Georgia Hunting News
New Conservation Program Promising for Georgia's Gopher Tortoises

Georgia’s state reptile is in line for some much needed help from a federal Farm Bill program. But interested landowners have only until April 30 to apply for financial assistance through the new Working Lands for Wildlife partnership.

Working Lands for Wildlife teams the U.S. Agricultural Department’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in an effort to conserve wildlife by restoring populations of declining species and strengthening rural economies through productive working lands.
Bald Eagle Nesting Gains Ground in Georgia, Survey Shows

Bald eagle populations are soaring in Georgia.

According to preliminary results, Department of Natural Resources aerial surveys in January and March documented 158 occupied nesting territories, 116 successful nests and 190 young fledged. The totals are up from last year’s 142 nesting territories, 111 successful nests and 175 eaglets.
How to Discourage Nuisance Wildlife Issues

What makes an animal a “nuisance”?  Most wildlife never come close to people.  In fact, many people enjoy seeing such animals and believe that having them nearby adds to the value of their land.  According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, animals such as deer, coyotes, bears, raccoons, foxes and skunks, however, often get labeled as a nuisance due to their sometimes intrusive and destructive habits in personal yards.  
Fish Limit Increase at Evans PFA, Georgia, in Preparation for Temporary Closure

All the fish you can take!  Well, not quite, but for anglers at Evans County Public Fishing Area, the limit on what they can take will increase significantly as preparations are made for an upcoming improvements project on the area.  Due to construction needs, this PFA will temporarily close on June 1, 2012 and re-open in 2013. 
Turkey Hunting Safety Tips

Successful hunting trips require a combination of skill, patience and most importantly, preparation. As turkey season rapidly approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages preparation first, hoping that hunters will brush up on important turkey hunting safety tips before hitting the woods. 
Georgia DNR Accepting Public Comment on Grant to Increase Public Access

Expanding and enhancing public access to Wildlife Management areas is a priority for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).  A grant received by WRD will assist with this priority, but first the agency is seeking public comment for a required environmental assessment prior to the funds being awarded. 
In Ten Years, NSSF® Has Awarded $4.7 Million to State Agencies to Promote Hunting

$392,185 in Hunting Heritage Partnership® Grants Go to 12 Projects
Georgia DNR Hosts Shotgun Patterning Days to Prep for Turkey Season

Give it a shot! Turkey season opens March 24th. Are you ready? 

The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and the Georgia State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) are hosting “Give It A Shot!,” shotgun patterning days in February and March. Choke tubes and ammunition options will be available to test with your shotgun.  
New Outdoor Recreation Pass Needed at 32 Georgie State Wildlife Areas

The new Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass has been in effect a few days, and will help with much-needed maintenance on state wildlife areas. 

Thirty-two sites managed by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division now require the Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP) for visitors ages 16-64. Exempt from the requirement are individuals who have a valid WMA License, Honorary License, Sportsmen’s License, Lifetime License or Three-Day Hunting and Fishing License.                 
'TIP' Off Georgia DNR to Crimes and Make Poachers Pay

Saturday, Oct. 22, the opening day of firearms season for deer hunting, also is Turn In Poachers (TIP) Day in Georgia, according to a proclamation signed by Gov. Nathan Deal.

TIP, Inc., is a non-profit organization protecting wildlife from poachers by increasing public support for conservation rangers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.