FIREARMS DEER SEASON CONTINUES THROUGH JANUARY 1
Lease One Million Acres of Prime Hunting Land for just $19/year
Nearly a half-million Georgia hunters, plus a large number of out-of-staters eagerly anticipate the upcoming firearms deer hunting season, which opens Saturday, Oct. 20 and runs through Jan. 1, 2008 in the Northern Zone. In the Southern Zone the season runs through Jan. 15, 2008.
Last year, 241,971 licensed hunters harvested 319,377 deer, 94 percent of using modern firearms.
With the increasing shortage of private hunting land availability, more hunters are turning to Wildlife Management Areas where there is available some one million acres of prime hunting land at a cost of $19 a year ($73 for out-of-state hunters).
WMAs are especially appreciated by visitors to Atlanta. Most hunting in Georgia is done on private land and that land isn't available to most visitors. WMAs are and there are more than 50 within a two hour or less ride from the city.
"The annual WMA license is a bargain for deer hunters," says WRD Senior Wildlife Biologist Brandon Anderson. "It is the ticket to the best value hunting club in the state of Georgia - over 1 million acres of land for $19 per year."
Georgia's one million acres of WMAs provide a variety of hunting options, including archery, primitive weapons, modern firearms, adult-child hunts, ladies-only hunts and hunts for the physically disabled.
Sportsmen and women also can hunt on open National Forest land, in accordance with state regulations and county restrictions. WMA regulations apply on WMAs located on National Forest land. Hunters must obtain written permission from the landowner prior to hunting on private land.
All hunters should check the 2007-2008 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations annual guide, available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or from license agents, for any special county regulations, including either-sex days and antler restrictions. Hunters also should note that the season bag limit remains at 10 does and two antlered bucks. Regarding the buck limit, one of the two must have at least four points (one inch or longer) on one side of the antlers. There are no additional antler restrictions except in counties with special antler restrictions. All deer hunters must wear at least 500 square-inches of fluorescent orange above the waist to legally hunt during firearms season, except on archery-only areas within WMAs or archery-only counties.
Deer hunters using modern firearms must possess a valid hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record. If hunting on a WMA, hunters also must possess a WMA license. Hunting licenses are available online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com, at over 1,000 license agents or by calling 1-888-748-6887.
For more information on firearms deer season, visit the online regulations at http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Assets/Documents/Hunting_Regulations/web_version.pdf or call (770) 918-6416.
REMEMBER THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FIREARMS SAFETY
Georgia reported 48 hunting incidents, 21 of which involved firearms, for the previous 2006-2007 hunting season. With the opening of deer hunting firearms season, Oct. 20, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages all hunters to review the firearms safety tips below before heading to the woods this season.
"Ultimately, each hunter is responsible for keeping themselves and others safe while pursuing deer this year," says WRD State Hunter Safety Coordinator Capt. James Bell. "This includes respecting all firearms and being absolutely certain of their target."
The Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety is an excellent safety checklist, covered in all hunter education courses, and well worth a review by any hunter who utilizes firearms to hunt.
The commandments are as follows:
1. Control the direction of the firearms muzzle. Keep the safety on and fingers off the trigger at all times until ready to shoot.
2. Identify the target and what is beyond it before shooting. Know the identifying features of the game hunted and be absolutely certain that what you are aiming at is that game.
3. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
4. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and that only the proper size of ammunition is used in the firearm.
5. Always unload a firearm when it is not in use, leave the actions open, carry empty firearms in a case to and from shooting areas.
6. Never aim a firearm at anything that you do not intend to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a firearm.
7. Never climb a tree or fence, or jump a ditch or log, with a loaded firearm. Never pull a firearm towards you by the muzzle.
8. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or at water. Make sure backstops are adequate during target practice.
9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and beyond the reach of children and careless adults.
10. Avoid all alcoholic beverages and drugs before and during shooting.
For more information on firearms safety, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com or contact the WRD Hunter Education Office at (770) 761-3010.
