Friday, August 29, 2003
Friday, August 29, 2003 |
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September brings Georgia dove hunting season Georgia's dove hunting season opens in September and often is seen as the official start to the fall hunting season. Hunters in the northern zone can begin hunting at noon Saturday, Sept. 6. Those in the southern zone can head to the field at noon Saturday, Sept. 27. To help ensure a safe and legal hunting season the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division reminds hunters to review all rules and regulations regarding dove hunting. "Dove season is a wonderful opportunity to introduce new folks to hunting. The tradition, fun and camaraderie confirms many youngsters as new hunters," said WRD Chief of Game Management Todd Holbrook. "In addition, the Division would like to remind hunters that some great opportunities for their hunt occur on Wildlife Management Area public dove fields." In the northern zone, the dove hunting season runs from Sept. 6-Oct. 5, Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 10-Jan. 15.In the southern zone, the dove hunting season runs from Sept. 27-Oct. 26, Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 10-Jan. 15. Hunters can find a map outlining the northern and southern zones on page 12 of the 2003-2004 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide available at all license agents and WRD offices. This map and information also are available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com. Hunters should be sure to observe the following regulations when dove hunting: Sportsmen and women over the age of 16 must possess a Georgia hunting license and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program Permit to hunt doves. Those hunting on a WMA also must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses at over 1,200 license agents, on the Internet at www.gohuntgeorgia.com (hunters should note that there no longer is a transaction fee to purchase a license at the WRD Web site) or by phone at 1-888-748-6887. On opening day, shooting hours for doves are noon to sunset. On all other days during the dove season, shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.The sunrise and sunset times for each day can be found on page 55 of the 2003-2004 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide or at www.gohuntgeorgia.com. The daily bag limit is 12 doves per day per hunter. Any autoloading or other repeating shotgun must be plugged to hold no more than three shotshells while hunting doves. Hunters are reminded to obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property and should be sure to treat all land with respect; clean up spent shells, leave gates the way they were found and remove all trash. For more information on dove hunting rules and regulations and public dove fields, hunters should review the 2003-2004 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call a WRD Game Management Office.
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