In early December, the Directors from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the USDA Farm Services Agency (FSA) met to sign an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two agencies that is sure to improve the already strong relationship between the agencies.

In addition to the 508 acres of water currently open to fishing at Paradise Public Fishing Area in Berrien County, Horseshoe 6 Lake (3-acres) will help anglers ring in the New Year as it opens to the public at sunrise on Jan. 1, 2017, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

 A Monroe County teacher’s proposal to create a bog garden out of a regularly flooded area at her school earned a $1,000 grant from Georgia DNR and The Environmental Resources Network.

Outdoors enthusiast on your holiday gift list?  Before heading to the stores, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division wants you to know about a gift that is sure to please all hunters and anglers.  Added bonus – this gift benefits the wildlife and wild places they enjoy.

With waterfowl hunting season opening Sat., Nov. 19, duck and goose hunters across Georgia may face some tough hunting conditions, according to experts with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). 

Effective immediately, there is a campfire restriction on multiple Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Motorists are urged to exercise caution during the fall season as this is a time of peak deer activity, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

With the groundbreaking ceremony taking place today, trap and skeet enthusiasts will have a new range to visit when the Union County Trap Range is completed, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division.  

Each year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division recognizes anglers for outstanding catches. Anglers who catch a fish that meets or beats a specific weight or length limit for that species are eligible for a free Angler Award. 

Anticipating more than 5,000 users each year, Rep. Jimmy Pruett, Department of Natural Resources Deputy Commissioner Walter Rabon, Telfair County Commission Chair Pat Ray, and other Telfair County representatives today dedicated the Scuffle Bluff Landing located at Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA), giving boaters, anglers and hunters improved access to the Ocmulgee River. 

While only a small fraction of hunters are ever involved in a hunting incident, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages everyone to review the ‘Four Primary Rules of Firearms Safety’ before heading to the woods. 

Hunters getting ready for the opening day of primitive weapons deer hunting season, Oct. 15, should first review safety information.

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) is an in-school archery curriculum that meets all education department standards. In an effort to enhance the program, the NASP® Academic Archer program was developed,

according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).  

Dove and small game hunters in Murray County have a brand new public field available this season.

Before this year, hunters needing a Federal Duck Stamp – required for all waterfowl hunters – could not get that license at the same time as their other licenses. That has changed!

Ladies, if you are uncertain where to begin when thinking about outdoor activities, the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is a great place to start!

For 21 years, the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance has helped conserve Georgia’s rare plants. Tuesday, that legacy of work and leadership landed a rare honor.

Archers will get the first opportunity at bringing home a deer beginning Saturday, Sept. 10, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Ever had an accident while hunting in a tree stand? You are not alone. Statistics each year reveal that almost half of all hunting incidents are due to falls or other safety issues with tree stands, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Each year, the fourth Saturday of September brings National Hunting and Fishing Day. On this day, celebrated Sept. 24 this year, everyone can enjoy any of 10 FREE scheduled celebratory events, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Do your Labor Day plans include throwing out some fishing line for your favorite catch? We have great news for you! For the first time in five years, Georgia Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) are scheduled to be open every Monday and Tuesday, beginning Labor Day Mon. Sept. 5.

Hunters, be sure to get online soon and get your quota application submitted for a Georgia deer hunt! An online quota application must be received before midnight September 1, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

Gather friends and family and get ready to head to the dove fields for the opening day of dove season. Who will be with you? The Georgia dove hunting season opens at noon on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.

Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Mark Williams has announced the appointment of Rusty Garrison to serve as the Director of the Wildlife Resources Division of DNR.

Beginning this month, the 2016-2017 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide is available online and in print, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

DNR is again offering a $1,000 grant to a third-, fourth- or fifth-grade teacher in Georgia who demonstrates exceptional energy and innovation in teaching life sciences.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has made purchasing the licenses you need even easier. Anglers, or hunters, looking for the licenses that allow them to pursue a specific activity can now choose a compiled license “package.” 

If a fishing trip is not on your summer list of “things to do,” you need to plan one! How do you pick a spot? You could start with one of Georgia’s available public fishing areas (PFA) to make that happen! 

Loggerhead sea turtles have crawled their way to a conservation milestone in Georgia, laying more than 2,800 nests so far this summer on the state’s barrier island beaches.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is proposing a change to walleye fishing regulations at Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County.  This change would adjust the current walleye creel and possession limit from fifteen (15) to eight (8) fish.   

Whether alone or with family and friends, fishing and hunting provides you with irreplaceable quality time and experiences. Now, you can rest assured you won’t miss a memory thanks to the new license auto-renew system.

Completed Hunter Education - now what? Take your knowledge to the next level by attending a Hunter Education Field Day. These “hands-on” learning experiences give students a chance to build on the knowledge and skills gained in their initial hunter education course. 

The Canada goose is an adaptable bird that can live in a variety of habitats, with many of those locations in close proximity to people, such as open farmland, rural reservoirs, suburban neighborhood ponds, office complexes, parks and other developed areas. This ability to thrive sometimes leads to summertime frustration for landowners or land managers who may discover large areas of goose feathers and feces.  

Garbage is irresistible to a hungry black bear. The presence of available garbage encourages bears to change their normal movement patterns and “hang out” in non-traditional range areas. What can you do? One of the first, and most important, things to do is to stash your trash to resolve potential human-bear conflicts. 

Fishing together with your child can build some powerful memories, so make this a summer to remember! Don’t know how to fish? No problem. Visit one of the many upcoming kids fishing events scheduled for spring and summer! 

Another five manatees fitted with GPS transmitters are being tracked in Georgia, the second year of a project providing insight into how these rare mammals use estuarine waters near Kings Bay submarine base and along the rest of Georgia’s coast. The health of the manatees is also being documented.

Twelve elementary-school children have been named statewide winners in the annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest, the Department of Natural Resources and State Botanical Garden of Georgia announced today.

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Wildlife have an inherent fear of people with no interest in coming close to us. However, animals such as deer, coyotes, bears, raccoons, foxes and skunks often get labeled as a nuisance due to their sometimes intrusive and destructive habits in suburban settings, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Why? Because of easy access to “food.” 

More than 150 student archers from 13 Georgia elementary, middle and high schools recently participated in the second annual 2016 National Archery in the Schools ® International Bowhunters Organization Georgia 3D Challenge in Dublin, Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Let your child explore their “wildness” learning about wildlife at a Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center summer camp. Camps accommodate ages 7-16 and offer everything from birding and wildlife activities, to shooting, to learning camping and survival skills.

As the weather warms, sightings of multiple types of wildlife potentially increase. This could include black bears that might be seen in or around your neighborhood this spring and summer, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Join Glock, the leading global manufacturer of pistols, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ staff at a Women’s Handgun Class as part of the Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman series. This workshop will take place June 24-26, 2016 at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Ga.

As spring warms up, the number of snake-related calls and emails to DNR senior wildlife biologist John Jensen go up. But most center on two questions: What species is this and what do I do with it?

“Rescuing” an animal can sometimes cause more harm than good, even if done with the best of intentions. This is often the case when people come in contact with seemingly “orphaned” young wildlife, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Ladies, bring your daughters and invite your girlfriends, this is the perfect summer getaway. The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman series has a workshop scheduled to take place July 22-25, 2016 on Sapelo Island. 

More than 2,500 hunters fortunate enough to have gotten a gobbler during the 2016 turkey hunting season have become familiar with the requirement to log their bird on their harvest record and report that effort (within 72 hours) to Georgia Game Check, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). 

Heading to the woods to go turkey hunting requires more than just ensuring your firearms are ready. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages all hunters to review important turkey hunting safety tips.

Make sure you put a trout fishing trip on your list of things to do this spring, especially since it is the time of year when trout raised in Georgia hatcheries start hitting the water. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plan to stock more than 80,000 trout during the last full week of March, with more than one million trout scheduled for stocking by the end of this year.

Georgia hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts now have a new cutting edge app to enhance their hunting and fishing activities, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Youth and mobility-impaired hunters will have a chance to turkey hunt the weekend before the statewide turkey season opens. This special opportunity season is March 19-20, 2016.

David Tannehill, a fisheries technician with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, recently was recognized by the Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society as “Fishery Worker of the Year.” 

More than 40 anglers reeled in a 2015 Angler Award for outstanding catches, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. This award program recognizes those who catch fish that meet or exceed a specific weight or length for that particular species. 

If cold weather doesn’t keep you from the water, get ready to be rewarded with some great striped bass fishing. This time of year, it is common to catch five to 15-pounders, with the occasional landing of a 30-pounder or greater.

The Canada goose is an adaptable bird and can live in a variety of locations, including open farmland and rural reservoirs to suburban neighborhood ponds, office complexes, parks and other developed areas. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, any increase in the goose population, especially in urban areas, typically brings an increase in nuisance complaints.

Power companies, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and state and federal agencies came together today to conserve the sicklefin redhorse, a fish found in only six Appalachian counties worldwide and being considered for the federal endangered species list.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is proud to announce that wildlife biologist Bobby Bond recently was honored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) with the Joe Kurz Wildlife Manager of the Year award.  This national award comes on the heels of Bobby winning the State Chapter NWTF Award for “Wildlife Manager of the Year.”

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has partnered with four conservation organizations to fund a position dedicated to recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) of hunters and shooters.

Gov. Nathan Deal recognized Plum Creek, Georgia Power and CatchMark Timber Trust as 2015 Forestry for Wildlife Partners for their stewardship and land management practices benefiting Georgia wildlife on some 1 million acres.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) biologist Bobby Bond recently received the honor of Wildlife Manager of the Year by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). 

The Nature Conservancy and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are pleased to announce the protection of a 3,986 acre tract known as Altama along Georgia’s Altamaha River, in Glynn County near Interstate 95. 

Hunters visiting Tattnall County are able to take advantage of the late dove season and hunt on a private field thanks to the Voluntary Public Access program.

Looking for free family-friendly activities appropriate for all ages? The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center offers fantastic and fun programming.

Outdoors enthusiast on your holiday gift list? Before heading to the stores, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division wants you to know about a gift that is just a “click” away to please all the hunters and anglers. Added bonus – this gift benefits the wildlife and wild places they enjoy.

Teachers and students across the state are invited to honor Georgia’s wildlife and students’ artistic interests by taking part in the 26th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest.

Leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp and cold and the north Georgia mountain streams are waiting for your next angling trip. Will that trip take you to one of the five delayed harvest trout streams opening Nov. 1?

Do you think you have what it takes to have your artwork chosen for the next plastic hunting and fishing license card? If so, be sure to enter into your design for all the bragging rights!

The sense of anticipation that comes prior to the opening day of firearms deer hunting season is a feeling that many will have this week. Beginning on Saturday, Oct. 17 and continuing until Jan. 10, 2016 statewide, hunters will have the chance to hit the woods in pursuit of white-tailed deer.

Every time a hunter or angler purchases a sporting license, or buys hunting and fishing equipment or related items, they are participating in a subtle, yet successful conservation program that has been at work for more than 75 years.

Hunters headed to the woods this weekend for the opening of primitive weapons deer hunting season, Oct. 10-16, should first review safety information.

Beginning Oct. 1, the Georgia hunter education course is available completely online, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Looking for information about the deer rut in Georgia? Be sure to visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division statewide rut map (www.georgiawildlife.com/rut-map) for information.

At this time of year, bears are preparing to den up for the winter, and in order to do so, are seeking large quantities of high-fat food to get them through the long, cold months.

Hunters, before you head to the woods this deer season, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division wants you to be aware of the following errors in the printed version of the 2015-2016 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide

Statistics each year reveal that almost half of all hunting incidents are due to falls or other safety issues with tree stands. Statistics each year reveal that almost half of all hunting incidents are due to falls or other safety issues with tree stands.  

The Georgia Prescribed Fire Council has set a high goal for its annual meeting in Tifton Sept. 29: Promote the vital role of prescribed burning for generations to come.

What field will you be at on the opening day of dove season? Who will be with you? The Georgia dove season opens at noon on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. What field will you be at on the opening day of dove season? Who will be with you? The Georgia dove season opens at noon on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015.

Looking to participate in a deer quota hunt this fall? Be sure to get online soon! An online quota application must be received before midnight September 1, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

The National Bobwhite Technical Committee, at their annual conference on August 5^th 2015 in Galloway New Jersey, presented a Group Achievement Award and a Legacy Landscape Recognition to Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy (TTRS) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). 

Georgians can now explore, within seconds, the range and more of our most rare animals and plants using a web portal that blends the state wildlife agency's data with interactive maps to document the in-state ranges of more than 1,250 species.

