Georgia DNR Gears Up for Start of Hunting Season

Hunting season will soon be upon us and the traditional start of the season begins with dove hunting.

The beginning of dove hunting season in Georgia is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Sept.  5.

“The opening day of dove hunting season is a fantastic time to introduce someone new to hunting,” says Tina Brunjes, Programs Operation Manager with the Wildlife Resources Division.  “There is a fun-filled ‘tailgate’ like atmosphere to the day and with all the work that has been done on Georgia fields, on public and private properties, you are sure to have a wonderful experience.”

Preparation work is almost complete on approximately 40 state public dove fields, and countless private fields, so be sure you have a plan in place. 

This year there are six new dove field properties ready for the public. 

These properties are privately owned but made available through a U.S. Department of Agriculture program called the Voluntary Public Access (VPA)/Habitat Incentive Program. 

This program provides grants to states and federally recognized Indian tribes that help increase public access to private lands for recreation activities, such as hunting, fishing or hiking.

As in past years, this year’s bag limit for doves is 15.

And the DNR says now is the time to sign up if you are planning to participate in a deer quota hunt this fall.

According to Melissa Cummings with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, an online quota application must be received before midnight September 1.

“Georgia’s well-managed properties offer some of the best deer hunts in the state,” said John Bowers, chief of the Game Management Section.  “There will be thousands of applications to participate in one of these hunts, but you certainly won’t get a chance if you don’t apply.  We have experienced an increase in deer quota hunt applications over the past several years and we expect to continue that trend.” 

Deer quota opportunities include hunts on wildlife management areas and state park lands, dog-deer hunting and adult/child hunting opportunities.

This year’s deer quota is 12 per season statewide.

No more than 10 may be antlerless and no more than two may be antlered. One of the antlered deer must have at least 4 points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers.

Beginning this month, the 2015-2016 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide is available online and in print, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

This guide provides important information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas, quota hunts, youth opportunities and much more.  You may view, download and print the guide at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/regulations .

Pick up a printed copy at Wildlife Resources Division offices and license vendors throughout Georgia.    

“We know that this is an eagerly anticipated publication each year and are ready to get this into the hands of hunters so that they may make their plans for the year,” said John Bowers, chief of the Game Management Section.  “All hunters, new or experienced, should take some time to review the publication to stay informed on any changes in hunting regulations and opportunities.” 

Some of the major changes to the hunting regulations this year include establishing a uniform statewide deer season, adding counties to the northern and southern zones for bear season, and increasing the alligator quota to 1,000 (from 850) and extending the alligator season.

To apply for a deer quota hunt or to get more info on dove hunting, you can go online to www.gohuntgeorgia.com.