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.
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!
