http://www.gohuntgeorgia.com/huntingHUNTERS CAN BEGIN PURSUING DEER WITH ARCHERY EQUIPMENT ON SEPT. 13

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Sept. 9, 2014) – As the seasons transition from summer to autumn, it is time to prepare for a favorite time of year for many hunters. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, archers get the first opportunity at bringing home a deer beginning Saturday, Sept. 13.

Last year, 118,238 archery hunters harvested more than 74,490 deer. Statewide archery season runs through Oct. 10, although hunters may hunt deer with archery equipment through the entire 2014-2015 deer season.

“Although the weather in early archery season is still pretty warm, this time of year is excellent for successfully patterning deer movement.” said John W. Bowers, chief of Game Management. “As the season progresses, deer home ranges expand or shift and individual bucks may leave an area altogether for the remainder of the season.”

Many public lands offer specialty hunts, including primitive weapons hunts, adult/child hunts and ladies-only hunts. Dates and locations for these hunts are listed in the 2014-2015 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide. Georgia offers more than 90 state-operated wildlife management areas (WMAs) for the public’s use.

State-managed public hunting lands are funded through a combination of state license fees and matching federal funds from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services’ Wildlife Restoration Program. Hunters account for $977 million in retail sales in Georgia each year with a $1.6 billion ripple effect and almost 24,000 jobs.

Hunters are allowed a season bag limit of 10 antlerless deer and two antlered deer (one of the two antlered deer must have a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers). Special regulations apply to archery-only counties and extended archery season areas. Counties in the Metro Atlanta area (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties) offer either-sex archery deer hunting Sept. 14-Jan. 31.

To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, big game license and a current deer harvest record. If hunting on a WMA, a WMA license is required. Licenses can be purchased online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/licenses-permits-passes , by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at a license agent (list of agents available online).

Want a preview of what to expect during archery season? You are in luck! A brand new video featuring state deer biologist Charlie Killmaster is available at www.youtube.com/georgiawildlife/video .

For more information on deer hunting seasons, regulations, licenses and WMA maps, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting .

READY FOR DEER SEASON? MAKE SURE YOU HAVE a 2014-2015 Deer Harvest Record

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Sept. 9, 2014) – Don’t forget to print a new deer harvest record and have it with you as you head to the woods on the opening day of deer season, reminds the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

“A deer harvest record is good only for a single hunting season, so hunters need to be sure to print a new harvest records for each deer season,” said Charlie Killmaster, state deer program coordinator.

All deer hunters, including big game license holders, honorary and lifetime license holders, hunters under 16 years of age and landowners, should obtain a new deer harvest record. Deer harvest records are required for any person hunting deer, regardless of age, are free of charge and available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/licenses-permits-passes or at any retail license agent.

Hunters must complete a deer harvest record before moving a deer from the site of a kill, except when participating in a wildlife management area or national wildlife refuge hunt that requires hunters to check out harvested deer. Hunters may not possess or use multiple big game licenses or deer harvest records and should keep harvest records with hunting licenses.

For more information on hunting in Georgia, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting .

SAFE USE OF TREE STANDS MEAN A SAFER HUNTING EXPERIENCE

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Sept. 9, 2014) – Tree stand use is popular with hunters during deer season. However, with falls or other incidents accounting for almost half of all hunting incidents, improper or unsafe use of a tree stand can cause you to become a hunting incident statistic. So, be smart and be safe when using a tree stand.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division suggests that hunters should note that not every tree stand is the same and that they should be familiar with their particular model’s features.

Following are recommended safety tips:

When using a non-climbing portable or ladder stand, hunters should securely fasten the stand to the tree and install ladders or steps according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Hunters should ALWAYS wear a Fall-Arrest System (FAS)/Full Body Harness during ascent and descent. Be aware that single strap belts and chest harnesses are no longer recommended and should not be used. Failure to use a FAS could result in serious injury or death.

Hunters should ALWAYS attach their FAS in the manner described by the manufacturer. Failure to do so may result in suspension without the ability to recover into the tree stand. Be aware of the hazards associated with full body harnesses and the fact that prolonged suspension in a harness may also be fatal.

Have in place a plan for rescue, including the use of cell phones or signal devices that may be easily reached and used while suspended. If rescue personnel cannot be notified, you must have an alternate plan for recovery or escape. If you have to hang suspended for a period of time before help arrives, exercise your legs by pushing against the tree or doing any other form of continuous motion or use your suspension relief device.

Consider your personal physical condition before going out. If you do not have the ability to recover or escape from a FAS, it is recommended that you hunt only from the ground.

Hunters should ALWAYS use a haul line to pull their gear and unloaded firearm or bow into their tree stand. Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Prior to descending, lower equipment to the ground on the opposite side of the tree.

Staying awake and alert is important. Hunters should avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness prior to hunting. Also, never use alcohol or drugs before or while hunting.

Hunters should always inform someone of where they are hunting and what time they expect to return.

For more information on tree stands or hunting-related safety, call 770-761-3010 or visit www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/education.

NEED HUNTER EDUCATION PRIOR TO DEER SEASON? THREE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Sept. 9, 2014) – Deer archery season begins on Sat., Sept. 13 – do you need a hunter education class? The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division offers three options to help make the most of your time: by classroom, CD-Rom or online.

“Information learned in a hunter education course is critical, and is meant to help encourage a new hunter to be safe, legal and responsible,” says Walter Lane, hunter development program manager with the Wildlife Resources Division. “The online and CD courses offer more scheduling flexibility as they can be done at any time of day. And for those who prefer a traditional method, the classroom courses provide a face-to-face opportunity with instructors.”

The classroom course is free of charge. The three available online courses each require a fee (from $9.95 – $24.95) but all are “pass or don’t pay” courses. Fees for these courses are charged by and collected by the independent course developer. If the online course vendor fees are an obstacle, students can obtain a free CD-ROM by contacting their local DNR law enforcement office.

Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1961, who:

· purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.

· is at least 12 years old and hunts without adult supervision.

· hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area.

The only exceptions include any person who:

· purchases a short-term hunting license, such as the Apprentice License or the 3-day Hunting and Fishing Combo License (as opposed to a season license).

· is hunting on his or her own land, or that of his or her parents or legal guardians.

For more information, go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/education or call 770-761-3010.