The Georgia deer firearms season opens Saturday, Oct. 20 and continues through Jan. 13, 2019 statewide.
“Hunting is a grand tradition in Georgia, with all types of people participating,” said Charlie Killmaster, state deer biologist for the Wildlife Resources Division. “It is an exciting activity enjoyed by many, and Georgia has one of the longest deer seasons, with a deer harvest that is sustainably among the highest, and with quality bucks.”
During firearms deer season last year, more than 321,000 hunters harvested almost 310,000 deer in the state. The use of regulated deer hunting ensures that Georgia’s deer population continues to be healthy and strong.
Hunting is one of the safest sports according to Killmaster, with only a small fraction of participants ever involved in a hunting incident.
Even with minor chances for issues, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) still encourages hunters to review the ‘Four Primary Rules of Firearms Safety’ before heading to the woods.
Of the more than 600,000 hunters afield last year, Georgia reported only 35 hunting incidents, none of which were fatal.
The following checklist, comprised of only four items, is covered in all hunter education courses and easily can be remembered with the acronym ACTT:
- A – Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- C – Control the muzzle of the firearm at all times.
- T – Be certain of the Target and what is in front of it and beyond it.
- T – Keep your finger outside of the Trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.