SOCIAL CIRCLE — Deer hunting remains the most popular form of hunting in Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. Archery hunting season opened Saturday and runs through Oct. 10, (statewide).
Last year, almost 94,000 archery hunters harvested more than 34,000 deer.
More than one million acres of public land on more than 90 state-operated wildlife management areas and other state land is open for hunting. Information about these WMAs and other public lands is available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com , including a searchable database of newly updated maps for each area. 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 2008-2009 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide available on the WRD Web site and at all WRD Offices and license agents.
In addition to state-managed land, there is public National Forest land and private land available for hunting in Georgia. Hunters wishing to hunt on private property must get written landowner permission and have it with them while 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 antler-less 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, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com.