SOCIAL CIRCLE — Starting this month, any Georgia resident who has a boat registered with the state can fish on their birthday, as well as for two days after, as part of their boat registration fee.
The birthday bonus is a three-day resident combination license that not only allows Georgians age 16 and older who own a vessel and have a valid, current registration to fish in fresh and saltwater for three consecutive days (starting on their birthday), it covers many other recreational opportunities.
These include fishing at public-fishing areas, accessing state lands where a Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass is otherwise required, hunting small game and feral hogs on private land and using shooting ranges where a WMA stamp or GORP is needed.
The license is good for the primary boat-owner’s birthday during the three years the boat registration is valid.
Boat owners must carry a Georgia ID, such as a driver’s license, and their plastic-vessel registration card to show proof of a valid vessel registration.
Activities like trout fishing, big-game hunting and hunting on WMAs require additional paid licenses.
Saltwater fishing and migratory bird hunting require additional permits, which are free.
For more information, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes, call 706-557-3326 or email Melissa.cummings@dnr.state.ga.us.