Archery Deer Season Starting

Archery deer season gets underway on Saturday in Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says that starting Saturday, hunters can use archery equipment throughout the entire 2016-2017 deer season, which runs through January 8, 2017.

State Wildlife Resources Division Deer Biologist Charlie Killmaster said one of the new things hunters need to keep in mind this season is the Georgia Game Check.

He said that beginning this deer season, all hunters on both public and private lands must record their deer on both the harvest record and using the Georgia Game Check.

“You still have to do the traditional harvest record, so you mark the date and the county of kill before you move the deer, but then within 72 hours, you have to report it to the agency through our new Game Check system, either via, web application, or on the Internet,” said Killmaster.

For more information on the Georgia Game Check, go to www.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

The DNR noted that deer processors will not accept any deer without a Georgia Game Check confirmation number.

Meanwhile, state wildlife officials are also reminding hunters to be safe out in the woods.

Killmaster said there are some important safety tips to keep in mind.

“Make sure you are wearing a safety harness when you are climbing a tree and once the muzzle loader and rifle seasons open up, make sure you are wearing the minimum 500 square inches of flourescent orange above the waistline,” said Killmaster.

Also, the DNR urged hunters to always use a Fall-Arrest System or full body harness when climbing into or coming out of a tree.

Statistics show each year that almost half of all hunting accidents are due to falls or other safety issues with tree stands.

With that in mind, Killmaster said people should use their equipment properly and keep safety first.

“Make sure someone knows where you are and knows when to expect you back, so if you do not show, they can come looking for you,” said Killmaster. “Do not climb with a loaded weapon. That is always a given. Sometimes it is a mistake people can make. They inadvertently drop it and have an accidental discharge. With a safety harness, especially a climbing harness and stand, it is best to be strapped to the tree and move your strap up as you climb and stay strapped in anytime you are in an elevated position.”

Other safety tips include staying awake and alert while hunting and always considering one’s physical condition before going out.