WRD press releases archived
Archived Press Releases
With the opening day of waterfowl season right around the corner, the job of repairing Hurricane Irma damages to the Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area (located on the Altamaha Wildlife Management Area), continues. Waterfowl hunters planning to hunt this area should take note of repairs and conditions to help prevent unwanted surprises and frustrations.
Beginning today, hunters can apply for two scheduled youth quail quota hunts that will take place on land managed for bobwhite quail, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. These hunts are made possible by generous private landowners that participate in Georgia’s Bobwhite Quail Initiative.
With waterfowl hunting season opening Sat., Nov. 17, duck and goose hunters across Georgia should find similar wetland conditions to last year, according to experts with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Preventing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) from entering Georgia is an ongoing effort. Hunters can help reduce that risk by understanding current regulations that prohibit the importation of live cervids (member of the deer family) and restrict the importation of certain cervid carcass parts from known CWD-infected states.
The Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have reached a multi-agency agreement to provide continued funding for three federal fish hatcheries that have stocked waters in Georgia and Tennessee with millions of trout.
Little to no experience operating a handgun? A rifle? A shotgun? We have a great opportunity for you with the "Give It a Shot" shooting courses, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Watch out for deer on and near roads this fall! Motorists are urged to exercise caution this time of year as it is peak deer activity season, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
A Monroe County teacher’s proposal to create a habitat for bats has earned a $1,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Teachers and students across the state are invited to explore Georgia’s wildlife and students’ artistic interests through the 29th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest.
A busy northwest Georgia bridge and the massive colony of bats that call it home are both better off thanks to recent work that preserved the structure and its wildlife.
Time to fill up that freezer with one of the healthiest meats available!
Hunting is one of the safest sports, with only a small fraction of participants ever involved in a hunting incident.
The week-long primitive weapons deer hunting season opens Saturday, Oct. 13.
Hunters getting ready for the opening day of primitive weapons deer hunting season, Oct. 13, should first review safety information.
Hunters and other interested persons are encouraged to attend any of three upcoming public meetings regarding the draft Strategic Management Plan for Black Bears in Georgia (copy available at https://georgiawildlife.com/bear-info).
Little to no experience operating a handgun? A rifle? A shotgun? We have a great opportunity for you with the "Give It a Shot" shooting courses, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Each year, we celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday of September.
Statistics each year reveal that almost half of all hunting incidents are due to falls or other safety issues with tree stands, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Archery hunters will get the first opportunity at bringing home a deer beginning Saturday, Sept. 8, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
What keeps you from heading out to go backpacking or fishing or shooting? Don’t let a lack of information keep you from enjoying all the outdoors has to offer, instead make plans to take part in the upcoming Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Workshop.
A new archery range at Paradise Public Fishing Area (PFA) in Berrien County, located near Enigma, will open Mon., Sept. 3.
With the groundbreaking ceremony taking place today, firearm and shotgun shooting range enthusiasts can look forward to a new location to visit when the Thomas County Range is completed, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division.
What are your opening day plans? Georgia’s dove hunting season opens Sat. Sept. 1, 2018, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Hunters in need of the Georgia hunter education course have two options - completely online or a classroom course, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Deer, squirrel, turkey, quail, rabbit—all hunt-able species in Georgia. But, do you know how to hunt them?
Each September, Unicoi State Park typically hosts an Outdoor Adventure Day as part of National Hunting and Fishing Day, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Each year, we celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday of September.
Squirrel hunting provides the perfect opportunity to introduce someone to the sport of hunting, and the first opportunity of the year to start replenishing that meat in the freezer, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Early teal season is the first opportunity of the year for waterfowl hunters to get out in the field, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Land management techniques, managing for wildlife and various backyard wildlife subjects top the list of topics at the Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day slated for Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, at the University of Georgia’s Westbrook Research Farm in Griffin, Georgia.
Little to no experience operating a handgun? A rifle? A shotgun? We have a great opportunity for you with the "Give It a Shot" shooting courses, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a $1,000 grant to a third-, fourth- or fifth-grade public or private school teacher in the state who demonstrates exceptional energy and innovation in teaching life sciences. Science specialists covering those grade levels also may apply.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a public hearing on proposed mountain bike trails at Standing Boy Creek Wildlife Management Area near Columbus.
