2023-24 DNR hunting regulations guide is available

SOCIAL CIRCLE – Even though outdoorsmen and -women are sweating through the summer season in Georgia now, hunting season will be here before they know it. To get hunters ready, the new 2023-2024 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide is now available online, on the Go Outdoors GA app, and in print, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division announced.

The guide provides important information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas (WMAs), quota hunts, youth opportunities and so much more.

View the guide (or download) online at eregulations.com/georgia/hunting/ or on the Go Outdoors GA app. Pick up a printed copy at Wildlife Resources Division offices and license vendors throughout Georgia.

MAJOR CHANGES FOR THE 2023-24 SEASON:

· Bear Harvest Reporting: All harvested bears must be reported via Georgia Game Check (northern, central, southern, public and private land) within 24 hours of harvest. All bears must be presented for collection of biological samples in accordance with the zone-specific requirements. (See page 30 of the hunting guide.)

· Central Bear Zone: If fewer than six female bears are harvested on Dec. 16, a second hunt day will be opened.

· Either-sex Deer Opportunity: The number of “doe days” has been increased in most counties. Find info about your county on pages 22-23 of the hunting guide.

· Extended Archery Deer Season: Archery deer season has been extended to Jan. 31 in Baker, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Richmond and Thomas counties.

· Southwest Georgia Archery Buck Only Days & Firearms Extension: The first 16 days of archery season in Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole and Thomas counties are antlered deer only. Additionally, firearms deer season ends Jan. 15 in Baker, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole and Thomas counties.

For more information on hunting in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources or contact a local Wildlife Resources Division office (GeorgiaWildlife.com/about/contact).

Special Photo: Georgia DNR