Letters To The Editor – March 2022

WMA Squirrel Killers Need Trip To Woodshed

Dear GON,

 Last week I went to a spot on a WMA that I’ve gone to a few times this season. I usually manage to chase a squirrel or two there. This time I saw nothing and figured they just weren’t out today. Unfortunately when I got back to the road I found a pile of dead squirrels. While this would make an anti-hunter mad, I think it makes hunters even more upset. This area is nowhere near anything like a pecan orchard where squirrels can cause damage and need to be controlled. 

DNR employees do a lot of work on WMAs creating the habitat for all game so we can hunt there. If you’re not going to use the meat and can’t find anyone else that can, why shoot them? 

I have seen grandparents take their grandkids hunting at this WMA. Let the resource be used by those who appreciate it. So what can ethical hunters do about this? Next time someone brags to you about getting a limit, ask them what they did with the game they shot? If they don’t say something like, “I made the best tasting pot of stew,” what can you do? Try to educate them. If that doesn’t work, rethink your friendship. Thanks for listening to my venting.

Tom Lowe, Carlton

Antler Drops Great Excuse To Go Outside

Dear GON,

Over the years I have searched the woods for antler drops during February and March after deer season is over. That is when most of the critters that chew on them are dormant and the woods are still open to see better. 

Every year when I find a dropped antler, I mark the location and go back to that spot next year. Finding the drop location is just another tool in my quest for knowledge on that buck’s habits in this part of his woods. Finding a drop is another piece of that buck’s puzzle. 

I have been fortunate to hunt the same tracts for more than 40 years, and I know where to start searching. Usually if I find one side, I thoroughly scour a couple-hundred-yard radius for the other antler. I have found that a buck seems to get rid of the other half in a nearby spot. Roaming the woods this time of year is pleasant because I can see trails, old rubs and scrapes better as a reference for next year. Also, searching for drops is just plain fun. I always take a pretty, clear, crisp morning and go searching. I will sometimes bring along my .22 if the small-game season is still open. I love any excuse to roam the woods, and looking for drops is a good one.  

Alton Powell, Chattahoochee Hills

More Attention On Removing Coyotes Please

Dear GON,

Why is DNR so focused on eliminating hogs and not the coyotes? We’ve seen time and time again coyotes taking down 8-point bucks and attacking people. Hogs only cultivate land and keep it fertile.

Jonathan Dobek, Upson County

GON Social

GON Facebook: Jerry Barnes, of Cherry Log, with some woodcock and wild quail he found in Gilmer County on Jan. 10.

GON Instagram: Railyn Turner caught this 24-inch rainbow weighing 6 pounds on Feb. 6 in the Chattahoochee River near Helen.

GON Instagram: Caleb McClure was fishing in Cherokee County and caught some slabs for a fish fry.

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