DNR Proposals New Regulations

Last week Georgia DNR put out their proposals for the 2013-2014 hunting seasons.  This is the biggest over haul of hunting regulations that we have seen in the past 10 years.  The proposed regulations are open to public comment.  You can either submit your comments or attend one of the three meetings.  The meetings are in Tifton on April 23rd, Forsyth on April 24th, and Jasper on April 25th.  The complete proposed changes are available on www.georgiawildlife.com.

After reviewing the 200 page proposal, several things have stuck out to us.  First, there are proposed coyote hunting seasons for several of the WMAs.  It will be a short season in May, but should help our deer populations.  This is a crucial time during fawn development and could help reduce the coyote population.

Second, proposed is a reduction in Either Sex Days for many of the zones.  This has been called for by most Georgia deer hunters across the state.  The main difference will be the change in much of the Northern Zone from 75 Either Sex Modern Weapons days to 50 Either Sex Modern Weapons days.  Although this is not the same recommendation that we proposed through DRD, we fully support this change.  This will produce similar results as our recommendations.

There are many other proposals to look at including changes to alligator, bear, feral hogs, and small game seasons.  Most of the changes are cleaning up the language in current laws and consolidating rules, but there are some other changes.  Please take time to review these proposed changes and submit your comments to Georgia DNR.  We have a say in OUR hunting regulations and need to be heard!