Georgia Outdoor News (GON) is the most comprehensive platform for hunting and fishing information in the state of Georgia. It provides members with expert-led scouting reports, legal updates, and high-stakes competitions like the Truck-Buck contest. Whether through its monthly print magazine or digital archives, GON connects thousands of sportsmen to real-time data and a robust community forum.
For over four decades, Georgia Outdoor News has served as the "bible" for the Peach State’s sportsmen. Unlike national publications that offer broad, generalized advice, GON focuses exclusively on the specific topography, seasonal shifts, and regulatory environment of Georgia. As we navigate the 2026 outdoor season, the publication continues to bridge the gap between traditional print journalism and high-speed digital reporting, ensuring that hunters and anglers have the specific intelligence they need to be successful in the field and on the water.
The History and Evolution of GON
Founded in the late 1980s by Steve Burch, Georgia Outdoor News was born from a necessity for localized, honest reporting. At the time, Georgia hunters and anglers relied on word-of-mouth or broad-market magazines that rarely touched on the nuances of specific Georgia WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas) or the specific behavior of deer in the Piedmont versus the Coastal Plain.
By 2026, GON has evolved into a multi-channel media powerhouse. While many print publications have folded, GON’s model of high-utility, hyper-local content has allowed it to thrive. The publication remains independent, which is a critical distinction for its readers. This independence ensures that product reviews, land management advice, and reporting on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remain objective and focused on the interests of the licensed sportsman rather than corporate sponsors.
Navigating the GON Membership and Subscription Model
To access the full breadth of GON’s intelligence, a membership is required. By 2026, the subscription model has been streamlined to accommodate both traditionalists and digital-first users. Understanding the tiers of access is the first step for any Georgia outdoorsman looking to leverage this resource.
Print vs. Digital Access
The monthly print magazine remains a staple in Georgia hunt clubs. It features long-form stories, technical "how-to" articles, and the iconic "Wall of Fame," which showcases photos of successful harvests from across the state. However, the digital subscription is where the technical utility lies. Digital members receive:
- The GON Archive: Access to decades of past issues, searchable by keyword, which is invaluable for researching how specific lakes or hunting lands performed during similar weather cycles in previous years.
- Early Access: Digital subscribers often see the latest reports and contest standings days before the print edition arrives in mailboxes.
- Member-Only Contests: Many of the smaller, monthly giveaways and specialized contests are managed through the digital portal.
The Value of the "Wall of Fame"
The Wall of Fame is not merely a gallery for ego; it is a vital scouting tool. By 2026, the digital version of the Wall of Fame allows users to filter results by county, date, and method of take. If you are hunting in Troup County, you can see exactly when the peak of the rut occurred over the last five years by observing when the highest volume of mature bucks were entered into the system. This level of data-driven scouting is what sets GON apart from generic weather apps.
The Truck-Buck Contest: Georgia’s Premier Deer Competition
Perhaps the most famous aspect of Georgia Outdoor News is the Truck-Buck Contest. Now deep into its fourth decade, this competition has become a cultural phenomenon in the Southeast. It is a big-buck contest that spans the entire Georgia deer season, divided into weekly scoring periods and various categories.
How the Contest Functions
The contest is open to any GON subscriber who kills a legal buck in Georgia. The state is divided into several regions, and the season is broken down into 17 weeks. A winner is declared for each week, based on the net Boone & Crockett score of the antlers.
- Weekly Winners: Each week, a winner is chosen for the highest-scoring buck. These winners receive prizes ranging from bows to firearms and earn a spot in the season-ending "Shoot-Out."
- Wildcard Categories: To ensure the contest remains inclusive, there are categories for Ladies, Youth, Seniors, and even a "Public Land" category. This ensures that a hunter on a small tract of WMA land can compete alongside someone hunting a managed 2,000-acre plantation.
- The Shoot-Out: This is the grand finale held at the Georgia Outdoor Network’s annual show. Weekly winners compete in a pellet rifle tournament to determine who wins a brand-new pickup truck.
Technical Rules and Compliance
Participating in Truck-Buck requires strict adherence to rules. Any buck entered must be officially measured by a certified scorer. In 2026, GON maintains a network of volunteers and professionals across the state to facilitate this. Furthermore, any potential winner must pass a polygraph test—a measure implemented decades ago to maintain the integrity of the contest and prevent "cheating" via high-fence or out-of-state deer.
Fishing Reports and Tournament Trails
While deer hunting often takes center stage, GON’s fishing coverage is equally robust. Georgia’s diverse aquatic ecosystems—from the deep, clear waters of Lake Lanier to the blackwater rivers of South Georgia—require specific expertise.
Weekly Fishing Reports
GON employs a network of local guides and professional anglers to provide weekly reports. These aren't generic "the fish are biting" updates. They include:
- Water Temperature and Clarity: Vital for determining lure selection and depth.
- Specific Patterns: Explanations of whether the bass are on a "crankbait bite" on rocky points or if the crappie have moved into the brush piles.
- GPS Coordinates and Mapping: Occasionally, reports will feature specific areas of a lake that are producing, providing a significant advantage for weekend warriors.
