Here’s some gift ideas for the outdoorsmen — and women — on your list

ALBANY ‒ Sometimes finding the perfect gift for an avid hunter or angler can be difficult. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division has a few suggestions that will allow hunters on any Christmas list to enjoy the outdoor activities they love, regardless of age and experience.

The gift of a youth license, a lifetime license or an annual hunting or fishing are all great examples of how to give access to the great outdoors and provide support for Georgia wildlife and state-managed lands. While a lifetime license purchase includes a free durable license card, you can put any annual license on a beautiful “collector’s hard card” (a credit card-sized durable license card) giving you the perfect stocking stuffer or wrap-able gift.

The Youth Sportsman’s License for $15 makes a great gift for resident youths under age 16 and offers a gift valued at $70. This license provides both hunting and fishing privileges, and is good through age 17, giving them a full year sportsman’s license once they reach age 16 (when they are required to have a license).

With a lifetime license, the Georgia resident hunter or angler on your gift list will never need to purchase another state hunting or fishing license … ever. From hunting trophy whitetails to casting for lunker largemouth, their cherished recreation in Georgia is covered. Depending upon their recreational activity, they may need additional no-cost licenses or a harvest record. Visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/LifetimeLicense for applications and more details on the privileges available with a lifetime license.

Can’t purchase a lifetime license? How about giving an annual or two-year license to that hunter or angler? Even if they already have a current license, if you purchase a same-type license, it will “stack” onto their existing one.

The Wildlife Resources Division uses hunting and fishing license sales to fulfill its wildlife mission. The sale of paid licenses is a key measure through which states receive federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funding, meaning more license sales potentially means more conservation funding. Uses of this funding in Georgia vary from operating public fishing areas to managing the state’s 1 million-strong deer herd.

There is now lots of great “Go Outdoors Georgia” merchandise available for your recreational enthusiast as well. From tumblers, to hats, to backpacks and coolers – add some items to your cart with your license purchase. Be sure to order early to get items in time for the holidays.

More information on licenses is available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes, and purchase a youth, annual or two-year license at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com as well as a catalog of available merchandise.

Special Photo: Georgia DNR