NASP State Tournament Taking Shape

Over 600 students have already competed in this year’s National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Regionals, with one final regional tournament remaining. With four regionals complete, the NASP State Tournament is beginning to take shape.

Bay Creek Elementary School earned top shooting honors in Regional No. 1 with a team score of 3,081, securing a spot in the 6^th annual Georgia-NASP State Tournament.  Lafayette Christian School also qualified for the state tournament by winning the high school division, with a team score of 2,850.

In Regional No. 2, Dodge County High earned a spot in the State Tournament, coming away with top shooting honors (3,123 team score)and winning the high school division.  Wynnbrook Christian School also punched its ticket to State, winning the middle school division with a 2,827 team score.

Three teams secured spots in the State Tournament out of Regional No. 3.  Marion County High School won the regional by one point over Miller County High School, ensuring their spot at State.  Lee County Middle School took the middle school division crown with a team score of 2,706, while Lee County Elementary school won the elementary school division with a 2,832 team score.  Both Lee County schools qualified for the State Tournament.

Defending State Champions and National Champions, Woodlawn Elementary, won the overall title for Regional No. 4 with a 3,263 team score.  Bagley Middle School and Southeast Whitfield High School, who won their divisions in Regional No. 4, will also join Woodlawn Elementary at the state tournament.

Schools that did not win an automatic berth to state at the regional tournament can still be selected as a high-scoring wildcard team after the final regional tournament is completed in late February.  The 6^th annual Georgia-NASP State Tournament will be held on March 21 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, GA.

Click HERE to learn more about NASP, and how you can bring NASP to your school!

Christmas Trees Create Bass Fishing Opportunities

Did you ever think your old Christmas tree could help you catch more bass?  Christmas trees can be used to improve near-shore fish habitats, which is why the Marietta Bassmasters installed around 250 Christmas trees at the Victoria fishing jetty on Allatoona Reservoir this past Saturday.

The work day, headed by member Chris Welchel, drew 24 members for the club’s conservation project.  The project is designed to give bank anglers a better fishing experience.  Over the last 5 years, hundreds of Christmas trees have been placed around nearly half a dozen public fishing jetties on Allatoona – most by dedicated local volunteers. Who knew Christmas trees could be so useful after the holidays?

Learn more about fishing opportunities at Allatoona Reservoir, and other reservoirs in Georgia, at: http://www.georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/Reservoirs.

These Christmas trees will help improve fish habitats along the banks of Allatoona Reservoir.

Volunteers prepare to place Christmas trees in Allatoona Reservoir.

Publications Feature Georgia DNR

The law enforcement section of the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division is featured multiple times in the November-December 2011 issue of Small Craft Advisory (SCA).  SCA published an article on Georgia’s use of side sonar scan in recovering drowning victims (Article: “Side Sonar Scan Facilitates Quicker Recovery”), and also mentions WRD’s “Ohoopee River Rescue” YouTube video (which can be viewed below).

Also, check out the Go Fish Education Center’s profile in the Houston County Living magazine. View the entire article HERE!

SCA is the official publication of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

Waterfowl and Deer Seasons Going Strong

An 8-point buck harvested on Blanton Creek WMA in November.

The first of two adult/child hunts at Rum Creek WMA took place Dec. 10, where groups in attendance saw plenty of wood ducks, gadwalls, mallards and green winged teal.

Butler Island held its third quota hunt of the year on Dec. 10 as well.  The hunt was recorded as the third best in the history of quota hunts on the island, with 76 hunters harvesting 263 ducks!

Here are some updates from additional quota hunts:

• FDR State Park, Quota Hunt (Dec. 6-7): 74 hunters harvested 8 bucks
• Blanton Creek WMA, Quota Hunt (Dec. 8-9): 53 hunters harvested 3 deer
• Paulks Pasture, Dog/Deer Quota Hunt (Dec. 9-10): 19 hunters harvested 7 deer and 2 hogs
• Griffin Ridge, Quota Hunt (Dec. 8-10): 45 hunters harvested 7 deer and 1 hog (last quota hunt of the season)
• Ossabaw Island Firearms Quota Hunt: 74 hunters harvested 36 deer and 29 hogs

Remember to visit our Flickr page to view photos from Georgia’s 2011 deer season by clicking HERE!

