The Board of Natural Resources recently approved proposed changes to hunting regulations for the 2015-2017 hunting seasons. 

Some of the major changes include establishing a uniform statewide deer season.

“Deer  may  be  taken  statewide  with  firearms  authorized  by  law in accordance with the counties, sex and seasons,  except  as  otherwise  specifically  provided  herein.    Deer  of  either  sex  may  be  taken  with  archery  equipment  any  day  during  open  firearms deer season, except as may otherwise be specified.”

In Decatur County, deer season for either sex begins the first Saturday after Oct. 15 through the second Sunday in January. These laws are in effect for the 2015-2017 seasons.

The new regulations also add counties to the northern and southern zones for bear season, and increase the alligator quota to 1,000 (from 850) and extending the alligator season to sunset on the day immediately preceding the third Saturday in August through sunrise the day immediately following the first Sunday in October for quota permit holders only.

The purpose of hunting regulations is to manage Georgia’s game birds and game animals according to the principles of sound wildlife management that achieve a balance between biological constraints and public objectives for the use of these renewable natural resources.

The annual hunting regulations guidebook, which provides a less formal presentation of the regulations, will be available by August 1 on the Division’s website, at DNR offices, and at license vendors throughout Georgia.