Georgia DNR - Wildlife Resources Division

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WMA Road Closures
GEORGIA (September 22, 2009) - See a list here of currently closed WMA roads and areas due to recent heavy rains and severe flooding.

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Cerulean Warbler Success: Long-Term Conservation at Work
FORSYTH, Ga. (June 29, 2009) - When surveys this spring confirmed Cerulean warblers singing in north Georgia forest openings created to attract them, the news was music to Nathan Klaus' ears. It was also confirmation for Klaus and others that some conservation efforts take years to see results.

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Stephens County Resident Ties State Record Striped Bass
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 26, 2009) - Angler Terry McConnell of Toccoa, Georgia had more than just a great day of fishing on Lake Richard B. Russell on April 3, 2009 - he managed to catch a fish that tied a Georgia state record! McConnell reeled in a 63 lbs., 49 ½ -inch striped bass using a blueback herring on a baitcast rod, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.

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4th of July Holiday Weekend will Be Busy on the Water
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 26, 2009) - Thanks to higher water levels and sunny skies, the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend is sure to be a busy one on Georgia's lakes and waterways, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. Conservation Rangers with the Department will do their best to ensure the safety of everyone on the water and boaters are strongly encouraged to use good judgment and exercise caution while on the water.

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Manage Your Land for Value And Benefits!
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 26, 2009) - Landowners, farmers or sportsmen who want to increase the value and benefits of the land they own, manage or hunt should make plans now to attend the 2009 Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day set for Thursday, Sept.17 at the University of Georgia campus in Griffin, Ga.

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Urban Deer Management Plan Complete
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 26, 2009) - Pollinator Week, June 22-28, couldn't come at a more appropriate time in Georgia. The first of 12 butterfly counts in the state start this week.

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"OperationDry Water" Takes Aim at Impaired Boat Operators
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 26, 2009) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division is teaming with the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and other partner agencies for “Operation Dry Water” the weekend of June 26-28. Operation Dry Water, a coordinated national weekend of BUI detection and enforcement, is aimed at reducing the number of alcohol related accidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water.

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Counts, Pollinator Week Highlight Butterflies' Vital Role
FORSYTH, Ga. (June 22, 2009) - Pollinator Week, June 22-28, couldn't come at a more appropriate time in Georgia. The first of 12 butterfly counts in the state start this week.

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Online Database Helps Track Nesting Sea Turtles
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (June 15, 2009) - Nesting numbers are rising and residents and sea turtle enthusiasts alike are anxious to know which of Georgia's barrier islands will be in the lead this year. A new online database will now make this friendly competition simpler to follow.

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Drivers Urged to Watch for Wildlife in the Road
FORSYTH, Ga. (June 15, 2009) - Forget the chicken: Why did the turtle cross the road?

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Snakes of Summer Cause for Awareness, Not Fear
FORSYTH, Ga. (June 8, 2009) - As temperatures rise don't be surprised if you see more late-afternoon activity on your sidewalks and driveways, particularly of the slithering variety. Not to worry, though: Snakes can be a homeowner's best friends, as long as you remember a few important tips.

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Man's Best Friend Can Be an Unwelcome Guest on the Beach
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (June 8, 2009) - When it comes to nesting shorebirds, man's best friend can be an unwelcome intruder on Georgia's beaches. With summer just around the corner, the state Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division encourages travelers to give birds a better chance of survival by leaving their dog at home when visiting the beach. This is especially important from April through July, the breeding season for Georgia's native beach-nesting birds.

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New Fishing Area Opens for the Public
PERRY, Ga. (June 5, 2009) - Anglers' high hopes for more fishing opportunities in Houston County become reality on Friday, June 5th as Governor Sonny Perdue and other state and local officials today welcomed the first visitors to the grand opening of the Flat Creek Public Fishing Area (PFA) located near Perry. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division will manage the PFA and its amenities.

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DNR Charges 7 with 113 Counts in South Ga. Poaching Investigation
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 5, 2009) - Georgia Department of Natural Resources officers charged seven people with a total of 113 poaching-related counts in Dodge and Laurens counties this week.

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Georgia Teams With Three States to Conserve Sandhills
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 1, 2009) - Georgia and three neighboring states will use a $1 million federal grant to increase the quality, quantity and connectivity of prime sandhill habitat, benefiting gopher tortoises and possibly 54 other sandhill species in need of significant conservation measures.

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Barring People, for the Sake of Rare Bats
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 1, 2009) - If you build it, they won't come. People, that is.

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Family Benefits from Fishing
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 26, 2009) - Are you ready to make time for family? If you need to gain back some crucial family time that often gets lost AND you want to increase your child's interest in the outdoors – take them fishing and boating! The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) declare boating and fishing as unmatched leisure activities that help make a true connection with family, friends and the natural environment. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division encourages people of all ages to reconnect with their families during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 6-14, 2009.

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Apply for 2009-2010 Quota Hunts Beginning June 1
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 26, 2009) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) reminds hunters that June 1 is opening day of the 2009-2010 quota hunt application period. Successful quota hunt applications are selected solely from the online applicant pool, so interested hunters must apply online through their personal accounts on the Division Web site, www.gohuntgeorgia.com.

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A Hungry Bear can Ruin a Camping Trip
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 26, 2009) - Whether a summer camping trip or a stay at a cozy cabin in the woods, there's always a possibility for a black bear sighting or encounter in North Georgia. With more than 75 established campgrounds and an estimated 1,200-1,500 black bears in North Georgia, campers should always be aware and prepared for a black bear encounter. The key to preventing an unfavorable experience is to properly store food and garbage.

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Web Site Offers First Complete Look at Georgia's Freshwater Fishes
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 26, 2009) - This is no fish tale: A new Georgia Museum of Natural History Web site offers the most complete look at Georgia fishes, what they are and where they're found.

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Three from DNR Honored for Right Whale Work
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (May 18, 2009) - Three employees of the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division's Nongame Conservation Section have been recognized for their outstanding work during the 2008-2009 right whale calving season.

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Remember Safety First When Boating, Swimming
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 15, 2009) - The thought of tragedy or death probably never enters the minds of most swimmers and boaters out enjoying a day of fun on the water – perhaps it should. Last year, 56 people drowned and 18 others died in boating related incidents in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to practice safety at all times when in and around the water.

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Know Georgia Boating Laws Before Heading Out to Water
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 15, 2009) - Quick boating safety quiz: Is it okay to jump the wake of another boat when you are less than 100 feet away or to use your personal watercraft to splash someone sitting on a dock?

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Georgia DNR and Team Georgia Urge Good Judgment Regarding Alcohol and Boating
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 15, 2009) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and TEAM Georgia, a safe and sober driving and boating coalition, are reminding people to refrain from drinking alcohol while operating a boat or personal watercraft (PWC).

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Know Mimimum Age Requirements Before Operating a Vessel
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 15, 2009) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources reminds boaters under the age of 16 that there is a minimum age requirement to operate a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on public lakes and waterways. Young boaters can satisfy the minimum age requirements of this law by taking a boating safety course or by operating a boat under the supervision or in the accompaniment of an adult. The DNR encourages adults to NEVER leave young children unattended on vessels.

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Boaters Head to Water During Holiday Weekend
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 15, 2009) - On Memorial Day weekend one thing is certain, thousands of boaters and anglers will be out enjoying the holiday on state waters, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

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Cpl. Craig Fulghum Honored with Waterfowl Officer of the Year
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 14, 2009) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently honored Cpl. Craig Fulghum with the Rocky Wainwright Waterfowl Officer of the Year Award for his outstanding efforts regarding waterfowl conservation over the past year. Fulghum is a Conservation Ranger on Lake Hartwell in Northeast Georgia. The award is named in memory of Conservation Ranger Cpl. Rocky Wainwright, who was dedicated to the conservation of waterfowl.

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State Hunter Safety Coordinator Names to IHEA Hall of Fame
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 14, 2009) - The International Hunter Education Association recently honored Capt. James Bell, the Georgia Hunter Safety Coordinator, with a Hall of Fame award, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division. Award recipients are individuals that are active, retired or deceased who exhibit(ed) outstanding traits that have helped improve the hunter education movement in a manner that exceeds general effort.

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New Public Service Video Warns Against Illegal Feeding of Dolphins
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (May 11, 2009) - An animated dolphin is the new face for a campaign to end the illegal feeding of wild dolphins. The video public service announcement, produced by a coalition of government agencies and private organizations, highlights the dangers of animals becoming hooked on human handouts.

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Leatherback Nest on Sea Island is First of Sea Turtle Nesting Season
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (May 11, 2009) - A rare and endangered leatherback sea turtle crawled ashore at Sea Island last week, signaling the start of nesting season for several federally protected species of turtles.

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DNR Announces Changes to State WMA Program
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 8, 2009) - The Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division today announced that beginning July 1, there will be three less wildlife management areas (WMA) in the state's program and one WMA will be reduced in size. These changes were necessary due to decreased appropriations in the FY2010 state budget. Also, the Board of Natural Resources recently approved an addition of more than 1,700 acres to the state-owned Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area in Seminole County and another 7,000 acres in Long and McIntosh counties, known as Townsend WMA.

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Kids Fishing Events Scheduled for Spring and Summer
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 7, 2009) - Looking for a way to spend more time with a child or grandchild this summer? Introduce them to fishing. Research shows that most people are introduced to fishing by a family member, and most consider a family member to be their best fishing friend.

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Fishing for Catfish a Georgia Tradition
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 7, 2009) - From the neighborhood pond or nearby lake to the mighty rivers in the south, a variety of catfish species inhabit Georgia's waters making fishing for "cats" an angler favorite.

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Target Carp in Northeast Georgia
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (May 7, 2009) - Fishing for carp may not be an angler's first choice, but according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division, targeting carp can make for a fun-filled, action-packed day on the water. Get started with know-how, including recommended hot spots, equipment and techniques.

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Stocked with Bream, PFAs make Perfect Family Areas
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 7, 2009) - For many anglers, good childhood fishing memories involve family fun and a stringer of bream. This spring, anglers can pass down the family fishing tradition and easily hook an impressive stringer of bream at a nearby public fishing area.

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Georgia Top Black Bass Fishing Destination
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 7, 2009) - Seventy-seven years later Georgia still holds the coveted title for the world record largemouth bass – a 22-lb., 4-oz. catch lured out of Montgomery Lake in Lumber City in 1932.Yet, the world record catch isn't Georgia's only bass bragging right. Georgia also remains the only state in the nation where anglers can target six of the seven species of black bass.

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Governor Signs Bill Creating More Customer Friendly Hunting Fishing Licenses
ATLANTA, Ga. (May 6, 2009) - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he has signed House Bill 326, making customer service improvements to Georgia's resident hunting and fishing licenses and market-based adjustments to nonresident licenses. HB 326 was sponsored by Sen. Ross Tolleson and Rep. Bob Lane.

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New Photo Contest Focuses on Georgia Wildlife, Action Plan
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 4, 2009) - The Great Georgia Photo SWAP, a new project sponsored by the Georgia Conservancy and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, was announced Monday at Panola Mountain State Park as a way to better engage Georgians in conservation efforts around the state.

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Richmond Co. Resident Named Top Hunter Ed Instructor
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 1, 2009) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently selected Col. Jack Bradford of Augusta as the 2008 Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. This award is presented annually in recognition of an instructor who displays outstanding volunteer efforts in educating sportsmen and women on wildlife conservation and the importance of safety while hunting.

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13th Annual CEWC Outdoor Festival and JAKES Day-May 16th
MANSFIELD, Ga. (May 1, 2009) - Looking for a way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors this spring? Come to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center's Outdoor Festival and JAKES Day Saturday, May 16! This fun-filled event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center's (CEWC) Discovery Area in Mansfield. Sponsors for the Outdoor Festival include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and the Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

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Manatees Return, Caution Urged for Boaters
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (April 28, 2009) - Manatees have returned to coastal Georgia, which means the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is again reminding boaters to be on the lookout to avoid collisions with the endangered animals.

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Buford Trout Hatchery Hosts Bird Walk May 10th
BUFORD, Ga. (April 28, 2009) - Springtime is a great time to observe many species of colorful birds known as neotropical migrants. Just north of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division's Buford Trout Hatchery offers a combination of habitat that is attractive to neotropical migrants, making it the perfect location to spot a beautiful summer tanager or orchard oriole.

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State Birding Contest Draws Flock of Young Birders
MANSFIELD, Ga. (April 27, 2009) - Georgia's 24-hour Youth Birding Competition had a record crowd of children and teens looking and listening statewide for birds common and rare this weekend.

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Bear Sightings Not Uncommon This Time of Year, Even In Metro Atlanta
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 23, 2009) - This time of year, young male black bears are roaming and often stumbling into what is considered non-traditional bear range, including urbanized areas and suburbs.

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Washington County Landowner Receives Civil Penalties and for Multiple Violations
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 21, 2009) - The Commissioner of Natural Resources today issued Administrative Orders to Washington County landowner Mr. Jens Brynteson and Mr. David Kilgore of Madison County. The orders impose civil penalties of more than $70,000.00 on Mr. Brynteson and penalties of $2,000.00 on Mr. Kilgore for numerous violations of Georgia's Game and Fish laws discovered during an 18-month investigation and subsequent search warrant findings. Additionally, the Commissioner issued Administrative Orders authorizing seizure of fallow deer herds, red deer herds and Mouflon sheep on two properties owned by Mr. Brynteson. Mr. Brynteson and Mr. Kilgore will have 30 days to file an appeal of the Administrative Order. If no appeal is filed within 30 days, the orders will be final. Further, Department officials today issued 29 misdemeanor citations to Mr. Kilgore for violating Georgia's trapping laws.

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Coastal Project Documents New Habitat on Jekyll
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (April 20, 2009) - Beyond the beaches and bike trails at Jekyll Island, a new natural community has been discovered tucked within the island's iconic maritime forest.

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In April, Life Blooms Rich 'in the Pits' at Piedmont Outcrops
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 13, 2009) - On an April afternoon fresh from heavy rains and swept by steady winds, Mary Terry asks a question atop Arabia Mountain in Dekalb County: "Why can't everybody see this?"

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2009 Bald Eagle Surveys Show Rise in Nests, Young
FORSTYH, Ga. (April 13, 2009) - Bald eagle populations continue to soar in Georgia, with 2009 totals from the state Department of Natural Resources showing increases in nests and young fledged.

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New Hours Offer Chattahoochee Trout Anglers More Opportunity
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 10, 2009) - Previously open to anglers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Georgia Power now has extended its access hours for the Morgan Falls Dam area of the Chattahoochee River from dawn to dusk. The new hours allow anglers more convenient times to hook a string of rainbow or brown trout.

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Toccoa Tagging Study Offers Anglers Chance at FREE Lifetime License
CALHOUN, Ga. (April 10, 2009) - Anglers looking to land trophy trout in the 15-mile stretch of the Toccoa River between Blue Ridge Dam and the Tennessee state line now also have a chance to hunt and fish in Georgia for life for free.

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Conservation at Tax Time? Here's How
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 6, 2009) - Tax Day and conservation might sound like an odd couple, but Georgians can support wildlife as they file their state tax forms by April 15.

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Right Whale Records Set in Whale of a Season
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (April 6, 2009) - A record-breaking season is drawing to a close as North Atlantic right whales head north for the summer. Research survey results indicate that the number of right whales spending the winter in the South again increased this year, a hopeful sign for these endangered marine giants.

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Marbled Godwit Tracking Now Online
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (April 6, 2009) - From the beach to your computer screen: You can follow the travels of rare marbled godwits as they fly across the country, bound for destinations known – at least for now – only to them.

