SOCIAL CIRCLE — Primitive weapons deer hunting season begins 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. 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,” WRD assistant chief of game management John Bowers said.
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, scopes and other optical sighting devices are considered legal for muzzleloading firearms. Scopes also are legal on archery equipment.
Hunters 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 have a wildlife management area license to hunt on a WMA (hunters should check regulations to verify which WMAs are open during primitive weapons deer season). Hunters may buy 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 Web site at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call (770) 761-3045.
Last year, more than 54,000 muzzleloader hunters harvested approximately 15,966 deer, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. 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,” WRD assistant chief of game management John Bowers said.
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, scopes and other optical sighting devices are considered legal for muzzleloading firearms. Scopes also are legal on archery equipment.
Hunters 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 have a wildlife management area license to hunt on a WMA (hunters should check regulations to verify which WMAs are open during primitive weapons deer season). Hunters may buy 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 Web site at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call (770) 761-3045.