The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division selected Colonel Jack Bradford, U.S. Army - Fort Gordon, as the 2008 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. “The State of Georgia is fortunate to have such a dedicated hunter education instructor as Col. Bradford who is a proven asset to the department through his commendable efforts,” says Lt. Judd Smith, Wildlife Resources Division conservation ranger.
Lionfish, an introduced marine species with highly venomous spines, should be avoided or handled with great care by divers and anglers, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
Late fall and winter bring “hard times” for small game species like bobwhite quail and rabbits, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
Disposal of deer remains may not be the highlight of a hunting trip, but the state’s Deer Project leader says it’s an important aspect of hunting, particularly in maintaining the hunter’s image.
A new dove field will be open on Wednesday afternoons of the mourning dove season in the Jocassee Gorges in northern Pickens County, SC beginning Sept. 16.
You can learn about the 3,500 hummock islands on the South Carolina coast, take a fall wildflower walk or build a rain garden in your own backyard and all for free this fall in the Lowcountry. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources is once again hosting these public events and more with the Coastal Explorations Series.
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.
