Primitive weapons deer season begins Saturday, Oct. 14. Last year, over 52,000 muzzleloader hunters harvested approximately 13,709 deer, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). The statewide 2006 primitive weapons deer season is Oct. 14-20.

“Hunters, especially those that use muzzleloaders, are excited about the primitive weapons season because it provides them an opportunity to hunt a week prior to the traditional opening of the firearms hunting season,” says WRD Chief of Game Management Bill Fletcher.

During the primitive weapons season hunters may use archery equipment (including crossbows), muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge or larger) and muzzleloading firearms (.44 caliber or larger). All hunters, including archers, must wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the waist during the primitive weapons season. For the first time, scopes and other optical sighting devices are now legal for muzzleloading firearms during this week-long season. Scopes also are legal on archery equipment.

Hunters who participate in primitive weapons season may harvest deer of either sex during the entire week of the season in counties open for firearms deer hunting. Hunters also should note that the season bag limit remains at 10 does and two antlered bucks. Regarding the buck limit, one of the two antlered bucks must have at least four points (one inch or longer) on one side of the antlers. There are no additional antler restrictions except in counties with special antler restrictions.

Georgia hunters must possess both a primitive weapons license and a big game license to hunt deer during the primitive weapons season. Hunters also must possess a wildlife management area (WMA) license to hunt on a WMA (hunters should check regulations to verify which WMAs are open during primitive weapons deer season). Hunters may purchase licenses on the Internet at www.gohuntgeorgia.com,  by phone at 1-888-748-6887 or at one of over 1,000 license agents.

For more information on the primitive weapons deer season, visit the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact the local WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 761-3045.

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