Smithgall Woods Regional Education Center

Smithgall Woods Regional Education Center Smithgall Woods Regional Education Center provides environmentally-based, educational programming to

Smithgall Woods Regional Education Center (SWREC) was established at the Smithgall Woods - Dukes Creek Conservation Area in 1997 in response to the growing demand for hands-on environmental education. Smithgall Woods is situated on 5,600 acres, most of which was acquired by the state of GA through a gift-purchase from Charles Smithgall, Jr., a noted conservationist and entrepreneur. Dedicated as a

Heritage Preserve and managed as a conservation area by the GA Department of Natural Resources, the park is open to the public. Activities include hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife observation, hunting, group camping, upscale lodging and special events. SWREC offers both onsite and outreach programs for students of all ages in cooperation with GA Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) Wildlife Resources Division, GA DNR State Parks and Historic Sites Division, and Pioneer RESA. Teacher workshops are held to help teachers learn more about North Georgia’s ecosystems and the unique opportunities available at Smithgall Woods while earning professional learning credit. All programs are site-specific and are grounded on biologically-sound principles. GA DNR professionals from Parks, Game Management, and community volunteers collaborate to share their personal experiences and expertise on a wide variety of topics. All programs correlate to Georgia’s Performance Standards (Available upon request). Two or three, hour-long programs can be combined for a half-day field trip experience, or single programs can provide an in-depth study addressing specific educational objectives. Teachers, parents and chaperones are encouraged to participate or even to lead an onsite activity. A variety of habitat types - pond, stream, field, and forest - as well as an informative, self-interpretive Discovery Room allow for unlimited educational opportunities.

COMMENT PERIOD OPENS FOR PROPOSED PROTECTED SPECIES LIST CHANGESSOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Aug. 28, 2026) – The public is encou...
08/28/2026

COMMENT PERIOD OPENS FOR PROPOSED PROTECTED SPECIES LIST CHANGES

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Aug. 28, 2026) – The public is encouraged to provide comments on proposed changes to Georgia’s Protected Species List from Aug. 28 to Sept. 20, 2026, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division announced today.

Public input is important and valuable in developing and implementing state regulations. The Protected Species List includes Georgia species considered most in need of conservation. DNR periodically reviews the list and recommends revisions as needed.

The proposed changes include adding and removing species, updating scientific names, and matching the status of species to their federal listing. They also would add an exception that allows for the sale of certain protected plant species grown in captivity.

Documents regarding the proposed amendments to rules 391-4-10-.09 and 391-4-10-.07 of Subject 391-4-10: Protection of Endangered, Threatened, Rare or Unusual Species are available at https://georgiawildlife.com/regulations/proposed. Further resources, including a presentation on the topic and answers to questions regarding the list and the process, can be found at https://georgiawildlife.com/ProtectedSpeciesList.

The public comment period is open from Aug. 28 to Sept. 20, 2026. The deadline to provide comments on the proposed amendments is 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20. Interested individuals can submit comments by:

Sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line Protected Species List.
Submitting a written statement. Written statements provided by mail should be sent to the attention of Trina Morris at: Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Wildlife Resources Conservation Center; 2065 U.S. Hwy. 278 SE; Social Circle, GA 30025. Statements sent by mail must be received by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20, 2026.
Calling the DNR Wildlife Conservation Section at (706) 557-3213.
Attending a public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2026, at the Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters Office, 2067 U.S. Hwy. 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025.
Any participant at the public hearing 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 comment. Participants are required to register on arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Participants may also bring a written copy of their statement.

The state Board of Natural Resources will consider the proposed amendments and any comments received during the board’s meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 27, 2026, in the DNR Board Room at 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SE Suite 1252 East, Atlanta, GA 30334.

For more information, see https://georgiawildlife.com/regulations/proposed and https://georgiawildlife.com/ProtectedSpeciesList.

DNR is proposing updates to Georgia’s protected species list.

