Archery Deer Hunting Season kicks off this Saturday

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR

Hunting season is officially underway in our area with the start of Dove Hunting and Squirrel Hunting seasons.

Now the time is almost here for archery hunters to hit the woods for Archery Deer Hunting season.  The season begins this Saturday, Sept. 14.

Statewide, hunters can use archery equipment throughout the entire 2019-2020 deer season.

DNR Law Enforcement Officer Craig Fulghum said it’s important for archery hunters to remember they’re hunting at close range and to always account for your shot and be aware of where you’re hunting.

“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.”

Last year, 80,000 archery hunters harvested almost 48,000 deer.  Georgia Wildlife Resources Division operates more than 100 public wildlife management areas .

Hunters can find additional opportunity on Voluntary Public Access, or VPA, properties, which are privately owned.  However, Fulghum reminds hunters they must first have permission from the landowner to hunt.

“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.