Fall hunting opportunities kick off in a popular way with the beginning of dove hunting season, with opening day scheduled for noon on Sat. Sept.  5. 

Fishing for catfish is a summertime tradition and a great way to put some delicious meals on the table. 

For hunters that applied for an alligator quota hunt - you may have received more than one email re: your hunt status.  Find out more here!

Although nest totals fell slightly from last year’s record high, Georgia Department of Natural Resources surveys documented strong wood stork nesting this spring and summer.

For women curious to explore what the outdoors has to offer, but uncertain of how or where to begin, the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop series provides a practical introduction to a wide variety of outdoor recreational skills and activities.  One of these workshops, hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, is scheduled to take place Nov. 6-8 at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.  

The Canada goose is an adaptable bird that can live in a variety of habitats, with many locations in close proximity to people, such as open farmland, rural reservoirs, suburban neighborhood ponds, office complexes, parks and other developed areas.  This ability to thrive sometimes leads to summertime frustration for landowners or land managers who may discover large areas of goose feathers and feces. 

Five manatees fitted with satellite transmitters mark the start of a project aimed at giving researchers a clearer picture of how these endangered mammals use the murky estuarine waters near the Kings Bay submarine base and along the rest of Georgia’s coast.

Four of Georgia’s State Parks have been recognized among the 2015 Top 100 Family Friendly Places to Boat and Fish in the U.S., according to Take Me Fishing. 

Nuisance wildlife issues send many a frustrated land owner in search of a solution.  An upcoming trapping workshop, presented by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division and the Georgia Trappers Association, will provide information on how to properly trap and remove nuisance wildlife from your land.  

Beginning June 1, sportsmen and women can apply electronically for quota hunts including adult/child, deer, alligator, waterfowl, dove and many others, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.   

Fishing together with your child and family can build some powerful memories, so make this a summer to remember!  Don’t know how to fish?  No problem.  There are plenty of on-site volunteers providing assistance at the many statewide kids fishing events scheduled this spring and summer, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

Does your child have a little “wild” in them?  Let them explore their wildness learning about wildlife at a Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center summer camp.  Camps accommodate ages 5-16 and offer everything from birding and wildlife activities, to shooting, to learning camping and survival skills. 

The Tennessee Valley Authority, working with U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, has reached a multi-agency agreement to provide continued funding for three federal fish hatcheries that annually supply more than one million trout for TVA dam tailwaters and reservoirs in Tennessee and Georgia. 

Georgia’s beaches are not only vacation hotspots, in early spring and summer they’re top spots for nesting shorebirds.

The loggerhead sea turtle nesting season in Georgia has started on time and, as last year, on Cumberland Island.

Animals such as deer, coyotes, bears, raccoons, foxes and skunks often get labeled as a nuisance due to their sometimes intrusive and destructive habits in suburban settings, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  Why? Because of easy access to “food.” 

The potential for sightings of multiple types of wildlife increase as the weather warms up.  As such, black bears could be seen in or around your neighborhood this spring and summer, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

Teams in Georgia's Youth Birding Competition set high marks for bird species seen or heard and conservation funds raised last weekend as the 10^th annual event continued to spread its wings, and expand its impact for wildlife. 

Twelve elementary school children have been picked as statewide winners in Georgia's 25th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest.

There is a possibility that even with good intentions, “rescuing” an animal can sometimes cause more harm than good.  This is often the case when people come in contact with seemingly “orphaned” young wildlife, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Hunters and other interested citizens are encouraged to review proposed changes to hunting regulations for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons and make plans to attend a scheduled public hearing.  

Make sure you put a trout fishing trip on your list of things to do this spring, especially with the opening of seasonal trout streams beginning Sat., March 28, 2015. 

Looking for a great place to get online fishing tips for Georgia reservoirs and rivers?  Look no further than the updated fishing prospects on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division website. 

Trout fishing opportunities for all fishing skill levels abound in Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

With spring still about a week away, now is a great time to get out on the water and prepare to take advantage of some cool weather crappie fishing, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Join Glock, the leading global manufacturer of pistols, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ staff at a Women’s Handgun Class as part of the Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman series.  This workshop will take place June 27-28, 2015 at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Ga. 

Johnson County Middle claimed top shooting honors at the eighth and final Georgia National Archery in the Schools Program regional tournament. 