WILDLIFE POSTER CONTEST CELEBRATES ‘WILDLIFE GREAT AND SMALL’ SOCIAL CIRCLE (Aug. 27, 2026) – Teachers and students acro...
08/27/2026

WILDLIFE POSTER CONTEST CELEBRATES ‘WILDLIFE GREAT AND SMALL’

SOCIAL CIRCLE (Aug. 27, 2026) – Teachers and students across the state are invited to celebrate wildlife through art by participating in the 37th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest.

The goal of this competition for grades K-5 is to generate knowledge of and appreciation for Georgia’s biodiversity. The popular initiative is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Environmental Resources Network, or TERN, friends group of DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section.

The 2026-2027 theme – Wildlife Great and Small: We Need Them All! – highlights the importance of protecting Georgia’s rich natural heritage. Over 4,000 species of plants and wild animals as well as tens of thousands of invertebrates live here. From North Atlantic right whales to sugar maples to wood storks to field ants, species come in all shapes and sizes. Just as every gear, bolt, rod and belt in a machine is needed to operate properly, every species, no matter the size, is needed for an ecosystem to function.

An ecosystem is a community of living things (plants and animals) and non-living things (air, water, soil) that work together to support life. If any part disappears, the ecosystem and the species in it suffer. Plants and animals that once depended on the missing part may die, which leads to lower biodiversity and possibly even ecosystem collapse. However, through stewardship, we can help keep common species common and prevent the loss of species.

As inspiration for their Give Wildlife a Chance artwork, students can keenly observe the living things in their backyard, schoolyard or local park. Notice not only the larger plants and animals but also smaller, less obvious lifeforms. Additionally, students can visit the Georgia Biodiversity Portal (https://georgiabiodiversity.org) to learn about rare plants and animals statewide and locally. For details about a particular species, click on its name in the list to see a profile page.

The artwork must be based on this year’s theme and adhere to the contest rules. Participants will enter their drawings and paintings at the local level. Typically, that’s done through the student’s school, but it also can be through another group hosting the poster contest, such as a homeschool organization, after-school camp, Scout troop or library branch. Top school-level entries proceed to the state contest at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. First-, second- and third-place winners will be chosen for four divisions: kindergarten, first and second grade, third and fourth grade, and fifth grade. The deadline for schools to submit digital photos of state-level entries is March 1, 2027.

The top 12 state-level winners’ artwork will be showcased on DNR Wildlife Resources Division and State Botanical Garden of Georgia social media sites and through a statewide news release. Winners also will receive award ribbons and may be recognized in other ways. For contest rules, awards, entry forms and other information, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/PosterContest.

DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section is charged with conserving animals that aren’t legally fished for or hunted, plus native plants and natural habitats. Only a deep commitment to these natural resources will ensure their existence for future generations. The Wildlife Conservation Section depends primarily on fundraisers such as sales of eagle and monarch butterfly license plates, the annual renewal of those and older wildlife tags (such as the hummingbird design), the Give Wildlife a Chance state income tax checkoff, and direct donations (https://georgiawildlife.com/donations).

Learn more at https://georgiawildlife.com/about/what-we-do or call Wildlife Conservation Section offices in Social Circle (706-557-3213), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218).

GIVE WILDLIFE A CHANCE POSTER CONTEST
• Theme: Wildlife Great and Small – We Need Them All!
• Emphasis: Generate knowledge of and appreciation for Georgia’s biodiversity.
• Teacher instructions: Have students design artwork based on the theme that includes native wildlife – animals, plants or both. Hold a school-level contest. First-place winners in each age division advance to the state-level contest.
• Deadline for state-level contest entries: March 1, 2027.
• Top 12 state-level winners’ artwork will be showcased on DNR Wildlife Resources Division and State Botanical Garden of Georgia social media sites.
• Details: https://georgiawildlife.com/PosterContest

This year's Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest winners have been announced.

08/27/2026

YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE STARTS HERE: THE 15th ANNUAL BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER

MANSFIELD, Ga. (Aug. 27, 2026) – Trade your daily routine for a weekend of adventure! The 15th Annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Workshop is set for October 23–25, 2026, at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. Hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, this weekend offers a hands-on introduction to a wide variety of outdoor recreational skills and activities.

