Georgia Governor Files Litigation to Protect Landowners during Hunting Season

If a hunter accidentally shoots himself on your Georgia property, you won’t be liable for it, if Governor Sonny Perdue has his way. Perdue has filed legislation that limits the liability for landowners who allow hunters and “agri-tourists” to use their property.

The Governor’s proposal will protect landowners from being sued by hunters or tourists who visit their properties during hunts, if injuries or accidents occur, but they will still be liable if people are deliberately endangered, or if there is gross negligence on their part.

As well as applying to hunting grounds in Georgia, the legislation is also applicable to farms and other agri-tourism attractions.

Governor Perdue announced the proposed legislation during the annual legislative luncheon of the Georgia Farm Bureau.

Senator Bill Heath made this comment about the legal changes: “We want to encourage landowners to open their hunting property and farms to visitors to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty as an agricultural and sportsman’s paradise. The Georgia General Assembly is working to protect landowners and, again, stand up for the rights of private property owners.”

The legislation will not directly affect insurance premiums for Georgia landowners, but may change the way their liability clauses are written.