The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at J. Strom Thurmond Lake will conduct primitive weapon deer hunts in Bussey Point, located in Lincoln County, Georgia, on select dates September through November 2008. In order to maintain the deer population within the carrying capacity of the area and to improve the quality of the deer herd, the 2,545-acre peninsula will be open for hunts on the following dates:

September 19-20 (archery only); October 10 (archery only); October 11 (muzzleloader); and November 14- 15 (muzzleloader).

The bag limit is two does and one quality buck each day of each hunt. Quality bucks are defined as bucks with racks having four points or better on at least one side, or having a 15-inch or greater outside spread.

Muzzleloader hunts are limited to 100 hunters per day. The muzzleloader hunters will be regis- tered on a first-come/first-serve basis. Archery hunters are invited to participate in all scheduled hunts.

All hunters will be checked through the check station located at the entrance gate. Hours of operation will be from one hour before sunrise through one hour after sundown. Camping will be limited to the camping area adjacent to check station during the management hunts.

All hunters must be licensed in accordance with existing Georgia Game and Fish Regulations. A Wildlife Management Area (WMA) license is not required for these hunts. Appropriate license(s) will be inspected at check station. All state regulations and bag limits will be strictly enforced.

Visitors who are not hunting during the scheduled hunts, as well as two days prior to each hunt, should find other recreation areas to use during this time. Beginning two days before scheduled dates, Bussey Point Management Area will be closed to everyone except individuals scouting or placing deer stands. No weapons are allowed in Bussey Point on these scouting days.

For additional information, contact Ken Boyd at the J. Strom Thurmond Project Office at 1-800-533-3478, ext. 1159.