Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to authority contained in the Game and Fish Code (Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Secs. 12-3-9, 27-1-4, 27-1-12, 27-3-3, 27-3-4, 27-3-8, 27-3-12, 27-3-15, 27-3-17, 27-3-24, and 40-7-5), the Board of Natural Resources proposes to amend Department of Natural Resources rules governing the hunting of game animals and game birds for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons and firing ranges.  The proposed rules (Adobe Reader required; 958KB), when adopted, will amend applicable rules of Chapter 391-4-2, relating to hunting regulations, and Rule 391-4-9-.02, relating to firing ranges.

The purpose of hunting regulations is to manage Georgia’s game birds and game animals according to sound principles of wildlife management and to meet public objectives for use of these renewable natural resources.  Changes to the existing rules reflect the need to reorganize existing rules within Chapter 391-4-2 to increase administrative efficiency, consolidate rules of like subject, reduce redundancy, repeal needless rules, customary housekeeping and reflect statutory changes;  to adopt hunting regulations for the next two years; modify either-sex days to manage white-tailed deer; set seasons for rails and woodcock; modify bear season in central Georgia; regulate hunting and other activities on wildlife management areas (WMAs), other state lands, and federal areas; and update firing range rules.

Three public hearings are scheduled to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comment on these proposals.  Individuals unable to attend one of the hearings may submit comments electronically or in writing by 4:30 P.M. on April 30, 2013.

Please bring this notice to the attention of interested acquaintances.