Primitive weapons deer hunting season begins Saturday, Oct. 13. Last
year, more than 54,000 muzzleloader hunters harvested approximately
15,966 deer, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources,
Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). This year, the statewide primitive
weapons deer season runs Oct. 13-19.
“Our primitive weapons deer season provides hunters the opportunity to
hunt with traditional or inline black powder firearms or to continue
hunting with archery gear. Hunters are allowed to hunt either-sex deer
during this week-long opportunity. Primitive weapons hunters have a wide
variety of options depending on their personal choices and needs without
being burdened by complex regulations,” says WRD Assistant Chief of Game
Management John Bowers.
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
second year now, scopes and other optical sighting devices are
considered 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 or at one of the more than 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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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division
(WRD) encourages hunters to be alert and aware as they prepare for the
upcoming primitive weapons deer hunting season, Oct. 13-19, 2007.
Muzzleloaders or ‘blackpowder guns’ have special requirements that call
for critical attention to their specific safety precautions. Although
misuse of tree stands persists as the leading cause of hunting-related
incidents, WRD reminds hunters that all firearms should be handled with
the utmost respect.
“Hunters who use muzzleloading guns during primitive weapons season
should know that they have specific safety precautions,” says State
Hunter Safety Coordinator Capt. James Bell. “The user must be completely
familiar with all safety requirements regarding the handling, loading
and firing of the gun before using it to hunt.”
Anyone who shoots a shotgun, rifle or muzzleloader should know basic
firearms safety, such as keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction,
never relying solely on a gun’s “safety,” handling every gun as if it
was loaded and avoiding all use of alcohol and/or drugs before and while
using a firearm. In addition to these, there are a number of other
safety measures unique to muzzleloaders, including the following safety
requirements:
·Never smoke around or while using a muzzleloader.
·Use a small intermediate device, such as a measure to pour powder into
a barrel.
·Never place yourself in front of the muzzle at any time.
·Keep flask and powder containers away from flames, sparks and shooting
areas to prevent an accidental explosion.
·Use only powders that are specific to each particular muzzleloader and
recommended by that firearms manufacturer. To do otherwise can cause
damage to the firearm and may cause serious injury, and even death, to
the shooter and/or spectators.
·Place percussion cap on nipple only when ready to shoot.
·The gun is considered to be safely unloaded only when the bullet,
powder and percussion cap are removed from the gun. If using a flintlock
muzzleloader, the bullet and powder should be removed and the flash pan
should be un-primed.
·Be sure to use only the recommended loading materials, the correct
powder charge, the right diameter and weight bullet and the correct lead
material.
·Never use plastic (poly) patches. These are different from sabots.
·Treat a misfire as though your gun could fire at any moment. Keep the
muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
·Make sure the gun is completely unloaded before attempting to clean it.
·Make sure the projectile is firmly seated on the powder before capping
and firing.
·Never blow down the barrel of a muzzleloader to clear or extinguish
sparks.
For more information on muzzleloader and general firearms safety,
contact the nearest WRD Law Enforcement Office or call (770) 761-3010.
·Region I, Calhoun, (770) 769-9680
·Region II, Gainesville, (770) 535-5499
·Region III, Thomson, (706) 595-4211
·Region IV, Macon, (478) 751-6415
·Region V, Albany, (229) 430-4252
·Region VI, Metter, (912) 685-2145
·Region VII, Brunswick, (912) 264-7237
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