National hunting and day September 26, 2020 is National Hunting and Fishing ing license fees, federal aid programs have funded game Day. While this year there will be no Outdoor Adventure animals and sport fish conservation, habitat acquisition Days or large gatherings due to COVID-19 concerns, the and outdoor recreation opportunities both in and Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division encourages throughout the country. you to get outdoors and actively participate in your favor- In celebration of this special day, be sure to take some- ite recreational activity. one (especially young people) outside and introduce them Each day, millions of Americans work to conserve and to a whole new world of enjoyment through hunting, hik- improve our natural resources—they are America’s hunt- ing, birdwatching, fishing or another outdoor activity. ers and anglers. The U.S. Congress and President Nixon Georgia offers a Free Fishing Day in honor of National established National Hunting and Fishing Day in 1972 Hunting and Fishing Day on September 26, 2020. On this to recognize these generations of hunters and anglers for day, residents do NOT need a fishing license or a trout the time and money, more than a billion dollars each year, license to fish on any public waters in the state including they donate to wildlife conservation programs. More on lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas. the history of this event. Conserving the states natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations and the conservation programs sup- ported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy. View the NHF Day slide presentation! One of the best ways all of us can create a better public understanding of hunting and fishing is to create a bet- ter public awareness of the important role that hunters and anglers have played in conservation and improving our natural resources. Together with hunting and fish- where to buy Information provided by your license www.georgiawildlife.com Online: gooutdoorsgeorgia.com Phone: 1-800-366-2661 In Person: License vendors are statewide. Check gohunt- www.eregulations.com georgia.com for complete list. Federal Duck Stamp: gooutdoorsgeorgia.com, usps.com, www.nhfday.org 1-800-STAMP24 or a local US Post Office TOP FIVE REASONS TO BUY A HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE 1. 100% of your purchase is going to fund wildlife conser- vation in Georgia. 2. Your license purchase is an investment bringing $50 back to Georgia wildlife in federal dollars. 3. You’ll join a group of people that have funded conserva- tion for the past 100 years. 4. It’s a great value - a $15 annual hunting or fishing li- cense allows you to hunt or fish for 4 cents a day - 24/7/365. 5. It lets you do more than just hunt or fish - every hunt- ing or fishing license also gives you access to all of Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) and shooting ranges.

