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.
Visitors to Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County may notice certain parts of some of the large rocks were recently blackened with soot. While most other such small fires on “The Rock” have been illegally set, these specific fires were aimed at dealing with the persistent problem of graffiti.
The 26th Annual Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia March 26-28. Doors will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, March 26; from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 28.
While Woodlawn Elementary School (Chatsworth, Ga.) may have captured the highest overall score at the 4th Annual National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament on Feb. 12 at the Perry Fairgrounds and Agricenter, all of those who participated showed exceptional skill. The tournament, coordinated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, is an annual event open to all state schools enrolled in the National Archery in the Schools Program.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently selected George “Rip” Masters as the 2009 Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. This award is presented annually in recognition of an instructor who displays outstanding volunteer efforts in educating sportsmen and women on wildlife conservation and the importance of safety while hunting.
Aiken County’s Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve will be open to the public on selected Saturdays (6, 13 and 20) during the month of March. Scouting, some non-consumptive uses, and fishing will be allowed. No weapons will be permitted during March.
Antlers will abound throughout the Palmetto State as the search for new state record deer antlers gets underway during the S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ annual series of scoring sessions.
The Coastal Explorations Series, hosted by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, is once again being offered for the public this spring in the Lowcountry.
The public is invited to review and provide comments on the Draft 2010 South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Plan through the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
Coyotes are found in every county in Georgia and their presence has hunters and wildlife biologists alike wondering how these predators are affecting white-tailed deer populations. “Since the 1960’s, Georgia’s deer population has risen from scarcity to areas of local overabundance through restocking efforts and science-based management,” says Charlie Killmaster, State Deer Project Coordinator. “The population has since declined to a healthy level; however, a better understanding of the role of coyotes in deer management is needed.”