Terrell Academy’s Middle School team posted the highest overall score at the sixth Georgia National Archery in the Schools Program regional tournament Saturday at Pine Grove Middle School. 

Cluck. Purr. Gobble.  Have you been practicing your turkey calling skills?  Hunters eager for the opening of turkey hunting season in Georgia certainly have.  The highly anticipated day is Saturday, Mar. 21 and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division expects that the 2015 season should be a fair one.  

Before you head to the woods for the opening of turkey season, do you need to complete a hunter education course? 

A high-tech research project helped along by a middle Georgia hunt club recently began tracking one of the state’s most rare raptors – a golden eagle.

Interested in developing a writing career or becoming involved in communication about the outdoors?  An all-day seminar, “Becoming an Outdoor Communicator,” is scheduled for March 7, 2015 at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. 

The 50-yard public firearms shooting range located at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia will temporarily close beginning Feb. 23, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

Bagley Middle School out of Chatsworth clinched its place in Perry by posting the top overall team score at the third Georgia-National Archery in the Schools Program regional tournament Saturday. 

Jones County High School took top shooting honors at the first of eight Georgia regional National Archery in the Schools Program tournaments Saturday in their home gym. 

Georgia’s Youth Birding Competition, set for April 25-26, marks a decade of connecting young people with wildlife and conservation.

Here is to hoping you are ready for the new year with lots of planned fishing trips!  Anglers can find the new 2015 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide online and in print, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

Hunters and other interested citizens are invited to attend any of eight upcoming public meetings regarding the development of hunting regulations for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 hunting seasons.  

The season’s first sighting of North Atlantic right whales on the Georgia coast underscores the fact that Georgia and north Florida are the only known calving grounds for these endangered whales.

Teachers and students across Georgia are invited to honor Georgia’s wildlife and students’ artistic interests by participating in the 25th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest. 

Everyone likes to fish, even Santa!  The North Pole will have to wait, because Santa is traveling down to Perry for some fishing at the Go Fish Education Center before his big night! 

Following a hunt at a wildlife management area (WMA), have you ever wondered about the final results?  Wouldn’t it be nice to have the results of all WMA hunts in the state at your fingertips when planning your season?  Now you can, and it is only a few clicks away! 

Landowners are working hard in the hills and mountains of Talbot, Upson and Meriwether counties to restore something rare – montane longleaf pine ecosystems.

National recognition comes well-deserved forJohn W. Bowers, game management chief of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, who recently was recognized by The Wildlife Society (TWS) with the annual Special Recognition Service Award. 

Make plans to attend an upcoming night of fun at the ‘Family Campfire’ event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 at  the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.   The evening, scheduled from 7-9 p.m., will offer music, a live animal presentation, skits and of course, s’mores! 

Two years’ worth of photographing and trapping raccoons, feral hogs and other predators at American oystercatcher nest sites is providing needed insight into how and when controlling predators can help these rare red-beaked shorebirds.

Each year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division recognizes anglers for outstanding catches. Anglers who catch a fish that meets or beats a specific weight or length limit for that species are eligible for an Angler Award. 

For women who are curious to explore what the outdoors has to offer, but uncertain of how or where to begin, the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop series provides a practical introduction to a wide variety of outdoor recreational skills and activities.

Keep your hummingbird feeders up as temperatures drop this fall and winter. That’s the suggestion of Georgia Wildlife Resources Division biologists, who say some visiting hummers winter here and benefit from the nourishment feeders provide.

A Savannah teacher’s vision of creating an outdoor classroom for teaching wetland biodiversity has earned a $1,000 Teaching Conservation grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Fall has officially arrived in Georgia, bringing with it shorter days, cooler temperatures and the start of the firearms deer hunting season.

Although many Georgia hunters and anglers may not realize it, every time that they purchase a sporting license, hunting and fishing equipment or related items, they are participating in a subtle, yet successful, conservation program that has been at work for more than 75 years. 

Black powder rifles, and bows and arrows. These are the weapons of choice during the week-long primitive weapons deer hunting season beginning Saturday, Oct. 11. Over 48,000 hunters participated in last year’s primitive weapons season, bringing in over 11,000 deer with black powder rifles. 

