GA DNR Hosting Hunt and Learn Programs

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is hosting several Georgia Hunt and Learn Programs this fall.

DNR Communications Outreach Specialist Melissa Cummings said these programs are for beginning hunters, ages 10-17.

“It allows them the opportunity to get a crash course over the time of a weekend in different types of hunting experiences,” said Cummings. “We offer things like squirrel hunting, deer quail, so there’s a couple of different types of game they can pursue. It takes them through the basics of hunting to learn how to care for the game once they’ve harvested it. And they’ll actually go out on a guided hunt over the course of the weekend.”

There are three participant levels for the program and participants must complete Level 1 to advance to Level 2 and likewise for Level 3.

Level 1 is for those who are new hunters with little to no experience. Only the youth may hunt, and they must be accompanied by an adult.

Level 2 participants must have participated in a previous Hunt and Learn Level 1 program. Both the youth and adult can hunt at the same time, if the guides and Hunt and Learn coordinator are confident with the shooting proficiency.

And level 3 participants must have participated in a previous Hunt and Learn Level 2 program. Both the youth and adult can hunt without a guide. However, they must stay together during the hunt.

Cummings said hunt and learn gives hunters the opportunity to pursue a different type of game than they may have experience with.

“It provides them with some information and hands on opportunity that they may not otherwise taken the initiative to do,” said Cummings. “For example, if it’s somebody whose never gone squirrel hunting, maybe they don’t have the dog or don’t know where to go, this is a great way for them to forge into that territory and see if it’s something they want to pursue down the road.”

Wildlife Management Areas that have Hunt and Learn programs scheduled include the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Buck Shoals WMA and the Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA.

Each WMA offers programs with different game. The Buck Shoals WMA offers deer, squirrel and turkey hunt and learns and has primitive camping opportunities.

Registration for the programs open August 1 at 9 a.m.

For more information, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/LearntoHuntFish.