2 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 3 HUNTING LICENSE INFORMATION Residency Hunter education is not re- must successfully complete a cess). WMAs and PFAs that re- RESIDENT means any person quired to purchase an Ap- hunter education course but are quire a license to hunt or fish or who has been domiciled within prentice Hunting License or not required to present their a Lands Pass are marked with a the State of Georgia (declared short-term license. Persons Hunter Education Card when sign at the site or area entrance. Georgia their only state of purchasing a Lifetime License buying a season hunting license See Public Hunting Opportuni- legal residence) for a period of must have hunter education be- or possess it while hunting. ties for more information. at least three months. A valid fore hunting, unless exempt by APPRENTICE HUNTER is FREE Licenses Georgia driver’s license or age or supervision. Hunter edu- any person who has not suc- SENIOR CITIZENS: Georgia Georgia ID is required to show cation is not required to hunt cessfully completed a hunter residents born on or before residency. Nonresident full on one’s own land or land of education course or does not June 30, 1952 may obtain a time Georgia college students a parent or guardian (blood or possess a hunter education Lifetime Sportsman’s License with a valid college ID living dependent relationship) resid- certificate. Apprentice hunt- free of charge. An optional in Georgia, and active duty ing in the same household, or to ers may purchase a short-term Lifetime Sportsman’s Plastic military personnel with a valid hunt pen raised game birds on Apprentice Hunting License to Card may be purchased for U.S. DOD Common Access licensed shooting preserves that hunt and fish in Georgia. $10. Reduced cost senior an- Card with Uniformed Services provide specified hunter educa- LANDS PASS nual and lifetime licenses are affiliation and the dependents tion instruction (see Shooting this is the Right Sidebar mobile available to residents age 65+ of such military personnel Preserve License). bottom ad place born July 1, 1952 and after. may obtain resident hunting To obtain a replacement Any person age 16 and older, RETURNING GEORGIA and fishing licenses other than hunter education card visit entering any WMA or PFA VETERANS (one time only): resident lifetime, disability and GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com or must have a valid Georgia Georgia resident military vet- honorary licenses. Nonresident call 1-800-366-2661 Monday– license that allows hunting or erans who were on active duty landowners must purchase a Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. fishing on state land or a Lands for 90 or more consecutive nonresident license. and Saturday and Sunday 9 Pass (exclusions apply, visit days and were honorably dis- Hunter Education a.m. to 5 p.m. georgiawildlife.com/LandAc- Continued on page 5 All hunters born on or after Jan. Age Requirements 1, 1961 must successfully com- HUNTERS UNDER AGE 16 plete a hunter education course are not required to complete before purchasing a hunting a hunter education course. A license. All hunter education child under age 16 must be courses certified or mandated under “direct supervision” or by any state wildlife agency “directly supervised,” which or Canadian province are ac- means uninterrupted, unaided cepted. Residents may sign up visual contact and auditory for online or classroom courses communication with the child at GoHuntGeorgia.com or by by a licensed adult. It is unlaw- calling 1-800-366-2661. ful for an adult to permit their License Requirements child or ward (under age 16) to Reliable identification and a hunt without adult supervision. Social Security Number (SSN) Exception: Hunters 12–15 are required to purchase a years old may hunt unsu- license (OCGA § 19-11-9.1). pervised after successfully Game Wardens may require completing a hunter education positive identification when course. Special restrictions may checking licenses. All required apply on WMAs and Federal hunting licenses and stamps Areas. must be in possession while HUNTERS AGE 16–25 are hunting or while assisting an- required to have a hunter edu- other hunter (electronic copies cation card when purchasing are acceptable). It is unlawful a season hunting license and to obtain, possess, or use mul- must be in possession while tiple licenses for the purpose hunting. of circumventing season bag HUNTERS OVER AGE 25 limits. and born after Jan. 1, 1961 4 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com License an alligator (permittee must and must be signed in ink across Affairs, Social Security Admin- Continued from page 4 also be selected through the the face. The Federal Migratory istration, Medicaid, Medicare, or charged on or after July 1, 2005 alligator quota hunt process). Bird Hunting and Conserva- Railroad Retirement System. may obtain one annual Hon- All persons accompanying or tion Stamp is available at US Lifetime Sportsman’s Licenses: orary License free of charge. assisting an alligator permit Post Offices, 1-800-STAMP24, cover all state paid hunting and Such veterans may obtain this holder need a valid hunting www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com, or fishing privileges (free required license by providing a copy of license. A free permit is avail- usps.com. state licenses and the Federal their DD Form 214 and a com- able for Lifetime Sportsman’s Sportsman’s License includes Duck stamp are not included) pleted DNR application. License, Disability Sportsman’s Hunting, Big Game, Fishing and and are valid for the life of the Types of Licenses License, Disability Hunting Trout Licenses. Duck hunters license holder. These privileges RESIDENT HUNTING, License, Honorary License, must obtain a Federal Duck specifically include Hunting, COMBO OR SPORTSMAN’S and Resident Optional Youth Stamp. Migratory Bird hunt- Big Game, Fishing, and Trout LICENSE is required for all Sportsman’s License holders ers must obtain a Free Georgia Licenses. Lifetime License ap- resident hunters 16 years of age selected for an Alligator Quota Migratory Bird Stamp. Saltwater plications may be obtained at or older, except when hunting hunt. anglers must obtain a Free SIP GoHuntGeorgia.com, by calling or fishing on one’s own land this is the Right Sidebar mobile license. Alligator, deer and tur- 1-800-366-2661, or by visiting or land owned by immediate bottom ad place key hunters must obtain a Free any WRD office. For identifi- family (blood or dependent re- Big game license is required, in Harvest Record. cation and proof of residency lationship) residing in the same addition to a valid Hunting Li- RESIDENT OPTIONAL requirements see information on cense, for hunting deer, turkey, YOUTH SPORTSMAN’S household. page 10. or bear. The Big Game License LICENSE: this optional multi- NONRESIDENT HUNTING, Excluded from Lifetime Sports- is not required by resident year license can be purchased COMBO or SPORTSMAN’S man’s License: Free Georgia hunters hunting one’s own land by resident youth through age LICENSE is required for all Migratory Bird Stamp, Federal or land owned by immediate 15 and does not expire until the nonresident hunters, except Duck Stamp, Free SIP permit, family (blood or dependent re- sportsman’s 17th birthday. The nonresident small game hunters and a Free Alligator, Deer, and lationship) residing in the same license includes privileges for that are under 16. All non- Turkey Harvest Record. These household, resident or nonresi- all hunting and fishing including resident big game hunters must must be obtained annually. obtain a harvest record (alliga- dent persons under the age of big game and trout. A Harvest Resident / NonResident Shoot- tor, deer and turkey) and those 16, or anyone who possesses Record, Migratory Bird Stamp ing Preserve License: A 2-year 16 and older must possess a an Honorary, Sportsman’s, or (16+), Quota Alligator Harvest ($12) or lifetime ($75) shooting big game license (included in Lifetime Sportsman’s License. Permit if selected, and SIP (16+) preserve license is available to Sportsman’s License). A Harvest Record is required to are free but must be obtained residents and nonresidents. This HARVEST RECORD (Al- hunt deer or turkey. each year. Hunter education is ligator, DEER & TURKEY) GEORGIA MIGRATORY required at age 16. license covers hunting pen raised is required for any person who BIRD STAMP is required for NONRESIDENT YOUTH game birds and fishing in any hunts alligator, deer or turkey, any person who hunts migra- SPORTSMAN’S LICENSE: private or state waters located regardless of age. The Har- tory birds (doves, ducks, geese, this annual license can be within the boundaries of licensed vest Record is only valid for a woodcock, snipe, coots, rails, purchased by nonresident youth private or commercial shooting single year and may be ob- or gallinules) and is required by through age 15. The license in- preserves. Hunter safety require- tained on or after March 1 for age to have a hunting license to cludes privileges for all hunting ments for hunting pen raised the upcoming season. Harvest hunt. A free Georgia Migratory and fishing including big game game birds on properly licensed must be recorded before mov- Bird Stamp is available for all and trout (except for the Quota shooting preserves may be met ing the animal from the site of resident Landowners hunting Alligator Harvest Permit). A by hunter education instruction the kill, and reported online or their own land and hunters with harvest record, Migratory Bird that, at minimum, demonstrates by telephone within 24 hours. a valid Sportsman’s License, Stamp (16+), and SIP (16+) techniques for proper firearm See Hunting Information. Youth Sportsman’s License, are free but must be obtained. handling, unloading, and safety. RESIDENT HUNTERS UN- Disability Sportsman’s License, Hunter education is required at Appropriate licenses, hunter DER AGE 16 must possess a Disability Hunting License, age 16. safety certification requirements, Harvest Record to hunt alliga- Honorary License or Lifetime Disability Hunting License: and state seasons and regulations tor, deer and turkey. They are Sportsman’s License. Georgia residents who are apply when hunting wild game not required to possess any of Federal Duck Stamp is required permanently and totally disabled birds or other wildlife on shoot- the following: Hunting, Big for all waterfowl hunters 16 may obtain a Disability License. ing preserves. Exception: it shall Game or Georgia Migratory years of age or older including A qualifying disability is an im- be lawful to hunt bobwhite quail Bird Stamp. resident landowners and their pairment of a permanent and to- between October 1 and March ALLIGATOR HARVEST immediate family. The stamp tal nature and is certified as such 31 of the following year on PERMIT is required to harvest is valid from July 1–June 30 by the Department of Veterans licensed shooting preserves. www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 5 6 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 7 prepare for a successful season Hunting is a popular hobby and sport enjoyed by millions depending on a host of factors, including construction, com- of people across North America. Over the last 10 years, data mercialization and weather. Areas once open to hunting may from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that more now be restricted lands. Map out your potential hunting loca- and more females are taking up hunting. tion and be aware of any new landmarks or changes. Hunting seasons vary depending on where you live. Regu- * Check and replenish gear. Inspect weaponry, field- lations designed by local conservation, game, fish, and wild- dressing supplies, clothing, and other supplies for wear and life departments often dictate the start and end of hunting tear. Address any issues that need to be fixed, or replace items season. Although the licensing, seasons, limits, and fees for as necessary. If a rifle, bow or shotgun hasn’t been fired in a hunting may differ geographically, the preparation that goes while, take it to a range to verify accuracy and sighting. If you into getting ready for hunting season is similar regardless of hunt out of a tree stand or blind, make sure it is sturdy and in geography. good condition prior to use. Many seasoned hunters realize hunting season does not * Get in shape. Hunting often requires hiking in and out of begin on “opening day.” Rather, it can take weeks or months the great outdoors in various terrain. It’s helpful to increase to get ready for a successful season. Considering hunting sea- physical activity leading up to the hunt to prepare your body sons can be brief, preparation helps hunters make the most of for the physical demands of hunting. their time spent in the field. * Organize and pack gear. Ensure your equipment is clean, * Purchase your license, tag or stamp. Many wildlife in working order and packed away in your travel bags. Estab- departments require hunters register in advance of the sea- lish a system of organization and a checklist so you’re certain son, and this registration includes securing a hunting license. you will have what you need. Don’t forget to bring along your Because there is a limit to how many animals each hunter can hunting license and animal tags; otherwise, you may be levied hunt, tags for the animals they’re hunting also will be issued. with costly fines. Hunters planning on going out for the season should stay ap- * Always hunt safely. It is quite easy to get swept up in prised of when licensing and registration begins and ends so the moment when tracking game. Don’t let overzealousness they can hunt legally. cloud rational judgement and safety precautions. Otherwise an * Scout areas. The landscape can change from year to year injury or even death can occur. baiting deer hunting Bait: corn, wheat, other grains, salts, apples, and other feed that Five Tips To Optimize Your Use Of Bait has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered so as to Deer hunting: Thinking of using bait to attract deer to your constitute a lure, attraction, or enticement to game animals or game hunting grounds? Here are a few tips to help you maximize your birds. chances of success this season. It is unlawful for any person to: Hunt any game animal (except as noted below) or game bird 1. Whether you’re hunting or approaching your tree stand, upon, over, around, or near bait. always stay downwind. Make sure the path that leads to your Hunt any area for a period of 10 days following complete removal stand allows you to get there without the deer catching your scent or seeing you. of all bait. 2. Choose a bait site that a wary adult male will find difficult to Hunt any game or feral hog over bait, or place bait, on any State bypass. Do this by making use of natural obstacles like streams or Federal managed lands. and fields. This way, you won’t lose sight of the animal as it Place bait in a manner that will cause hunting on an adjacent tries to maneuver around your site, and you’ll prevent it from property to be prohibited. passing behind your stand and catching your scent. this is the Right Sidebar mobile bottom ad place 3. If possible, maintain more than one bait site so you can adapt Taking of any big game, other than deer, over bait is subject to a your strategy to different wind conditions. fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months. 4. Be generous with your bait. The fewer trips you make to your Exceptions for Deer AND FERAL HOGS: site to restock, the lower your risk of contaminating the area Deer and feral hogs may be hunted over or near any bait on pri- with your scent. And make sure your bait site never runs out of vate lands in all counties, provided the hunter has written permission food; you don’t want the deer going elsewhere to feed! from the landowner. It is unlawful to hunt deer over bait, or place 5. If you are using a firearm, locate your tree stand as far as bait, on any state or federally managed lands. possible from your bait site: a minimum of 100 yards is good Placing bait for deer or hogs may make a property (or portion of a so as to avoid spreading your scent in the area. For the same reason, your hunting stand should be as high off the ground as property) un-huntable for other species, such as turkeys. Hunters are possible. urged to communicate with others who may hunt other species on or near an area where baiting for deer or hogs is being considered.

