It’s time for South Carolina hunters and anglers to purchase their 2010-2011 hunting and fishing licenses. Last season’s licenses expire June 30, 2010.

Whether it is a “roughing it” summer tent camping trip or a comfy stay at a cabin in the woods, there’s always a possibility for a black bear sighting or encounter in North Georgia. With more than 75 established campgrounds and an estimated 4,000 black bears in this part of the State, campers should always be aware and prepared for a black bear encounter. The key to preventing an unfavorable experience is to properly store food and garbage.

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.

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.

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.

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.
   

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.