Meetings to be held regarding dove season structure

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will hold eight public meetings across the state in January to provide the public an opportunity to comment specifically on the current dove season structure as it relates to late-season opportunity and opening day shooting hours. Any changes in hunting regulations will be considered by the DNR Board of Natural Resources for approval in May 2008. Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others that also may be interested in participating.

All of the meetings will begin at 7 p.m. and will take place on the following dates and at the following locations:

Public Meeting Dates Location:

.. January 7, 2008 University of West Georgia food Services Building, Carrollton

.. January 7, 2008 Jefferson Civic Center65 Kissam Street, Jefferson

.. January 7, 2008 Altamaha Technical College1777 W. Cherry Street, Jesup

.. January 8, 2008 State Farmer's Market16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park

.. January 8, 2008 Earl M. Varner 4-H Center220 South Circle Drive, Swainsboro

.. January 9, 2008 Wilkes County Superior Courtroom23 East Court Street, Washington

.. January 9, 2008 Roquemore Conference CenterGeorgia National Fairgrounds401 Larry Walker Parkway, Perry

.. January 10, 2008 Leesburg Public Library245 Walnut Avenue, Leesburg

Any participant at a 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 on arrival and notify the registering official of their intent to give a statement. Those unable to attend a meeting may submit written statements (deadline Jan. 18, 2008). Such statements should be mailed to: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Game Management Section Attn: John Bowers 2070 U.S. Highway 278, SE Social Circle, Georgia 30025.

These meeting sites are accessible to people with physical disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Brandon Anderson at the WRD Headquarters Game Management Office at (770) 761-3044 no later than Jan. 4, 2008.

Classified as migratory birds by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), doves are regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under this authority, states must adhere to the USFWS framework, which provides for an opening date no earlier than Sept. 1, a closing date no later than Jan. 15, no more than three seasons and a total of no more than 70 days. Georgia's current season conforms to this framework. However, considering the recent feedback regarding the desire for more late-season hunting opportunity (i.e. additional days in January), WRD is assessing the possibility of adjusting the current season structure to accommodate the public input.

For more information on the scheduled public meetings, visit the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or contact the WRD Hunter Services Office at (770) 761-3044.