8 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com BIG GAME SEASON, DATES, LIMITS

www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 9 SMALL GAME SEASON, DATES, LIMITS

10 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com SMALL GAME INFORMATION

We do Deer Processing!

Mon-Fri - 9 a.m.-7 p.m. • Sat - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. LUNCH: Monday-Friday - 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Broxton Butcher Block, LLC 205205 EE OcmulgeeOcmulgee St,St, BroxtonBroxton •• 359-5413359-5413

www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 11 FERAL HOGS

12 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com MIGRATORY BIRDS SEASON

www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 13 14 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 15 Hunting is spelled s-a-f-e-t-y Hunting is an enjoyable, safe activity as long as some basic guidelines are followed. Here are a few safety recommendations from the experts. When hunting • Respect all safety standards and guidelines applying to the use of a firearm. • Always handle firearms as if they were loaded. Never use alcohol or drugs while handling a firearm. • Control the muzzle of your firearm at all times. • Be doubly careful when setting up or inspecting a hunting blind or tree stand. When climbing up and down, take extra care with your firearm. Use the safety straps and check the reliability of the fasteners. • Clearly identify your game before you shoot. Always be certain of the target. • Ensure that the line of fire is safe. Be certain of what is in front of and beyond your target. • Don’t put your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to fire. Never rely solely on the gun’s “safety” mechanism. • Self control: It’s not uncommon for hunters to become excited while on the hunt. Remember that this excitement can cause you to make careless mistakes, so you need to keep control of your emotions while on the hunt. If you become anxious or overly excited, then slow down. If that means temporarily stopping the hunt, then you need to err on the side of caution. A calm shooter is always a better and more accurate shooter. When you return to your hunting camp or home • Ensure that your firearms are unloaded and transport them in a safe man- ner. Lock them up at home or ensure that they are under your control at all times. • Always handle firearms as if they were loaded. • Allow yourself to appreciate the usefulness of hunting rules and safety guidelines, even if you think they cramp your style. The few hunting accidents that do occur are almost always attributed to the unsafe use of firearms and reckless use of hunting blinds. While some hunting regulations are aimed at protecting wildlife, many others are for the protection of hunters. Tree Stand Safety Tree stands can be deadly. The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) has stated that on average, over 20 hunters die every year from tree stand falls, and that “dozens more see their lives changed forever due to per- manent disability.” According to the IHEA, nearly all tree stand accidents could be prevented if two basic safety rules are followed: 1. Wear a full-body harness. 2. Stay connected to the tree from the time your feet leave the ground. It doesn’t matter if your tree stand is in Georgia or in Arkansas; safety should be your top priority. More tree stand safety tips include: • Check the specifications and gui­de­lines on your harness and the expiration date stamp. • Wear the harness properly and wear the lineman’s belt. • Attach suspension trauma relief straps to your harness. They will prevent serious injury or death in case of a fall. • Use a well-designed and sturdily built tree stand approved by manufactur- ers. • Carefully inspect your tree stand for wear, rust, metal fatigue and cracks, loose or missing nuts or bolts, and rot and deterioration before and after each use. • Frequently practice using your tree stand and harness. • Always use a haul line for gear. • Unload your gun or bow before climbing­ or descending the stand. • Let hunters in your party know where your stand is located. Leave a map on your dashboard and state the time you will return. • Don’t use tree stands if you’re tired, sick or on medication. 16 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com Wildlife management areas (wmas)

www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 17 18 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 19 unlawful hunting activities Hunting without landowners’ permission, including power line, Selling or purchasing any game species or parts thereof, except gas line, railroad and other rights-of-way. Written permission must be antlers, hides, and tails of legally taken deer, tails of legally taken obtained if land is so posted. squirrels, hides of legally trapped furbearers, and legally taken alliga- Hunting while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. tor products. Holding, possessing, releasing, or importing wildlife without a Use of a computer or any other device to remotely discharge a permit from the DNR. firearm for the purpose of hunting. Concealing the taking or possession of wildlife (or parts) which Use of drugs, poisons, chemicals, smoke, gas, explosives, or the person in possession reasonably should have known was obtained electronically-amplified sounds to hunt any game species. illegally. Use of any pitfall, deadfall, snare, catch, net, live decoy, or baited Killing or crippling game without reasonable efforts to retrieve. hook to take game species. Hunt, shoot, kill, or wound any farmed deer (e.g. elk, red deer, Use of electronic communications equipment to aid in the pursuit fallow deer, sika deer, or axis deer) or exotic wild animal (e.g. farmed of game. deer, mouflon sheep, Barbary sheep [aoudad], antelope, etc.) held Disturbing wildlife dens, holes, or homes, or driving wildlife, from under a wild animal license for enjoyment, gain, amusement, or sport. their dens, holes, or homes. Hunting or shooting from or across a public road. Discharging a firearm within 50 yards of a public road. Hunting from a vehicle, plane, or boat under power. Blinding wildlife with lights.

20 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com deer hunting regulations ARCHERY under 16 years of age may hunt Harvest Record through the GA paper Harvest Record. • Archery Only Counties: deer with any legal deer firearm. Outdoors App, online at gooutdoors- ANTLERS Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton Primitive weapons hunters may not georgia.com or by calling 1-800- Antlerless deer are those having (north of GA Hwy 92) Counties in possess any centerfire or rimfire 366-2661 before moving the deer no visible antlers above the hairline accordance with statewide bag firearm while hunting during the from the site of the kill. (including “button bucks”) and may limits and other regulations. primitive weapons season, unless the You can now report your harvest only be taken during eithersex or • Extended Archery Season: person possesses a valid Weapons through the GA Outdoors App when antlerless seasons or hunts. During Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Carry License in this state (pursuant your phone has no service. Enter “buck-only” hunts or seasons, a deer Fulton, Gwinnett, and Rockdale to OCGA §§ 16-11-126(f) or 16- your harvest date and county on the must Counties only; in accordance with 11-129), subject to the limitations Harvest Record through the App. have antlers visible above the statewide bag limits and other (OCGA §§ 16-11-126 and 16-11- When you get to a location with hairline to be legal for harvest. regulations. 127). service, access the App HEAD OF DEER • Chattahoochee-Oconee NF: SEASON LIMIT and sync to receive your confir- It is unlawful to remove the head During firearms deer season, archers 10 antlerless deer and 2 antlered mation number. of a deer until the deer is processed must follow firearms either-sex deer. One of the two antlered deer NO PHONE? NO PROBLEM! or surrendered to a storage facility dates on the National Forest. must have a minimum of 4 points, • Log It—Enter the harvest date for storage or processing. Archery hunting is allowed dur- 1 inch or longer, on one side of the and county on your paper Harvest TRANSPORTING DEER ing primitive weapon and firearm antlers. (Special county antler re- Record before moving the deer from HARVESTED BY ANOTHER deer seasons. Deer of either sex strictions noted below and on pages the site of the kill. HUNTER may be taken, except as otherwise 22-23) • Report It—Within 72 hours of Persons transporting deer har- specified on WMAs and on the COUNTY-WIDE ANTLER the kill or before taking your deer to vested by another hunter must pos- Chattahoochee-Oconee National RESTRICTIONS the processor, report your harvest by sess, in writing, the complete name, Forest. Archery hunters must wear Dooly & Macon: antlered bucks going online to gooutdoorsgeorgia. address, telephone and hunting at least 500 square inches of hunter must have a minimum outside com or calling 1-800-366-2661. license number of the person who orange during primitive weapons antler spread of 15 in. Hancock, • Record It—Copy the confir- harvested the deer, and the Game and firearms deer seasons, ex- Harris, Meriwether, Montgomery, mation number received onto your cept in Archery-Only Counties or Randolph, Talbot & Troup: antlered Continued on page 22 WMAs. Archers may not possess bucks must have a minimum of 4 any firearms while hunting dur- points, 1 in. or longer, on one side of ing archery deer season, unless the the antlers. person possesses a valid Weapons CHECKING YOUR DEER Carry License in this state (pursuant All deer hunters are required to OCGA §§16-11-126(f) or 16-11- to have a Harvest Record for the 129), subject to limitations (OCGA current season. Additionally, all §§ 16-11-126 and 16-11-127). harvest must be reported within 72 PRIMITIVE WEAPONS hours through Georgia Game Check Statewide, excluding archery- or before leaving the deer with a only counties. Scopes are legal. processor. During the statewide primitive CELL PHONE HANDY? weapons deer season and WMA If you have a cell phone, enter primitive weapons hunts, youth the harvest date and county on the

We Are Your Hunting Headquarters Jerry’s Sport Shop 4075 Vickers Street Ambrose • 912-359-3241 Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Closed Sunday & Monday

www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 21 Regulations 1 – boned-out meat; Continued from page 21 2 – processed cuts of meat; 3 – clean skull plates with antlers Check confirmation number. attached (not the entire skull); COOLER LOCKERS 4 – clean antlers; Whole or field-dressed deer 5 – finished taxidermy mounts; received by a coldstorage or meat and processing facility must be marked 6 – clean upper canine teeth (aka with the hunter’s name, date, county buglers, ivories, whistlers). of harvest and sex of deer. A list of To protect Georgia’s deer herd, processors is available at gohunt- the importation of whole carcasses georgia.com. or parts not listed above is prohibited LAKES, STREAMS AND from any CWD-positive state or PONDS Canadian province. For an up-to- It is unlawful to take a deer by date list of positive states and other any means while it is in a lake, information about CWD, please visit stream, or pond. www.cwd-info.org. RIGHTS-OF-WAY/TRANS- DEER URINE AND CHRONIC MISSION TOWERS WASTING DISEASE Hunting from a stand or platform While Chronic Wasting Disease attached to a transmission tower is (CWD) prions are known to be trespassing and is prohibited. Writ- present in urine of infected deer, ten permission must be obtained there has been no documented from the landowner to hunt on spread of the disease through the power line, gas line, railroad, or use of natural urine deer attractants. other rights-of-way. However, to minimize the potential HUNTING OUT OF STATE? risk through use of these products If you harvest a white-tailed deer, hunters are strongly encouraged to mule deer, elk, moose or caribou in use only those natural urine products a state having a documented case of bearing the Archery Trade Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Association (ATA) Deer Protec- you may bring back only the follow- tion Program Checkmark, or use ing carcass parts: synthetic urine products.

22 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com fishing license requirements You can purchase a Georgia duty for 90 or more consecutive entering a WMA or PFA must Trout Fishing for Waters Creek fishing license: days and who were honorably have a valid license that allows special regulations. Online 24 hours a day, 7 discharged on or after July 1, fishing or hunting or a Lands All nonresident anglers, 16 days a week at www.gofish- 2005 may obtain one annual Pass (exclusions apply, visit or older, regardless of physi- georgia.com or www.goout- Honorary Hunting and Fishing georgiawildlife.com/LandAc- cal condition, must possess a doorsgeorgia.com. License free of charge. Such cess). Designated fee areas are nonresident fishing license and In person at license dealers veterans may obtain this license marked with a sign at the site or nonresident trout license to fish statewide including most WRD/ by providing a copy of their area entrance. for or possess trout or to fish in CRD regional offices; state DD Form 214 and a completed Reciprocal Agreements for designated trout waters. parks; marinas; major retailers; DNR application. Bordering States Lifetime Sportsman’s, and sporting goods, bait and Senior Citizens: Georgia Georgia DNR has Agree- Sportsman’s, Honorary (free), tackle, and hardware stores. A residents born on or before June ments with Alabama, Florida, and Discount Disability licenses complete list of license agents 30, 1952 may obtain a Lifetime North Carolina, and South include the trout fishing privi- can be found at gofishgeorgia. Sportsman’s License free of Carolina allowing holders of lege. com. charge. An optional Lifetime Georgia fishing licenses to fish Landowners and their im- By telephone at 800-366- Sportsman’s Plastic Card may in the waters covered without mediate families may fish on 2661, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. M–F, 9 be purchased for $10. Reduced obtaining a fishing license from their premises without a trout a.m. – 5 p.m. S–S. cost licenses are available for the bordering state. See Agree- license. Notes: Social Security residents age 65 and older (see ments with Bordering States. State park visitors are not Number is required for the 2020 Mountain Trout Licenses required to have a trout license purchase of all licenses to meet License Fees). All resident anglers ages to fish in the impounded waters requirements for Georgia Code Discount Disability Li- 16 and older must have a trout of the Park. However, those 19-11-9.1(a.). cense: Georgia residents who license and Georgia fishing visitors wishing to harvest Who Needs a Fishing are permanently and totally dis- license to fish in designated mountain trout will need to License abled may obtain a discounted mountain trout waters and to have a trout license in their pos- Anglers age 16 and older Disability License. A qualifying fish for or to possess trout. See session. must have a current Georgia disability is an impairment of fishing license in their posses- a permanent and total nature sion while fishing in fresh or and is certified as such by the salt water in Georgia. Addition- Department of Veterans Affairs, ally, a free SIP is required to Social Security Administration, fish in saltwater. A temporary Medicaid, Medicare or Railroad authorization number obtained Retirement System. by telephone or internet sale Any resident who is totally may be used for seven days un- blind may apply for a Lifetime til the paper copy is received or Honorary Fishing License and printed. Conservation Rangers must provide a Physician’s may require photo identification Certification of Blindness with when checking fishing licenses. the application. Exception: A fishing license is Nonresidents not required to fish in private Nonresidents 16 or older, ponds (does not include ponds regardless of physical condi- owned by governments—city, tion, must have a valid non- county, state, or federal) nor by resident Georgia fishing license a resident and their immediate to fish in Georgia freshwater family when fishing on their and saltwater, except in private land. ponds. See also Agreements Residents for Bordering States. Proof of residence is a Geor- Nonresidents under 16 do gia driver’s license or official not require a fishing license or State of Georgia ID card and is trout license. required to purchase a resident Lands Pass fishing license. this is the Right Sidebar Georgia resident military mobile bottom ad place veterans that were on active Any person age 16 and older,

www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 23 24 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 25 26 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 27 28 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 29 30 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com General regulations Freshwater Game Species bottom ad place All trout: 16 inches law is prohibited (for a list of species Daily Limits 12 inches statewide except: Fishing Gear Must Be Regu- access: https://georgiawildlife.com/ t is unlawful to take in one day or : 14 inches larly Checked species#reptiles). For more infor- to possess at any one time, except at Lake Blue Ridge: no minimum Attend to gear such as limb lines. mation www.georgiawildlife.com/ a residence or commercial storage : no minimum (Anglers are encouraged to check all turtling. facility, more than the daily limit for Lake Juliette: no minimum gear within 24 hours) Fishing on Wildlife Manage- each species. It is unlawful to pos- : 14 inches Make every reasonable effort to ment Areas sess more than a total of 50 individu- : 14 inches retrieve lost gear (including hooks, Unless otherwise posted, fishing als of all the game fish listed in this Lake Lindsay Grace: bass line and lead sinkers). is allowed on WMAs according to section, except channel and flathead between 15 and 22 inches must be Recycle used . statewide regulations. Alcohol use catfish. New: See Game Species released immediately. All others and Possession Note to is prohibited on WMAs except in Daily Limits for actual creel limits. may be kept. In addition, only one Anglers designated camping areas. Refer to Once the daily limit for a particular bass may be greater than 22 inches. this is the Right Sidebar mobile the Hunting Regulations Guide for a species is taken, it is unlawful to Lake Walter F. George: 14 in. bottom ad place complete list of WMA regulations. continue to fish for that species. West Point Reservoir: 14 in. Creel and possession limits are per Fishing Without Permission Exception: Daily limits differ Public Fishing Area lakes oper- person. For Conservation Rangers to It is unlawful to fish on someone on certain waters shared by Georgia ated by the Department of Natural correctly determine compliance with else’s property without permission. and South Carolina. See Agree- Resources: 14 inches. This limit will these limits, each individual should Conservation Rangers and other law ments with Bordering States. not apply to lakes which have been keep trout or other fish on separate enforcement officers are charged Seasons: There is no closed posted as having a different length stringers or in separate creels. It is with enforcing this law. Always ask season for fishing in freshwater in limit for largemouth bass. unlawful for one individual to pos- permission before entering private Georgia except for the following: Shoal bass sess more than the legal limit of any land. Trout Seasons: All designated Lake Lanier: 14 inches fish species. Permission is not required to fish trout waters are now open year and its tributaries Freshwater Turtles in the Chattahoochee or Oconee Na- round. (below Warwick Dam): 12 inches No more than 10 freshwater tional Forests, on Wildlife Resources Flint, Chattahoochee and Flint River and its tributaries turtles (any combination of species) Division Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) Spring Creeks: The Flint River (above Warwick Dam): 15 inches may be possessed one time. There is or Wildlife Management Areas and its tributaries from the Georgia Spotted bass no closed season for the harvest of (WMAs), or in Georgia State Parks Power Co. dams at Albany to the US Lake Lanier: 14 inches freshwater turtles, however, taking of (gastateparks.org) as long as all appli- Hwy 84 bridge; the Chattahoochee Striped bass, White bass, & species protected by federal or state cable state regulations are followed. River and its tributaries from the Hybrid white-striped bass Columbia Lock and Dam to the GA You may only keep two fish of Hwy 91 bridge; and Spring Creek the total limit that are 22 inches or and its tributaries downstream to GA longer, except: Hwy 253 are CLOSED to striped See agreement with South bass fishing and spear fishing from Carolina (Agreements with Bor- May 1–October 31 each year. dering States) Lakes Seminole: All fishing, The minimum length for all fish including spear fishing, for any is 22 inches on the North Newport species in the marked areas around River, including five fish refuges in is Mount Hope Creek, Little Ogeechee prohibited from May 1–October 31 River, ; Oconee each year. River downstream of GA Hwy 22 : The season for in Milledgeville; taking lake sturgeon from the Coosa downstream of GA Hwy 96 bridge River and its tributaries is CLOSED. between Houston and Twiggs coun- See www.gofishgeorgia.com for ties; , Saint Mary’s more information on this closure River, , and the tributar- and how to identify this fish. ies to these river sections; and from or Grabbling: The saltwater. season is open March 1–July 15 The minimum length is 27 statewide in freshwater. inches on the and its Length Limits tributaries downstream of J. Strom Note: There are no minimum Thurmond Dam (2 fish limit). length limits on freshwater game Trout fish unless they are listed below. All No minimum length limit for lengths are Total Length (see “How trout except: to Measure Fish,” Finfish Seasons, Waters Creek: Limits, Sizes). You must release Brown and rainbow trout: 22 all fish shorter than the minimum inches length indicated for that species. Brook trout: 18 inches Largemouth Bass Noontootla Creek and its tribu- this is the Right Sidebar mobile taries on Blue Ridge WMA

www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 31 daily limits

32 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com handling and releasing fish Many marine fish have venting tool can be made with less damage to the support the body of the gas-filled organs called by mounting a sharpened fish. fish. The lower jaw is not swim bladders. These or- football needle in a 1″ x Don’t Exhaust Fish. meant to support the full gans control buoyancy and 3″ dowel rod with a hole Use gear and line strength weight of any fish. allow the fish to maintain drilled lengthwise through to minimize playing time, Time is of the Essence! depth. When some fish are the rod to allow gas to landing fish as quickly as Release fish as soon as brought quickly to the sur- pass. Hold the fish gently possible. If possible leave practical and do not keep face, the gas in the swim on its side. Insert a needle the fish in the water rather them out of the water lon- bladder can over-expand through the thin lower than bringing them on ger than necessary. Have and rupture the bladder, body wall below the rear board. your camera always on the a condition known as end of the pectoral fin. In- Handling the Fish. If ready. ”barotrauma.” Escap- sert the needle only as far you must handle the fish, Some Fish May Need ing gas fills the gut cavity as needed to allow the gas use knot-less rubberized a Little Assistance. If the which can lead to everted to escape. Squeeze gently landing nets, rubberized fish does not immediately stomachs or intestines. If to help push the gas out. gloves, or wet towels or swim away, support the released in this condition, Do not puncture a wet hands to avoid remov- fish horizontally in the the fish cannot descend protruding stomach or ing the slime layer. Make water and gently move and may float away and try to push the stomach sure to wet your measur- it back and forth so that die. Generally, fish caught back into the throat. Re- ing board or boat deck. water runs over the gills. deeper than 30 feet will member a knife is not a Don’t put your fingers in Release the fish when it is suffer some effects of proper venting tool! the gills. able to swim away on its barotrauma. By developing a few Keep horizontal and own. Recompression. The simple habits, anglers best and first choice for can greatly increase the release should be to re- chances that the fish they turn fish to the depth from release will survive. Try which they are caught, a these tips the next time technique known as re- you go fishing. compression. A variety of Plan Ahead. Before you recompression tools are go, decide whether you on the market, including might release fish on your descender devices, re- trip and prepare the equip- lease weights, and release ment necessary to do so. baskets (see TakeMeFish- Avoid Encounter. If ing.org/FishSmart). Fish catching fish that you should be returned to the don’t want or cannot keep depth of capture when due to regulation, change practical. If catching fish your fishing depth, move at great depth, returning to a different area, or use them to at least 60 to 100 different bait. feet will dramatically im- Use Appropriate Gear. prove survival. Use non-stainless steel Venting. If recom- hooks that dissolve quick- pression is not possible, ly. Use non-offset circle venting is a second op- hooks when fishing with tion. Venting helps the natural bait to avoid gut- gas escape and allows the hooking. Flatten barbs so fish to descend. A simple the hook can be removed www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 33 Park Pond; (Valdosta); Rocky (Union Co.); Cane Creek (Lumpkin Mountain PFA Lakes Antioch Co.); (Chat- consuming fish (East and West) and Heath; Seed; tahoochee, Early and Stewart Cos.); Fish have been tested from the Clayton Co. Water Auth. lakes; Shepard, Margery, and Bennett Chattanooga Creek; Chattooga Riv- following water bodies and no Dodge Co. PFA; Fort Yargo State (CEWC); Sinclair; and Walter F. er (NW Ga.); Chickasawhatchee restrictions on consumption are Park; Hard Labor Cr. State Park George; Silver Lake WMA. Creek; ; Conasauga recommended. (Rutledge); High Falls Lake; Mayer Rivers and Creeks River in Cohutta Forest; Dukes Lakes: City of Adairsville pond; (City of Savannah); McDuffie PFA ; Boen Creek (Rabun Creek; Daniels Creek (Cloudland Allen Creek WMA Ponds A and B; (East); Nancy Town Lake; Lake Co.); (Towns Canyon State Park); East/South Brasstown Valley Kid Fish Pond; Oconee; Olmstead; Paradise PFA Co.); ; Buffalo Creek Chickamauga Creek; Goldmine Bowles C. Ford Lake (Savannah); (Patrick and Horseshoe 4); Payton (Carroll Co.); Butternut Creek Branch; Jacks River; Jones Creek; Little Dry Creek (Floyd Co.); Little ; ; Mill Creek (Whitfield Co.); Moccasin Creek (Lake Burton Trout Hatchery); Mud Creek (Cobb Co.); Nickajack Creek; (Cobb Co.); Ocmulgee River (Butts, Monroe and Pulaski Cos.); (below Barnett Shoals to Lake Oconee, Laurens Co. and Milledgeville to Dublin); North and Middle Oconee Rivers; Olley Creek; Ponder Branch (Walk- er Co.); Proctor Creek (Cobb Co.); Slab Camp Creek (Oconee Co.); South River (Hwy 36, Butts Co.); Spirit Creek; Stamp Creek (Pine Log WMA); Stekoa Creek; Ya- hoola Creek; ; Sewell Mill Creek (Cobb Co); ; Upatoi Creek; Tributary to Cedar Creek (Hart County WMA); Headwaters of (Turner’s Corner); and Hayner’s Creek (Savannah). “These guidelines are non-binding recommendations EPD determines based on the body of water a fish comes from, the species of fish and the amount of fish a person consumes. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide detailed information in an understandable format for people who eat fish. Waters listed in the fish consump- tion guidelines are not necessarily assessed as impaired using USEPA guidelines for Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act.” More details on fish contaminant testing are available in the publica- tion “Guidelines for Eating Fish from Georgia Waters” available at: www.gaepd.org Call for a copy or more informa- tion: Environmental Protection Division: 404-656-4713 | Coastal Resources Division: 912-264-7218 | Wildlife Resources Division: 770- 918-6406

