The Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources released the 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide today.

Guides are available online for viewing, downloading and printing and provides information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas and much more.

Print copies are also available at Wildlife Resources Game Management and Law Enforcement offices and license vendors throughout Georgia.

“The Hunting Seasons and Regulations publication is designed to better inform hunters on the laws and regulations for hunting in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division Assistant Chief of Game Management. “We encourage all hunters to review the publication each year for any changes to their favorite hunting areas, seasons or activities.”

According to a press release, members of the Board of Natural Resources enact hunting regulations by acting on recommendations made by the division’s professional wildlife biologists and field personnel. Georgia’s game and fish laws are enacted by the elected members of the General Assembly.

Changes for the upcoming season include:

● In an effort to encourage youth participation in hunting and enhance youth hunting opportunities, the Georgia General Assembly passed SB 474. This legislation included language that establishes a special youth hunting opportunity that allows youth under 16 years of age tohunt deer during the primitive weapons season with any firearm legal for hunting deer. This includes primitive weapons hunts on wildlife management areas.

● Tugaloo State Park, near Lavonia on Lake Hartwell, hosts a quota archery deer hunt in December 2010. Apply online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.

● Mistletoe State Park, near Augusta on Clarks Hill Lake, hosts a quota firearms deer hunt in December 2010. Apply online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.

● Alligator quota hunt opportunities have expanded. The number of available permits has increased from 700 to 850. Quota opportunities were increased in each of the nine zones. Details and applications may be found at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.

For more information on Georgia hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com contact a local Wildlife Resources Division, Game Management Office or call Hunter Services at (770) 761-3045.