At a ceremony in Brunswick, Georgia, on April 25, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus member Governor Nathan Deal of Georgia signed legislation that will adjust hunting and fishing license fees and simplify the license structure for residents and non-residents in the Peach State, for the first time since 1992.
Sponsored by Georgia Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Representative David Knight, and Caucus Members Representatives Trey Rhodes, Chuck Efstration, Terry Rodgers, and Chad Nimmer, this legislation was the result of a multi-year effort by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and sportsmen’s organizations across the state to ensure adequate funding for the DNR through the American System of Conservation Funding.
Specifically, the Georgia DNR stated that the additional revenue will be used to improve wildlife and fish habitat and management on public and private lands and waters, create more shooting ranges, improve freshwater and saltwater boating access, increase fish stocking, add youth education opportunities, and add roughly 40 conservation officers.
There are over 1 million hunters and anglers in Georgia who spend over $2.3 billion annually on their pursuits.
The legislation becomes effective July 1, 2017. For a full list of licenses and associated costs can be found here.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