“Women from all walks of life can discover and develop outdoor skills such as backpacking, fishing, shooting sports, outdoor cooking, and nature photography — all in a safe, structured, and encouraging environment,” said Kim Morris-Zarneke, Program Manager. “The atmosphere is positive and non-competitive, allowing every participant to feel confident, supported, and ready to have fun.”

BOW is designed for women ages 18 and older, of all physical ability levels. The goal is to remove barriers to outdoor participation by offering a supportive space where women can learn, grow, and connect with nature.

The weekend kicks off Friday morning and wraps up Sunday afternoon, with participants choosing from more than 30 professionally led classes in between meals, presentations, and special events. Classes vary from easygoing to physically challenging, so participants can tailor their schedule to their comfort and interest level.

Attendees can RV or tent camp on site (reservations required) or stay at the conference center lodge at Charlie Elliott, part of a well-loved complex that includes a wildlife management area and public fishing area.

“From first timers to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, our classes are crafted for all skill levels,” said Morris-Zarneke. “Whether you’re just learning the basics or building on what you already know, our instructors aim to give you the skills and confidence to continue your outdoor adventures long after the workshop ends.”

Registration opens September 2, 2026, and closes October 2, 2026 — but don’t wait, spots will fill quickly! The cost per person (including meals and programming) ranges from $255–$300, depending on lodging choice.

Beyond BOW: In addition to the annual workshop, participants can continue their learning through Beyond BOW (BBOW), which are one-day programs offered throughout the year to build on skills learned at BOW. Past sessions have included handgun safety, freshwater snorkeling, twilight paddling, and guided hikes.

For full details, including registration information, scholarship information, and a complete class list, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/bow or call (770) 784-3059 or email [email protected].

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08/25/2026

GRAB YOUR GEAR: EARLY TEAL AND GOOSE SEASON OPPORTUNITIES

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Aug. 25, 2026) –It’s time to grab your gear and start scouting. Georgia’s early waterfowl season is almost here. Hunters can get a jump on the waterfowl season with the upcoming early teal and Canada goose hunting season, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Early Canada goose season is Sept. 5-27, 2026, with a daily limit of 5 geese, and early teal season is Sept. 12-20, 2026, with a daily limit of 6 teal.

“Be sure to take advantage of early season waterfowl hunting opportunities,” said Kara Nitschke, WRD state waterfowl biologist. “The weather is nice and the birds have had limited exposure to hunting pressure, so you’ll get a chance at some good shooting before the regular season begins.”

Need a place to hunt teal and geese? Visit a Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) that is open for small game hunting during the statewide teal and goose seasons, or even at beaver ponds and other natural wetlands (always ensure you have permission to hunt any private property). Lakes and reservoirs such as Juliette, Clarks Hill, West Point, and Seminole offer great hunting opportunities for teal and geese.

Waterfowl hunters need a hunting license, the Georgia migratory bird stamp and the federal duck stamp. All licenses may be purchased at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

More information about waterfowl hunting at GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.

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TAKE PART IN HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES IN GEORGIA: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COMPLETED A HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga....
08/25/2026

TAKE PART IN HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES IN GEORGIA: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COMPLETED A HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (August 25, 2026) – Are you ready to take part in the hunting opportunities that Georgia has to offer? Before you lock in your plans, make sure you’ve completed a hunter education course. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) offers both fully online and in-person classroom options to get it done.

“Our goal is to educate hunters and set them up for success before they head to the dove field or hunting stand. We offer multiple online courses as well as in-person instructor led courses for those who prefer the classroom setting,” says Jennifer Davison, Hunter Development Program Manager with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. “It is important to the Department that we offer these different course options to accommodate all learning styles.”

There are 10 online course options available, including one in Spanish. Online courses have fees ranging from FREE to $49.95 (fees are set and collected by the independent course providers). Fee-based courses are all “pass or don’t pay.” If you prefer an in-person option, the DNR classroom course is offered free of charge.

Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1961, who:

• purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.
• is at least 12 years old and hunts without adult supervision.
• hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area.
The only exceptions include any person who:

• purchases an Apprentice Hunting License or short-term hunting license, i.e., anything less than annual duration (as opposed to a season license).
• is hunting on his or her own land or is a dependent hunting on land of his or her parents or legal guardians.
For more information, go to GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation or call 706-557-3355.

Residents and non-residents born on or after January 1, 1961, must successfully complete a hunter education course prior to purchasing a season hunting license. However, a hunter education course is not required to purchase an Apprentice License or a license identified as a “Short Term” License....

08/25/2026

GEORGIA DOVE HUNTING SEASON OPENS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (August 25, 2026) – Eyes to the skies, Georgia hunters! The 2026-2027 dove season is almost here and it’s time to start making your opening day plans. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), opening day will kick off the season on Sat. Sept. 5.

“Few hunting experiences are better for beginners than dove season. Its low-pressure pace, exciting action, and social atmosphere make it the perfect way to introduce kids to hunting,” says Kara Nitschke, Wildlife Biologist with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. “Looking for a place to dove hunt? Consider visiting a public dove field this season. Whether it's located on a Wildlife Management Area or a Voluntary Public Access Area, these fields are carefully managed and prepared to attract large numbers of doves, helping provide hunters with the best opportunity for a successful and enjoyable hunt.”

The official 2026-2027 dove season hunting dates are Sept. 5-Oct. 11, Nov. 21-Nov. 29, Dec. 19-Jan. 31. Statewide shooting hours for all dove seasons are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Bag limit is set at 15 per day.

Dove Season Tips and Information:
• Dove Field Forecast (GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove): The dove field forecast identifies available crops and anticipated field conditions for opening day.
• Take the Dove Harvest Survey: In 2026, if you hunt on a public dove field, please consider taking the Georgia DNR Dove Harvest Survey to provide feedback on your hunt experience. You can find the survey at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/dove.
• Report Banded Doves: In 2003, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with several states, including Georgia, initiated an ongoing dove banding project. Hunters can participate in this conservation effort by examining harvested doves for leg bands and reporting band numbers to the USFWS at www.reportband.gov.
• Private Field Plans? Make Sure the Field is Legal: Check out the online brochure, “Dove Hunting and Agricultural Practices in Georgia,” available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.
• Licenses Needed: Hunters 16 years of age and older must have a hunting license and a Georgia Migratory Bird License. Hunters may purchase licenses online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at license vendor locations (list of vendors available online).
• Reminder: Power lines are popular roosting spots for doves. This makes them easy targets. Though it may be tempting to shoot at a bird while it is sitting on a line, firing at power lines is always a bad idea and can result in extensive damage that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.
For more information on dove hunting in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.

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TEAM EFFORT FREES ENTANGLED MANATEE NEAR ST. SIMONS BRUNSWICK, Ga. (Aug. 5, 2026) – A manatee is swimming free again tha...
08/07/2026

TEAM EFFORT FREES ENTANGLED MANATEE NEAR ST. SIMONS

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (Aug. 5, 2026) – A manatee is swimming free again thanks to a fishing guide who reported the animal tangled in crab trap lines and the team of wildlife experts that rallied to rescue it.

The drama played out over two days last week on the Mackay and Hampton rivers off St. Simons Island and Brunswick.

Though often unnoticed in turbid coastal waters, Florida manatees are 1,000-pound-plus, federally protected marine mammals that migrate from Florida into Georgia and the Carolinas each spring into early fall to feed on abundant marsh plants and algae.

But the call and photographs from St. Simons’ Capt. Davis Galland on July 29 revealed a rarity: the first documented entanglement of a manatee in Georgia. The adult female had the line and buoy from a commercial crab pot wrapped tightly around her body, just behind the head and encircling her right pectoral flipper, said senior wildlife biologist Jessica Thompson, who leads the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Marine Mammal Program.

