White nose syndrome, a wildlife crisis of unprecedented proportions, has killed hundreds of thousands of bats from Vermont to Virginia and appears to be heading south and west.
It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s for the whole family. On Saturday, September 26, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites people around the state to “GO FOR FREE, GEORGIA” by offering free admission to all state parks and historic sites, free fishing on all public waters in the state, free kids’ fishing events and free Outdoor Adventure Days at various locations.
Since 1993, hunters have been bringing meat to the tables of those in need through the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program. This successful program celebrated serving its one-millionth meal in 2007 and continues to provide opportunities during hunting season for hunters to share their harvest with those in need. This year, hunters can donate deer at fifteen participating processors beginning Sept. 12 and continuing through Jan. 15.
Surveillance conducted by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources over the last seven years continues to provide no evidence of Chronic Wasting Disease in South Carolina.
The 2009 shrimp baiting season will open at noon Friday, Sept. 11 in South Carolina waters. Recreational shrimpers who purchase a shrimp baiting license can legally cast their nets for shrimp over bait during this season. Shrimp baiting season will remain open until noon Tuesday, Nov. 10. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) opens the shrimp baiting season annually on the last Friday on or before the Sept. 15 each year.
Recent legislation allows the S.C. Carolina Department of Natural Resources to create a series of wildlife-themed license plates. More than 5,000 people responded to the survey questions to tell us what plate they liked best, and if they would purchase one.
In an effort to keep state waterways safe during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division will again be conducting courtesy safety inspections at some public boat landings.
Hunter education courses in Georgia are offered three ways: by classroom, CD-Rom or online. Completion of a hunter education course is required for those born on or after January 1, 1961, who purchase a season hunting license. The only exception is for those who purchase an apprentice license – a new option under the recently restructured license system.
The largest, most successful wildlife conservation program in the world, the Federal Wildlife Restoration Program, is fueled by hunters. Over the past 70 years, hunters nationwide have contributed more than $5.9 billion dollars to wildlife conservation efforts. In Georgia alone, since 1939, hunters have contributed more than $127 million for wildlife conservation in Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division reminds all deer hunters, including big game license holders, honorary and lifetime license holders, hunters under 16 years of age and landowners alike, to obtain a new deer harvest record for the upcoming season. Deer harvest records are required for any person hunting deer, regardless of age, are free of charge and available at http://www.gohuntgeorgia.com or at any retail license agent.
Deer season is considered the most popular time of year for Georgia hunters, and this year archers get a peek at the herd beginning Sat., Sept. 12. Statewide archery season runs through Oct. 9, but special regulations apply for archery-only counties and extended archery season areas, and hunters should refer to the 2009-2010 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide available at http://www.gohuntgeorgia.com, at retail license agents or any Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division office.
Are you ready for an advanced education in outdoor skills? Then take the challenge – the Hunter Education Skills Challenge to be specific. This program, open to any youth age 18 or younger that has completed their hunter education course, will be available at several upcoming events. “Consider the Challenge program as a ‘graduate studies’ course for hunter education students,” says Jennifer Pittman, Shooting Sports Coordinator. “This program will include events that simulate realistic conditions in order to reinforce and test a young hunter’s skills.”
A return to a pattern of much-below-normal rainfall over the past two months led the S.C. Department of Natural Resources to issue an incipient drought declaration for 22 counties.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with MeadWestvaco will conduct two youth deer hunts at the company’s Walworth Farms tract in Orangeburg County. The youth deer hunts are scheduled on Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. There will be eight youth participating in each hunt.
Applications are now being accepted for a series of youth draw deer hunts this fall as part of the Santee Cooper-owned Moultrie Hunt Unit. The hunts are conducted jointly by Santee Cooper and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. The areas hunted on youth draw hunts are located within Sandy Beach and Cross Generating Station.
Mobility impaired hunters will again be treated to a unique opportunity to attend two special deer hunts this year on about 50 well-managed and exclusive, private tracts of land in the Upstate.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will conduct a final alligator hunting seminar on August 29 in Berkeley County. The seminar is being held for the public alligator hunt participants, hunting assistants and other interested persons. Topics such as alligator capture and handling techniques, rules and regulations, alligator hunting equipment, processing and other helpful information will be covered.
Hunters statewide can celebrate the beginning of dove season at noon Saturday, Sept. 5. Long-awaited opening day is traditionally considered the beginning of fall hunting season, and with the numerous wildlife management area hunts scheduled, it is the perfect opportunity to introduce children and grandchildren to the sport.
The 2009-2010 Rules and Regulations booklet is printed after the legislative session, but prior to some late legislation or regulation changes and is provided for information only. Changes will be publicized as any new legislation is passed. Discrepancies between the booklet and any statute or regulation shall be governed by the statute or regulation.
The S.C. Natural Resources Board, the policy-making body of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), approved the 2009-2010 late migratory bird seasons and regulations during its Aug. 13 meeting in Columbia from a framework set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The season and bag limit selections have been sent to the Service for approval. This approval will be finalized by publication in the Federal Register.
