Public Hearings Set on Hunting Regulations

Hunters and other interested citizens are encouraged to review proposed hunting regulations for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons and make plans to attend one of three scheduled public hearings.

“The purpose of hunting regulations is to manage renewable wildlife resources consistent with the scientific principles of wildlife management, while meeting public objectives for wise use of these resources,” said Tina Johannsen, Operations Manager with the Game Management Section. “At this point in the process, we are interested in public comments specific to the proposed changes under consideration.”

The public notice and synopsis of proposed rule changes is available on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division webpage at www.georgiawildlife.com/Hunting/RegulationChanges .

Some of the proposed changes include an increase in either sex days for deer where appropriate, expand hunting opportunity for bears, add counties along the fall line to alligator zones, codify rules for hunting waterfowl on certain reservoirs, refine issuance of deer crop damage permits, and adjust wildlife management area hunting regulations where needed.

Three public hearings are scheduled to provide the public an opportunity to share comments on the proposed hunting regulation changes. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 11—Go Fish Education Center, 1255 Perry Parkway, Perry.

Wednesday, April 12—Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming.

Thursday, April 13—Sports Complex and Civic Center, 786 Austin Avenue East, Pearson.

Any participant at the 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 upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement.

Those unable to attend a meeting may submit input either electronically or in written statement form. Input must be received by close of business (4:30 p.m.) on April 21.

•Written statements should be mailed to: GA DNR/Wildlife Resources Division/Game Management Section; Attn: Tina Johannsen; 2067 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.; Social Circle, Georgia 30025.

•Statements may be electronically submitted at: www.georgiawildlife.com/Hunting/Regulations/SubmitComments

These meeting sites are accessible to people with physical disabilities. To request sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids, contact Don McGowan at 770- 918-6404 no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 7, 2017.

For more information or to view the proposed regulation changes, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/Hunting/RegulationChanges .