Several recent changes, including a new website and license structure, might have outdoor recreation-loving folks looking for information from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Some of the major changes viewers will find, include:

•  New Website: Don’t worry! Everyone can still find the website at www.georgiawildlife.com. However, once they get there, the DNR hopes viewers will appreciate the new look and the easier access to information they may be seeking. This new site also is more mobile-friendly. One word of advice: if anyone has already  bookmarked any webpages from the previous version of our website for their personal or business use,they may want to check the link – it is likely that it has changed and they will need to re-link or re-bookmark it.
•  License Changes – Simplification: The following licenses are no longer offered OR are now included in the cost of a different license: Wildlife Management Area license, GORP, Alligator Hunting license, Deer-Dog license, H.I.P. license, and Waterfowl Conservation license.
•  License Changes – Increase in Fees: In an effort to make Georgia license fees on par with other Southeastern states, there have been some increases to licenses. This is something that has not happened since 1992! However, in many cases people are getting more for their money. For example, an annual resident hunting OR fishing license is $15. In addition to providing everyone hunting and/or fishing privileges, the website also now provides access to wildlife management areas and public fishing areas. Previously, people had to purchase a hunting ($10) or a fishing license ($9) AND a wildlife management area license ($19) to access these areas.
•  NEW Youth Sportsman’s License: This $15 multi-year license is for resident hunters, between the ages of 12-15. The license is good through their 17th birthday, giving them a full year of sportsman’s license privileges (a $70 value and a free “hard card”) after reaching age 16 (the first year they are required to be licensed). Note: The youth must complete hunter education in order to hunt without supervision, or to hunt after their 16th birthday under this license.
•  License Changes – Waterfowl License: Replacing the Waterfowl Conservation License and free H.I.P. License is the new Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Stamp ($5 for resident and non-resident). IF an individual is hunting migratory birds on their own property, or has a Sportsman’s, Lifetime, Disability or Honorary license, there is no cost to add it.
•  Regulation Books: If individuals already own a copy of the 2017 Georgia Fishing Regulations or the 2016-17 Georgia Hunting Regulations, please note that the license types/prices or requirements have likely changed. Visit http://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes for the most current and correct license information.