Small Game Hunting Archives

06Aug 2019 by Brian Grossman

2019 Georgia Public Dove Fields Forecast

Biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division have issued the 2019 public dove field forecast covering wildlife management areas and additional dove fields throughout the state. All the fields are listed below, along with which crops are planted, the total acreage of plantings, and the overall condition of the field. Hunters can utilize this online resource as they plan their fall dove hunts. Quota Hunts Many fields listed are available during quota hunts only. Apply for dove field quota hunts through the Go Outdoors Georgia system (deadline to apply is August 15). Some properties are privately owned but made available through a program called the Voluntary Public Access (VPA)/Habitat Incentive Program. WMA Dove Fields for 2019 [table id=38 /] VPA Dove Fields for 2019 [table id=39 /] ##…

04Aug 2019 by Brian Grossman No Comments

Squirrel Season Opens August 15

DNR News, Small Game Hunting

Time to hit the woods in pursuit of Ole Bushytail! Squirrel hunting season provides 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. Unlike some big game hunts, the pursuit of squirrels often involves more action for energetic youth, providing a greater level of interaction with the outdoors. Beginning August 15, 2019, and lasting through February 29, 2020, hunters can pursue both gray and fox squirrels. The maximum daily bag limit is 12 per hunter. “Hunting squirrel is part of a significant cultural hunting tradition in Georgia,” said John Bowers, chief of the Wildlife Resources Division Game Management Section. “It’s fun and doesn’t cost a lot to get started, and really gives you a…

16Jun 2019 by Brian Grossman

Changes Coming to 2019-2020 Georgia Dove Season

DNR News, Small Game Hunting

Planning ahead for dove season? The 2019–2020 migratory bird season hunting dates and regulations, which includes doves, were recently approved by the Board of Natural Resources. Doves are a federally regulated migratory bird. As such, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annually establishes a framework (opening and closing dates, maximum season length, and maximum bag limits) within which the states must set their seasons. These frameworks are developed with input of state wildlife agencies, and are informed using biological population, harvest, and habitat data. Recent framework changes to the maximum closing date for doves allows Georgia to adjust its dove season responsive to public desires. “For years our dove hunters have expressed a desire to end the dove season later,” said John Bowers, Chief of the Game Management Section of…

22Aug 2017 by Brian Grossman

2017 Public Dove Field Forecast

Small Game Hunting

Dove season is less than two weeks away and the Georgia DNR has released their preliminary public dove fields forecast. The field conditions listed are those expected on opening day of dove season, but obviously a lot can change between when the fields were checked in mid-July and September 2. For the most current information, call the Game Management Section regional office associated with that field. Two things to keep in mind when planning a public land dove hunt: the public fields marked with an ## in the table below are adult/child and/or quota hunts. The drawing for quota dove hunts has already taken place, so if you didn't apply prior to August 15, you are too late. Second, season dates on public dove fields often differ from the statewide…