The 2008-2009 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide is now available online according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). This guide provides information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas and much more and is available on the WRD website, www.gohuntgeorgia.com . The guide will be available at license agents beginning August 1, 2008.

"The Popular guide is designed to help hunters understand the laws and regulations for hunting in Georgia," says WRD Assistant Chief John Bowers. "We encourage all hunters annually to review the guide and note any changes to their favorite hunting areas, seasons, or activities."

Members of the Board of Natural Resources set hunting regulations by acting on recommendations made by WRD's professional wildlife biologists and field personnel. Georgia's game and fish laws are set by the elected members of the General Assembly.

Major changes for the upcoming season include:

l Dove Season: Based on input from dove hunters, the dove season has changed as follows - the October season will shift to one week later and provide full day hunting on opening day of the October season (as opposed to half-day hunting in past years).

l License Changes: Beginning later this year, hunters will be able TH ANK t o take adva nt a ge o f a new and improved licensing system, which provides options to purchase a license on-line, by phone, and at select vendors. A service charge is associated with this new system.

l License Revocation Policy: Beginning September 1, 2008, individuals who egregiously or habitually violate Georgia's game and fish laws and regulations are subject to having their hunting and fishing privileges revoked or suspended. Additionally, their ability to obtain a license may be suspended for up to two years and their privilege to hunt or fish in Wildlife Violator Compact member states may also be affected.

l New areas available for hunting: Silver Lake WMA (Decatur County) and Oliver Bridge WMA (Bulloch County) will provide deer, turkey and small game hunting opportunities. Additionally, two state parks - F.D. Roosevelt State Park and Chattahoochee Bend State Park - will offer hunting opportunities.

For more information on Georgia hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact a local WRD Game Management Office or call the WRD Hunter Services Office at 770-761-3045.