§ 27-1-1. Short Title
This title shall be known and may be cited as the “Game and Fish Code.” History. Code 1933, § 45-101, enacted by Ga. L. 1977, p. 396, § 1.
§ 27-1-10. Assent to Federal Law Respecting Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Projects, Fish Restoration Projects, Wildlife Conservation Education, and Wildlife Associated Recreation Projects
The State of Georgia assents to the provisions of P.L. 75-415 and P.L. 81-681. The department is authorized, empowered, and directed to perform such acts as may be necessary to establish and conduct cooperative wildlife restoration projects as defined in P.L. 75-415, cooperative fish restoration projects as defined in P.L. 81-681, and wildlife conservation and […]
§ 27-1-11. Consent to Acquisition of Land by United States Government for Conservation Purposes; Notice of Intended Use
The consent of the State of Georgia is given to the acquisition by the United States government by purchase, gift, devise, lease, condemnation, or otherwise of such areas of land or water or of land and water in the State of Georgia as the United States government may deem necessary for the conservation, protection, propagation, […]
§ 27-1-12. Federal-State Cooperation in Protection and Management of Wildlife in National Forest; Powers of Board
The department shall have the authority to enter into cooperative agreements with the United States government or with the proper authorities thereof for the protection and management of the wildlife resources of the national forest lands within the State of Georgia and for the restocking of the same with desirable species of wildlife. After entering […]
§ 27-1-13. Disposition of Funds Received by Department; Appropriations; Grants and Donations for Natural Resources Conservation Camps
All funds resulting from the operation of the department and from the administration of the laws and regulations pertaining to wildlife, excluding fines, but including all license fees and other income (except that income provided for in subsection (b) of this Code section), shall be paid into the general funds of the state treasury; and […]
§ 27-1-14. Disposition of Fines and Bond Forfeitures
The proceeds from all fines and bond forfeitures arising from criminal prosecution for violation of the wildlife laws, rules, and regulations shall, except as otherwise specifically provided in this title, be applied initially to payment of the fees of the officers of the trial court and court costs as prescribed by law. Any money remaining […]
§ 27-1-16. Establishment of Unit of Game Wardens; Qualifications, Appointment, and Supervisory Personnel; Retention of Badge and Weapon Upon Disability Retirement
Within the department is established a unit of peace officers to be known as game wardens. All such game wardens shall be at least 21 years of age. Such unit of peace officers shall include, but not be limited to, the commissioner and other supervisory personnel; provided, however, that the commissioner and the director of […]
§ 27-1-17. Deputy Game Wardens
The board shall have the power to appoint deputy game wardens. No deputy game wardens may be appointed without actual duties relating to the protection of natural resources. Deputy game wardens shall have all or part of the powers and duties of game wardens, as assigned by the board. Deputy game wardens who are not […]
§ 27-1-18. Powers of Game Wardens Generally
Game wardens shall have the power and authority: To enforce all state laws on all property owned or controlled by the department; To enforce all state laws pertaining to functions assigned to the department; To enforce any state law when the violation of that law is committed in conjunction with a violation of a state […]
§ 27-1-19. Power of Game Wardens and Deputy Game Wardens to Arrest Persons; Procedure Upon Failure of Person Arrested to Appear to Answer Charges
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, game wardens and deputy game wardens, when authorized to do so by the board, may arrest persons accused of violating any law or regulation which such officers are empowered to enforce by the issuance of a citation, provided that the offense is committed in the presence […]
§ 27-1-2. Definitions
As used in this title, the term: “Adult supervision” means under the command and control of a person 18 years of age or older, with the minor being within sight or hearing distance of such person. (1.1) “Alligator” means Alligator mississippiensis, commonly known as the American alligator. “Alligator farming” means the possession, propagation, and any […]
§ 27-1-20. Additional Powers of Game Wardens; Functions of Other Agencies Assigned to Department
In addition to the powers enumerated in Code Sections 27-1-18 and 27-1-19, game wardens shall have all the powers previously vested in any other law enforcement officers within the department including, but not limited to, the following: To enforce all laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to wildlife and to boating safety and as otherwise provided; […]
§ 27-1-21. Seizure and Disposal of Wildlife Illegally Taken or Possessed; Civil Action by Possessor; Disposal of Wildlife Unable to Be Stored; Disposition of Unmarketable Items
Game wardens, sheriffs, and other peace officers of this state or any political subdivision thereof shall seize any wildlife taken or possessed in violation of the wildlife laws and regulations of this state. Such wildlife shall be sold or disposed of in such manner as the commissioner may direct, in conformance with any rules and […]
§ 27-1-22. Taking, Possessing, and Releasing of Wildlife Generally
For purposes of wildlife management and in accordance with sound principles of wildlife research and management, authorized personnel of the department and persons authorized by contract with the department are authorized to take, transport, possess, purchase, sell, band, and release wildlife at such times, by such methods, and in such quantities as are otherwise made […]
§ 27-1-23. Inspection of Business Premises and Records of Commercial License Holders
Any commercial license holder shall be deemed, by application for such license, to have agreed to make his business premises and records available for inspection by authorized agents of the department during normal business hours and at any other time when the licensed commercial activity is being conducted on such premises. History. Code 1933, § […]
§ 27-1-24. Inspection of Vessels and Boats
The provisions of this title or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this title pertaining to the operation of vessels or boats upon the waters of this state shall be enforceable by, in addition to game wardens, agents of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and other persons having responsibility to preserve the peace and […]
§ 27-1-25. Interference With Arrest or Performance of Game Warden’s Duties
It shall be unlawful for any person to resist or interfere by force, menace, threat, or in any other manner with any arrest for violation of any wildlife law. It shall also be unlawful for any person to refuse to go with a game warden or deputy game warden after such an arrest has been […]
§ 27-1-25.1. Failure or Refusal to Bring Motor Vehicle or Boat to a Stop When Ordered to Do So
It shall be unlawful for any person operating any motor vehicle or power boat to fail or refuse to bring such vehicle or boat to a stop, or otherwise to flee or attempt to elude a pursuing peace officer who is in uniform, who prominently displays his badge of office, and who is authorized to […]
§ 27-1-27. Damaging or Destroying Department Property
It shall be unlawful for any person to take, damage, or destroy any wildlife, equipment, gate, building, or other property belonging to or under the custody and control of the department or any of its employees or agents. History. Ga. L. 1968, p. 497, § 20; Code 1933, § 45-212, enacted by Ga. L. 1977, […]
§ 27-1-28. Taking of Nongame Species
Except as otherwise provided by law, rule, or regulation, it shall be unlawful to hunt, trap, fish, take, possess, or transport any nongame species of wildlife, except that the following species may be taken by any method except those specifically prohibited by law or regulation: Rats; Mice; Coyotes; Armadillos; Groundhogs; Beaver; Fresh-water turtles; Poisonous snakes; […]