Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was initially discovered in Georgia in January 2025. CWD is a neurological disease of the brain and central nervous system affecting cervids (deer, elk and moose). It is always fatal and there are no current vaccines or treatments.

Georgia DNR has implemented the state’s CWD Response Plan and established a CWD Management Area (CMA), which includes the county where the positive samples were found and any county touching a 5-mile radius around the location. The current CMA includes Lanier, Berrien and Lowndes counties. 

General Information

Wildlife Resources Division is pleased to continue its series of programs focusing on the development of hunting skills and conservation knowledge.

Mission

The mission of the Hunt & Learn Program is to provide a conservation-based learning experience for new hunters that places emphasis on the future development of safe and ethical hunting skills.

Alligator hunters will receive their harvest record as part of their alligator permit at the time of purchase (alligator permits are free to drawn hunters who have all-inclusive licenses but they still have to “purchase” the permit online, by phone or at a license retailer).

All big game hunters are required to have a Harvest Record for the current season.

This includes:

• hunters under 15 years of age or younger

Increased deer sightings often happen in the Fall of the year and may occur for a number of reasons, such as the following: