For the 2008-2009 hunting season, Georgia reported 43 hunting incidents, 17 of which involved firearms. With the upcoming Oct. 17 opening of firearms deer hunting season, hunters are encouraged to review the ‘Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety’ before heading to the woods. “Ultimately, each hunter is responsible for keeping themselves and others safe while pursuing deer this hunting season,” says Lt. Judd Smith of the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
It is finally that time of the year again for Georgia hunters. Firearms deer season opens Saturday, Oct. 17 and lasts through Jan. 1 in the Northern Zone and in the Southern Zone, through Jan. 15. “Regulated hunting is the most cost effective and efficient means of managing the deer herd,” says John Bowers, assistant chief of Game Management for the Wildlife Resources Division.
Saturday, Oct. 17, the opening day of firearms season for deer hunting, also is Turn In Poachers Day in Georgia according to a recently signed proclamation by Gov. Sonny Perdue. TIP, Inc., is a non-profit organization protecting wildlife from poachers by increasing public support for conservation rangers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Motorists throughout the state need to be constantly aware of roaming white-tailed deer, according to a state deer biologist.
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.
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.
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.
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.
