Archery hunting season opens on Sat., Sept. 13 and runs through Oct. 10, 2008 (statewide). Last year, almost 94,000 archery hunters harvested more than 34,000 deer.
More than one million acres of public land on more than 90 state-operated wildlife ma agement areas and other state land is open for hunting.
Information about these WMAs and other public lands is available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com, including a searchable database of newly updated maps for each area.
Various WMAs offer special hunts throughout the season, including primitive weapons hunts, ladies only hunts and adult/child hunts.
For dates and locations of special hunts, check the 2008-2009 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide available on the WRD Web site and at all WRD Offices and license agents.
In addition to state-managed land, there is public National Forest land and private land available for hunting in Georgia.
Hunters wishing to hunt on private property must get written landowner permission and have it with them while hunting.
Georgia sportsmen and women must possess a primitive weapons license and a big game license to hunt during the archery season and primitive weapons seasons, unless they possess a lifetime, honorary or sportsman’s license. A WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA.
Hunters may take a season total of 12 deer. No more than 10 may be antlerless deer and no more than two may be antlered bucks (one of which must have at least four points - one inch or longer - on one side of the antlers).
For more information on deer or other hunting seasons and deer hunting regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com.
Tree stand safety
Tree stands are a favorite piece of equipment for hunters searching to remain undetected by game. They also are the leading cause of hunting incidents, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.
Fifty-two percent of the hunting incidents over the past ten years and forty-three percent of hunting-related fatalities were tree stand-related.
“Hunters must be intimately familiar with how to put up, take down and properly climb into a tree stand,” says WRD State Hunter Safety Coordinator Capt. James Bell. “We encourage ALL hunters to practice climbing into and out of their stand several times prior to the opening of the hunting season.”
There are many different types of tree stands, and each type requires the user to be familiar with their variations to ensure safety.
The following are some tips:
· When using a non-climbing portable or ladder stand, be sure to securely fasten the stand to the tree and install ladders or steps according to the manufacturer’s directions.
· Use a safety harness or vest to secure yourself to the tree - not to the tree stand. In the event that the tree stand breaks or collapses, the harness will keep you from falling to the ground.
· Hunters should have a plan on how to get down from the tree should the tree stand fail and leave them hanging from their harness. Make sure the harness is attached to the waist, allowing for 10-12 inches of slack between the tree and yourself. A full body harness is recommended and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using.
· Use an equipment haul line to pull your gun or bow into or out of the stand. Make sure that the firearms or bow is unloaded before pulling it up.
· Stay awake. Be aware of medications that cause drowsiness and avoid taking them before hunting.
· Never use alcohol or drugs before or while you hunt.
· Always tell someone where you will be hunting and what time you expect to return.
For more information on tree stand or other hunting-related safety, contact the nearest WRD Law Enforcement Office, go to www.georgiawildlife.com or call (770) 761-3010.
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