The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will hold four public hearings to receive input on proposed changes to the hunting regulations for the 2008-2009 season. The purpose of the proposed regulation changes is to manage Georgia’s game birds and game animals according to sound principles of wildlife management and to meet public objectives for use of these renewable natural resources. Those interested are encouraged to bring these hearings to the attention of others who also may wish to participate.

Proposed changes that WRD will address include regulations related to dove hunting season and hunting opportunities on new Wildlife Management Areas and on State Parks.

Members of the general public will have an opportunity to provide input at the following WRD-sponsored public hearings:

·Monday, April 14, 2008: Southwest Georgia Regional Library, 301 South Monroe Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819

·Tuesday, April 15, 2008: Harris County Middle School, 184 South College Street, Hamilton, GA 31811

·Monday, April 21, 2008: Georgia Mountains Center, 301 South Main Street, SW, Gainesville, GA 30503

·Tuesday, April 22, 2008: Evans County Wildlife Club, 501 Cedar Avenue, Hagan (Claxton)

Any participant at the hearing may present data, make a statement or comment or offer a viewpoint or argument, either orally or in writing. Statements should be concise to permit everyone an opportunity to speak. Participants are required to register upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Those unable to attend the hearings may submit statements electronically through the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or by mail prior to close of business May 2, 2008. Written statements should be mailed to:

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Wildlife Resources Division

Game Management Section

Attn: John Bowers

2070 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.

Social Circle, Georgia 30025

These meetings are accessible to people with physical disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to John Bowers at the above address by April 9, 2008.

The Board of Natural Resources will consider the proposed changes and any comments received during the public hearing process May 28, 2008 at 9 a.m. at the DNR Boardroom at 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE, Suite 1252, Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information on the scheduled public hearings or to view the proposed regulation changes, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com. For additional information, contact WRD’s Hunter Services office at (770) 761-3045.