As a hunter, angler or other outdoor enthusiast, you invest your time and your money in Georgia. Your purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and related equipment make it possible for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to manage public hunting and fishing locations, conduct research, plant food plots, raise and stock millions of fish and more.
There is a demand and a desire from citizens that DNR do more. The agency continues to see an increase in requests for more hunting and fishing opportunities while continuing to provide quality recreational experiences. However, stagnant license revenues have limited the short and long-term ability to respond to customer demands.
So, what are some options? Further expansion of efforts to recruit, retain and reactivate of hunters, anglers and shooters; simplification of the license structure system to maximize funding from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs; and adjustment of current license costs. Resident license fees have not changed in 23 years and are well below the national average.
To begin gauging interest in these options, the public is invited to attend one of seven upcoming open forums. Public input is important when considering any changes; these opportunities will provide interested citizens a chance to hear more about the reasoning and research behind possible changes, and to ask questions and provide thoughtful feedback.
Seven public open forums are scheduled (all meetings will be open from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
June 15: Gainesville Civic Center, Chattahoochee Room, 830 Green Street NE, Gainesville.
June 16: Baxley City Hall, City Council Meeting Room, 282 East Parker Street, Baxley.
June 17: Richmond Hill City Center, 520 Cedar St (in J.F. Gregory Park), Richmond Hill.
June 22: Grace Fellowship Church, 1971 South Main Street, Greensboro.
June 23: Red Top Mountain State Park, Group Shelter #1, 50 Lodge Road SE, Cartersville.
June 24: Darton College, Room J121-123, 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany.
June 25: Miller-Murphy-Howard Building, Conference Room, Georgia National Fairgrounds, 401 Larry Walker Parkway, (Exit 135 off I-75), Perry.
For those unable to attend one of the public forums, there are still opportunities to participate. Visit www.georgiawildlife.com/aimforsuccess to provide electronic comments and take the survey.
Written comments may be sent to: License Restructure, Wildlife Resources Division, 2070 Hwy. 278 SE, Social Circle GA 30025. The initial comment period will close July 6.
For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/aimforsuccess.
