Start of Gun Season for Deer Brings Reminders From DNR

Firearms season for deer is now underway in Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division is reminding hunters to always put safety first, use courtesy, respect the property where you hunt, and make sure to obey all state laws.
DNR law enforcement officer Craig Fulghum tells WLHR News hunters should never cut corners.
Hunters are reminded to wear fluorescent orange safety vests, practice firearm safety, and use extreme caution if hunting from a tree stand.
Most accidents during deer hunting season happen due to faulty or improperly installed tree stands.
And if hunting on private land, Fulghum said hunters must have written permission from the land owner.
Novice and youth hunters are advised to take a hunting class as well.
Fulghum said several are offered by the DNR every year.
“We have hunter education courses that we offer state wide, and we’ll continue to have them throughout the year, typically 4 per county to give parents opportunities to get their children into some course. We do offer online versions for children that , you know, a lot of kids are involved in football and soccer, but the CD version does give them an opportunity to go home and do it in their time. Then, come back and do a two hour course with us.”

 
More than one million acres of public hunting land is available to hunters in Georgia, including more than 100 state-operated wildlife management areas.

 
Many of these areas offer special hunts throughout the season, including primitive weapons hunts.
Dates and locations for these hunts are available in the 2013-2014 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide.
Fulghum also reminds hunters you must be licensed in the State of Georgia to hunt deer.
“Everything is done online. We do have a few paying vendors where you can to an actual licensed vendor and pay with cash, if you would like to. Your state parks around here, Tugaloo and Victoria Bryant, are two places you can go, and of course, you can go to Wal-Mart and do it there. But, pretty much everything is done online. The new thing I am seeing as a game warden is I walk up to someone, and they will have it on their i-phone, the actual license.

 
Shooting deer at night or from a public road, along with hunting out of season or private property without permission are all illegal activities that the state will continue to aggressively enforce.
The DNR is also reminding hunters about poaching laws.
The DNR said anyone who sees a poacher should call the state’s Ranger Hotline Program at 1-800-241-4113.