Changes Coming for Georgia Hunters This Fall

Hunting season is just around the corner and Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced some changes to its 2018-2019 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide.

The Guide is now available online and in hard copy and gives hunters important information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas, as well as quota hunts and youth opportunities.

DNR spokesperson Melissa Cummings says the new guide also includes some important changes and additions.

One of those new additions is the offering of a non-resident Youth Sportsman’s License.

“The new non-resident Youth Sportsman’s License can be purchased by non-resident you through age 15 and includes all of the priviledges they need, such as Big Game and Trout,” Cummings said.

However, Cummings said the new youth sportsman’s license does not cover the Quota Alligator Harvest Permit.

Also new in the hunting regulations this year covers baiting.

Cummings said deer may be hunted over or near any bait on private lands in all counties.

Additionally, there are now new Public Hunting Opportunities.

“We’re excited that we have new ublic hunting opportunities in the state and people can check that out at georgiawildlife.com/allwmas and they can see a listing of all opportunties there,” she said.

New public hunting areas listed this year include, Gaither WMA (Newton Co), Ohoopee Dunes WMA-6,000+acres (Effingham Co); Bullard Creek WMA-491 acres (Jeff Davis Co) and several new VPA properties.

In our area, Wildlife Managment Area’s with public hunting include Hart County, Lower Broad River WMA, and the Lula Bridge WMA.

Finally the Georgia DNR is in the process of implementing a new Mentor Program.

Cummings says the goal is to connect experienced sportsmen with newcomers to the sport of hunting.

“It’s something that we are working on and trying to see exactly how this is going to work out and how we can motivate people to participate, as well as encourage them to encourage others,” Cummings explained.

Cummings said more information on the Mentor Program will be available in the near future.

For more information on Georgia hunting seasons and regulations, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/regulations.

You can also call the DNR Regional office in Gainesville at: 770-535-5700.