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September 12, 2026

Georgia DNR Opens 2027 Fish Art Contest For Young Artists

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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.

September 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Taliaferro Creek Among North Georgia Waters Stocked With Trout

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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.

September 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Friends Of Sloppy Floyd Volunteers Continue Tradition Of Supporting Local State Park

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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.

August 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Students Invited To Celebrate Wildlife Through Art In Annual Poster Contest

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Elementary students across Georgia are being encouraged to put their artistic talents to work while learning more about the state’s wildlife.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Could Add 145 Species To State Protected List

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Georgia is considering the first major update to its list of protected plants and animals in two decades, a move that could add 145 species whose populations are declining or facing significant threats.

August 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DNR Reminds Hunters About Hunter Education Requirements

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With Georgia hunting seasons approaching, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to make sure they have completed required hunter education before heading to the woods or purchasing a season hunting license.

August 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DNR Revitalizes Statewide Water Safety Program

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is revitalizing a statewide program aimed at preventing drownings and other water-related injuries, with hundreds of new life jackets being made available to people enjoying Georgia’s lakes, rivers and other waterways.

August 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Plant ID Hike And Creatures Of The Night Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors two opportunities to explore the natural world on Saturday, August 22, with a Plant ID Hike during the morning and a Creatures of the Night program that evening.

The Plant ID Hike begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The ranger-led program gives participants an opportunity to explore some of the plant life found at the park while learning more about identifying native plants and the role they play in the surrounding ecosystem.

Later Saturday, visitors can return for Creatures of the Night at 8:30 p.m. The nighttime program offers a chance to experience the park after dark and learn more about the animals and other creatures that become active after the sun goes down.

Both programs are part of Sloppy Floyd State Park’s August lineup of outdoor activities.

Those interested in participating are asked to call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826 to register or for additional information.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.

August 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Most Chattooga County Boat Owners Will Not Receive A 2026 Tax Bill

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Most boat owners in Chattooga County will not receive a tax bill in 2026 following a change in state law that increased the exemption on boat accounts.

August 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DNR Releases 2026 Dove Field Forecast

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has released its 2026 Wildlife Management Area dove field forecast to help hunters prepare for the upcoming season.

The forecast was compiled following months of preparation by Game Management staff and provides information about field conditions at participating WMAs across Georgia. DNR officials emphasize that the ratings describe only the condition of each field and are not predictions of dove numbers or hunting success.

Hunters can use the forecast to review familiar hunting areas or consider visiting a new location this season.

Many WMA dove fields are available only through quota hunts. Hunters interested in those locations must submit their applications through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com by August 15.

The complete forecast and additional dove-hunting information are available through the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division.

View the 2026 WMA Dove Field Forecast here https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/dove