Georgia state officials have enacted policies designed to keep the deer population at substantial capacity while preventing it from reaching totals that are too high and potentially harmful.
Game & Fish explains these regulations further, "State wildlife officials say the trend toward lowering doe harvests will help stabilize the population."
However, deer can cause ample damage and prove to be a profound nuisance to local ecology and inhabitants. Thus it's important for hunters to continue to keep their population totals in check during the designated season with regulated hunting.
It's a delicate balance, as noted by the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division, "Although these animals sometimes cause damage to agricultural and horticultural operations, deer also provide substantial economic benefits and recreational opportunities for people throughout the state."
ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now
Here are five things to keep in mind while hunting deer in Georgia.
1. Bag Limit
Georgia allows each hunter a bag limit – the number of deer one can kill or bag – of 12 per season. Specifically, up to 10 can be antler-less while only two can have antlers, and one of the bucks must be four points.
2. Deer Hunting Season
Deer season occurs from September through October statewide. There's also an extended archery season throughout the month of January where the use of firearms are prohibited.
VOTE NOW: Is Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal Doing a Good Job?
3. Firearms
Hunters can hunt deer with most firearms, as well as bows, primitive weapons, and even dogs. During archery season, archers may not possess any firearms while hunting deer. Also, deer may only be hunted with the use of dogs within designated seasons and locations.
4. Lakes, Streams, and Ponds
Hunters are not permitted to hunt deer when they're located in a lake, stream, or pond.
5. Call the Professionals
If deer consistently cause havoc on your land and you've tried various forms of repellent, there's always professional deer hunting services available.
The Suburban Whitetail Management of North Georgia is a state-funded, nonprofit organization that helps local residents control their deer populations. They explain, "Our programs are designed to minimize deer-related damage to ornamentals and property, reduce deer-vehicle collisions and lower the threat of Lyme disease and other diseases that can be transmitted by deer or their parasites."
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now