According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, the white-tailed deer is Georgia’s most popular game species. Currently, management of regional and statewide deer populations occurs through hunting (81 percent of all hunters pursue this game species) as facilitated and constrained by laws, regulations and hunter access.

WRD’s management efforts are informed through biological data, public input and management objectives identified in the agency’s statewide deer management plan, developed through an intensive public participation process. WRD is seeking to continue integrating public involvement by developing the next iteration of Georgia’s 10-year deer management plan.

Toward that goal, WRD is requesting participation in 10 statewide, open house-style public meetings, scheduled throughout early November. These meetings are one opportunity to allow members of the public to provide input regarding management of white-tailed deer.

During these meetings, citizens will be able to provide thoughtful insight on specific key issues. Some of these issues include: deer population densities; deer-vehicle collisions; urban deer management; seasons and bag limits; hunting methods; hunter access; and education and outreach. Biologists and others will be available to answer questions about the key issues and provide background information if needed.

An open house will be held Nov. 19 from 3-9 p.m. at Georgia Southern University.

For those unable to attend the public meetings, comments will be accepted until Nov. 22. Comments may be submitted electronically at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/Hunting/Meetings. Written comments may be sent to: WRD Game Management, Attn: Charlie Killmaster, 2065 U.S. Hwy. 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025. 

For more information on the Georgia Deer Management Plan or to view the key issues, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com/Hunting/Meetings or call (770) 918-6416.