Fall Hunting Season Is Just Weeks Away

Have you ever wanted to shoot a Canada goose? Hunting season in Georgia is about to start — although you can go for an alligator right now.

The dove hunting season and the early teal and Canada goose season opens Saturday, Sept. 7, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

“Dove season kicks off the fall hunting season in Georgia and is a great opportunity to bring a new hunter with you into a field and get them excited about hunting,” said Kara Nitschke, WRD wildlife biologist.

This year’s official dove season hunting dates are Sept. 7-Oct. 13, Nov. 23-Dec. 1 and Dec. 19-Jan. 31. Statewide shooting hours are from a half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Early Canada goose season is Sept. 7-29, with a daily limit of five geese; and early teal season is Sept. 14-29, with a daily limit of six teal. Ducks Unlimited has recipes, from tacos to teal-and-grits, at ducks.org .

Hunters 16 years of age and older must have a hunting license, and a Georgia Migratory Bird License. They’re available online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com , by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at license vendor locations.

Alligator, squirrel, possum and raccoon seasons started in mid-August. Deer and bear seasons get underway next month.

The DNR pronounced last year’s deer season “excellent,” with a total harvest of 271,207 statewide. In Floyd County, 4,133 deer were taken — 2,352 doe and 1,781 bucks. Totals in neighboring counties were 2,930 in Bartow; 2,026 in Chattooga; 3,540 in Gordon; and 2,827 in Polk.

All hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1961, must successfully complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. It’s not required for an apprentice or short-term license or if you are hunting on your own land.

For more information on hunting in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com .