Two individuals, one volunteer and one game warden, have been selected as Hunter Education Instructors of the Year, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Ranger First Class Eric White with the DNR Law Enforcement Division and Steve Wilson are the honorees.
A new agreement will enhance wetlands for waterfowl, other wildlife and people on Georgia’s premier coastal wildlife management area (WMA). Multiple wetland restoration projects on Altamaha WMA will improve public recreation opportunities, water quality, coastal resilience and waterfowl habitat over the next five years.
Now online and in print, the 2018–2019 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide is available, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Created to encourage participation in the shooting sports and emphasize firearms safety, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages you to celebrate the 2018 National Shooting Sports Month throughout August.
Catch five different bass species and you have a Georgia Bass Slam! This program recognizes anglers with the knowledge and skill to catch different species of bass in a variety of habitats across the state, while also stimulating interest in the conservation and management of black bass and their habitats, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
A favorite activity of many families is enjoying a day of fishing and then cooking up a “mess” of catfish for dinner. Whether you are a new or experienced angler, you can find fantastic catfishing opportunities in Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Looking for a new fishing spot? You can start with one of Georgia’s 10 available public fishing areas (PFA)! PFAs are managed for fishing by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, but also offer opportunities to entertain the whole family.
Little to no experience operating a handgun? A rifle? A shotgun? We have a great opportunity for you with the "Give It a Shot" shooting courses, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Land management techniques, managing for wildlife and various backyard wildlife subjects top the list of topics at the Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day slated for Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, at the University of Georgia’s Westbrook Research Farm in Griffin, Georgia.
On the authority of the 2011 law, the Board of Natural Resources recently approved a measure allowing hunters on private lands across the state to hunt as close as they would like to supplemental feed.
The first extensive search for peregrine falcon nests in Georgia this century has confirmed three key things.
A few fish floating in a lake as large as Jackson may not raise interest. However, when that turns into a few hundred dead fish, offices at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division: Fisheries Section start to get some calls. Fortunately, the recent die-off of common carp seen currently at Jackson appears to be a natural occurrence.
The Canada goose is an adaptable bird that can live in a variety of habitats. Unfortunately, many of those locations are sometimes in close proximity to people, such as open farmland, rural reservoirs, suburban neighborhood ponds, office complexes, parks and other developed areas.
Waterfowl hunters can begin making season plans now that the 2018–2019 migratory bird season hunting dates and regulations were recently approved by the Board of Natural Resources.
If your child enjoys being outside, we have a great fun summer camp alert!
Recent surveys of bald eagle nests across the eastern half of Georgia underscored the national bird’s continued resurgence in the state—and in more ways than one.
Beginning June 1, hunters can apply electronically for quota hunts including adult/child, deer, alligator, waterfowl, dove and many others, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Need a reason to go fishing? It is a great way to connect with family and spend quality time together in the outdoors.
Little to no experience operating a handgun? We have a great opportunity for you with three free upcoming scheduled "Give It a Shot: Handgun 101" classes, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
The Palmetto Shooting Complex in Edgefield, South Carolina recently hosted the Second Annual Southeastern Youth Clay Target Combine.
As spring fades into summer, the number of snake-related calls and emails to John Jensen go up. But most center on two questions: What species is this and what do I do with it?
Sea turtle nesting season is on in Georgia.
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.” Doug Larson
Georgia’s beaches are not only vacation hotspots, in spring and summer they’re top spots for nesting shorebirds and seabirds, and for migrating species fueling up for long flights to the Arctic.
Helping keep Georgia wild just got easier.
Artwork on display at state botanical gardens in Athens.
The Georgia Youth Birding Competition again showed its value last weekend, drawing a diverse crowd of young birders who enjoyed the outdoors as they ranged from barrier islands to metro Atlanta looking and listening for birds.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) offices receive and respond to more than 1,200 calls about black bears each year.
Come get “wild” at the Keeping Georgia Wild Festival at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Mansfield, Georgia, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat., May 19, 2018. Be one of the first 500 kids to register and get a free t-shirt!
Animals such as deer, coyotes, bears, raccoons, foxes and skunks often get labeled as a nuisance due to their sometimes intrusive and destructive habits in suburban settings.
Beginning May 1 and through Sept. 30, nine Georgia Public Fishing Areas (PFA) will offer night fishing opportunities.
With sea turtle and manatee sightings on the rise on Georgia’s coast, boaters should be on the lookout for these big and rare animals.
A new boat ramp giving boaters, paddlers and anglers improved access to the Kinchafoonee Creek and to the upper reaches of Lake Worth opened today in Lee County.
Four budding bird artists recently were selected as T-shirt Art Contest winners in Georgia’s 13th annual Youth Birding Competition, the state Department of Natural Resources announced today.
Do you enjoy Georgia’s wildlife and wild places?
Give It a Shot: Handgun 101, is a perfect opportunity to gain knowledge and confidence in handgun use, but be sure to register soon as space is limited!
The best thing people can do when they see a young animal, or in fact any wildlife, is to leave it exactly as they found it.
Turkey Hunters in Emanuel County have some new acreage to target this year thanks to more than 6,000 new acres available at Ohoopee Dunes WMA, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Today U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced more than $1.1 billion in annual national funding for state wildlife agencies from revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration (PRDJ) acts.
State and federal agencies are planning a controlled burn at Tallulah Gorge State Park this spring to benefit unique wildlife at one of Georgia’s most unique places.
Let your “wild” child explore the coastal areas of Georgia this summer at the Adventures in Conservation Education camp.
For the month of April, the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division is giving a free ammo can, while supplies last, to everyone that visits any staffed shooting range on a week day.
Learn more about steps you can take today, to prevent nuisance goose issues this summer.
All hunters are encouraged to review important turkey hunting safety tips.
Gobble. Cluck. Purr. Music to the ears of all the eager turkey hunters ready for the season to open on Saturday, Mar. 24.
Do you need hunter education before you head to the woods for turkey season?
Catch five different bass species and you have a Georgia Bass Slam!
Historically, reports of black bear sightings increase each year after the start of spring when hungry bears emerge from their winter den sites.
Wildlife-viewing projects from Athens to Colquitt and Atlanta to Brunswick will receive grants to improve public opportunities to see and learn about animals, plants and natural habitats considered conservation priorities in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan.
Did you know that more than one million trout will be stocked in Georgia this year?
Be sure to encourage your young artist(s) to enter the 20th annual Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art contest.
Youth and mobility-impaired hunters utilizing private land have a chance to harvest a bird during a special early opportunity turkey season on March 17–18, 2018.
Need fishing tips for Georgia reservoirs and rivers? Look no further than the updated 2018 fishing prospects on the WRD website.
Time to aim for the bullseye! More than 800 students from the state’s top school archery teams will compete March 2 in the annual National Archery in the Schools Georgia state tournament.
More than 50 anglers reeled in a 2017 Angler Award for outstanding catches, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
If the cold weather doesn’t keep you from the water, get ready to be rewarded with some great striped bass fishing.
No matter your trout fishing skill—expert to beginner—you can find a great place to “wet a line,” according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Get out on the water now because the time is right for cool weather crappie fishing, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Coming back for the 2nd year, the Georgia Coyote Challenge highlights how citizens can effectively handle nuisance coyote issues.
Gov. Nathan Deal recognized three corporate forest landowners today for their stewardship and land management practices benefiting wildlife across Georgia.
It’s time for young birders to begin honing their bird-identifying skills as they prepare for the annual Georgia Youth Birding Competition, set for April 27–28.
Hey, kids! Do you like birds and love to draw or paint? Georgia’s 13th annual Youth Birding Competition is offering a T-shirt Art Contest for resident children and teens.
Ocmulgee WMA Shooting Range, located in Hawkinsville, will be the host location for an upcoming class designed to help introduce people to handguns, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Anglers can find all necessary 2018 fishing information in the new Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations Guide announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.