SOCIAL CIRCLE — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division will have eight public meetings across the state in January to provide the public an opportunity to comment specifically on the current dove-season structure as it relates to late-season opportunity and opening day shooting hours.
Any changes in hunting regulations will be considered by the DNR Board of Natural Resources for approval in May 2008. Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others who also may be interested in participating.
All of the meetings will begin at 7 p.m. and will take place on the following dates and at the following locations:
Public meetings
Jan. 7, University of West Georgia food Services Building Carrollton
Jan. 7, Jefferson Civic Center, 65 Kissam Street, Jefferson
Jan. 7, Altamaha Technical College1777 W. Cherry St., Jesup
Jan. 8, State Farmer’s Market, 16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park
Jan. 8, Earl M. Varner 4-H Center, 220 South Circle Dr., Swainsboro
Jan. 9, Wilkes County Superior Courtroom, 23 E. Court St., Washington
Jan. 9, Roquemore Conference Center, Georgia National Fairgrounds, 401 Larry Walker Parkway, Perry
Jan. 10, Leesburg Public Library, 245 Walnut Ave., Leesburg
Any participant at a meeting 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 must register on arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement.
Those unable to attend a meeting may submit written statements (deadline Jan. 18.) Such statements should be mailed to:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division
Game Management Section
Attn: John Bowers
2070 U.S. Highway 278, SE
Social Circle, Ga. 30025
These meeting sites are accessible to people with physical disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Brandon Anderson at the WRD Headquarters Game Management Office at (770) 761-3044 no later than Jan. 4.
Classified as migratory birds by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, doves are regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under this authority, states must adhere to the USFWS framework that provides for an opening date no earlier than Sept. 1, a closing date no later than Jan. 15, no more than three seasons and a total of no more than 70 days.
Georgia’s current season conforms to this framework. But considering the recent feedback regarding the desire for more late-season hunting opportunity (i.e. additional days in January), WRD is assessing the possibility of adjusting the current season structure to accommodate the public input.
For more information on the scheduled public meetings, visit the WRD
Web site at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call the WRD Hunter Services Office at (770) 761-3044.