Hunter-Ed Offered Two Ways

For many hunters, they can’t wait for the fall hunting season to begin. That sure includes me.

Dove season kicks things off statewide this month on Sept. 2. Time to pick up some game loads for that ol’ 12 or 20 gauge and choose a field. Many dove opportunities have been posted in GON, and it should be a great opening day. I’m thrilled that my sons and I will all be out there together listening to the UGA opening game and searching the skies for doves. More memories will be made for sure.

The following Saturday is the opening day of our archery season for whitetails. Next, our primitive-weapons season will roll in from Oct. 14-20, followed by firearms from Oct. 21-Jan. 14. Our extended archery season will follow all the way to Jan. 31, making Georgia’s deer season one of the longest in the country.

If you’re a parent, or a youth 16 or older, reading this, make sure that you update your license prior to hunting. If your birthday is on or after Jan. 1, 1961, residents and non-residents must complete the Georgia Hunter Education course one time prior to license purchase.

There are several methods to obtain your Georgia Hunter Education certificate. You may opt to take the online course. Simply create a GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com account. Then go to https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation and choose from five online hunter education courses. Once you complete and pass one of these courses, log on to your account and print your new Georgia hunter education certificate.

BeASafeHunter.org and Hunter-Ed.com and Huntercourse.com also offer some online options for you to explore.

However, the one that is nearest and dearest to my heart is the classroom version of hunter education. These are offered free of charge throughout the state and throughout the year. I am celebrating my 20th year as a volunteer Georgia Hunter Education Instructor. There is no amount of money that can replace the joy that I have had over the years teaching these courses. When a youngster recognizes you as their instructor and wants to shake your hand and tell you they shot their first deer, that sure is a blessing. It is certainly one of the prime reasons I strive to produce these responsible hunters. That situation happened again, just the other day as I was at my local archery shop buying some new arrows. Perfect timing as I’ll be teaching again later this month.

Georgia Trappers Association Hosting Kids Corner

It takes more than just giving a kid a leg-hold trap and turning them loose on a trap line. It takes a number of things to make it all happen. One of those things is a dirt sifter. Used to shake loose dirt over a trap bed, it’s a key ingredient in successful trapping.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, the Georgia Trappers Association will be having a special Kids Corner as a part of their two-day state convention. The Kids Corner will be from 9-11 a.m. at the Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1311 Fairgrounds Rd., Madison, GA 30650. More info at www.gatrappersassoc.com.