FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 16, 2013) -- Deer rifle season opens in Georgia Saturday.
We expect this season to be another great one. A total of 40 deer, eight bucks and 32 does, were reported harvested during the archery only season in Georgia, which is 25 percent higher than total harvest during the same time period in 2012.
This also accounts for a 4:1 doe to buck harvest ratio, the highest ever recorded during bow season. Hopefully that trend will continue throughout the season as more hunters focus on harvesting does and letting immature bucks walk.
Unfortunately, the pig population on post continues to expand and hunters may find themselves seeing more pigs than deer at times.
Eighty-nine pigs were reported harvested during the bow only season compared to 44 during the same time frame in 2012.
The first mandatory deer check station will be held Saturday and Sunday. Please spread the word.
All hunters who harvest a deer on the Georgia side of the installation are required to bring the deer to Building 5883, located just across HWY 27/280 from the Old Harmony Church/First Division Road access point. Make sure to review MCoE Regulation 200-3, Chapter 10-1, page 13 for additional dates and locations. Failure to bring your deer by the check station on mandatory days will result in a 45 day suspension of hunting privileges.
If you have not done so already, register your firearms as required by MCoE 190-11.
Always transport your firearms cased and unloaded and make sure your ammunition is separate from the firearm. Don't forget to check in to the training area you intend to hunt.
Make sure the season is open for the game you plan to pursue, with weapon you choose to use, in the state you intend to hunt.
Wear your hunter orange and safety strap. Always record your deer harvest prior to moving the carcass on both your state and post harvest cards; report your deer and pig harvest to TELTRACK before leaving post, as well.
Do not bypass any locked gates. Finally, do not hunt over bait. These are the primary violations hunters commit which result in suspension of hunting privileges. Complying with these requirements will go a long way in ensuring you have a safe and successful season without any interruptions.
This season marks the fourth year that Quality Deer Management has been in place on Fort Benning.
The QDM area includes all training areas lying north of Buena Vista Road; the Kilo, November and Oscar training areas. All bucks harvested in the QDM area must have at least four points, one inch or longer on one side of their antlers.
Unfortunately, doe harvest has been well below desired levels since the QDM program was initiated. Due to this, we expect mature buck harvest in those areas to fall slightly compared to last season.
As with prior seasons, primary focus of hunters in these areas should be on harvesting does in order to maximize the potential benefits of the program.
Any sportsmen and women who harvest game or catch fish and would like to share a photo of their bounty can email their picture to brent.n.widener.civ@mail.mil.
We will post to the photo gallery on the Fish and Wildlife website, www.benning.army.mil/garrison/DPW/EMD/wildlife.htm, and on the Fort Benning Fish and Wildlife Facebook page. Please make sure to review the photo guidance provided in the galleries to ensure your photo meets the requirements to be posted.
Daffin's Meat Processing in Columbus is accepting donations again this season for Hunters for the Hungry and your generosity will help feed underprivileged people in the local community. For more information, contact Daffin's.
By harvesting and donating does you can also help increase the quality of the deer herd on Fort Benning.
Please make a conscious effort to be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. Hunt with a buddy and always make sure someone knows where you are.
Be professional and ethical in your endeavors and respectful to your fellow hunters.
Good luck and happy hunting.
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