While the Georgia dove season is still a few weeks away, those looking to participate in opening day dove hunts should get busy! There are several state-sponsored dove hunts that will occur on opening day - and they usually provide a great day to all who participate, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. For hunts occurring in east central Georgia, hunters will need to get some info in the mail - soon!

"Dove hunting, especially opening day dove hunting, is a great time to introduce someone new to hunting," says Chief of Game Management Mark Whitney. "With the number of hunters participating, the Division has made some changes to procedures on several state-managed fields in an effort to continue to provide an exceptional experience."

Many of the state-sponsored dove hunts that take place on opening day have been around for years. At one time, there was no limit placed on the number of people that could participate in any given hunt. However, as the years have progressed and the number of hunters increased on these opening day events - it prompted the Division to establish a quota system on several dove fields for safety reasons and to allow hunters to have more opportunity to harvest birds. This year, more state fields are falling under quota guidelines.

How do you apply for a quota dove hunt? NEW this year - for the hunts occurring in east central Georgia (Alexander WMA, Broad River WMA, Clarks Hill WMA, Di-Lane WMA, Oconee WMA, Redlands WMA and the Walton Public Dove Field) all hunters wishing to participate should submit a letter to the Division Game Management office located in Thomson, Georgia (142 Bob Kirk Road, NW, Thomson, GA 30824). The letter should include the following information: The hunt location desired and the full name, address, telephone number and Social Security number of each person listed on the application. Applications will be accepted Aug. 1-15, 2009. Hunters are also required to provide a selfaddressed, stamped envelope for notification purposes.

How do you apply for quota dove hunts occurring in other parts of the state? To find a full listing of all opening day, quota dove hunts as well as appropriate methods to apply, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com . Other state-managed lands also will be open for dove hunting, as well as many private land opportunities.

Need to renew your hunting license? There have been some changes, including a discount for early renewal on most licenses! Licenses can be purchased by phone (1-800- 366-2661), online (www.georgia wildlife.com), or at an authorized retail license agent (find a list of retail agents at www.georgiawildlife.com).

For more information on the dove hunt quota process for east central Georgia, contact the Division office in Thomson at 706-595-4222.