Beginning Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, law enforcement officers with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources will be patrolling the state’s waterways and conducting courtesy boat inspections. S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers will be focused on “saturation” patrols on lakes, rivers, reservoirs and coastal waters in an effort to reduce boating accidents, injuries and fatalities.

Georgia is home to the third best elementary school archery team in the country after this month’s National Archery in the Schools Program National Tournament.  Woodlawn Elementary’s finish is the highest ever by a Georgia school competing at NASP Nationals, which saw more than 6,700 student archers from 34 states compete in the elementary, middle and high school divisions. The tournament is the largest archery competition in the world.

Add bear-proof the garbage to your spring cleaning list and feel good about taking the first step in resolving human-bear conflicts. Easily accessible garbage is irresistible to a hungry black bear and unfortunately, a major threat to its survival. By bear-proofing your garbage, you’ll not only keep your yard tidy, but more importantly, you’ll add years to the lives of some of Georgia’s magnificent wild black bears.

For each of the past eight years, the number of applicants wishing to participate in an alligator quota hunt continues to grow.  In 2009, almost 6,000 hunters submitted applications.  Beginning this year, 850 applicants will be selected to participate – an increase of 150 permits – in the 2010 alligator hunting season which runs Sept. 4 – Oct. 3. 

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division reminds hunters that June 1 is opening day of the 2010-2011 quota hunt application period for alligator, deer, State Park, turkey and waterfowl hunts. 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 website, http://www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

No injuries or deaths have been attributed to black bears in South Carolina, according to a wildlife biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. But as more people move into bear territory in South Carolina’s mountains and coastal areas, encounters between humans and bears are on the increase. Also, surveys are pointing toward an increasing bear population in South Carolina.

A long-awaited map and driving tour of Jocassee Gorges has been published by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, with funding provided by the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund.

The first tournament in the 22nd season of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series took place over the last weekend at Bohicket Marina on Seabrook Island. The Series features five tournaments along the coast and began May 12th with the Bohicket Marian Invitational Billfish Tournament and ends July 28th at the Edisto Marina Billfish Tournament.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will conduct a public auction of surplus property and equipment on Wednesday, May 19 in West Columbia.

Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area, located in northern Floyd County, is worth the drive if you have the time.  This beautiful 5,000-acre area boasts two recreational lakes, camping opportunities, swimming areas and plenty of other outdoor activities.  The area is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and funded (operational) by the property owner Oglethorpe Power. Beginning June 1, 2010, visitors who frequent the recreation area and campground (tents and recreational vehicles) will see a change in fees.

Designed with everything outdoors in mind, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division’s 3-day archery camp aims to educate and engage adventurous youth. Registration is now open for the camp, which is scheduled for June 1-3, 2010 at Laura S. Walker State Park in Waycross, Georgia.

Colder than normal weather this past winter has reduced populations of two important commercial and recreational marine species, white shrimp and spotted seatrout, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
   

Results of the 2009 Deer Hunter Survey conducted by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources indicate that the statewide harvest of deer last season totaled 231,703, a decrease of 7 percent over last year. An estimated 120,365 bucks and 111,338 does made up this total, according to Charles Ruth, Deer and Wild Turkey Program coordinator for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
   

Fishing for carp may not be an angler’s first choice, but according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, targeting carp can make for a fun-filled, action-packed day on the water. Get started with know-how, including recommended hot spots, equipment and techniques.  “Northeast Georgia has some great places to pursue carp,” says Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Biologist Nick Jamison. “Carp fishing requires little preparation and only basic equipment, making it perfect for children and beginner anglers.”

Georgia is the only state in the nation where anglers can target six of the seven species of black bass.  The most sought after, the largemouth bass, is just one among the state’s black bass population, including smallmouth, spotted, shoal, redeye (or Coosa) and Suwannee. “Fishing for bass is an all-time favorite passion of many anglers in Georgia and is the most popular type of freshwater fishing in the nation,” says John Biagi, Fisheries Management chief for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “Bass are appealing because they are relatively abundant in most water bodies throughout Georgia, they grow to a quality size, are aggressive fighters and provide a fun challenge to catch.”

How can you make family memories that will last a lifetime?  For many anglers, fond childhood memories involve a family fishing trip and a stringer of bream. So, don’t delay – take them fishing today!  Where to go?  Visit a nearby public fishing area.  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division currently operates and manages ten PFAs across the state in an effort to provide the best possible fishing and access for family-friendly outings. Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcrackers), both part of the bream family, are stocked on nearly every PFA pond or lake.

Looking for a way to spend more time with a child or grandchild this summer? Introduce them to fishing. Research shows that most people are introduced to fishing by a family member, and most consider a family member to be their best fishing friend. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages adults, especially those with little or no angling experience, to introduce a child to fishing at one of the many statewide kids fishing events scheduled this spring and summer.

Least terns initiate nesting activities beginning in late April and S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ biologists are interested in documenting least terns nesting on roof tops.  If you see terns flying above a building and think they are nesting on the roof please send information about the location to Felicia Sanders at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The first manatees of the season will soon be spotted along the coast of South Carolina, which means the S.C. Department of Natural Resources is again reminding boaters to be on the lookout to avoid collisions with the endangered animals.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is considering changes relating to the marketing of recreational opportunities on lands owned and managed by the Department.  These changes may include: charging fees at DNR-managed properties and facilities, classification of DNR-managed properties, and diversifying recreational opportunities on DNR-managed properties.  The Department has scheduled four (4) public meetings across the state to provide the public an opportunity to offer input on these changes for consideration.  Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others that also may be interested in participating.