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Columbia County, GA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County Ban
None
Handled By
Georgia DNR
Code Section
§ 14-7
State Guidance
Discourages deer feeding
Nuisance
Trash/pet food enforceable

Summary

Columbia County has no ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer, coyotes, or other wildlife. Under Code Sec. 14-7, wild-animal matters are handled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, not county Animal Services.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Columbia County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All complaints and matters concerning wild animals, not of a domestic nature, and complaints involving game animals or protected species and/or hunting, shall be forwarded to the game and fish division of the state department of natural resources or the United States Department of Agriculture, Law Enforcement Division.

Source: Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 54).

Full Breakdown

Columbia County does not ban feeding wildlife. Its animal chapter addresses domestic animals, and Sec. 14-7 forwards all wild-animal matters to the Game and Fish Division of the Georgia DNR or the USDA. Georgia DNR discourages feeding deer because it concentrates and habituates animals, and it manages nuisance wildlife such as coyotes. Practical limits still apply: unsecured trash or pet food that draws wildlife can trigger Chapter 34 nuisance enforcement, and HOA covenants in Evans and Martinez may restrict feeders. Around Clarks Hill Lake, careless feeding can also draw raccoons and other pests.

Violations & Fines

No county penalty targets wildlife feeding directly. Feeding that creates a sanitation or nuisance condition can draw Chapter 34 nuisance enforcement, and Georgia DNR can act on habituated-wildlife problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to feed deer or coyotes in Columbia County?
No county ordinance prohibits it. Wildlife is managed by the Georgia DNR under Code Sec. 14-7, and the state discourages feeding deer and other wildlife.
Can I keep bird feeders?
Yes. The county does not restrict bird feeders, though unsecured feed that attracts nuisance wildlife could raise a sanitation issue, and HOA rules may apply.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbia County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant Restrictions

All Columbia County rules

Compare Columbia County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview

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