The GON Fishing Tournament Series
In addition to reporting, GON sponsors and organizes various tournament trails. These often focus on grassroots participation, allowing local anglers to compete in high-quality events without the professional-level entry fees associated with national tours. The "GON Cup" remains a highly sought-after trophy in the Georgia angling community.
The GON Forum: A Community of Knowledge
The digital hub of the organization is the GON Forum, often referred to as "Woody’s Taxidermy Forum" in its earlier days. It is one of the largest and most active outdoor forums in the United States.
Navigating the Forum Sections
The forum is divided into specialized sub-forums, including:
- Deer Hunting: Discussions on everything from food plot seed selection to tracking wounded game.
- Turkey Hunting: Particularly active in the spring, where hunters share "gobble reports" from different regions.
- The Swap and Sell: A massive marketplace for used outdoor gear, firearms (within legal limits), and hunting leases.
- The Campfire: A general discussion area where the community talks about everything from cooking venison to current events in Georgia.
The Ethics and Etiquette of "Cyber-Scouting"
One of the most debated topics on the GON forum is "cyber-scouting." This refers to users asking for specific locations or "honey holes." The community generally adheres to a code of conduct where general advice is given freely, but specific locations on public land are guarded to prevent overcrowding. New users are encouraged to contribute knowledge before asking for specific help.
Legislative Advocacy and DNR Relations
A critical but often overlooked function of Georgia Outdoor News is its role as a watchdog. The publication maintains a close relationship with the Georgia DNR but does not hesitate to criticize policy changes that negatively impact sportsmen.
In 2026, GON continues to lead the conversation on:
- CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) Monitoring: Providing updates on testing zones and carcass movement restrictions.
- License Fee Allocations: Ensuring that the money paid by hunters and anglers is used for habitat restoration and law enforcement, rather than being diverted to the state's general fund.
- WMA Regulations: Explaining the often-complex "quota hunt" system, which determines who gets to hunt on state-managed lands during the most desirable dates.
Technical Membership Details and Comparisons
To help you decide which level of involvement is right for your 2026 season, consider the following breakdown of access and costs.
| Feature | Digital Only | Print + Digital | Lifetime Member |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Magazine | Digital Flipbook | Physical + Digital | Physical + Digital |
| Truck-Buck Entry | Included | Included | Included |
| Archive Access | Yes (Searchable) | Yes (Searchable) | Full Historical Access |
| Forum Access | Full | Full | Full (Special Badge) |
| Cost (Estimated 2026) | $25/year | $40/year | $500 (One-time) |
| Contest Eligibility | All | All | Priority Status |
Specialized Seasonal Contests
Beyond Truck-Buck, GON runs several other competitions that cater to different niches within the outdoor community.
- CoyoteX: A contest designed to encourage the management of Georgia’s coyote population. This is usually held during the spring and summer months, offering incentives for hunters to help protect fawns and turkey poults from predators.
- Youth Big Buck Contest: Specifically for hunters under 15, this contest mirrors the Truck-Buck format but with a focus on education and participation.
- The Trail-Cam Contest: A year-round competition where hunters submit the most unique or impressive photos captured on remote cameras. This has become increasingly popular as cellular camera technology has advanced through 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enter a deer in the Truck-Buck contest?
To enter, you must be a GON subscriber before you harvest the deer. Once the deer is down, you must have it measured by an official scorer (lists are available on the GON website). You then submit the entry form along with high-quality photos of the buck and the hunter. Keep the antlers and cape, as you may be required to bring them in for verification or undergo a polygraph.
Is the GON Forum free to use?
Yes, the forum is free to browse and join for basic discussions. However, certain "premium" sections or the ability to post in the "Swap and Sell" may be restricted to paid subscribers to prevent spam and ensure the safety of transactions.
Can I write for Georgia Outdoor News?
GON frequently accepts freelance submissions from local experts. If you have a unique story, a specific technical skill (like specialized trapping or fly-fishing techniques), or a successful hunt on a Georgia WMA, you can contact the editors. They prioritize high-quality photography and "local flavor" over professional journalism credentials.
How does GON handle public land reporting?
GON provides detailed maps and "Scouting Reports" for Georgia's WMAs. These reports usually feature a DNR biologist or a seasoned local hunter who discusses the best sections of the property, the mast crop (acorn production) for the year, and historical success rates. This is the most reliable way to plan a hunt on unfamiliar state land.
What should I do if I find a mistake in a lake report?
Fishing conditions change rapidly due to weather and dam releases. If you find that a report is outdated or inaccurate due to a sudden shift in conditions, you can contact the "Fishing Report" editor or post a real-time update in the appropriate section of the GON forum to help your fellow anglers.
Practical Recommendation for the 2026 Season
If you are a serious outdoorsman in Georgia, a Print + Digital subscription remains the best value. The physical magazine is excellent for the hunt club coffee table, but the digital access is what you will use on your phone in the deer stand or on the boat.
Before your next trip, use the digital archive to search for the specific WMA or lake you plan to visit. Filter the "Wall of Fame" for that county and look at the dates of the highest success over the last three years. By aligning your trips with historical data and current "boots-on-the-ground" reports from the forum, you significantly increase your odds of a successful harvest or a full cooler.