DNR responded quickly, attaching a satellite tracking tag and cutting away the anchoring crab trap before a storm chased the crew and Galland, who stayed to see if help was needed, off the water.

The next day, a three-boat, multi-state group including DNR, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Lab managed to completely free the manatee.

It wasn’t easy. The plan was to pull the manatee onto Florida FWC’s manatee rescue boat using a specialized net so she could be assessed and all gear removed. Yet two smaller manatees – at least one was a calf – stayed too close for this approach.

The group worked through alternatives, keeping the safety of the animals and staff in mind. Although usually slow and docile, manatees are powerful and under stress can be unpredictable and move fast.

By early afternoon, members had removed the buoy and remaining line, which was beginning to cut into the manatee’s skin. Thompson said the successful effort involved skills learned in disentangling dolphins and North Atlantic right whales from commercial fishing gear, and highlighted the group’s collaborative approach and experience in working with marine mammals.

PARTNER COMMENTS

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
• Jessica Thompson, Marine Mammal Program manager with DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division
“We knew the entanglement was life-threatening without human intervention, and that intervening posed a very high risk for the responders and the manatees. I am grateful for our DNR team and for being able to call on colleagues whose collective expertise gained during years of manatee rescues and captures, field observations of manatee behavior, and marine mammal disentanglement made this a success. It was great to be a part of a response team that demonstrated patience – understanding we had to think through all the options – and adaptability, being able to reassess the changing situation to move forward effectively.”

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute
• Monica Ross, director of Manatee Research and Conservation
“Safely tracking and disentangling a free-swimming manatee in this type of situation requires patience, specialized expertise and close coordination among experienced responders. We were proud to work alongside Georgia DNR, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our other partners, contributing our marine mammal rescue and research experience to help safely free this manatee. It was an honor to be part of a response team that remained adaptable throughout the operation, and this successful outcome reflects what can be accomplished when organizations come together with a shared commitment to protecting marine wildlife.”

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Terri Calleson, Florida Manatee Recovery Lead
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is dedicated to working with partners and the public to conserve and protect animals like this Florida manatee. We worked alongside Georgia DNR and our other partners, bringing our manatee expertise to the planning table. Together, we developed a rescue strategy and deployed the right team with the specialized skills and resources this complex operation required. Each partner contributed something essential, and USFWS was proud to lend our knowledge and support to the collective effort. Because of this impressive team response, this female manatee and what appeared to be a dependent calf have a chance to thrive and contribute to the wild population for years to come. It highlights how USFWS values our conservation partnerships and how manatee rescues truly ‘take a village,’ whether rendering emergency aid or working collaboratively toward species recovery.”

Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Lab
• Tara M. Cox, Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway Professorial Chair in Marine Sciences
“It was an incredible opportunity for Savannah State University graduate students to learn alongside experienced professionals, expand their field skills and directly contribute to important conservation efforts.”

REPORTING MANATEES
If you see or photograph an entangled, entrapped, injured or dead manatee, contact (800) 2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). Provide the date, time, location or coordinates, plus photos, if possible. Do not try to intervene: The on-call biologist will assess the situation.

FOR MORE
West Indian manatee profile:

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08/05/2026

COUNTDOWN TO THE START OF GEORGIA’S SQUIRREL HUNTING SEASON

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Aug. 4, 2026) – Grab your favorite .22 and get ready to hit the woods. Georgia’s squirrel hunting season opens August 15, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

“For those looking into becoming a hunter or introducing someone new to hunting, squirrel season is a great way to start,” said Tina Johannsen, Assistant Chief of the WRD Game Management Section. “Hunting squirrels doesn’t require you to sit perfectly still or stay completely quiet, so, it’s often less intimidating for beginners. Squirrels are common throughout Georgia, so new hunters have plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy a successful day outdoors.”

