?
For resident youth 15 and under, the Optional Youth Sportsman’s License is listed at $15 multi-year and privileges run until the 17th birthday, making it one of the strongest values.
Where can I buy a Georgia fishing and hunting combo license?
Buy through Go Outdoors Georgia, an official license agent or by calling 800-366-2661.
Final Practical Advice
Do not buy Georgia Combo Hunting & Fishing just because the name sounds complete. Buy it when you truly need basic hunting and fishing. If your trip includes big game, trout, saltwater, migratory birds, waterfowl, WMA/PFA rules or alligator quota, build the full stack before paying.
The smartest decision path is: activity → residency → duration → combo vs Sportsman’s → big game/trout/SIP/migratory/duck stamp → free records → official checkout → offline proof.