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GeorgiaHB 4912025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Game and fish; remove an exception for use of air guns to hunt wildlife

Sponsored By: Johnny Chastain (Republican), John Corbett (Republican), Justin Howard (Republican), Danny Mathis (Republican), Trey Rhodes (Republican), Jason Ridley (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Game, Fish & ParksNatural Resources and the EnvironmentGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Air-gun hunting allowed with season limits

Georgia hunters can use qualifying air guns for big game only during primitive weapon hunts, primitive weapon seasons, and firearm seasons. Qualifying weapons include air pistols, handguns, and shoulder-held devices of at least 0.30 caliber, or air bows. They use unignited compressed air or gas to propel slugs, shot, or arrows equipped with broadheads. Lawmakers must review this authorization during the 2030 regular session. The definition and authorization expire July 1, 2030, unless the General Assembly continues them before then.

Statewide catfish bowfishing with safety rules

You can take any catfish species by bow and arrow throughout Georgia waters with a valid resident or nonresident fishing license. Arrows must have barbs or harpoon-like points. A rope, line, or cord must attach arrows to you or your bow and allow recovery of both arrow and catfish. Poisonous or exploding arrowheads are illegal. You cannot shoot into waters within 150 feet of anyone engaged in another recreational activity. Bowfishing is allowed at any time of day; at night, you must use a light.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Johnny Chastain

    Republican • House

  • John Corbett

    Republican • House

  • Justin Howard

    Republican • House

  • Danny Mathis

    Republican • House

  • Trey Rhodes

    Republican • House

  • Jason Ridley

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Drew Echols

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 445 • No: 7

House vote • 4/4/2025

Agree to Senate Am as Amended by House

Yes: 170 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

AGREE TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT

Yes: 52 • No: 1 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Yes: 52 • No: 3

House vote • 3/6/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 171 • No: 3 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2025

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/14/2025House

  3. Act 268

    5/14/2025

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2025House

  5. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub As Amended

    4/4/2025House

  6. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub

    4/4/2025Senate

  7. Senate Taken from Table

    4/2/2025Senate

  8. Senate Third Read

    4/2/2025Senate

  9. Senate Passed/Adopted As Amended

    4/2/2025Senate

  10. Senate Tabled

    3/31/2025Senate

  11. Senate Read Second Time

    3/21/2025Senate

  12. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/20/2025Senate

  13. Senate Read and Referred

    3/10/2025Senate

  14. House Third Readers

    3/6/2025House

  15. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/6/2025House

  16. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/27/2025House

  17. House Second Readers

    2/20/2025House

  18. House First Readers

    2/19/2025House

  19. House Hopper

    2/18/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 491/AP* (v10)

    PDF

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