
With Georgia’s archery deer season underway, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters about new statewide requirements for disposing of deer carcasses and unused deer parts.

With Georgia’s archery deer season underway, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters about new statewide requirements for disposing of deer carcasses and unused deer parts.

As cooler weather approaches and more people head outdoors, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding Northwest Georgia residents that fall is also an especially active feeding period for black bears.

Those patches of taller grass and wildflowers motorists sometimes see along Georgia highways may be serving a purpose beyond simply beautifying the roadside.

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.

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

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.

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.

A Georgia program is turning successful deer harvests into meals for families in need across the state.
The Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program allows hunters to donate harvested venison, which is then processed and distributed to food banks and other hunger-fighting organizations throughout Georgia.
The program also supports wildlife management efforts. Many landowners already work to control deer populations in order to protect crops, timber and other resources, and Hunters for the Hungry provides a way for that harvested game to benefit local communities.
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the program received more than 140,000 pounds of donated venison last year, providing more than 579,000 meals to Georgians in need.
Supporters say the program combines conservation, responsible wildlife management and food assistance while making use of a valuable source of protein.
Hunters and others interested in supporting the effort can learn more through the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program at gwf.org/ghfth.

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