WRD Proposes Dove Season Changes

WRD is proposing a change to the dove season that shifts hunting opportunity to later.

The Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold four public hearings across the state beginning April 14, 2008. These meetings offer the public an opportunity to comment on proposed regulation changes, including a change to the mourning dove season in Georgia that shifts hunting opportunity to later in the season. The dove-season proposal removes six days from the September season, shifts the October season back one week and adds six days to the November-January season.

Another issue of importance to sportsmen and conservationists is a proposal for the first-ever deer hunt on FDR State Park in Harris County, where studies concluded that deer densities were too high. Deer on the area have caused a significant decrease in species diversity and vegetation because of over-browsing. DNR is proposing a firearms deer hunt Jan. 13-14, 2009 with a quota of 150 hunters. At previous meetings, there has been opposition to controlling the deer herd at FDR with a hunt.

Another issue that has been on the minds of many sportsmen is the new system for selling hunting and fishing licenses through a contract with Central Bank in Missouri.

Members of the general public will have an opportunity to provide input at the following WRD-sponsored public hearings:

Monday, April 14, 2008: Southwest Georgia Regional Library, 301 South Monroe Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819
Tuesday, April 15, 2008: Harris County Middle School, 184 South College Street, Hamilton, GA 31811
Monday, April 21, 2008: Georgia Mountains Center, 301 South Main Street, SW, Gainesville, GA 30503
Tuesday, April 22, 2008: Evans County Wildlife Club, 501 Cedar Avenue, Hagan (Claxton)
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 are required to register upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Those unable to attend the hearings may submit statements electronically through the WRD website or by mail prior to close of business May 2, 2008. Written statements should be mailed to:

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division
Game Management Section
Attn: John Bowers
2070 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.
Social Circle, Georgia 30025