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Summer Archery Camps Aim High, Combine All Things Outdoors
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 1, 2009) - Designed with everything outdoors in mind, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division's 3-day archery camps aim to educate and engage adventurous youth. Registration is now open for the camps, which are scheduled for June and July at various locations throughout the state, including Buford, Stockbridge, Albany, Hawkinsville, Social Circle and Valdosta.

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Black Bear Sightings a Reality this Spring
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 1, 2009) - Each spring and summer the likelihood of bear sightings throughout the state, even in urbanized areas and suburbs, increases.

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So-Called 'Orphaned' Wildlife Need No Rescue
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 1, 2009) - Concern for 'orphaned' wildlife is simply human nature. Most people who come across a deer fawn, a young bird or a newborn rabbit will initially watch in amazement and then immediately wonder if the animal is in need of help. Yet, as newborn wildlife blossom into existence this spring, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division encourages residents to resist the urge to 'rescue' these animals.

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Co-Existing with Coyotes, Education and prevention best defense as coyote sightings increase
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 1, 2009) - The distinctive call of the coyote or "song dog" echoes across our state, from the more welcoming rural areas of wooded forests and open fields, to the less inviting backyards of metro Atlanta neighborhoods.

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Georgia Project Part of PBS Nature Program on Frogs
FORSYTH, Ga. (Mar. 30, 2009) - The latest installment in the PBS Nature series includes Georgia gopher frogs and efforts to restore them in an otherwise troubling look at problems decimating frog populations worldwide.

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Web Cam Again Tracking Peregrine Pair in Atlanta
ATLANTA, Ga. (Mar. 30, 2009) - Atlanta's most prominent falcons couple is back in the public eye.

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Recreational Licenses and Boat Registration FAQ Fact Sheet
Click here to view the fact sheet.

Wildlife Camps Available for Youth This Summer
COVINGTON, Ga. (Mar. 27, 2009) - The Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center (located between Covington and Jackson on Ga. Hwy. 36) will host its 7th annual FFA Wildlife Camp this summer. The goal of the wildlife camp is to teach young boys and girls about outdoor sports and safety and to increase their awareness and appreciation of wildlife. This year there will be four "Wildlife Camps" to provide wildlife education and outdoor safety training in a dynamic environment for young boys and girls. There are two wildlife camps for youth ages 10-15, to be held June 21-26 and June 28-July 3, 2009. In addition, there is an Advanced Wildlife Camp available for youth ages 11-16 from July 5-10 and July 12-17, 2009. Registration is open, but space is limited!

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It's Easy! Go Online to Purchase Hunting and Fishing Licenses
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Mar. 27, 2009) - With turkey season here and trout season opening March 28, hunters and anglers are urged to obtain their hunting and fishing licenses through the quick and easy online method says The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.

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Public Hearings Scheduled for April on Hunting Regulations
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Mar. 27, 2009) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division will hold three public hearings to receive input on proposed changes to the hunting regulations for the 2008-2009 and the 2010-2011 hunting seasons. The purpose of any proposed regulation change is to manage Georgia's game birds and game animals according to sound principles of wildlife management and to meet public objectives for use of these renewable natural resources. Those interested are encouraged to bring these hearings to the attention of others who also may wish to participate.

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Mark of Spring: Hummers Returning to Georgia
FORSYTH, Ga. (Mar. 23, 2009) - If you haven't already done so, hang up your feeders! Ruby-throated hummingbirds and other avian migrants are returning to Georgia from wintering grounds far to the south. Ruby-throated "hummers" may travel more than 1,200 miles from Central America to Georgia.

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Spring Planting Can Be for the Birds, and Butterflies
FORSYTH, Ga. (Mar. 23, 2009) - Spring means that backyard gardeners and landscapers are hard at work beautifying their yards. But in all of the bustle and planning, the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division recommends adding a place for wildlife, no matter the yard's size.

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Seed Packets Will Spruce up Backyards for Nectar-feeders
FORSYTH, Ga. (Mar. 23, 2009) - Add color and wildlife to your backyard with help from the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division and The Environmental Resources Network.

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White Bass First Fresh Catch of Spring
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Mar. 18, 2009) - As early as February, white bass begin spawning runs up several Georgia rivers. The migration continues through early April, making March the ideal time to target the popular sport fish. Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries biologists recommend fishing the tributaries to Clarks Hill Lake and the Oconee, Apalachee, Coosa and Chattahoochee (near Franklin) rivers.

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North Georgia's Warming Water Temps Spur Walleye Spawning
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Mar. 18, 2009) - Fifty degrees. It's the magic number that sends north Georgia's ever-increasing walleye population on an annual spawning run. According to the Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division, this upstream migration (and prime fishing opportunity) peaks in mid to late March.

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Statewide Winners Announced in Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest
ATHENS, Ga. (Mar. 18, 2009) - Twelve elementary school children have been selected as statewide winners in the Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest, the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division announced today. More than 4,000 kindergarten through 5th-grade students from 30 public schools, private schools and home-school groups participated in the 19TH annual conservation art competition.

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Care of Bird Feeders Urged to Help Stop Spread of Disease
FORSYTH, Ga. (Mar. 18, 2009) - Reports of more Georgians finding dead songbirds at feeders and tests pointing to salmonella as the major culprit have Georgia Wildlife Resources Division biologists urging care and diligence in feeder upkeep.

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Prescribed Fire Will Mean New Life for Rare Mountain Bog
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Mar. 16, 2009) - Trekking uphill and through charred underbrush, most of it still smoking, four Nomex-clad workers push their way into one of North Georgia's last remaining mountain bogs. Time is short and the crew works quickly. Soon, flames are shooting upward as drip torches leave bright orange trails of fire around thick piles of rhododendron.

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Now is the Time to Register Your Boat for the Coming Season!
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Mar. 13, 2009) - Boating season is just around the corner and The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division would like to remind boat owners that they can register their boats in one of three ways - by phone, mail or online.

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Calling All Gobblers, Statewise Turkey Hunting Season Opens Mar. 21
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Mar. 12, 2009) - Turkey hunters across the state are dusting off their calls in preparation for the upcoming turkey season. Opening day is Sat., Mar. 21 and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division anticipates another enjoyable season.

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Turkey Hunters Encouraged to put Safety First
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Mar. 12, 2009) - Successful hunting trips require a combination of skill, patience and most importantly, preparation. As turkey season rapidly approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division is concentrating on the preparation aspect, encouraging hunters to brush up on important turkey hunting safety tips before hitting the woods.

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Seasonal Trout Streams Open Mar. 28
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Mar. 12, 2009) - Recent rain and snow storms have improved stream flows in north Georgia just in time for pre-season trout stocking. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plan to stock more than one million trout in Georgia streams, rivers and small lakes by the end of the year. Many streams will be stocked by the end of the month and in time for opening day for seasonal trout stream fishing – Sat., Mar. 28.

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Elusive Whale Is Finally Free Thanks To New Sedation Technique
March 10, 2009 - An endangered north Atlantic right whale may live to see another season thanks to the persistent efforts to disentangle it from life-threatening gear.

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Fitzgerald Crowing over Wild Chicken Fest Success
FITZGERALD, Ga. (Mar. 9, 2009) - Historic downtown Fitzgerald struts its stuff again March 20-21 with the city's Wild Chicken Festival, an annual event announced by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division in partnership with the community.

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Public Hearing Set on Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program Rules
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Mar. 9, 2009) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a public hearing to solicit comment on proposed amendments to rules for the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program.

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Fire on the Mountain! Returns to Sprewell Bluff
THOMASTON, Ga. (Mar. 3, 2009) - Participants of all ages are invited Saturday, March 14, to Fire on the Mountain! - the annual celebration of an ongoing effort to conserve areas of rare montane longleaf pine habitat through the use of prescribed fire at Sprewell Bluff State Park near Thomaston.

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