Don’t worry football fans, we are not talking about a combination of a bulldog and a gamecock.  But, what is a Carolina dog?  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center is pleased to have an upcoming educational session, scheduled for Oct. 4 to answer that question, and allow participants to see these fascinating dogs in the flesh! 

In addition to the current 480 acres of water open to fishing, Paradise Public Fishing Area (Berrien County) will re-open the 28-acre Horseshoe 5 lake at sunrise on October 1, 2014, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Hunters, ever asked yourself “when does the rut happen in my part of the state?”  If so, you are in luck.  Staff with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division recently updated the statewide rut map (www.georgiawildlife.com/rut-map) with brand new information and it is ready for you! 

You will find fun events, plenty of activities and recognition geared for outdoor enthusiasts at one of the many FREE celebrations scheduled for National Hunting and Fishing Day, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

As the seasons transition from summer to autumn, it is time to prepare for a favorite time of year for many hunters.  According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, archers get the first opportunity at bringing home a deer beginning Saturday, Sept. 13. 

Tree stand use is popular with hunters during deer season.   However, with falls or other incidents accounting for almost half of all hunting incidents, improper or unsafe use of a tree stand can cause you to become a hunting incident statistic.  So, be smart and be safe when using a tree stand.  

Make your plans!  Waterfowl hunting season dates and regulations have been approved for the 2014-2015 season by the Board of Natural Resources.  

A snake disease that some scientists have compared to the illness killing bats by the millions has been documented in a wild snake in Georgia.

Do you need a hunter education course before dove season arrives?  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division offers three options to help make the most of your time:  by classroom, CD-Rom or online. 

Migratory bird season is rapidly approaching – are you confident in your shooting skills on quick-moving targets?  If you are looking for a little coaching, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has a great 4-day workshop, “Improving Wing Shooting Proficiency,” scheduled at Camp John Hope in Fort Valley during September. 

Congressman Sanford Bishop, Mark Williams, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Deron Davis, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in Georgia, joined Garrison Commander Col. Michail Huerter and other officials from Fort Benning, representatives from Marion and Talbot counties and other partners recently at a ceremony to announce the opening of the Chattahoochee Fall Line Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This 10,800-acre tract spans north central Marion County and southern Talbot County near Columbus. 

As the summer begins to fade, sportsmen begin to look for fall hunting opportunities, and luckily, dove season is right around the corner with opening day scheduled for noon on Sat. Sept.  6. 

Ecologist and longtime conservation leader Dr. Jon Ambrose has been named chief of the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section.

Looking for a fishing day trip to round out your summer adventures?  Then plan a visit to one of Georgia’s public fishing areas (PFA). 

WRD is seeking to continue integrating public involvement by asking for your comments on the Draft of Georgia’s 10-year Deer Management Plan.

Three proposed fishing regulation changes will be the topic of several upcoming public hearings, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Easily accessible garbage is irresistible to a hungry black bear.  They like it so much that they will stay in areas where an easy supply of garbage “food” can be found.  What can you do?  One of the first and most important things to do is to stash your trash to resolve potential human-bear conflicts. 

Canoeing provides a pristine opportunity to get back to the basics on the water.  Don’t know how to canoe?  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center can provide beginner instruction at a special class offered June 21, 2014 and again on July 19, 2014. 

Spotted sunfish, also called “stumpknockers,” present a fun fishing challenge for anglers.  Ryan Kersey can attest to that!  Kersey, age 39, of Swainsboro, Ga., also knows that the effort was well worth it as he reeled in a tie to the current state-record spotted sunfish from the Satilla River on June 4, 2014.  

If you are looking to initiate or increase knowledge about wildlife conservation and its instruction, make plans to attend the Outdoor Wildlife Leadership School, or OWLS, scheduled for July 14-18, 2014 at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

Beginning June 1, sportsmen and women of all ages can apply electronically for quota hunts including adult/child, deer, alligator, waterfowl, dove and many others, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

What are you doing for the Memorial Day weekend?  If it involves heading to a local lake, you will be joining thousands on the water to celebrate.  When making your plans, be sure to include time to review rules and regulations of safe boating. 

Nineteen teams and more than 400 shooters from Georgia competed at the recently held National Archery in the Schools National Competition which saw a world-record 10,443 archers from 40 states shoot during the three-day tournament in Louisville.  

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages people of all ages to get outside during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-8, 2014.  

