It has been a busy start to the hunting season for the staff of DRD. With several hunting trips completed, we are settling into the Georgia late seasons now. We will discuss the early season trips in posts over the next few weeks, but tonight we will update from feedback we are receiving this season.
Many reports from hunters across the state for this year’s deer season has been far more positive than previous years. Many areas are describing higher deer populations and lots of young deer. Obviously it is too early to note if the changes in 2013’s reduced doe days had a positive effect, but the feedback has been good.
We also have heard reports of more quality deer being killed statewide. This also is a positive sign towards the health of the deer population. The one negative that we are hearing though is the high number of coyotes. The coyote population is booming and this is not a positive towards any of the game populations. The coyotes directly attribute to game bird, turkey, and deer population declines. Please do your part by eliminating coyotes as you see them.
The dove season was very positive across most areas. Local birds had not moved on yet and there were quite a few migratory birds already here. We have not received many reports about the early duck and goose seasons. Hopefully we can provide more information once the regular season opens.
The mountain reports have been far from positive this fall. The bear hunting has been extremely challenging due to the huge mast crop from this year. There are food sources everywhere which is making it difficult to find bears since they are not having to climb to get food. Also, the grouse numbers seem to be discouraging again this year. We are in need of some cutting to help the create some progressive growth forests.
We look forward to hearing from everyone as the season progresses. Please feel free to email us a dirtroaddispatch@gmail.com!
Check back often for reports from our travels!!!