Georgia § 27-4-7 - Use of gill nets; seizure of illegal nets.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 27-4-7 — Use of gill nets; seizure of illegal nets., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 27-4-7. Use of gill nets; seizure of illegal nets.
Except as otherwise provided by law or rule and regulation, it shall be unlawful for any person to use a gill net in any of the fresh waters or salt waters of this state at any time, provided that it shall be lawful for properly licensed fishermen to use such nets in the taking of shad in accordance with Code Section 27-4-71 and all other laws and rules and regulations applicable to the taking of shad. All nets violative of this Code section found in the fresh waters or salt waters of this state or in the possession of any person on or around fresh water or salt water shall be seized by game wardens or other peace officers of this state. Nets so seized shall be confiscated and shall become the property of the department and shall be disposed of as the commissioner shall direct. Except for shad taken in accordance with Code Section 27-4-71, it shall be unlawful to land in this state any of the species of fish enumerated in Code Section 27-4-10 which were taken by means of a gill net. For purposes of this subsection, "to land" fish means to bring the fish to shore in this state in the boat or vessel utilized in taking the fish by means of a gill net, regardless of the jurisdiction from which the fish were taken. (Ga. L. 1957, p. 93, §§ 1, 2; Code 1933, § 45-712, enacted by Ga. L. 1977, p. 396, § 1; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1290, § 1; Ga. L. 2012, p. 739, § 4/HB 869; Ga. L. 2019, p. 808, § 7/SB 72.) The 2019 amendment, effective July 1, 2019, substituted "game wardens" for "conservation rangers" near the end of the second sentence of subsection (a).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 27-4-7
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 27-4-7 cover?
Section 27-4-7 ("Use of gill nets; seizure of illegal nets.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 27-4-7?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 27-4-7" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 27-4-7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.