Waterfowl hunting in Georgia should be better this season

SOCIAL CIRCLE – With waterfowl hunting season opening today, duck and goose hunters across Georgia should face much better hunting conditions than last year, according to experts with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

“Last year many of the managed wetlands that provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl on state-operated Wildlife Management Areas were dry,” WRD state waterfowl biologist Greg Balkcom said. “But this year conditions are much better due to summer rains and fall hurricanes. WRD managed impoundments are flooded or near full, with good food production.”

“Duck and goose hunters should have no problems this year finding hunting spots that have water and provide habitat for migratory ducks and geese,” said Balkcom.

Duck season dates continue through Nov. 26 and then resume Dec. 9–Jan. 28. Full migratory bird hunting regulations can be found at www.georgiawildlife.com/Hunting/Waterfowl.

To hunt waterfowl in Georgia, an individual needs a Georgia hunting license, a Georgia migratory bird license, a federal duck stamp (now available when purchasing other recreational licenses). WRD has made the process easier by implementing the Waterfowl Package at www.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, which includes everything needed (and includes a convenient plastic card).

For more information on Georgia Hunting Regulations, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/regulations.