GOVERNOR PERDUE PROCLAIMS THE OPENING DAY
OF FIREARMS DEER SEASON AS 'TIP' DAY IN GEORGIA
Governor Sonny Perdue recently signed a proclamation designating Saturday, October 20, 2007, the opening day of modern firearms season for deer hunting, as Turn In Poachers (TIP) Day in Georgia. The mission of TIP, Inc., a non-profit organization, is to protect wildlife from poachers by increasing public support for wildlife law enforcement, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
"The ownership of all wildlife is by the state of Georgia. It is held in trust for all Georgians to enjoy," proclaims Governor Perdue. "A poacher is one who takes wildlife illegally thereby depriving other citizens of our states natural resources."
TIP creates a framework to promote ethical hunting and to promote the conservation of natural resources. Georgians are encouraged to contact the TIP hotline when they witness a poaching violation. This information is forwarded to WRD for further investigation. If a tip leads to an arrest, TIP pays a reward to the individual who reported the violation. Callers to TIP can remain anonymous if desired.
Poaching violations include hunting during illegal hours, taking over the limit of wildlife and/or fish, hunting or fishing in unauthorized areas, killing deer illegally, hunting over bait, buying or selling wildlife or game fish, killing or being in possession of nongame/endangered species, stocking wildlife, hunting or fishing by illegal methods and more.
Georgia citizens can help fight poaching by calling the TIP hotline. This line can be reached by dialing 1-800-241-4113 outside metro-Atlanta or (404) 656-4863 inside metro-Atlanta or by calling *DNR for Cingular callers or by sending an email to TurnInPoachers@dnr.state.ga.us .
Callers should try to obtain the following information:
--A description of the violator
--A description of their vehicle
--The location of the violation
--Date and time of the violation
--The type of violation
For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com (select "General Information", "Law Enforcement" and "Turn in Poachers and Polluters"), contact your local WRD Law Enforcement Office or call (770) 918-6414. To make a tax-deductible donation to support anti-poaching efforts, send a check made payable to TIP to: Turn In Poachers, Inc. 3423 Piedmont Road, NE, Suite 540, Atlanta, Ga., 30305.
GEORGIA HUNTERS GEAR UP TO AID IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER
8 Collection Sites Available
For the past 15 years, hunters across the state have been bringing meat to the tables of those in need. Just last year, thanks to the efforts of Georgia hunters and participating meat processors, nearly 29,000 pounds of venison was collected, processed and distributed to food banks across the state.
This meat provided for more than 144,000 meals for Georgias hungry. This year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) offers hunters the same opportunity to help aid in the fight against hunger.
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 8 -- the opening day of deer season -- hunters can donate harvested deer at participating collection sites throughout the state.
"The Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program is an opportunity to show the positive aspects of hunting - providing a very nutritious, low-fat meal for those who need it," says WRD Director Dan Forster. "Our agency is very proud to be a part of this program and to work with the many partners who make it possible each year."
WRD, along with the Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Georgia Dept. of Agriculture, Georgia Wildlife Federation and the Georgia State Association of Food Banks sponsor the program, providing hunters of all ages a unique opportunity to utilize their hunting skills to benefit others.
Hunters can donate deer in one of two ways - at one of seven (7) weekend collection sites that will be available on Oct. 27-28, 2007 and from Sept. 8, 2007 - Jan. 1, 2008 at eight (8) additional collection sites hosted by deer processors.
Hunters interested in participating in GHFTH should bring field-dressed deer to any of the drop-off locations (see below). All hunters who donate a deer during this collection period will be entered into a drawing for a deer rifle, sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Federation.