Hunting in Full Swing

This buck was harvested on an Ocmulgee WMA hunt over Thanksgiving.

With waterfowl season opening Nov. 19, hunting in Georgia is in full swing.  The first Butler Island quota hunt this season set a new record for quota hunts on the island!  414 ducks were taken by 84 hunters, meaning each hunter harvested an average of 4.9 ducks!  A total of 16 species of ducks were recorded with the top three species being Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, and Gadwalls.  While records are not kept on Champney and Rhetts Islands, these impoundments saw similar success.

The second quota hunt held on Butler Island was Nov. 26. Although it did not meet the record of the first hunt,  216 ducks were still harvested.  The top three species were Greenwing teal, Bluewing Teal and Shoveler.  Again, similar success was had on Champney and Rhetts Island.

Deer season also continues across the state.  The Adult/Child deer quota hunt on Ossabaw Island on Nov. 24-26 saw 32 deer and 17 hogs harvested by 48 participants.

Thanksgiving week hunts at Ocmulgee, Lake Russell and Blue Ridge were also a success for deer hunters.  Ocmulgee WMA had 126 deer (92 bucks, 34 does) and 9 hogs harvested by 568 hunters.  At Lake Russell WMA, 687 hunters harvested 75 bucks and 3 hogs.  16 deer (5 does and 11 bucks) were taken by 326 hunters at Blue Ridge.

Numbers from other hunts included:

• Oconee WMA Dan Denton Waterfowl Area Federal Youth Waterfowl Saturday: 11 youth hunters harvested 12 ducks and 1 goose
• Di-Lane Quota Hunt Oct. 26-29: 149 hunters harvested 29 deer
• Tuckahoe Check-in Hunt Nov. 3-6: 324 hunters harvested 100 deer
• Di-Lane Check-in Hunt Nov. 10-12: 130 hunters harvested 25 deer
• Oconee Sign-in Hunt Oct. 22 – Nov. 13: 345 hunters harvested 78 deer
• Townsend WMA, Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Dog Deer Hunt: 34 hunters participated and harvested 7 deer
• Sapelo Island Dec.1-3 Archery Deer Hunt: 44 hunters participated and 8 deer, 3 hogs were harvested.
• B. F. Grant (Antler Restriction Area), Dec. 1-3 quota (400): 169 hunters harvested 30 deer (8 bucks, 22 antlerless)
• Big Lazer WMA (Antler Restriction Area), Dec 1-3 sign-in hunt:  143 hunters harvested 18 deer (4 antlered & 14 antlerless)
• Oaky Woods, Dec. 1-3 check-in hunt: 438 hunters harvested 88 deer (62 bucks, 26 antlerless, 9 hogs)
• West Point (Antler Restriction Area), Dec. 1-3 sign-in hunt: 214 hunters harvested 38 deer (10 bucks, 28 antlerless)

Click HERE or photos from the 2011-2012 deer season, and visit our Facebook page for photos of deer from WMA hunts over the years!

Law Enforcement Training Never Stops

Maj. Adams makes his way through a trench in the "Yellow Brick Road" course.

Not many have what it takes to become part of the Law Enforcement Section of the Wildlife Resources Division.  One must complete 18 weeks of law enforcement training just to become a Conservation Ranger and certified Peace Officer. In reality, the training never ends for our rangers.

Major Stephen Adams of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources recently attended a 10 week program with law enforcement officers from around the globe at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. The purpose of the Academy is “to support, promote and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic and contemporary challenges.”

Maj. Adams and his classmates were put to the test mentally and physically. The program offers classes through the University of Virginia in criminal justice related fields, but classroom courses are just part of what the program offers.  Attendees also took part in a 34-mile swim challenge, strongman competition and the rigorous “Yellow Brick Road” course, where participants weathered various element, obstacles and environments.

All of our Conservation Rangers can attest their training truly is 365 days a year. While it is a strenuous job, programs like the one Maj. Adams participated in, allow the Wildlife Resources Division to continually enhance and educate our Law Enforcement Section.

Note: Special thanks to Maj. Stephen Adams of the WRD’s Law Enforcement Section for his contributions to this post.

Torching Habitat to Help it

What do blow torches have to do with mountain bogs?  Habitat restoration.

Mountain bogs are one of the most critically endangered habitats of the Southern Appalachians.  A primary threat to these habitats is the encroachment of trees and shrubs. This eventually creates too much shade for rare bog plants and

Torching is being tested as one of the techniques in managing the encroachment of shrubs in mountain bog habitats.

animals, which need full sunlight to survive. Torching is a technique used to manage the overgrowth of shrubs in these environments.

Torching stresses stemmed plants and encourages them to use vital stored carbohydrates to repair damage after the initial cutting. It may also create wounds in the plant’s bark and outer defenses, introducing pathogens.  This should slow the regrowth of woody plants, making future bog management less expensive and labor intensive.

An eight-year study by Wildlife Resources Division researchers is testing the effectiveness of techniques used to restore and manage mountain bogs. WRD is working on three sites in Rabun and Union counties.  A recent test conducted at Rabun County site used propane torches to blister stems of woody resprouts.

Many pitcherplants are thriving in the restored areas of the Rabun County mountain bog.

The Rabun County bog on the Chattahoochee National Forest has already undergone quite a transformation, due to torching and other efforts of the Wildlife Resources Division, U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance.  Many species of endangered plants, such as purple mountain pitcherplants, swamp pinks, Canada burnet and Cuthbert’s turtlehead, have been introduced into the environment, and many of these mountain bog plants are doing extremely well!

This site was once inhabited by federally threatened bog turtles. It is hoped these rare turtles can be reintroduced to the bog as part of an on-going bog turtle headstart program, once restoration is complete.

Fishing Report from Region II (Northeast Georgia)

Our north Georgia streams are low and clear and hot!  However, some good fishing opportunities are still out there for your holiday weekend fun; just pick carefully.

River Bass and Bream

This is a best bet, especially for kids.  Wet-wading with small jig/curly-tail grubs, spinners, or even poppers on a fly rod is a lot of fun.  The best bite is at dusk, so plan to be on the water from 6 or 7 until dark, which happens a bit earlier (8:30) these days.  We’ve had fun on river bass and bream the last two weekends, especially from 8 to 8:30.  Tip: the big pools are low and clear and the fish are spooky. Don’t push a wake at them or you’ll shut down the whole pool.  Stalk very slowly or, better yet, cast from the bank. Be the blue heron.

An even easier method is to fish some moving water.  Fish in an upstream direction so that your outline and your wake don’t spook your quarry. Stand in the riffle and cast upstream, into the tail ends of pools that are formed just above rock ledges, log jams, and boulder fields. Be ready for a quick, smashing strike.

Stocked Trout Best Bets

Take advantage of the cooler nights coming up and maybe you'll catch a fish like this in one of Georgia's many trout streams!

Cooler nights are allowing DNR staff to stock a few more trout streams for your holiday weekend.  Best bets: Hooch and Blue Ridge tailwaters, Holly Creek, Mountaintown Creek, Hooch on the WMA, Smith Creek above Unicoi lake, Wildcat, Tallulah, Holcomb, Rock and Cooper.

Wild Trout

High elevation streams, although low, can still fish well if you practice stealth.

Lake Lanier

Check out Lake Lanier reports here!

Shane Watson Guide Service provided the following for us:

Date Fished: 8/30/2011

Water Temperature: 86

Water Clarity: 4 feet or greater

The striper fishing has been great most days on Lake Lanier. Your best bet is to fish a 1 oz white Spro or Capt. Mack jig with a Shadalicious trailer 9 colors out at 3.0 mph. Downlined bluebacks fished 40 to 100 feet deep over the main channel and in deep creek channels have also been working well on our boats. Capt. Mack’s 4 arm u-rigs are also producing. There are smaller stripers over a 35 to 50 foot bottom around points and humps, but all of the 15 to 25 pound fish we’ve caught the last two weeks have been out over deeper water and over deep timber.

