news
With an estimated population of over one million, hunters will have an excellent opportunity to harvest a white-tailed deer this fall. Archery season opens on Saturday, Sept. 16 and runs through Oct. 20. Last year, more than 96,800 hunters harvested 46,000 deer during archery season, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). That is an increase in both the number of archery hunters and the number of deer harvested during this period.
"The deer outlook for fall remains good despite the drought conditions experienced this year," says WRD Chief of Game Management Todd Holbrook. "Antler development also should be excellent thanks to a great acorn crop last fall, a mild winter and an early spring."
Archery enthusiasts have over one million acres of public land available to them for hunting deer. WRD operates more than 70 wildlife management areas (WMA) throughout the state in addition to National Forest land available for hunting in Georgia. Various WMA^s offer special hunts throughout the season, including primitive weapons hunts, ladies only hunts and adult/child hunts. Georgia sportsmen and women must possess a primitive weapons/archery license and a big game license to hunt during archery season. A WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA. WRD reminds hunters that there is an increase in the number of deer that hunters can harvest this season. Hunters may harvest eight deer, an increase of three from last year. Of these eight deer, only two may be antlered bucks. Bowhunters wishing to pursue deer on private land always should remember to get permission from the landowner before hunting.
Bowhunters can continue to take deer of either sex during the primitive weapons season, Oct. 21 - 27, and during firearms deer season, which opens statewide on Oct. 28. However, all hunters must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange above the waist to legally hunt during these times.
For more information on hunting season dates, WMA^s or special hunts, check the Georgia 2000-2001 Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide or visit the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com. ###
Uploaded: 9/10/2000
Uploaded: 9/10/2000