The following eight locations will accept deer from Sept. 8, 2007 -Jan. 1, 2008 during business hours:
--Hoboken - Big Creek Sausage Co., Inc., Rt. 1, Box 146-A, (912) 458-2120
--Jefferson - Sealey's Deer Cooler, 5675 South Apple Valley Road, (706) 335-9304
--Sparta - Garner's Grinder, Rt. 3, Box 464-2, (706) 444-9228
--Columbus - Daffin's Meat Processing, 4100 ﾽ River Bend Road, (706) 322-8848
--Irwinton - Starley's Deer Processing, 190 George Hatcher Road, (478) 946-8976
--Vidalia - Stewart's Quality Meats, 204 Washington Street, (912) 537-9888
--Tifton - Safety-Rite Foods, 147 Ridge Avenue S, (229) 382-1242
--Douglasville - Douglasville Retail Meat & Smokehouse, 3749 Kings Hwy., (770) 947-6624
Since the program's inception in 1993, nearly 200,000 pounds of venison has been donated. Considering the increase in participation in years past, the GHFTH program expects to serve its one-millionth meal this season.
For more information on donating game to those in need during other times of the year, call the Atlanta Community Food Bank at (404) 892-FEED. For more information on the GHFTH program, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com , contact a WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 761-3044.
2007-2008 GEORGIA HUNTING REGULATION GUIDEBOOK CONTAINS ERRORS
WMAs affected include: Clybel, Joe Kurz, Oaky Woods, Redlands
(August 10, 2007) - The 2007-2008 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide contain errors relative to the following Wildlife Management Areas (WMA): Clybel WMA, Joe Kurz WMA, Oaky Woods WMA and Redlands WMA, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Errors will be corrected on the online version of the Hunting Regulations guide found at www.gohuntgeorgia.com , but all hunters should make note of these errors should they use a printed copy of the 2007-2008 hunting regulations.
Errors include:
--Clybel WMA: Archery season is listed as open during the first adult/child deer quota hunt scheduled for Oct. 12-14, when in fact hunting is closed during these dates except to those participating in the quota hunt. The official dates for archery season are: Sept. 8-Oct. 10 and Oct. 15-Oct. 19.
--Joe Kurz WMA: The primitive weapons quota hunt scheduled for Dec. 7-8 is listed as "Antlerless only", when in fact it should be listed as "Quality Buck/antlerless."
--Oaky Woods WMA: The open dates listed for small game are incorrect. The correct dates for small game hunting are: Aug. 15-Sept. 7; Oct. 20-Nov. 9; Nov. 17-26; Dec. 2-28; and Jan. 5-Feb. 29.
--Redlands WMA: The archery deer hunt listed for the Watsons Spring Area is incomplete. The official dates are: Sept. 8-Dec. 2, Dec. 26-Jan. 1.
The 2007-2008 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guidebook is available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com , license agents and through WRD Offices. Call the WRD Hunter Services Office at (770) 761-3044 for further information.
Major changes for the upcoming season include:
--Alligator zones and seasons: The open zones for alligator hunting have been expanded. Additionally, the season has been extended by two weeks and the number of available quotas has been increased.
--Bear hunting: Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Walker and Whitfield counties have been added to the Northern Bear Zone for hunting.
--New areas available for hunting: Five new areas are available this year, including Townsend WMA in Long County, Fall Line Sand Hills Natural Area in Taylor County and three State Parks- Bobby Brown, Mistletoe and Tugaloo.
HUNTERS FUND CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Hunters are among the most generous Americans when it comes to funding conservation and wildlife . . . and many don't even realize it.
Whenever Georgia hunters purchase hunting licenses, firearms, ammunition or archery equipment they support the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program, the largest and most successful conservation program in the world.
For more than sixty-five years hunters have contributed millions of dollars through this program and together with hunting license fees they have helped fund wildlife conservation in Georgia.? Over $2 billion has been contributed nationwide.
"The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration program benefits game and nongame species, protects and restores habitat and helps improve wildlife management through research," says WRD Assistant Chief of Game Management Mark Whitney. "Through this program, America's hunters represent by far the most substantial source of funding for wildlife management in the United States."
