Briefly: Outdoor News December 2020

Annual Unicoi Turkey Call Makers Show Is A Go

We all know that 2020 has been a tough year for everyone, but the Call Maker show will go on. As of Nov. 19, the sixth annual Unicoi Call Makers Show will take place Jan. 8-9, 2021 at Unicoi State Park & Lodge.

The event is open to the public with free admission on both Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Unicoi Lodge.

The Unicoi Call Maker Show was brought back to its traditional roots at the state park in White County in 2016.

“Once again we expect 70 to 80 of the nation’s finest call makers from around the Southeast and many other ‘turkey’ states,” said event organizers. “Because of the China Virus, only 40 vendors will be allowed to showcase their calls in the Masters Hall. All others will have tables out in the main lobby.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so don’t miss it!”

For more information, call Mark Sharpe at 912.531.1845.

Please check the Unicoi Call Maker Show Facebook page for any updates leading up to show dates.

Ted Will Named New Wildlife Resoures Division Director

Ted Will will serve as the new Director of the Wildlife Resources Division of DNR, effective Dec. 1, 2020, after being appointed by DNR Commissioner Mark Williams.

Ted Will, the new Director of Georgia’s Wildlife Resources Division.

Ted has been a WRD employee for 20 years, and most recently served as DNR Assistant Director. Ted previously served as Chief of Game Management, Assistant Chief for both Fisheries Management and Game Management, a Region Supervisor, and he was a fisheries biologist in southeast Georgia for more than seven years. Ted holds a master’s degree in wildlife ecology from Mississippi State University, and he earned his bachelor’s in forest resources from the University of Georgia. He is an avid hunter and angler, and he currently resides in Bogart with his wife and two sons.

“Growing up in the heart of Georgia, I hold a special place for the natural resources that lured me into this field and look forward serving our customers and the talented individuals entrusted with the management of these resources,” said Ted.

The Wildlife Resources Division is comprised of three sections—Game Management, Fisheries Management, and Wildlife Conservation.

“I could not be more excited about the wealth of knowledge, experience, leadership and vision that Ted brings to the top office of the DNR Wildlife Resources Division,” said Commissioner Mark Williams. “Ted is a great asset for our state and for our division. I am beyond confident that he will continue the division’s outstanding legacy known across the country of protecting and conserving Georgia’s wildlife, while wisely expanding access for Georgians for generations to come.”

Great Grandfather’s 1936 Georgia Hunting License

Jeff Scurry, who contributes reports from Fayette and Meriwether counties as a GON Hunt Advisor, shared an awesome piece of Georgia hunting history.   

“I found my great grandfather’s hunting license from the 1936-37 season. Thought you would enjoy seeing it,” Jeff said.

The Georgia hunting license in 1936 was a pin badge that hunters wore on their hunting coat or shirt.

Jeff is carrying on a family tradition with Scurry Outdoors South. He makes SOS Sweet Stuff attractant and is nationally known in predator hunting circles. Jeff’s father had the very first indoor archery range in Georgia, Johnny’s Indoor & Outdoor Archery Range in Lake City.

“He had a bait and tackle store, probably one of the first Hoyt and American Archery dealers in Georgia,” Jeff said. “Great history of my grandad and my dad, and back then Dan Quillian was a great friend of my dad, too.”

Where’s GON?

This crew took time off from their excellent dove hunt in Uraguay to pose with the July, 2019 issue of GON magazine. Pictured (left to right) are Monticello’s Alvin Vaughn, who submitted the photo, Gonzalos, Alvin Vaughn II, Rod Vanderslice, Randy Price and Jimbo Kelly.

When you see the GON logo in an interesting location, please email a photo and the details to [email protected], or mail to GON, 4331 Seven Islands Road, Madison, GA 30650.

Inshore Artificial Reefs Added In St. Catherines Sound

Some improved fishing spots and structure that will improve habitat for numerous saltwater species were added to St. Catherines Sound in November. See article here.

Escape From New York…Another Gun Maker Moves

Firearms maker Kimber Manufacturing is moving its corporate headquarters from New York state. The company is landing in Troy, Ala., and Kimber will immediately hire more than 350 people. The company manufactures rifles and pistols and will move to a new $38 million production facility it built last year with more than 225,000 square feet of space. Engineering and manufacturing will take place there.

The company is leaving Yonkers, N.Y., citing Troy’s proximity to engineering schools and Alabama’s pro-gun and pro-business support. The Troy University campus has two indoor gun ranges, one outdoor range and a design and prototype fabrication center.

The company said it is seeking CNC technicians, machinists, quality control specialists, design engineers, customer service representatives, material planners, maintenance technicians, finishing operators and assembly technicians.