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.”

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.

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.

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.