The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, also known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, was passed in 1937. Through lobbying efforts in Congress, hunters created this act as a way to help fund resource management of species commonly hunted. It allows the federal government to place a small manufacturers surcharge on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment that is collected by the government and distributed to state wildlife agencies to fund wildlife management programs. The amount of money each state agency annually receives is determined by the number of hunting licenses the state sells and the size of the state.
WRD uses Wildlife Restoration funds for many types of programs, including:
--restoring habitat and improving wildlife populations,
--operating over one million acres of wildlife management areas that benefit a wide assortment of game and nongame wildlife and providing enjoyable wildlife-related recreational opportunities,
--providing information to landowners on how to manage their property for various species,
--conducting hunter education classes,
--building and maintaining public shooting ranges.
For more information on the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program, visit the USFWS website at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/federalaid/ . For more information on wildlife management practices in Georgia, visit the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact the local WRD Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416.
MISUSE OF TREE STANDS CREATE HAZARDS FOR HUNTERS
Tree stand hunting is a standard practice in Georgia because it helps get the hunter out of the line of sight of deer, helps cover scent (if the wind is right and/or the hunter takes precautions to mask his scent. More deer are taken by tree stand hunters than with any other method.
The bad news is that tree stands take a lot of hunters during the season, too, and are the leading cause of hunting incidents according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Fifty-two percent of the hunting incidents over the past ten years, and forty-one percent of hunting-related fatalities, were tree stand use related.ﾠ
"Hunters must be intimately familiar with how to put up, take down and properly climb into a tree stand," says WRD State Hunter Safety Coordinator Capt. James Bell.ﾠ "We encourage ALL hunters to practice climbing into and out of their stand several times prior to the opening of the hunting season."
There are many different types of tree stands, climbing and non-climbing portable stands, portable ladder stands, permanent stands and others.ﾠ Each type requires the user to be familiar with their variations to ensure safety.ﾠ People who use tree stands should thoroughly review the proper way to set up the stand and make sure that all parts are stable and in good working order.ﾠ Following are some tips:
--When using a non-climbing portable or ladder stand, be sure to securely fasten the stand to the tree and install ladders or steps according to the manufacturer's directions.
--Use a safety belt or harness to secure yourself to the tree - not to the tree stand. In the event that the tree stand breaks or collapses, the harness will keep you from falling to the ground. Hunters should have a plan on how to get down from the tree should the tree stand fail and leave them hanging from their harness. Make sure the harness is attached to the waist, allowing for 10 - 12 inches of slack between the tree and yourself. A full body harness is recommended over a simple harness or safety line.
--Use an equipment haul line to pull your gun or bow into or out of the stand. Make sure that the firearms or bow is unloaded before pulling it up.
--Be careful not to fall asleep. Be aware of medications that cause drowsiness and avoid taking them before hunting.
--Never use alcohol or drugs before or while you hunt as it is against the law.
--Always tell someone where you will be hunting and what time you expect to return.
For more information on tree stand or other hunting-related safety, contact the nearest WRD Law Enforcement Office, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call (770) 761-3010.
HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET
www.beasafehunter.org
Taking a hunter education class in Georgia is easier than ever. Hunters can access an approved hunter education course on the Internet, www.beasafehunter.org, use a hunter education CD-Rom or take the traditional classroom course, , according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
The Internet and CD-Rom courses satisfy eight of the ten required hours to complete the course. Hunters then must attend a two-hour (minimum) review / test course and if all requirements are met successfully, students receive their hunter education certificate before leaving the classroom.
"The hunter education course available by Internet, which first became available last year, is very popular, especially with young hunters and/or those whose schedules do not allow time to fit in the traditional classroom course," says WRD Hunter Education Coordinator Capt. James Bell. Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1961, who:
--purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.
--is at least 12 years old and hunts with a weapon without adult supervisionﾠ (adult supervision means 18 years of age or older with a minor being in sight or hearing distance of that person).
--hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area (including any hunter age 12 or older).
