New Database Provides Invaluable Information For Deer Hunters in Georgia

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (December 2, 2014) – Following a hunt at a wildlife management area (WMA), have you ever wondered about the final results? Wouldn’t it be nice to have the results of all WMA hunts in the state at your fingertips when planning your season? Now you can, and it is only a few clicks away!Several years ago, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division developed an internet database that would house biological deer data collected by biologists and technicians. Information that populates the database is collected from statewide WMA check stations and deer processors. This database serves as a resource for a wealth of information about deer in Georgia, and is used to inform management decisions.

“While this system originally developed as a way to improve internal data management efficiency, I also recognize the value to sportsmen of having this information easily accessible on the web,” said Charlie Killmaster, state deer biologist and database designer. “I believe that access to this information will help WMA hunters make seasonal plans, but the biological data also will serve as a baseline for comparison data collected by private landowners and hunt clubs.”

The database has two primary sections, WMA hunt summaries and raw biological data organized by county or WMA.

· WMA hunt summaries include multiple pieces of information, such as the number of hunters, bucks, does, and hogs taken on an individual hunt. This portion of the database will be updated weekly, but only hunts that have concluded will be available.

· Biological Data includes specific measurements taken from harvested deer, such as age, weight, beam diameter, beam length, number of points, etc. Information can be downloaded into a spreadsheet for further analysis. This tool may be particularly beneficial for clubs interested in developing specific antler criteria to protect young bucks, or for reviewing the health of deer on the club relative to the rest of the county. Biological data information is entered seasonally, so records will not be complete until after the state deer season closes. However, prior year’s data are available by request.

Want to check out the deer database? Visit www.gadnr.org/dnr/deer/public. For more information on hunting in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting.