Public Hearings Scheduled For April Regarding Georgia Hunting Regulations
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division will hold three public hearings to receive input on proposed changes to the hunting regulations for the 2008-2009 and the 2010-2011 hunting seasons. The purpose of any proposed regulation change is to manage Georgia’s game birds and game animals according to sound principles of wildlife management and to meet public objectives for use of these renewable natural resources. Those interested are encouraged to bring these hearings to the attention of others who also may wish to participate.
Proposed changes include amendments to reflect statutory changes, manage white-tailed deer populations through either-sex days, set seasons for rails and woodcock, expand alligator opportunity, expand counties open to bear hunting in north Georgia, regulate hunting and other activities on wildlife management areas and others state lands, adjust scheduling of hunting seasons in accordance with calendar date changes, and changes to firing range rules.
Members of the general public will have an opportunity to provide input at the following Division sponsored public hearings:
– Tuesday, April 14, 2009; 7 p.m.; Waycross Courtroom; 800 Church Street; Waycross
-Wednesday, April 15, 2009; 7 p.m.; Canton City Hall; Meeting Room/Courtroom; 151 Elizabeth Street; Canton
-Wednesday, April 15, 2009; 7 p.m.; Walter Williams Recreation Park; 59 Hwy. 22 West; Milledgeville
Any participant at the 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 speak. Participants are required to register upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Those unable to attend the hearings may submit statements electronically through the Division website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or by mail prior to close of business May 8, 2009. Written statements should be mailed to:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Wildlife Resources Division / Game Management Section / Attn: John W. Bowers / 2070 U.S. Highway 278, S.E. / Social Circle, Georgia 30025
These meetings are accessible to people with physical disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to John Bowers at the above address by April 10, 2009.
The Board of Natural Resources will consider the proposed changes and any comments received during the public hearing process May 27, 2009 at 9 a.m. at the DNR Boardroom at 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE, Suite 1252, Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information on the scheduled public hearings or to view the proposed regulation changes, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com. For additional information or to receive a copy of proposed regulation changes by mail, contact John W. Bowers at (770) 918-6404.