Squirrel season is Aug. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027, and hunters can pursue both gray and fox squirrels. The maximum daily bag limit is 12 per hunter. Please note that all Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), Voluntary Public Access areas and department managed lands have a fox squirrel bag limit of one per person per day.

New to squirrel hunting? Check out our Squirrel Hunting 101 virtual “class” at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources.

Georgia WMAs offer access to nearly one million acres of hunting opportunity, and squirrel hunting is allowed on WMAs at specified times during the statewide squirrel season (GeorgiaWildlife.com/allwmas). Hunters are advised to check the current hunting regulations for specific WMA dates and info (GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources).

Both gray and fox squirrels are found throughout Georgia. The gray squirrel, abundant in both rural and urban areas, is most common. Though mostly associated with hardwood forests, grays also can be found in mixed pine/hardwood forests. Predominantly gray, with white under parts, gray squirrels appear more slender-bodied than fox squirrels, weighing anywhere from 12 ounces to 1.5 pounds. Fox squirrels have several color phases, varying from silver-gray with a predominantly black head, to solid black, to a light buff or brown color tinged with reddish-yellow. Generally larger than grays, fox squirrels range in weight from one pound to nearly three, and are more closely associated with mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood habitats, especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.

Squirrel for dinner? Yes, please. Whether fried with gravy, barbeque style, slow cooker, in a casserole, or any other delicious way, squirrel is a healthy, sustainable source of protein high in iron and B Vitamins, and best of all – it tastes good! Find some tasty recipes for harvested squirrels at GeorgiaWildlife.blog/2018/08/26/5-squirrel-recipes-youll-ever-taste/.

For more information on the 2026-2027 squirrel hunting season, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources. To renew or purchase a hunting license, visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

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AUGUST IS SHOOTING SPORTS MONTH IN GEORGIA ACCORDING TO A PROCLAMATION BY GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (July 2...
07/29/2026

AUGUST IS SHOOTING SPORTS MONTH IN GEORGIA ACCORDING TO A PROCLAMATION BY GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (July 28, 2026) – In recognition of Georgia’s rich outdoor heritage and the significant economic impact of the shooting sports industry, Governor Brian Kemp has proclaimed August as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is encouraging Georgians of all experience levels to celebrate by visiting a public shooting range, learning new shooting skills, and safely enjoying shooting sports throughout the month.

This proclamation recognized the important role hunting and recreational shooting have played in Georgia’s history, culture, and traditions. Each year, millions of Georgians participate in hunting and shooting sports, helping support wildlife conservation while contributing to the state’s economy.

In 2024 alone, the shooting sports and hunting industry contributed an estimated $2.7 billion to the economy and supports nearly 11,000 jobs. In 2025, the state received over $19.2 million in conservation funding through the Pittman-Robertson Act, derived from sportsmen and women who purchase fi****ms equipment and ammunition which provides funding back to states for work that supports wildlife and habitat management.

Where should you go? To a Georgia public shooting range, of course!

Georgia has more than 45 public archery and shooting ranges available in the state, many of them available on public land like Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) or Public Fishing Areas (PFAs).

For more information on public ranges in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/AllRanges.

07/23/2026

SUMMER READING LIST: 2026-2027 GEORGIA HUNTING & FISHING REGULATIONS

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (July 23, 2026) – The time is here to add one more book to your summer reading list. The 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations and Seasons guide is now available both online and in print. Published by The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division, the combined guide includes the latest regulations, season dates, and licensing information.

The guide features important information for hunters, including season dates, bag limits, Wildlife Management Area (WMA) regulations, quota hunts, and youth hunting opportunities. Anglers will find freshwater and saltwater fish identification charts, trout stream listings, Public Fishing Area (PFA) information, state record fish listings and other fishing regulations. The guide also includes recreational licensing information and additional resources for Georgia’s outdoor enthusiasts.

View the guide (or download a pdf copy) online GeorgiaWildlife.com. Pick up a printed copy at Wildlife Resources Division offices and license vendors throughout Georgia.

For more information, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com.

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61 Tsalaki Trail
Helen, GA
30545

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