DNR seeks input on deer management plan

ALBANY — Georgia’s deer hunters are not generally bashful when expressing opinions on the status or management of the state’s whitetail deer population. Sit around any deer club campfire, or log onto the countless online groups devoted to the pursuit of the state’s No. 1 game animal, and a multitude of opinions and theories abound.

These debates focus on everything from the hunting season’s opening and closing dates, harvest numbers, buck-to-doe ratios, and, inevitably, trophy management. These often-heated debates frequently overlook the fact that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division must focus on aspects of the deer population other than hunting. Although regulated hunting is a primary focus of the management plan, as well as a critical tool in achieving the final goal, it is not the only focus for DNR. Other issues and opportunities are taken into consideration, including non-hunting wildlife observation opportunities, overall ecological impact from the herd, agricultural damage, and vehicle-deer collisions.

In fairness to DNR, today’s hunters need to acknowledge the prior success of the department and its efforts to restore a nearly nonexistent deer population. In 1940, it was estimated that the population was as low as 250,000. By 2003 that number had risen to a population of more than 10 million deer. Some of the tools used by DNR to achieve this success include the regulation of hunting seasons, bag limits, seasonal limits and educational efforts.

In an effort to better manage Georgia’s whitetail population WRD developed its first 10-year management plan in 2004. With the current plan ending this year, WRD biologists are hard at work developing the next management plan and are seeking public input through a series of three open house-style public meetings or an online questionnaire. Input will be taken into consideration as the department develops a new six-year plan for managing deer in the state.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their insight and opinions on a variety of issues including the overall deer population, deer-vehicle collisions, urban deer management, hunting regulations and methods, hunter access, chronic wasting disease and communications. Biologists and other experts will be on hand during the open house to answer questions and provide background information relating to Georgia’s deer herd.

The dates, time, and location of these open house meetings are available online at www.GeorgiaWildlife.com/deer-info or by calling (770) 918-6416. If you are unable to attend these meetings, an online survey will be available through April 7.

The survey contains questions relating to both the hunter and non-hunter. 

As a young hunter who was first excited to see a deer track, to an old man who now generally “Lets ’em walk,” I urge all other campfire biologists to offer your input to the professionals in their effort to create this new plan.

Special Photo: Georgia DNR