SUMMARY OF RELEASES
1. HUNTERS: DON’T FORGET DOVE SEASON HAS MORE HUNTING DATES COMING!
2. ACADEMIC ARCHER PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS IN GEORGIA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUNTERS: DON’T FORGET DOVE SEASON HAS MORE HUNTING DATES COMING!
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Oct. 3, 2016) – Dove hunters have more opportunities to take to the field in October and November, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Dove fields will be available Oct. 8-28, and again Nov. 24 – Jan. 13.
“Dove hunters ready to harvest more birds can look forward to these later season dates,” said Tina Johannsen, Program Operations Manager with WRD Game Management. “While predicting the pattern of migratory birds can be difficult, the fields look good and the dry weather has kept seed in good condition on the ground. If they are able, we encourage hunters to scout two or three fields during the week for birds, then hunt there on Saturday.”
Georgia has approximately 40 state public dove fields, plus opportunities on private land available to the public through a U.S. Department of Agriculture program called the Voluntary Public Access (VPA)/Habitat Incentive Program. Be sure to check out available dates of the dove field you plan to hunt before visiting.
Regulations quick review: The daily bag limit is 15 doves per hunter. Collared doves may be taken, but do not affect the count of your daily limit. Any autoloading or other repeating shotgun must be plugged to hold no more than three shotshells while hunting doves.
Dove hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a Georgia hunting license and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit. HIP provides biologists with needed information to ensure conservation of migratory bird populations while providing quality hunting opportunities. When hunting on a WMA, you also must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses online at www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes, by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at license vendor locations (list of vendors available online).
Updated and accurate harvest rate estimates facilitate the successful management of doves. In 2003, the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Research Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with several states, including Georgia, initiated an ongoing dove banding project. Hunters can participate in this conservation effort by examining harvested doves for leg bands and reporting band numbers to the USFWS at www.reportband.gov or by calling 1-800-327-BAND.
WRD is interested in leasing agricultural crop fields for public dove hunting, and possibly other types of hunting and outdoor recreation. Private landowners that enroll in the program are eligible for a negotiable lease rate and are provided with a legal agreement giving maximum liability protection. More information available at www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/resources/VPAHIP.
Planning on dove hunting at a private field? Be sure that field is legal. How to know? Check out the online brochure, “Dove Hunting and Agricultural Practices in Georgia,” available at www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/dovebrochure .
For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/regulations.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACADEMIC ARCHER PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS IN GEORGIA
SOCIAL CIRCLE, GA (Oct. 3, 2016) – The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) is an in-school archery curriculum that meets all education department standards. In an effort to enhance the program, the NASP® Academic Archer program was developed, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
“The NASP® Academic Archer program allows a way to recognize participating students for their academic achievements through an incentive and recognition format,” says Jennifer Pittman, Hunting and Shooting Education Supervisor for WRD.
In its first year, the NASP® Academic Archer program finished with more than 8,500 students enrolled. With new sponsor, Easton Technical Products – who manufacture the only approved NASP® arrow, on board, the Academic Archer program has its sights set on the enrollment of more than 50,000 students nationwide.
How can you participate?
· Now: Ensure your school currently participates with NASP®.
· Now: Students must fully participate in an in-school NASP® archery class.
· August-September: NASP® teachers/coaches receive information on the Academic Archer program.
· September-April 15: NASP® teachers/coaches can enroll students and must monitor student progress. Registration/eligibility closes April 15.
At the end of the eligibility period, April 15, names of academic archers will be provided to WRD, who will award each student with a certificate and shoulder patch. Students also are to be recognized by their school system at end-of-the-year awards/honors ceremonies.
MORE ABOUT NASP®
NASP® is an in-school archery curriculum that meets all education department standards. Only schools that are certified in NASP® through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are qualified to compete in the Georgia Tournament. Schools in more than 100 counties in Georgia are NASP® certified.
The program promotes instruction in international-style target archery to improve educational performance and participation in shooting sports. Research has shown that the program, administered through a minimum two-week course during the school year, improves class attendance and behavior. NASP® universal-fit bows make it possible for students of all sizes and genders to succeed in archery while raising self-esteem levels and improving hand-eye coordination during physical activity.
NASP® is taught in 47 states as well as 10 countries. To date, more than 10 million students have gone through the program.
For more information on NASP® in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/nasp or call (770) 761-3010.