Proposed Regulations for the New Buck Shoals WMA Available for Public Review; Public Hearing Scheduled

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 13, 2016) – Hunters and other interested citizens are encouraged to review proposed hunting regulations for the 2016-2017 season at the new Buck Shoals Wildlife Management Area and make plans to attend a scheduled public hearing.

“The Buck Shoals property, located in White County, recently was acquired by the Wildlife Resources Division from Georgia State Parks,” said John Bowers, chief of the Game Management Section.  “Our vision is to operate the area as the state’s first youth-focused wildlife management area, and we are seeking comments on our proposed hunting regulations for the area.”

The public notice and synopsis of proposed rule changes are available on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division webpage atwww.gohuntgeorgia.com/Hunting/RegulationChanges .

Hunting on the area will include deer, turkey, dove, and squirrel youth hunts.  Some of the opportunities will be “Hunt & Learn” events designed for the novice hunter, while others will be adult-child quota hunts.

A public hearing is scheduled to provide the public an opportunity to share comments on the proposed hunting regulations.  The meetings will begin at 7 p.m. at the White County Senior Center, 1239 Helen Hwy., Cleveland, GA on April 19, 2016.

Any participant at the meeting may present data, make a statement or comment, or offer a viewpoint or argument, either orally or in writing. Statements should be concise to permit everyone an opportunity to speak. Participants must register upon arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Those unable to attend a meeting may submit input either electronically or in written statement form.  Input must be received by close of business (4:30 p.m.) on April 29, 2016.

• Written statements should be mailed to: GA DNR/Wildlife Resources Division/Game Management Section; Attn: Don McGowan; 2070 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.; Social Circle, Georgia 30025.

• Statements may be electronically submitted at: www.georgiawildlife.com/Hunting/Regulations/SubmitComments

These meeting sites are accessible to people with physical disabilities.  To request sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids, contact Don McGowan at (770) 918-6404 no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 18, 2016.

For more information or to view the proposed regulation changes, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com/Hunting/RegulationChanges .