Deer hunting is the most popular form of hunting in the State of Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Season dates for the various types of deer hunting are as follows:

· Archery (either sex):Sept. 10 – Oct. 14, 2005 (statewide)

· Extended Archery (either sex):Jan. 2-31, 2006 (only in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett & Rockdale counties).

· Primitive weapons (either sex): Oct. 15-21, 2005 (statewide)

· Firearms (Northern Zone):Oct. 22, 2005-Jan. 1, 2006

· Firearms (Southern Zone):Oct. 22, 2005-Jan. 15, 2006

Over one million acres of public land on more than 90 state-operated wildlife management areas (WMA) and other state land is open for hunting. Information about these WMAs and other public lands is available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com . Various WMAs offer special hunts throughout the season, including primitive weapons hunts, ladies only hunts and adult/child hunts. For dates and locations of special hunts, check the WRD website or the 2005-2006 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations printed guide available at all WRD Offices and license agents. In addition to state-operated land, there is public National Forest land and private land available for hunting in Georgia. Hunters wishing to hunt on private property should get written landowner permission prior to hunting.

Georgia sportsmen and women must possess a primitive weapons license and a big game license to hunt during the archery season and primitive weapons seasons, unless they possess a lifetime, honorary or sportsman’s license. A WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA. Hunters may take a season total of 12 deer. No more than 10 may be antlerless deer and no more than two may be antlered bucks (one of which must have at least four points – one inch or longer – on one side of the antlers).

For more information on deer hunting season, check the Georgia 2005-2006 Hunting Seasons and Regulations available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or at over 1,000 license agents statewide and WRD offices.

###