Hunting regs to be discussed at meetings

SOCIAL CIRCLE – Hunters and other interested citizens are encouraged to review proposed hunting regulation changes relative to the 2019-2020 and the 2020-2021 hunting seasons, and then make plans to offer comment at one of three scheduled public hearings, or through other available methods.

Proposed changes include amendments to reflect statutory changes, a shift the Central Georgia bear season, adjust either sex firearms days for deer, extend archery season for urban counties that meet criteria, regulate hunting and other activities on wildlife management areas and other public lands, and some housekeeping changes.

The complete public notice and synopsis of all proposed rule changes are available on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division webpage at http://georgiawildlife.com/regulations/proposed.

Three public hearings are scheduled to provide the public an opportunity to share comments on the proposed changes. All meetings will begin at 7 p.m. Meetings will be held:

— April 15, Gainesville Civic Center, Chattahoochee Room 830 Green Street, NE, Gainesville

— April 15, Monroe County Convention Center 475 Holiday Circle, Forsyth

— April 18, Evans County Wildlife Club 501 Cedar Avenue, Hagan

Any participant at the hearing may present data, make a statement or comment, or offer a viewpoint or argument, either orally or in writing. Statements should be concise to permit everyone an opportunity to speak. Participants must register upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Those unable to attend may submit input either electronically or in written statement form. Input must be received by close of business (4:30 p.m.) on April 26.

• Written statements should be mailed to: GA DNR/Wildlife Resources Division/Game Management Section; Attn: Tina Johannsen; 2067 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.; Social Circle, Ga. 30025.

• Statements may be electronically submitted at: https://georgiawildlife.com/regulations/meetings.

These meeting sites are accessible to people with physical disabilities. To request sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids, contact Johannsen at (706) 557-3350 no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 7.

For more information or to view the proposed regulation changes, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/regulations/proposed.