34 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com fin fish seasons and limits

www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 35 fin fish seasons and limits

36 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com saltwater fishing in georgia From the deep waters of vehicle or trailer, it is only What will the money be with Federal Aid in Sport the Gulf Stream across a $25 plus your usual county used for? Fish Restoration as well as wide expanse of open Atlan- tag fees. (If your county does this is the Right Sidebar donations from businesses, tic Ocean through winding not have them in stock, you mobile bottom ad place private individuals, and con- tidal rivers to remote marsh- will receive a temporary tag 80% of the funds from servation groups to enhance es, coastal Georgia offers a and in about a week you will sales of this license plate habitats used by a variety of diversity of inviting places receive your tag in the mail.) will be used in combination marine species. for the saltwater angler. Whether you fish from the surf, a fishing pier, or a boat, there is always something ready to tug on your line. Five things you can do to be a responsible saltwater angler 1. Buy a fishing license and the free SIP permit. Funds from the license support manage- ment, building and repairing boating and fishing access projects, and conservation law enforcement. Your SIP permit helps us identify you as a Georgia saltwater angler. 2. Use the right tools for the job when releasing fish. Using proper tackle for the fish you are targeting and proper handling techniques improves the chances that a released fish will survive. For more information visit TakeMeFishing.org/Fish- Smart. 3. Be courteous to your fellow anglers. 4. Take a kid fishing. 5. Buy a Marine Habitat License Plate (see below) Buy a Marine Habitat License Plate – It’s Easy! Buy the tag at your county tag office this is the Right Sidebar mobile bottom ad place Ask for the Marine Habi- tat License Plate for your

