Smithgall Woods Regional Education Center

09/14/2026

BE SMART AND BE BEARWISE®

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (September 14, 2026) – As the weather starts to cool, you might want to make plans to enjoy Georgia’s outdoors. Remember to make BearWise practices part of your plans, encourages the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

“Being BearWise doesn’t require a lot of extra effort, but those simple precautions can make a big difference.” says Adam Hammond, WRD’s State Bear Biologist. “Wild black bears naturally avoid people, so keeping food, trash, and other attractants secured helps prevent bears from becoming comfortable around people. Taking those steps allows us to safely enjoy Georgia’s outdoors while helping bears remain wild.”

Fall also marks an important time for bears as they enter hyperphagia, a period of increased feeding as they prepare for winter. During this time, bears will spend much of their day searching for food to consume more calories than usual. This increased food drive makes it especially important to secure garbage, pet food, birdseed, and other potential attractants.

Let’s Review Some Outdoor BearWise Basics:
• Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings. Keep kids within sight and close by. Leave earbuds at home and enjoy the sounds of nature. More often than not, bears will hear you coming and avoid unnecessarily close interactions.
• Leave No Trash or Food Scraps: Double bag your food when hiking and pack out all food and trash. Don’t burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill. Leaving scraps, wrappers, or even harmless items like apple cores teaches bears to associate trails and campsites with food.
• Keep Dogs Leashed: Letting dogs chase or bark at bears is asking for trouble; don’t force a bear to defend itself. Keep your dogs leashed at all times or leave them at home.
• Camp Safely: Set up camp away from dense vegetation and natural food sources. Cook as far from your tent as possible. Do not store food, trash, clothes worn while cooking, or toiletries in your tent. Store in approved bear-resistant containers OR out of sight in a locked vehicle OR suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree.
• If You Encounter a Black Bear: If you see a bear before it notices you, don’t approach. Stand still, enjoy, then quietly move away. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. If the bear continues to approach, stand your ground, wave your arms and yell, throw sticks or rocks, and be prepared to put up an aggressive fight, if necessary, until it leaves. If you are in a group, stay together. If it keeps approaching and you have bear spray, be prepared to use it.
Georgia has three distinct populations of black bears, in the north Georgia mountains, in central Georgia along the Ocmulgee River, in and around the Okefenokee Swamp in southeast Georgia, and occasionally, anywhere in between.

BearWise is the national program of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies dedicated to helping people live responsibly with bears. BearWise was developed by state bear biologists, is anchored by the website BearWise.org and offers citizens specific, detailed, and high-quality information, engaging education pieces, and more.

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09/09/2026

FISH ART CONTEST NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

PERRY, Ga. (Sept. 9, 2026) – The 2027 Fish Art Contest is now open. This free program is open to students’ kindergarten through grade 12 (ages 5-18) worldwide, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division.

“While we ultimately hope all kids get the chance to get outside and actually go fishing, we also believe the program is an amazing opportunity to use art and writing to inspire children’s imagination to learn and discover more about fish and fishing,” said Chrystal Sherwood, Educator at Georgia DNR’s Go Fish Education Center. “Please be sure to review all the different entry categories and submission details to ensure your student’s creative art pieces get the best chance to be part of the contest, and best of luck!”

How to Enter
All entry forms can be found at FishArt.org.

• Students must use the Georgia Fish Art Award entry form
• Students must a wild fish in a natural habitat.
• Once a student selects a species to base the artwork on, use books and reputable online resources to research the species. Teachers and parents may have the student work through the activities found on the Conservation Education page for Fish On! Lessons at theartofconservation.org/conservation-education .
• A Form Finder tool is available online to help students and educators easily locate the correct entry form and understand their state’s contest rules.
• Go Fish Georgia Award: students should focus on a native state fish species, or one introduced to the state, commonly sought by anglers. The list of species can be found at theartofconservation.org/go-fish-georgia-award.
Artwork & Writing Requirements
Students create an original, hand-done illustration (no digital or AI entries allowed). Participants in 4th grade and above also submit a brief piece of creative writing to showcase their knowledge. Entries found to be plagiarized may be disqualified. Wildlife Forever and contest partners will be intentional about reviewing submissions before winners are announced.

Specialty Awards
In addition to state awards, students may qualify for one of several specialty awards (eligibility varies by species list and state host):
• Invader Crusader Award: Artwork featuring a native and invasive species found in the student’s local area.
• Great Lakes Fish Award: Artwork featuring a Great Lakes species (native, naturalized, or non-native).
• Guy Harvey Shark Award: Artwork featuring a shark species.
• Fish Habitat Writing Award: For creative writing responses about protecting aquatic ecosystems.
• Mighty Minnow Award: Celebrating kindergarten participants.
• Western Native Trout Award (TBD).
Recognition
Winners will be selected in five age categories Kindergarten (ages 5-6), 1st to 3rd grade (ages 6-8), 4th to 6th grade (ages 9-11), 7th to 9th grade (ages 12-14), and 10th-12 grade (ages 15-18).

Top Georgia entries will be displayed at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, Ga. (GoFishEducationCenter.com).

All entries are due by Feb. 28, 2027. They must be submitted digitally but can also be mailed to:
Chrystal Sherwood / Go Fish Education Center (1255 Perry Parkway, Perry, GA 31069). Please be sure to check the requirements before mailing your artwork.

About the Contest
The Fish Art Contest is supported by Bass Pro Shops, the USDA Forest Service, the International Game Fish Association, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Guy Harvey Foundation, Yamaha and Rapala.

More information on award categories, entry forms, FAQs and requirements can be found at FishArt.org.

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09/09/2026

PROCLAMATION AND CELEBRATION! Gov. Brian Kemp Signs National Hunting and Fishing Day Proclamation: Join Us to Celebrate on Sept. 26 at a Special Event Near You

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Sept. 9, 2026) – A proclamation and a celebration! Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed a proclamation officially recognizing Sat. Sept. 26, 2026, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is hosting 12 special events to celebrate, so select an event and plan to join us!

“Georgia has a rich tradition of hunting and angling that dates back further than the state itself. These traditions continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state, and over recent years have offered a growing number of participants an opportunity to connect with nature on a personal level while simultaneously providing food security, a sense of self-sufficiency, and both mental and physical health benefits,” states the proclamation signed by Gov. Brian Kemp. “Georgia’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitat, and through their license fees helped fund state efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources.” See the full proclamation at GeorgiaWildlife.com/get-involved/nhfday.

Events scheduled for NHF Day in Georgia include family/kid fishing events and exciting Outdoor Adventure Days which offer multiple activities like archery, fishing, shooting and more. Events are spread out across the whole state – meaning that one is taking place near you!

“Be sure to put Sept. 26 on your calendar and pick an event to help you and your family get outside and try something new,” said Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division Director Chris Harper. “The planned events celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day are meant to salute the rich tradition of fishing, hunting and sport shooting and introduce new audiences to some of these outdoor activities and help make them more aware of the connection between hunting, angling, and conservation. We welcome everyone to the great outdoors!”

In addition to these 12 exciting events, a FREE fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. On this day, Georgia residents do NOT need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas.

The U.S. Congress and President Richard Nixon first established NHF Day in 1972 to recognize the efforts made by hunters and anglers. Through self-imposed fees and excise taxes, U.S. sportsmen and women have raised more than $57 billion--that’s more than $100,000 every 30 minutes being raised for conservation.

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia, including a complete listing and description of all offered events, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/get-involved/nhfday.

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09/08/2026

HUNTERS: REVIEW TREE STAND SAFETY BEFORE HEADING TO THE WOODS

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Sept. 8, 2026) – Deer hunters – It’s almost time to head to the woods! Before you climb into a tree stand, remember: Safety First! Don’t forget to review safety precautions.

Most hunting incidents that occur each year are related to tree stands. Last year, during the 2025-2026 season, 18 of 24 total incidents were tree stand use related including two fatalities, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Don’t become a statistic this season.

Following are tree stand safety tips:

When using a non-climbing portable or ladder stand, hunters should securely fasten the stand to the tree and install ladders or steps according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Hunters should ALWAYS wear a Fall-Arrest System (FAS)/Full Body Harness during ascent and descent and follow manufacturer’s usage instructions. Be aware that single strap belts and chest harnesses are no longer recommended and should not be used. Failure to use a FAS could result in serious injury or death.
Hunters should ALWAYS attach their FAS in the manner described by the manufacturer. Failure to do so may result in suspension without the ability to recover into the tree stand. Be aware of the hazards associated with full body harnesses and the fact that prolonged suspension in a harness may also be fatal.
Have in place a plan for rescue, including the use of cell phones or signal devices that may be easily reached and used while suspended. If rescue personnel cannot be notified, you must have an alternate plan for recovery or escape. If you have to hang suspended for a period of time before help arrives, exercise your legs by pushing against the tree or doing any other form of continuous motion or use your suspension relief device.
Consider your personal physical condition before going out. If you do not have the ability to recover or escape from a FAS, it is recommended that you hunt only from the ground.
Hunters should ALWAYS use a haul line to pull their gear and unloaded firearm or bow into their tree stand. Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Prior to descending, lower equipment to the ground on the opposite side of the tree.
Staying awake and alert is important. Hunters should avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness prior to hunting. Also, never use alcohol or drugs before or while hunting.
Hunters should always inform someone of where they are hunting and what time they expect to return.
For more information on tree stands or hunting-related safety, call 706-557-3355 or visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation.

09/08/2026

SIGHT IN THOSE BOWS: GEORGIA ARCHERY DEER HUNTING SEASON OPENS SATURDAY, SEPT. 12

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Sept. 8, 2026) – Sight in those bows and get that draw dialed in! Opening day of archery season is almost here. The statewide archery deer hunting season begins Saturday, Sept. 12, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Last year, 87,000 archery hunters harvested 42,000 deer. Statewide, hunters can use archery equipment throughout the entire 2026-2027 deer season.

“I’m calling on all archery hunters to take an extra doe for Georgia Hunters for the Hungry®,” said state deer biologist Charlie Killmaster. “Georgia farmers need your help controlling crop damage from deer and hunters are the best solution. A well-placed arrow can provide dozens of meals to fellow Georgians and help your neighboring farmer all in one shot.”

Georgia Hunters for the Hungry
To reduce agricultural damage and help Georgia families in need of quality protein, Georgia DNR and Georgia Wildlife Federation expanded the Hunters for the Hungry Program®. To locate a processor in your area or to become a Hunters for the Hungry® deer processor please visit GWF.org/ghfth/.

Public Hunting Opportunities
Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (GeorgiaWildlife.com/allwmas) offer public access to nearly one million acres of hunting opportunity. Hunters should check the current hunting regulations for specific WMA dates and info (GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources).

Hunting Need-to-Know:
Dates/Harvest Limit: State law allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer, and no more than two antlered deer (with one of the two antlered deer having a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread). For most hunters in the state, the deer season ends on Jan. 10. For counties with extended fi****ms or archery season, review the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations 2026-27 guidebook at GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources. Deer of either s*x may be taken with archery equipment at any time on private land during the primitive weapons and fi****ms deer season.
Licenses: Georgia deer hunters must have a hunting license, a big game license and a current deer harvest record. Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, by phone at 1-800-366-2661, or at a license agent (list of agents available online).
Report Harvest: All harvested deer must be reported through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours. Deer can be reported on the Outdoors GA app (which works regardless of cell service), at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, or by calling 1-800-366-2661.
“If you hunt in Atkinson, Berrien, Lanier, or Lowndes counties please help us monitor chronic wasting disease (CWD) and get your deer tested,” said Killmaster. “Just ask a participating deer processor or taxidermist to test it or bring your deer head to a freezer site. Testing deer from all other counties isn’t necessary but is available to all hunters statewide. CWD information, testing locations, test results, and more can be found at visit georgiawildlife.com/cwd.”

New Deer Carcass Disposal Rule:
Transporting and discarding deer carcass parts on the landscape presents risk for spreading CWD to new areas of Georgia. Proper deer carcass disposal is now required across Georgia for anyone transporting or disposing of carcasses or parts, including hunters and taxidermists.

Proper disposal methods for carcasses or unused parts include:

Leave them on the property where the deer was killed
Use a commercial deer processor, they are required to properly dispose of unused carcass parts
Permitted solid waste landfill (as you would for household garbage)
Deep burial, incineration, or any other approved method in the Dead Animal Disposal Act (O.C.G.A. § 4-5-1 to 4-5-11)
For more on deer hunting, including finding a game processor, viewing regulations, maps (either s*x day or the rut map), visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/deer-info.

08/28/2026

COMMENT PERIOD OPENS FOR PROPOSED PROTECTED SPECIES LIST CHANGES

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Aug. 28, 2026) – The public is encouraged to provide comments on proposed changes to Georgia’s Protected Species List from Aug. 28 to Sept. 20, 2026, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division announced today.

Public input is important and valuable in developing and implementing state regulations. The Protected Species List includes Georgia species considered most in need of conservation. DNR periodically reviews the list and recommends revisions as needed.

The proposed changes include adding and removing species, updating scientific names, and matching the status of species to their federal listing. They also would add an exception that allows for the sale of certain protected plant species grown in captivity.

Documents regarding the proposed amendments to rules 391-4-10-.09 and 391-4-10-.07 of Subject 391-4-10: Protection of Endangered, Threatened, Rare or Unusual Species are available at https://georgiawildlife.com/regulations/proposed. Further resources, including a presentation on the topic and answers to questions regarding the list and the process, can be found at https://georgiawildlife.com/ProtectedSpeciesList.

The public comment period is open from Aug. 28 to Sept. 20, 2026. The deadline to provide comments on the proposed amendments is 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20. Interested individuals can submit comments by:

Sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line Protected Species List.
Submitting a written statement. Written statements provided by mail should be sent to the attention of Trina Morris at: Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Wildlife Resources Conservation Center; 2065 U.S. Hwy. 278 SE; Social Circle, GA 30025. Statements sent by mail must be received by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20, 2026.
Calling the DNR Wildlife Conservation Section at (706) 557-3213.
Attending a public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2026, at the Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters Office, 2067 U.S. Hwy. 278 SE, Social Circle, GA 30025.
Any participant at the public hearing may present data, make a statement or comment, or offer a viewpoint or argument, either orally or in writing. Statements should be concise to permit everyone an opportunity to comment. Participants are required to register on arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Participants may also bring a written copy of their statement.

The state Board of Natural Resources will consider the proposed amendments and any comments received during the board’s meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 27, 2026, in the DNR Board Room at 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SE Suite 1252 East, Atlanta, GA 30334.

For more information, see https://georgiawildlife.com/regulations/proposed and https://georgiawildlife.com/ProtectedSpeciesList.

DNR is proposing updates to Georgia’s protected species list.

08/27/2026

WILDLIFE POSTER CONTEST CELEBRATES ‘WILDLIFE GREAT AND SMALL’

SOCIAL CIRCLE (Aug. 27, 2026) – Teachers and students across the state are invited to celebrate wildlife through art by participating in the 37th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest.

The goal of this competition for grades K-5 is to generate knowledge of and appreciation for Georgia’s biodiversity. The popular initiative is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Environmental Resources Network, or TERN, friends group of DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section.

The 2026-2027 theme – Wildlife Great and Small: We Need Them All! – highlights the importance of protecting Georgia’s rich natural heritage. Over 4,000 species of plants and wild animals as well as tens of thousands of invertebrates live here. From North Atlantic right whales to sugar maples to wood storks to field ants, species come in all shapes and sizes. Just as every gear, bolt, rod and belt in a machine is needed to operate properly, every species, no matter the size, is needed for an ecosystem to function.

An ecosystem is a community of living things (plants and animals) and non-living things (air, water, soil) that work together to support life. If any part disappears, the ecosystem and the species in it suffer. Plants and animals that once depended on the missing part may die, which leads to lower biodiversity and possibly even ecosystem collapse. However, through stewardship, we can help keep common species common and prevent the loss of species.

As inspiration for their Give Wildlife a Chance artwork, students can keenly observe the living things in their backyard, schoolyard or local park. Notice not only the larger plants and animals but also smaller, less obvious lifeforms. Additionally, students can visit the Georgia Biodiversity Portal (https://georgiabiodiversity.org) to learn about rare plants and animals statewide and locally. For details about a particular species, click on its name in the list to see a profile page.

The artwork must be based on this year’s theme and adhere to the contest rules. Participants will enter their drawings and paintings at the local level. Typically, that’s done through the student’s school, but it also can be through another group hosting the poster contest, such as a homeschool organization, after-school camp, Scout troop or library branch. Top school-level entries proceed to the state contest at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. First-, second- and third-place winners will be chosen for four divisions: kindergarten, first and second grade, third and fourth grade, and fifth grade. The deadline for schools to submit digital photos of state-level entries is March 1, 2027.

The top 12 state-level winners’ artwork will be showcased on DNR Wildlife Resources Division and State Botanical Garden of Georgia social media sites and through a statewide news release. Winners also will receive award ribbons and may be recognized in other ways. For contest rules, awards, entry forms and other information, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/PosterContest.

DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section is charged with conserving animals that aren’t legally fished for or hunted, plus native plants and natural habitats. Only a deep commitment to these natural resources will ensure their existence for future generations. The Wildlife Conservation Section depends primarily on fundraisers such as sales of eagle and monarch butterfly license plates, the annual renewal of those and older wildlife tags (such as the hummingbird design), the Give Wildlife a Chance state income tax checkoff, and direct donations (https://georgiawildlife.com/donations).

Learn more at https://georgiawildlife.com/about/what-we-do or call Wildlife Conservation Section offices in Social Circle (706-557-3213), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218).

GIVE WILDLIFE A CHANCE POSTER CONTEST
• Theme: Wildlife Great and Small – We Need Them All!
• Emphasis: Generate knowledge of and appreciation for Georgia’s biodiversity.
• Teacher instructions: Have students design artwork based on the theme that includes native wildlife – animals, plants or both. Hold a school-level contest. First-place winners in each age division advance to the state-level contest.
• Deadline for state-level contest entries: March 1, 2027.
• Top 12 state-level winners’ artwork will be showcased on DNR Wildlife Resources Division and State Botanical Garden of Georgia social media sites.
• Details: https://georgiawildlife.com/PosterContest

This year's Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest winners have been announced.

08/27/2026

YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE STARTS HERE: THE 15th ANNUAL BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER

MANSFIELD, Ga. (Aug. 27, 2026) – Trade your daily routine for a weekend of adventure! The 15th Annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Workshop is set for October 23–25, 2026, at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. Hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, this weekend offers a hands-on introduction to a wide variety of outdoor recreational skills and activities.

“Women from all walks of life can discover and develop outdoor skills such as backpacking, fishing, shooting sports, outdoor cooking, and nature photography — all in a safe, structured, and encouraging environment,” said Kim Morris-Zarneke, Program Manager. “The atmosphere is positive and non-competitive, allowing every participant to feel confident, supported, and ready to have fun.”

BOW is designed for women ages 18 and older, of all physical ability levels. The goal is to remove barriers to outdoor participation by offering a supportive space where women can learn, grow, and connect with nature.

The weekend kicks off Friday morning and wraps up Sunday afternoon, with participants choosing from more than 30 professionally led classes in between meals, presentations, and special events. Classes vary from easygoing to physically challenging, so participants can tailor their schedule to their comfort and interest level.

Attendees can RV or tent camp on site (reservations required) or stay at the conference center lodge at Charlie Elliott, part of a well-loved complex that includes a wildlife management area and public fishing area.

“From first timers to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, our classes are crafted for all skill levels,” said Morris-Zarneke. “Whether you’re just learning the basics or building on what you already know, our instructors aim to give you the skills and confidence to continue your outdoor adventures long after the workshop ends.”

Registration opens September 2, 2026, and closes October 2, 2026 — but don’t wait, spots will fill quickly! The cost per person (including meals and programming) ranges from $255–$300, depending on lodging choice.

Beyond BOW: In addition to the annual workshop, participants can continue their learning through Beyond BOW (BBOW), which are one-day programs offered throughout the year to build on skills learned at BOW. Past sessions have included handgun safety, freshwater snorkeling, twilight paddling, and guided hikes.

For full details, including registration information, scholarship information, and a complete class list, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/bow or call (770) 784-3059 or email [email protected].

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08/25/2026

GRAB YOUR GEAR: EARLY TEAL AND GOOSE SEASON OPPORTUNITIES

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Aug. 25, 2026) –It’s time to grab your gear and start scouting. Georgia’s early waterfowl season is almost here. Hunters can get a jump on the waterfowl season with the upcoming early teal and Canada goose hunting season, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Early Canada goose season is Sept. 5-27, 2026, with a daily limit of 5 geese, and early teal season is Sept. 12-20, 2026, with a daily limit of 6 teal.

“Be sure to take advantage of early season waterfowl hunting opportunities,” said Kara Nitschke, WRD state waterfowl biologist. “The weather is nice and the birds have had limited exposure to hunting pressure, so you’ll get a chance at some good shooting before the regular season begins.”

Need a place to hunt teal and geese? Visit a Georgia Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) that is open for small game hunting during the statewide teal and goose seasons, or even at beaver ponds and other natural wetlands (always ensure you have permission to hunt any private property). Lakes and reservoirs such as Juliette, Clarks Hill, West Point, and Seminole offer great hunting opportunities for teal and geese.

Waterfowl hunters need a hunting license, the Georgia migratory bird stamp and the federal duck stamp. All licenses may be purchased at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.

More information about waterfowl hunting at GeorgiaWildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.

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08/25/2026

TAKE PART IN HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES IN GEORGIA: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COMPLETED A HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (August 25, 2026) – Are you ready to take part in the hunting opportunities that Georgia has to offer? Before you lock in your plans, make sure you’ve completed a hunter education course. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) offers both fully online and in-person classroom options to get it done.

“Our goal is to educate hunters and set them up for success before they head to the dove field or hunting stand. We offer multiple online courses as well as in-person instructor led courses for those who prefer the classroom setting,” says Jennifer Davison, Hunter Development Program Manager with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. “It is important to the Department that we offer these different course options to accommodate all learning styles.”

There are 10 online course options available, including one in Spanish. Online courses have fees ranging from FREE to $49.95 (fees are set and collected by the independent course providers). Fee-based courses are all “pass or don’t pay.” If you prefer an in-person option, the DNR classroom course is offered free of charge.

Completion of a hunter education course is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1961, who:

• purchases a season hunting license in Georgia.
• is at least 12 years old and hunts without adult supervision.
• hunts big game (deer, turkey, bear) on a wildlife management area.
The only exceptions include any person who:

• purchases an Apprentice Hunting License or short-term hunting license, i.e., anything less than annual duration (as opposed to a season license).
• is hunting on his or her own land or is a dependent hunting on land of his or her parents or legal guardians.
For more information, go to GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation or call 706-557-3355.

Residents and non-residents born on or after January 1, 1961, must successfully complete a hunter education course prior to purchasing a season hunting license. However, a hunter education course is not required to purchase an Apprentice License or a license identified as a “Short Term” License....