Dirtroad Current Reports

Dirt Road Dispatch’s proposal for the 2013 deer season is as follows:
*Leave current 12 deer limit in place for the entire state. Also leave the 10 doe, 1 buck and 1 quality buck limit in place.
*Put in place a check system for all harvested deer. Whether a website and/or a call in system, require hunters to register their deer within 48 hours of the kill. This will allow for a more accurate record of the yearly harvest. Questions should include but are not limited to: License Number, Buck or Doe, Number of Points (if Antlered), and Region Harvested. A season end survey similar to the current HIP registration should also be required each season with average daily deer spotted as a question.
*Add youth modern weapons dates throughout the season.
*The current North and South Zone be converted into seven regions based off of the current region map. Seasons lengths to be based off of the zones as listed below.
Region 1
Archery- September 7th – October 4th & November 25th – December 31st
Primitive- October 5th – October 18th
Modern Weapons- October 19th – November 24th
Region 2
Archery- September 7th – October 11th & November 18th – December 31st
Primitive- October 12th – October 25th
Modern Weapons- October 26th – November 17th
Region 3
Archery- September 7th – October 18th & December 2nd – December 31st
Primitive- October 19th – November 1st
Modern Weapons- November 2nd – December 1st
Region 4
Archery- September 7th – October 18th & December 9th – December 31st
Primitive- October 19th – November 2nd
Modern Weapons- November 3rd – December 8th
Region 5
Archery- September 7th – October 18th & December 16th – January 15th
Primitive- October 19th – November 2nd
Modern Weapons- November 3rd – December 15th
Region 6
Archery- September 7th – October 18th & December 30th – January 15th
Primitive- October 19th – November 2nd
Modern Weapons- November 3rd – December 29th – January 15th
Region 7
Archery- September 7th – October 25th & December 29th – January 15th
Primitive- October 26th – November 2rd
Modern Weapons- November 3rd – December 29th

Along with region changes, we encourage major changes to the current coyote regulations. Coyotes are one of the top threats to Georgia’s deer population. Quota night coyote hunts and full year day time hunting with limited restrictions on weapons. Deer hunters across the state need to do their part and reduce the number of these predators that they have in their regions.

Of course, we trust and encourage the state’s biologist to adjust the recommendations. The current 10 year plan expires in 2014 and we support changes to keep the trophy deer population as one of the best in the country, but also allow hunters to see deer throughout the season. The model proposed above is similar to one used in several other states with proven success. We do not support another 10 year plan that could end up detrimental to the overall deer population. Any plans need to be re-evaluated after 3 years and changes made if necessary. Please support the state in implementing changes to the hunting seasons that will improve the health and quality of our deer population.

The first day of winter will finally feel seasonally correct!  A major cold front has swept through most of the country bringing blizzard conditions to much of the Midwest and sweeping cold, windy weather through the South.  This is the break that many of us have waited for.  Weather like this will push migratory birds around.  Instead of hunting local birds, we will finally see some new birds over the next few days.

Snow covered fields in the Midwest will force even the hardiest of birds to move south below the snow line.  If this front locks in over the next week or so, we could experience the best push of birds in over 3 years.  Fronts arriving this early in the season often can be a good sign for the remainder of the season.  Although much of the country has seen unseasonably warm temps so far, the predictions still call for colder weather.  With Christmas right around the corner, it will be challenging to find time to get out.  Hopefully, this is the beginning of a great season though.  If you do get out, be safe.  These colder temps and high winds are when accidents happen.  Be prepared for the worst situations, as this is when hypothermia and frost bite occur.

Good luck and be safe as the duck season finally gets started!!!

After spending three days of scouting with the windows down on the truck, the front finally came through this afternoon. We received some rain and thunder. Thunder on December 10th? Well, it has been a strange season so far, so why not? Colder temps have moved into the area and hopefully we will begin to see some activity. Be on the lookout for woodcock, doves, and some waterfowl moving into the area.

Today was the first day in three weeks that significant doves were noticed back in the area. Reports are coming in about limited woodcock moving into the area. Although we are not in an area of the country to attracts large numbers of woodcock, we do get a share. You should find them around the swamps and moist brushy areas.

With all of our winter seasons now open or over, take advantage of this weather change to get into the field for a few days. Don’t forget to check your local regulations regarding limits or closed areas as there are many now.

Dawson Forest has waterfowl impoundment behind the horse camp.  This area can give you an early indication on whether there are ducks in the area.  The state has done a wonderful job with this area.  It has a waterfowl viewing blind that is easily accessible from the trail.  There is a nice bench inside that allows probably 20+ people to sit down.  The pond has wood duck boxes scattered across it.  Although it is in the foothills of the mountains, it is an area that looks “ducky.”  Tonight’s sunset over the impoundment was beautiful.

You are not allowed to hunt this area, but gives you an idea of what to expect.  There are areas to duck hunt in Dawson Forest WMA, but many of these are dried up for now with the return of the drought.  The only bird seen tonight was a Great Blue Heron, who came in at dark.  It came from south of the pond and made a spectacular move falling out of the sky to land on the close side of the pond.  A little bear scat was found along the trail as well, but with only 3 days left in the season this find was not helpful.  With duck season opening in one day, I wouldn’t rush to the ponds, rivers, or swamps.  Unless you have a stock of wood ducks somewhere, go hiking or scouting for new locations.  It looks like it will be a slow start to duck season for Georgia.

With two days remaining and the weather turning warmer, Redlands WMA does not look to have a promising end to the early season.  Many hunters have had success with several quality bucks taken during the middle of November.  Lately more does have been taken than anything.  The number of hunters dropped off during Thanksgiving week.  Hopefully hunters get out and take advantage of the last two days even though the weather is too warm.  If you can’t get out, don’t forget after the December break that there is one week left in the season at Redlands.  Otherwise, it will be time to look for other areas or other game to chase.  Good luck!!!