www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 37 , crabs, shellfish, bait minnows A Georgia Fishing license season for the harvest of in Brunswick. ited. Seines less than 100 is required to recreationally bait shrimp, regardless of Areas: Unless designated feet long and with a mini- fish for any , whether the approved gear used. The otherwise, a 10-foot sport mum stretch mesh of 1 1⁄4 for personal consumption or season for the recreational bait trawl may be used at inches may be used on sand bait. It is illegal to sell any harvest of food shrimp is any season to take shrimp beaches of any barrier island seafood or bait harvested the same as that established only in rivers and creeks or in Georgia. Seines from 100 with a recreational license! for commercial shrimping. portions thereof that have to 300 feet long and with Shrimp The Commissioner of DNR been opened to bait shrimp- a minimum mesh size of 2 It is unlawful for any may open the season from ing by DNR. Charts of 1⁄2 inches may be used only person to sell or otherwise May 15 through the end established “Bait Zones” are on the oceanfront sides of dispose of, for human con- of February; however, it is also available at georgiaout- beaches. Seines over 300 sumption, any shrimp taken generally opened mid-June doormap.com. feet long are also prohib- as bait. through mid-January. The Hours: for bait ited. It is unlawful to use Shrimp “Baiting” Pro- opening and closing of the shrimp is legal only between any seine in saltwaters such hibited food shrimping season is the hours of ½ hour before that it blocks more than 1⁄2 It is unlawful to place, announced via coastal media official sunrise to ½ hour of the entrance of any tidal deposit, distribute, or scatter outlets, posted at marinas, after official sunset. river, creek, slough, or inlet any bait of any kind in, on, and at www.CoastalGAD- Harvest Limit: A sport to the ocean. or over any waters so as to NR.org. bait shrimper may not pos- Hours: Unless otherwise lure, attract, or entice shrimp TRAWL NETS sess at any time more than designated, seines may be toward the bait or to cause (Sport Bait Shrimping) two (2) quarts of shrimp, no used any time of day dur- shrimp to congregate in the Gear: Power-drawn trawl more than ½ pint of which ing the open season for bait area where bait is placed. It nets 10 feet or smaller may may be dead, and may not shrimp and food shrimp. is illegal to knowingly fish be used in saltwaters to take more than four (4) this is the Right Sidebar for shrimp in baited waters. harvest shrimp for bait. In- quarts of shrimp within a mobile bottom ad place SHRIMPING SEASON formation on the specific net 24-hour period. When two Harvest Limits: Recre- Unless otherwise des- dimensions for bait trawls is or more persons occupy the ational seiners collecting ignated, there is no closed available from DNR offices same boat, there may be no bait shrimp are limited to more than four (4) quarts two quarts per person at any of shrimp on board the boat time and no more than four at any time; no more than quarts per person per day, or one pint of which may be a maximum of four quarts dead, and no more than eight per group at any time or (8) quarts of shrimp may eight quarts per day. No one be taken within a 24-hour person taking food shrimp period. solely by means of a seine, Commercial licenses are whether such person is act- required to use trawl nets ing alone or in a group of (power-drawn or hand- persons, may possess more retrieved) to harvest shrimp than 24 quarts of shrimp for food. Trawling for food with heads on or 15 quarts shrimp may only be con- of tails taken by such seine ducted in the waters seaward in any 24-hour period. If any of the sound boundary when person or group of persons those waters are open to the occupying the same boat is harvest of food shrimp. in possession of a SEINES and a seine, such person Gear and Areas: Seines or persons shall be subject equal to or smaller than 12 to the limits imposed for feet long, with a maximum shrimp taken by cast net. depth of four feet, and a CAST NETS maximum stretch mesh of Gear: A cast net is a cone one (1) inch may be used shaped net with a weighted throughout Georgia’s salt- circumference thrown and waters. The use of seines retrieved by hand without over 12 feet long in any inlet or tidal slough is prohib- continued on page 39 38 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com Shrimp any day. adult female” crab). Peel- for taking shellfish between continued from page 38 Stone Crabs ers must measure at least 3 January 1 and December 31. Georgia does not regulate inches from spike to spike Prior to harvesting any shell- mechanical assistance. Two the harvest of stone crab; across the back. No sponge fish, check with the DNR- types of cast nets are de- however, the harvest of the (egg-bearing) crabs are Coastal Resources Division fined: a “Bait shrimp cast whole crab is discouraged. allowed. Recreational crab- (www.CoastalGADNR.org) net” having a minimum It is recommended that only bers may take no more than for any seasonal closures bar mesh of 3⁄8 inch and one claw measuring at least one bushel of crabs during that may be in effect during a “Food shrimp cast net” 2 3⁄4 inches from the elbow any 24-hour period. No the calendar year. Shellfish having a minimum bar mesh to the tip of the lower, im- more than two bushels may must be harvested between of 5⁄8 inch. Bait shrimp cast movable finger be removed. be taken recreationally or the hours of ½ hour before nets cannot be used to take A properly removed claw possessed during a 24-hour official sunrise and ½ hour shrimp for personal con- should not have meat from period on a boat with more after official sunset. sumption; however, food the body attached. than one person aboard. Gear shrimp cast nets may be Blue Crabs this is the Right Sidebar Shellfish may only be used to take bait. There are Areas, Seasons, Hours mobile bottom ad place taken with handheld imple- no length restrictions on ei- Unless otherwise des- Terrapins in Crab ments. ther net and cast nets can be ignated, the saltwaters of Traps: Recent studies have Areas modified with the addition Georgia are open year-round investigated the effective- Updated charts of ap- of duct tape or other materi- for recreational crabbing at ness of excluder devices proved public picking als to enhance performance. any time of the day. for preventing the capture areas for shellfish should Areas and Hours: During Gear of diamond-back terrapins be obtained from Coastal the open season and unless Traps: Up to six standard in commercial-style crab Resources Division’s Eco- designated otherwise, cast size crab traps traps. Terrapins that enter logical Services Section or nets may be used to harvest (2 x 2 feet or smaller) crab traps cannot escape and at CoastalGaDNR.org/Ap- bait or food shrimp at any may be used recreationally. often drown. provedRecHarvestAreas. It time of day in all of Geor- Two unobstructed escape- Shellfish is illegal to recreationally gia’s saltwaters. ment rings (2 3⁄8 inch inside Season and Hours harvest shellfish except in Harvest Limits: Recre- diameter) must be installed Saltwaters may be opened ational cast netters collect- on an outside vertical wall. continued on page 40 ing bait shrimp are limited Each trap must be marked to two quarts per person with a fluorescent green at any time, provided that or lime green float bear- person may take a maximum ing the owner’s name and of four quarts of bait shrimp address in one-inch letters. per day. When two or more Traps should be sufficiently persons occupy the same weighted to prevent loss boat, there may be no more in strong tidal currents. It than four quarts of bait on- is unlawful to place or set board the boat at any time, crab traps in the channel of and the persons occupying any stream with a lawfully the boat may take no more established system of wa- than eight quarts of bait terway markers. Disposal of shrimp per day. Bait shrimp crab traps in public waters may be alive or dead when is a violation of State and caught with a cast. No per- Federal laws. son taking food shrimp with Other Gear: Subject to a cast net may possess more other restrictions outlined in than 48 quarts of heads- these regulations, legal crabs on shrimp or 30 quarts of may be taken with other shrimp tails in any day. legal fishing gear such as When one or more persons seines, cast nets, hand-lines, occupy the same boat, there and lift rings. may be no more than 48 Size and Harvest Limits quarts of heads-on shrimp or It is unlawful to take or 30 quarts of shrimp tails on possess any crab less than 5 board at any time. No vessel inches from spike to spike owner shall allow the vessel across the back (other than to be used to take more than a “peeler” or a “mature the allowable catch limits in www.DouglasNow.com - 2020 Hunting and Fishing GuidE - 39 Shrimp hinge to mouth, unless the the beach. ¼ inch bar mesh. The throat continued from page 39 oyster cannot be removed Bait Minnows opening of the funnel shall from a legal-sized oyster Season, Hours and not exceed ¾ inch in diam- designated public picking without destroying it. For Areas eter. Each trap must have at- areas, unless authorized in writing by a private property clams, the maximum depth Bait minnows may be tached a tag or float bearing owner with legal harvest from one shell half to the harvested year-round. Bait the name and address of the rights to an area. Private other must be at least ¾ inch minnows may not be trapped person using the trap. Sub- property owners wishing to thick. Recreational quantity in freshwater. ject to specific gear design harvest recreational quanti- limits are up to two bushels Gear criteria, sizes, time of day, ties of shellfish or to issue of oysters and one bushel of No more than two traps and area restrictions outlined permission to others must clams per person per day, may be used recreationally, in these regulations, bait notify and provide DNR with a maximum limit of six except that a licensed salt- minnows may also be taken with specific information. It bushels of oysters and one water fishing guide may use recreationally year-round in is unlawful to give permis- bushel of clams per boat per a maximum of four traps. seines and cast nets. sion to take shellfish from day. Maximum dimensions for Possession Limits a closed area. Harvesters Whelk (conch) rectangular traps may not No individual recreation- taking shellfish from private Recreational harvest of exceed 24 x 8 x 9 inches. ally harvesting bait minnows property must have on their whelk is limited to 1 bushel/ Cylindrical traps may not may possess more than two person proof of ownership person. There is no mini- exceed 24 inches in length quarts of bait minnows at or permission. mum size, closed season or and 30 inches in circum- any given time. A licensed Size and Harvest Limits closed area. A recreational ference. Recreational bait saltwater fishing guide may Oysters must measure no fishing license is required, minnow traps shall have a possess not more than 10 less than three inches from including hand harvest from mesh size of no smaller than quarts at any given time.

40 - 2020 Hunting and Fishing Guide - www.DouglasNow.com