And, Jimbo On Lanier – Jimbo’s Spotted Bass Guide Service offers this:

Date Fished: 8/27/2011

Water Temperature: 86

Water Clarity: 2-3 feet

I was out on a full day trip today … (we) did pretty well, and sacked about 13 lbs with our best five and caught somewhere over a dozen fish — not too bad for August. We caught fish on jigs, topwater, dropshot, and, of course, the Fish Head Spin. Most of our fish were over deep water, but we did catch some solid fish in 25-30 as well as shallow. Scott did great in learning the dropshot and caught several through the day. We were able to drop straight down and catch them today. Previously I have had to cast to them to get bit in most cases, so that was a pleasant surprise.

Free Fishing Days Coming Up

September 24 is a Free Fishing Day in Georgia. No fishing or trout license is required. This applies to all waters in the state, but you must be a Georgia resident. Help us get the word out to families with kids about the Buford Dam Kids Fishing event  and the Unicoi State Park Outdoor Adventure Day. There are kids events throughout the state as well.

Note: Thank you to Jeff Durniak for his report. Jeff Durniak is the regional fisheries supervisor for Wildlife Resources Division’s Region II. 

Old Road, New Lot Opening Door to More of Dawson Forest

Good news for all who hunt, fish, bird, hike or paddle at Dawson Forest: The wildlife management area near

A look at some of the work and expansion that has taken place at the Dawson Forest WMA.

Dawsonville will soon be more accessible and safer!

A road closed since 2004 and reaching 4,700 acres of the WMA has been re-opened thanks to a partnership between DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, the National Wild Turkey Federation, a local landowner and Dawson County. The effort led to the purchase of a small tract under the federation’s “More Places to Hunt” program. (The acquisition restored use of Stone Place Court, off Steele Bridge Road).

But there’s more.

The Wildlife Resources Division and Mountain Stewards are using a $70,000 National Recreational Trails grant to expand parking at the Amicalola River Access Site.

The popularity of the site, which offers everything from fishing spots and a half-mile trail for the handicapped, to Class 3 rapids for kayakers and canoeists, has created a problem. When the lot fills, some people park along Ga. 53, which is unsafe.

Because of the parking situation, the parking lot will be revamped to add room 36 spaces, covered with a water-permeable surface (EnviroGrid-20), and bolstered against erosion and runoff with a retaining wall and Filtrexx Soxx.

This work will benefit all who use Dawson Forest, a 25,000-acre WMA packed with outdoor opportunities. Come see for yourself!

Note:  The Dawson Forest WMA covers 25,000 acres and offers many recreational opportunities including; hunting (deer, turkey, small game, dove and waterfowl), fishing, canoe access points, camping, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching, wildlife observation and picnicking.

Special thanks to Ken Riddleberger, regional game management supervisor for the Wildlife Resources Division’s Region 2, for his contributions to this post.

Survey Predicts Strong Bear Season

Over 40 routes have been surveyed this summer in north Georgia as part of a Southern Appalachian black bear study.

The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division is expecting great opportunities this fall, as archery bear season approaches (September 10).

As part of a long-term, multi-state study of Southern Appalachian black bears, WRD staff  surveyed over 40 routes in north Georgia in July. Biologists and Technicians have been setting up these bait stations for black bears annually or biannually every summer since 1983.

The bait stations consist of string and partially opened sardine cans, and are placed out of reach from other animals. After five nights, the number of stations visited by bears is recorded, and these results, in combination with annual harvest reports, nuisance complaints and other data, help to interpret bear population trends over time.

In the first year, 1983, only 12 percent of the stations were visited by bears. Since then, the population has steadily grown and in 2009, 76 percent visitation was recorded along these same exact routes.

Claw marks are spotted on this tree as Wildlife Biologist Adam Hammond continues to survey the bait stations.

In one recently completed survey on the Stanley Gap Trail within the Chattahoochee National Forest, just north of Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area (which straddles Fannin and Gilmer counties) claw and teeth marks indicated that bears visited four out of the seven stations along the five-mile trail.

This is very typical and supports other indicators that Georgia has a healthy bear population. The survey results are also a good sign for hunters planning on participating in the upcoming bear season in north Georgia.  Be sure to purchase all appropriate hunting license and thoroughly review the bear hunting regulations in the state before you get out there and take advantage of the season!

Note: Special thanks to Wildlife Biologist Adam Hammond (Wildlife Resources Division: Region I) for contributing to this story.