The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently banded our 10,000th dove on July 6 at Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area in Aiken County. As of mid-August that number was up to 11,400.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 is a FREE fishing day for all Georgia residents. Why? In honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day! What does a Free Fishing Day mean? On this day, residents do NOT need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.
In celebration of the passion for the outdoors that you share with 64 million other Americans, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division encourages you to get out and participate in one of the many FREE celebrations that will be held in honor of the 2009 National Hunting and Fishing day.
The Ocmulgee River has monsters – monster catfish that is! A 103-lbs. flathead catfish was caught by Mr. Tom Head, age 76, near Warner Robins earlier this week, according to fisheries personnel with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. The fish was more than 57 inches long and greater than 41 inches in girth. The head itself was almost 16 inches wide.
Deer hunters on state Wildlife Management Area lands in Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston counties, including the Francis Marion National Forest, must check in all harvested deer at the nearest check station. Deer check stations at local retail businesses are available near all Wildlife Management Area (WMA) hunting lands and are accessible to hunters for checking in deer.
For the first time in years, trout anglers can expect regular stockings at their favorite streams through Labor Day. Drought conditions over the past several years have kept Wildlife Resources Division fisheries personnel from adhering to stocking schedule goals, but this summer’s more favorable conditions are getting them back on track.
Visiting one of Georgia’s ten public fishing areas with the family is a great in-state way to entertain both the kids and adults this summer. PFAs offer a variety of outdoor adventures, and many are just a short drive from home. Fit in a weekend of quality bass, bream, crappie and catfish fishing in addition to hiking, bird watching, picnicking and camping. The Wildlife Resources Division manages these areas, which serve as host sites for a number of kids fishing events and other activities scheduled throughout the year.
Never targeted chain pickerel or longnose gar on a fishing trip? According to Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division fisheries biologists, you may be missing out. When hooked, chain pickerel and gar are exceptional fighters, providing a tremendous challenge for anglers. So, if you are up for the challenge, the fish are waiting!
Fishing for catfish is a summertime tradition. From the experienced angler attempting to land a new state record to the grandfather taking his grandson on a first-time fishing trip, catfishing opportunities are abundant in Georgia. With summertime near its peak, the Wildlife Resources Division highlights hot weather hot spots and offers tips on technique and equipment for anglers of all skill levels.
Landowners, farmers or sportsmen who want to increase the value and benefits of the land they own, manage or hunt should make plans now to attend the 2009 Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day set for Thursday, Sept.17 at the University of Georgia campus in Griffin, Ga. Federal and state experts in the fields of wildlife and forest management will be on hand to present the most up-to-date research-based information.
Whether still, stalk or squirrel dog hunting is your preference, the beginning of squirrel season is just around the corner. Often revered as a celebrated American fall tradition, squirrel hunting provides the perfect opportunity to introduce youth or a novice to the sport of hunting. Unlike some big game hunts, the pursuit of bushytails often involves more action for energetic youth, providing a greater level of interaction with the outdoors.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) reminds hunters that June 1 is opening day of the 2009-2010 quota hunt application period. Successful quota hunt applications are selected solely from the online applicant pool, so interested hunters must apply online through their personal accounts on the Division Web site, http://www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
The 2009-2010 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide is available online and in print announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). This guide provides information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas and much more and is available at http://www.gohuntgeorgia.com , WRD offices and at license vendors throughout Georgia.
The much-anticipated start of the 2009 deer season is just around the corner and South Carolina’s deer population is healthy and the season outlook is good. Although the deer harvest has been on a downward trend the last few years indicating that population levels have moderated, hunter success and deer harvest rates remain good.
The S.C. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the University of South Carolina (USC) Dept. of Earth and Ocean Sciences and USC Earth Science Research Institute, conducted a two-mile seismic reflectivity study along Hwy. 27 north of Pringletown, in Berkeley County during the week of June 15.
The Harry Hampton Hunting & Fishing Expo is coming back to Spartanburg and Upstate South Carolina. The hunting, fishing and outdoors exposition will be held Aug. 21-23 at the Spartanburg Expo Center, 6655 Pottery Road, Spartanburg (Interstate 26, Exit 17).
After the first ever state record white grunt was added to the South Carolina saltwater marine game record list, that record has now been broken a second time by a veteran Summerville angler.
Forty-six public dove fields will be available across the state during the 2009-10 season through the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Management Area program.
I made this recipe with the breakfast sausage we had made with our venison scraps.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will conduct a series of alligator hunting seminars around the state in the month of August for the public alligator hunt participants, hunting assistants and other interested persons.
