Archery Deer Hunting Season Begins Saturday

Archery deer hunting season begins this weekend in Georgia.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, archers get the first opportunity at bringing home a deer beginning Saturday, Sept. 13.

DNR Law Enforcement Officer in Northeast Georgia Craig Fulghum says regulations for deer hunting are the same as last year.

“It’s the official kick-off for archery deer hunting season for 2014-2015,” Fulghum said. “The regulations are the same as in prior years, 10 does, two bucks.  So, it should be a similar season.”

Statewide archery season runs through Oct. 10, although hunters may hunt deer with archery equipment through the entire 2014-2015 deer season.

Many public lands offer specialty hunts, including primitive weapons hunts, adult/child hunts and ladies-only hunts.

Dates and locations for these hunts are listed in the 2014-2015 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide.
Georgia offers more than 90 state-operated wildlife management areas (WMAs) for the public’s use.

However, Fulghum says hunters must make sure, if they plan to be on private land, that they have permission.

“The big thing we want hunters to realize is that you should not assume that just because you hunt on that land from year to year, you still need to get permission from the land owner annually. Property changes hands, so you need to get permission in writing and signed by the property owner,” Fulghum said.

Safety is also always an important factor when hunting deer.  Most of the safety tips for archery deer hunting are similar to regular deer hunting tips, but there are few important differences, according to Fulghum.

“Hunting with archery, you’re hunting with close range, 30-40 yard is the typical range,” he said. “So, you’re hunting with broad heads, which are very sharp. Always make sure when climbing a tree, make sure your not climbing the tree with the arrow knocked already. Most archery hunters are speciality hunters and they know that.  Always account for your shot and where you’re shooting.”

Last year, 118,238 archery hunters harvested more than 74,490 deer across Georgia.  Hunters account for $977 million in retail sales in Georgia each year with a $1.6 billion ripple effect and almost 24,000 jobs.

To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, big game license and a current deer harvest record.  And if hunting on a WMA, a WMA license is required.

Licenses can be purchased online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/licenses-permits-passes , by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at a license agent (list of agents available online).

For more information on deer hunting seasons, regulations, licenses and WMA maps, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting .