Georgia’s 2026 turkey season is underway, and early outlooks suggest hunters could see improved opportunities in the woods this spring, according to Georgia Outdoor News.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is encouraging anglers to make the Georgia Fishing Forecasts their go-to source before visiting a lake or river. Wildlife Resources Division fisheries biologists and technicians update the forecasts each year for more than 30 reservoirs and 19 rivers across the state.
Officials say the forecasts offer anglers practical information including the best lures, technique tips, suggested fishing locations, and access to an interactive map for each water body. State fisheries leaders say checking the forecast for a specific lake or river can give anglers a better chance at a successful day on the water.
The forecasts cover popular Georgia lakes including Lanier, Allatoona, Hartwell, Oconee, Seminole, Sinclair, West Point, and many more. River forecasts are also available for major waterways including the Chattahoochee, Flint, Savannah, Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Satilla rivers.
Georgia DNR also reminds anglers that fishing license purchases help support fisheries research, hatchery operations, public fishing areas, and conservation work across the state.
As spring green-up continues across Georgia, state wildlife officials are reminding residents that black bears are becoming more active and visible in search of food.
Forest landowners across Northwest Georgia will have a chance to gain practical, hands-on advice for managing and improving their property during a free field day set for Tuesday, April 7, in Summerville.
Georgians now have a new way to support the state’s parks and historic landmarks by purchasing a specialty license plate for vehicles or trailers. The new tag is available through the state’s online e-services portal at renewal time for $80 the first year and $55 each year after that, while those who want the plate before renewal can visit their local county tag office and pay the difference in fees.
Money raised from the new specialty tag will directly benefit the State Parks and Historic Sites Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Those funds will help protect, manage, and maintain Georgia’s natural, historical, and cultural resources while also supporting public enjoyment, recreation, and educational opportunities across the state.
State officials say the new plate gives residents a simple way to show pride in Georgia’s outdoor and historic treasures while helping preserve them for future generations. More information is available through the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Landowners in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia will have the opportunity to learn more about forestry, wildlife habitat, and property management during the upcoming Landowner Field Day set for April 7, 2026, in Summerville.
Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in the Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K, a Bob Ross-inspired virtual event scheduled for April 18–26, 2026. Participants can complete 3.1 miles anywhere outdoors—running, walking, hiking, rolling, biking, skating, or paddling—at their own pace and in the location of their choice.
Locally, the event is being highlighted by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park in Summerville, who encourage residents to take advantage of nearby trails and natural spaces while supporting conservation efforts. Registration costs $36 and includes a Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib number, sticker, and a Bob Ross-inspired finisher medal.
Timed between Earth Day and Arbor Day, the event helps raise awareness about the importance of healthy forests, with proceeds supporting tree planting and forest protection projects across Georgia’s State Parks. More information and registration details are available at friendsofgastateparks.org/HappyLittle5K.
The Coosa River Basin Initiative is keeping lines of communication open with local legislators on several water-related issues during the 2026 session of the Georgia General Assembly.
Landowners across Northwest Georgia who want to learn more about prescribed burning will have an opportunity to get hands-on training during an upcoming Learn & Burn Workshop.
‘Tis the season for searching high and low for the perfect gift—and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says there’s an easy idea for the outdoor lover in your life: a hunting or fishing license.