A hunter with two large black feral hogs.

February Guide to Georgia Hunting & Fishing Opportunities

Photo of two big Georgia feral hogs courtesy of Greg Barnette

After a cold and nasty January, February is shaping up to be more seasonably warm, giving Georgia hunters and anglers a much-needed break from the bad weather. The improving temperatures make it the perfect time to get outdoors and take advantage of the many opportunities our state has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to fill the freezer with wild game, enjoy some late-winter fishing, or simply prepare for the upcoming turkey seasons, February has something for everyone.

Hog Hunting

A group of hunters with a dog on a hog hunt.
Josh Postell sent us this great photo of a recent winter hog hunt in Georgia.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get after Georgia’s feral hogs, February might just be it. With cool mornings and mild afternoons, you can stay comfortable in the field while targeting one of the state’s most abundant and destructive critters.

Hogs are not only a challenging quarry, but they’re also a year-round opportunity for hunters in Georgia (on private land) and great table fare. February is the perfect time to scout for fresh sign, including rooting areas, wallows, and trails leading to food sources. Look for areas with heavy cover near agricultural fields or hardwood bottoms where hogs often forage for acorns.

If you don’t have access to private land, Georgia also has plenty of excellent opportunities to pursue feral hogs on public land. Focus your efforts on tracts with swampy lowlands, river bottoms, and dense hardwood forests. These areas provide the thick cover and food sources hogs need to thrive.

Spend some time scouting promising tracts, looking for areas with recent hog activity, such as fresh tracks or rooted-up ground, and be prepared to put in some miles to locate the most productive spots. Hogs respond quickly to hunting pressure, and most Georgia WMAs experience their fair share of hog hunters.

Don’t forget to check WMA-specific rules before heading out. While hogs are open season on private land, Georgia’s public lands only allow hog hunting when there’s some other type of hunting season open on the WMA. During the month of February, most WMAs and National Forests are open for small game hunting, which would allow you to hunt hogs on those areas with small-game-legal weapons.

Squirrel Hunting

Two harvested squirrels laying on a log next to a hunting rifle.

For those who appreciate the simplicity and excitement of small-game hunting, February is prime time to hit the woods in search of squirrels. With deer season wrapped up, the woods are quieter, and you’ll have more room to roam. Plus, hunting squirrels is a fantastic way to introduce newcomers to the sport or refine your own woodsmanship skills.

Georgia’s abundant hardwood forests, especially those featuring oak, hickory, and beech trees, are prime squirrel habitats. These areas provide squirrels with the nuts they rely on throughout the winter, and you can often spot them scampering through the treetops or hear them cutting on acorns. Creek bottoms and mixed pine-hardwood stands are also worth exploring, as squirrels use these areas for cover and food.

Squirrel hunting on public land is widely accessible, with most WMAs open for small-game hunting during February. Check the regulations for the specific WMA you plan to hunt, as some may have restrictions or special rules. Private land can also offer excellent opportunities, especially if you have access to properties with large hardwood stands or agricultural edges.

In addition to being a fun and rewarding hunt, squirrels are also excellent table fare. Whether you fry them up, stew them in a pot of Brunswick stew, or try your hand at squirrel and dumplings, these small game animals can make for some memorable meals. Don’t overlook the chance to add some variety to your freezer this February while enjoying a relaxing day in the woods.

Late Winter Fishing

Evan York with a nice Flint River shoal bass.

February might not scream “fishing season” to some, but avid anglers know this is an excellent time to hit the water in Georgia. As the weather warms slightly and water temperatures begin to rise, fish become more active, offering great opportunities to target species like bass, crappie, and trout.

Bass Fishing: Largemouth bass start transitioning toward pre-spawn patterns in February, especially in southern parts of the state where water temperatures warm sooner. Focus on staging areas near spawning flats, such as creek channels, points, and submerged structures. Slow-moving lures like jigs, suspending jerkbaits, and soft plastics can be particularly effective. On warmer days, bass may move shallow, giving you a chance to catch them with spinnerbaits or crankbaits.