As part of the nationwide National Safe Boating Week, Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division is working with partner organizations, such as the National Safe Boating Council to encourage safe and responsible boating, including the practice of always wearing a life jacket, and being alert and aware while on the water. 

Let the sea turtle nesting season begin! On May 9, a National Park Service wildlife biologist on Cumberland Island reported Georgia’s first loggerhead nest of 2014.

With sea turtle and manatee sightings on the rise on Georgia’s coast, boaters should be on the lookout for these big and rare animals.

Anglers are regularly reporting big bass catches at this Laurens County PFA, so the recent implementation of a protective 16”-24” slot limit comes at a great time as it will continue to make this area a prime location for producing quality trophy largemouth bass. 

DNR is live-streaming Atlanta’s fastest-flying family again! Watch as the pair of peregrine falcons raise their eyas at  www.georgiawildlife.com/FalconCam.

Young Georgia birders set event records for bird species seen or heard, from warblers to woodpeckers, during the annual Youth Birding Competition held Friday and Saturday.

There is a certain satisfaction in the thought of “rescuing” something that appears helpless.  However, the act of rescuing can sometimes cause more harm than good. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at its meeting today near Tallahassee announced a partnership with three other conservation organizations to help the northern bobwhite (quail) and youth shooting programs in Florida and Georgia. 

Georgia’s wildlife license plates will soon cost less and provide more support for conserving Georgia wildlife, from bald eagles to bobwhite quail.

Dot Kay, environmental education coordinator at McDuffie Environmental Education Center, has been named the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia's PreK-16 Formal Educator of the Year.

Four budding bird artists have been chosen as T-shirt Art Contest winners in Georgia’s Youth Birding Competition. Meanwhile, teams have until only March 31 to register for the April 25-26 birding competition!

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today unveiled an interactive map that identifies DNR-managed lands and outdoor recreation opportunities. 

Hunters preparing to head to the woods for turkey season should be sure to review important turkey hunting safety tips, encourages the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. 

Conserve the rare animals and plants that help make our state great by contributing to the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund checkoff when filing your state income taxes.

Georgia’s online fishing prospects give anglers of all skill levels in-depth information detailing 31 reservoirs and 18 rivers in one convenient location - www.gofishgeorgia.com/fishing/opportunities. 

Anglers anxious to get out on the water should prepare themselves for some cold weather striped bass action. This time of year, it is common to catch five to 15-pounders, with the occasional landing of a 30-pounder or greater. 

Two individuals, one volunteer and one conservation ranger, have been selected as Hunter Education Instructors of the Year, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

Partners including Georgia DNR, coastal counties and local and federal agencies have produced an aerial imagery dataset of coastal Georgia that offers the most high-resolution look yet at the region and will be used for everything from county planning to wildlife conservation.

Hahira Middle School was the highest overall scoring team at the sixth Georgia National Archery in the Schools Program regional tournament Saturday at Pine Grove Middle School. 

Three fisheries personnel with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division recently were recognized by the Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, with two of them tying for “Fishery Worker of the Year.”  

The only sense of urgency you might find at Panic Pond after this Saturday will be from anglers scrambling for the camera to capture a photo of their latest lunker catch, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  

Lafayette Christian School claimed top shooting honors in the High School Division at the fifth Georgia National Archery in the Schools Program regional tournament of 2014.  

Dodge County High School claimed top shooting honors at the fourth Georgia National Archery in the Schools Program regional tournament. 

Catching poachers and other wildlife violators often involves lengthy criminal investigations and requires diligence and dedication on behalf of conservation rangers.  RFC David Webb, representing Towns County, was named Investigative Ranger of the Year for demonstrating true devotion to investigative work, which included a multi-year, multi-agency, complex case.  

Teachers and students are invited to celebrate Georgia’s wildlife and students’ artistic interests by participating in the statewide Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest.

Hey, kids! Do you like birds and love to draw or paint? Georgia’s ninth annual Youth Birding Competition is offering a T-shirt Art Contest for resident children and teens.

Bagley Middle School out of Chatsworth clinched its place in Perry by posting the top overall team score at the third Georgia-National Archery in the Schools Program regional tournament Saturday. 

Loganville Middle School took top shooting honors at the first of seven Georgia regional National Archery in the Schools Program tournaments Saturday at Loganville High School. 

Anglers can find the new 2014 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide online and in print, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.