SOCIAL CIRCLE — Early hunting seasons for some species of waterfowl will open soon, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.
Georgia’s early waterfowl hunting opportunities include an early teal hunting season (Sept. 15-23) and an extended September season for Canada geese (Sept. 1-30), but the more traditional late seasons won’t open until around Thanksgiving.
“Waterfowl hunters should expect a season very similar to last year, with one exception,” said WRD state waterfowl coordinator Greg Balkcom. “Hunters will be happy to hear that the bag limit for canvasbacks has been raised to two per day this year. The continental canvasback population is over 50 percent above the long-term average, and the higher population can sustain the extra hunting opportunity.”
Hunting season for all ducks will be open from Nov. 17-Nov. 25 and Dec. 8-Jan. 27. The bag limits for all species, except canvasbacks, remains unchanged from last year. Migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits can now be found on the WRD Web site at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or in the “Late Season Georgia Migratory Bird Regulations 2007-2008” brochure, available through WRD offices and at select hunting license agents.
To legally hunt waterfowl in Georgia, sportsmen and women must possess a Georgia hunting license, a Georgia waterfowl conservation license, a federal duck stamp and a free Migratory Bird Hunting License (or HIP Permit).
HIP is an annual federal program that requires those who hunt migratory bird species to fill out a short harvest survey and in return receive a free participation permit. Those hunting on a wildlife management area must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses at over 1,200 license agents or at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.
Legal shooting hours for migratory birds are one half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily sunrise and sunset times for Georgia can be found on page 43 of the 2007-2008 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide or on the WRD Web site.
For more information on the upcoming migratory bird season, visit the WRD Web site at www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact the local WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 918-6416.
Georgia’s early waterfowl hunting opportunities include an early teal hunting season (Sept. 15-23) and an extended September season for Canada geese (Sept. 1-30), but the more traditional late seasons won’t open until around Thanksgiving.
“Waterfowl hunters should expect a season very similar to last year, with one exception,” said WRD state waterfowl coordinator Greg Balkcom. “Hunters will be happy to hear that the bag limit for canvasbacks has been raised to two per day this year. The continental canvasback population is over 50 percent above the long-term average, and the higher population can sustain the extra hunting opportunity.”
Hunting season for all ducks will be open from Nov. 17-Nov. 25 and Dec. 8-Jan. 27. The bag limits for all species, except canvasbacks, remains unchanged from last year. Migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits can now be found on the WRD Web site at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or in the “Late Season Georgia Migratory Bird Regulations 2007-2008” brochure, available through WRD offices and at select hunting license agents.
To legally hunt waterfowl in Georgia, sportsmen and women must possess a Georgia hunting license, a Georgia waterfowl conservation license, a federal duck stamp and a free Migratory Bird Hunting License (or HIP Permit).
HIP is an annual federal program that requires those who hunt migratory bird species to fill out a short harvest survey and in return receive a free participation permit. Those hunting on a wildlife management area must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses at over 1,200 license agents or at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.
Legal shooting hours for migratory birds are one half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily sunrise and sunset times for Georgia can be found on page 43 of the 2007-2008 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide or on the WRD Web site.
For more information on the upcoming migratory bird season, visit the WRD Web site at www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact the local WRD Game Management Office or call (770) 918-6416.