Crappie Fishing: Crappie fishing heats up in February as these fish begin to school up near shallow water ahead of their spawn. Target brush piles, submerged timber, and docks in 10-20 feet of water. Minnows and small jigs are the go-to baits for crappie this time of year. On warmer days, you might even find them moving closer to the surface or into shallower coves.

Trout Fishing: For trout anglers, February offers some of the best fishing of the year, especially in Georgia’s stocked streams and rivers. The colder water temperatures keep trout active, and recent stockings ensure plenty of fish to catch. Popular spots include the Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam and smaller streams in the North Georgia mountains. Use spinners, small crankbaits, or live bait like worms to entice strikes.

Whether you’re fishing from a boat, kayak, or the bank, dress in layers and stay prepared for fluctuating temperatures. Keep safety in mind, especially if you’re on the water, as hypothermia is still a risk this time of year. With a little patience and the right tactics, February fishing in Georgia can be both productive and rewarding.

Predator Hunting

Hunter with three coyotes.
Steven Lujan had a good day of predator hunting, taking these three big coyotes.

February is prime time for predator hunting in Georgia, offering an exciting way to extend your hunting season while helping to manage wildlife populations. Coyotes and bobcats are the primary targets, and with recent declines in turkey populations and fawn survival rates, it’s the perfect opportunity to help keep these elusive predators in check.

Predator hunting opportunities abound on both private and public land in Georgia. Look for areas with high prey densities, such as agricultural fields, clear-cuts, or wooded edges near open land. Creek bottoms and pine thickets are also productive, as they provide cover and travel corridors for predators.

On public land, many WMAs remain open for small game through February, which allows you to pursue bobcats and coyotes with small-game-legal weapons. Focus on regions with expansive tracts of mixed habitat where predators are likely to roam. Keep in mind that predator hunting on public land is only allowed from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset.

Predator hunting requires patience and persistence. Not every setup will produce results, but the thrill of seeing a coyote or bobcat respond to your call is worth the effort. It’s also a great way to hone your shooting skills and stay sharp during the off-season. With the right approach and a little determination, predator hunting in February can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience.

Preparing for Turkey Season

Two turkey tracks in the sand.

February is the perfect time to start preparing for Georgia’s turkey season, which kicks off in late March. By putting in the work now, you’ll be ahead of the game when the woods come alive with gobbles this spring.

Begin your preparation by scouting areas where you plan to hunt. Look for turkey sign such as tracks, droppings, and scratching in leaves. Early mornings are a great time to listen for gobbling activity, as toms may begin to vocalize on warm days in February. Mark potential roosting areas and travel routes on your map so you’ll have a game plan when the season opens

February is also a great time to inspect your gear and make sure everything is in working order. Check your calls, decoys, and blinds for wear and tear, and replace any items that need updating.

If you use a shotgun, pattern it with your preferred turkey load to ensure it’s shooting accurately. Consider investing in new gear, such as a more comfortable vest or upgraded calls, to enhance your experience this season.

Whether you’re a seasoned turkey hunter or a novice, practice makes perfect when it comes to calling. Spend time honing your skills with a variety of calls, including box calls, slate calls, and diaphragms. Watch videos or attend a local seminar to pick up new techniques and learn how to mimic realistic turkey sounds.

Final Thoughts

February in Georgia is a month of transition, offering a mix of hunting and fishing opportunities alongside the promise of warmer days ahead. Whether you’re chasing hogs in the swamps, stalking squirrels in the hardwoods, or casting a line for bass or crappie, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. It’s also a time to prepare for the excitement of spring turkey season and other upcoming adventures.

The key to making the most of February is to stay flexible and take advantage of the improving weather. Get outside, try something new, and make memories in the process. Georgia’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife ensure that no matter your interests, there’s always something to explore. So grab your gear, head into the field or onto the water, and savor all that February has to offer in the Peach State.

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