Archery Deer Hunting Season Begins Saturday

Archers will get the first opportunity at bringing home a deer beginning this Saturday, September 8, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

DNR officials say the current deer population in Georgia is 1.7 million.

Statewide deer season runs through January 13 and hunters may hunt deer with archery equipment through the entire 2018-2019 deer season.

Firearm deer hunting begins October 20th.

DNR Law Enforcement Officer Craig Fulghum reminds archery deer hunters to take all measures to ensure a fun and safe hunting experience.

“Hunting with archery, you’re hunting with close range, 30-40 yard is the typical range,” he said. “So, you’re hunting with broad heads, which are very sharp. Always make sure when climbing a tree, make sure your not climbing the tree with the arrow knocked already. Most archery hunters are speciality hunters and they know that. Always account for your shot and where you’re shooting.”

Georgia offers 111 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 Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program.

There are also many hunting opportunities on private land, but Fulghum says you must first get permission from the land owner.

“The big thing we want hunters to realize is that you should not assume that just because you hunt on that land from year to year you can hunt there again this year. You still need to get permission from the land owner annually. Property changes hands, so you need to get permission in writing and it must be signed by the property owner,” Fulghum said.

Hunters account for $977 million in retail sales in Georgia each year with a $1.6 billion ripple effect and almost 24,000 jobs.

To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, big game license and a current deer harvest record (which is free).

Licenses can be purchased online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/licenses-permits-passes, or by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at a licensed local agent.

A list of agents is available online at gohuntga.com.
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