The only exceptions include:
--a person purchasing a short-term hunting license (as opposed to a season license) is no longer required to show proof of having taken an approved hunter education course regardless of the person's state of residence.
--any person hunting on his or her own land, or that of his or her parents or legal guardians.
Those interested in the Internet course should go to www.beasafehunter.org . After completing all lessons and the review test, students should print out and sign the "Hunter Education Final Report and Affidavit." If under age 18, a parent or guardian must sign the affidavit. Students should then go to the WRD website at www.georgiawildlife.com, click on hunting, then hunter education to find a review course. Students also can call 1-800-864-7275 to register for a review course. However, there is a service fee associated with this phone service. Hunters must bring the signed, completed "Final Report and Affidavit" to the review course or they will not be allowed to take the final test. For more information on the new Internet hunter education course or other options, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call 770-761-3010.
GEORGIA'S WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS
Most of the hunting in Georgia is done on private land. Groups form hunting clubs and more or less have their own preserves which they protect and try to improve through management methods passed on by the Department of Natural Resources and private organizations such as Quality Deer Management and Buckmasters.
Public land is available, though. The state has bought or leased more than 1 million acres statewide and the land, Wildlife Management Areas, is carefully worked to support a comfortable, if not maximum, wildlife population.
Some of these WMAs are a relatively short distance from Atlanta. Some are acreage leased from timber companies but others encompass some interesting natural areas and they're accessible year-round, for free, to the non-hunting public except during hunting seasons.
Here are a few:
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Wildlife Management Area
If you can visit only one WMA, the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, east of Atlanta off I-20, is the one to go to. Named after the late Charles Elliott, famed writer for Outdoor Life, first Director of Georgia's Wildlife Resources Division (Game & Fish Department then) and extraordinary outdoorsman, the WMA covers over 6400 acres, including 29 ponds and a five-acre granite outcrop. The WMA's primary goal is wildlife education and programs offered for students, teachers, and the public. The Outreach program brings programs to schools to teach about wildlife topics using live animals. On-site programs for students are conducted at the Brooke Ager Discovery Room. The Discovery Room focuses on grades 4-6 and can accommodate 60 students. Teachers receive training through Project WILD and other educator workshops. A variety of programs are also offered at the Charlie Elliott Visitor's Center for the general public.
Phone Number: 770-784-3059
Allatoona Wildlife Management Area (9,300 acres)
On Lake Allatoona, this WMA offers a close-in place to hunt deer, turkey and small game. In the off-season, you can also enjoy fishing, camping, bird watching and a quiet walk in the woods. Boat ramps give access to the lake and there are picnic areas, too.
Location: 5 mi. east of Cartersville
Phone Number: 706-295-6041
Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area (25,000 acres)
A straight shot up GA 400 to Dawsonville and turn left near the Outlet Mall. Not many even realize it's there despite its proximity to Atlanta. In season you can hunt deer, bear, turkey, dove, waterfowl and small game. During the off-season it's a perfect place to spend a day fishing, hiking, bird watching and horseback riding.
Location: 6 mi. west of Dawsonville
Phone Number: 770-535-5700
Wilson Shoals Wildlife Management Area (2,800 acres)
It's not the largest of WMAs but there is good hunting for deer, turkey, doves and small game. It also has a shooting range where hunters can zero their rifles, pattern their shotguns or just plink. Other activities available are bird watching, horseback riding, fishing and camping.
Location: 14 mi. northeast of Gainesville
Phone Number: 770-535-5700
Rum Creek Wildlife Management Area (6,000 acres)
A prime waterfowl area is a big draw, although there is good hunting for deer, turkey, dove and small game as well. Available in the off-season for bird watching, canoeing, fishing and field trials.
Location: 7 mi. east of Forsyth
Phone Number: 912-825-6354
Paulding Forest Wildlife Management Area (26,200 acres)
Outstanding for deer, turkey and small game, and special because no ATVs are allowed at any time. Great for quiet strolls in the woods during the off-season as well as fishing and bird watching.
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