
A popular Northwest Georgia wildlife management area that has been closed to the public for more than three years is set to return to public ownership and eventually reopen for hunting and other outdoor recreation.

A popular Northwest Georgia wildlife management area that has been closed to the public for more than three years is set to return to public ownership and eventually reopen for hunting and other outdoor recreation.

Today is National Hunting and Fishing Day, and Georgia residents will be able to fish without a license as part of the celebration — including those taking part in a special day of activities at James H Floyd State Park near Summerville.

Families are invited to spend a day outdoors at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday, September 26, during the park’s Outdoor Adventure Day.
The event runs from 10 AM until 4 PM and will feature activities for both children and adults.
One of the highlights will be a Kids Fishing Rodeo, with 50 tagged fish offering chances to win prizes. Young visitors can also take part in archery instruction led by park staff.
The day will include several wildlife programs, including a snake show presented by Southeastern Reptile Rescue, a turtle show from Greg’s Turtle Haven, and a birds of prey program presented by Wings to SOAR.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks, and the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will have special “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for purchase.
Outdoor Adventure Day is being presented by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park. A $10 parking pass per vehicle is required.
The park is located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road near Summerville.

Young artists across Georgia are being invited to combine art, writing and an interest in the outdoors as entries are now being accepted for the 2027 Fish Art Contest.
The free competition is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, ages 5 to 18, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. The international program is designed to encourage young people to learn more about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation.
For Georgia entries, students select a fish species, research the fish and its habitat, and create an original, hand-drawn illustration showing a wild fish in its natural habitat. Digital artwork and artwork created using artificial intelligence are not allowed. Students in fourth grade and above must also submit a short creative writing piece demonstrating what they learned about their chosen species.
Students competing for the Go Fish Georgia Award should select a fish native to Georgia or an introduced species commonly pursued by Georgia anglers.
Winners will be chosen in five age divisions, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. Top Georgia entries will be displayed at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry.
The deadline to enter is February 28, 2027. Entries can be submitted digitally, and Georgia DNR also provides an option for mailing artwork to the Go Fish Education Center. Entry forms, contest rules and additional information are available through FishArt.org.

Anglers in Chattooga County have another opportunity for trout fishing following the latest round of stocking by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.

Visitors to Georgia’s state parks see the trails, picnic shelters, campgrounds, lakes and other amenities, but much of the work that helps improve and preserve those parks is supported by volunteers working behind the scenes.

A Junior Angler Fishing Day will be held Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM until 2 PM at Canyon Mouth Park at Little River Canyon National Preserve.
The event is being held as part of National Public Lands Day and will feature fishing instruction and education for all ages, along with fish-printing arts and crafts for those who do not want to fish.
All supplies will be provided.
Fishing is free for youth ages 16 and under. Adults who want to fish must have a valid Alabama fishing license.
Participants can also complete a Junior Angler booklet to receive a Junior Angler Ranger badge.
There will be no entrance fee for the day.
Again, the event is Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM until 2 PM at Canyon Mouth Park at Little River Canyon National Preserve.

Young people interested in outdoor adventure, learning new skills and making new friends will have an opportunity to discover what Scouting has to offer during a Scout Recruitment Night tonight in Summerville.

Families and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to spend a day enjoying nature, wildlife and hands-on activities when Outdoor Adventure Day returns to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the park, located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road.
Organizers are planning a full lineup of activities for children and adults, including a Kids Fishing Rodeo featuring 50 tagged fish that can be caught for prizes.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn archery with instruction provided by park staff.
Wildlife will be a major part of the day’s activities. Southeastern Reptile Rescue is scheduled to present a snake show, while Greg’s Turtle Haven will bring a turtle show to the park. Wings to SOAR will also present a birds of prey program.
Families are encouraged to bring relatives and friends and spend the day exploring the activities at the park.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks during the event. The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will also have “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for sale.
Parking is $10 per vehicle.
Outdoor Adventure Day provides families with an opportunity to enjoy one of Chattooga County’s most popular outdoor destinations while learning more about fishing, archery and wildlife.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has released the 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations and Seasons Guide, giving hunters and anglers an updated resource ahead of the upcoming outdoor seasons.