Turkey Hunting Season Starts Saturday
State officials are urging hunters to think safety first when heading out for the start of turkey hunting season this weekend.
Turkey hunting season starts on Saturday in Georgia.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Wild Turkey Project Coordinator Kevin Lowery said hunters should review and practice safety precautions specific to turkey hunting.
“In the turkey world, that is all those colors on the turkey’s head that you want to avoid wearing turkey season,” said Lowery. “Red, white, and blue … you do not want to wear that on your clothing and be mistaken for a turkey.”
He said it is best to wear an orange vest while walking to avoid being mistaken for a turkey.
Other basic safety tips include being careful when using a turkey call or moving a turkey and making sure to clearly identify yourself to hunters as a hunter when doing either of those things.
Meanwhile, Lowery said hunters also need to be careful using a new technique called fanning.
“While that technique may work great, there are some safety considerations with that as well,” said Lowery. “Make sure everybody knows that is you out there and not a real turkey.”
Turkey hunting season goes from Saturday through May 15 in Georgia and hunters have a bag limit of three gobblers per season.
Lowery said he thinks overall this season will be a better one in Georgia than last year.
“We have had some declines in reproduction from 2012 to 2015,” said Lowery. “2016 was the best reproduction since 2011 so I am optimistic we are going to have a good season statewide.”
Specifically in this part of the state, Lowery said he is hopeful for a good year.
Hunters are required to have all of their necessary licenses and if hunting on private property, permission from the land owner.
Lowery also reminds hunters to complete the reporting process when getting a turkey within 72 hours by using Georgia Game Check at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com online, the Outdoors GA mobile app, or over the phone at 1-800-366-2661.