Wildlife Resources Division - Georgia DNR

10/08/2026

Yes, but what’s IN the bright foliage? 🐦

Many illuminating shades are flying across the skies this season! From cooler plumage to warmer wings, Georgia’s birds never bring a dull point to the day. What about nights? By dimming the lights in our homes, we can return the favor for our favorite flyers- by preventing overall collisions in our towns. 🔦

Throw your favorite day-sightings in the comments,
View before dark at https://www.birdsgeorgia.org/lights-out-georgia.html .

10/07/2026

Have YOU caught Georgia’s official riverine sport fish? 🎣

Sure, the shoal bass can look similar to other species, but did yours have:
-a blotch at the tail fin?
-an upper jaw that doesn’t pass the eye?
-zero red coloration on the fins?

No worries if yours wasn’t a shoal. You STILL have a chance to land a 2026 Bass Slam- especially if you pick up a few extra soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and 8-10lb line on your way to the Flint or the H***h.

📍Find your spot: https://gadnrwrd.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=360c1018b643486ea704dc1a5888c1b7.

💥Get your Bass Slam:
https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources/GeorgiaBassSlam.

👉Catch a record shoal: Pics or it didn’t happen.
https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing/recordprogram/rules

10/06/2026

Your muzzleloader’s not broken, it's just wet.

See the comments below.

10/02/2026

Who’s ready for early fi****ms season?! ✋

This weekend (Oct. 3-4) on private lands, hunters can use fi****ms to harvest antlerless deer in select counties.
Please note that all hunters on private land, including archery, will be required to wear blaze orange or fluorescent pink (500+ square inches above the waist) on Oct. 3-4.

Hunters are the best solution for agricultural damage issues, but you can also support your community. If you take advantage of this pre-rut opportunity, consider donating a deer to the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry® program to benefit families in need (not a requirement to participate).

See participating counties at
https://publuu.com/flip-book/1025508/2375523/page/16 .

10/01/2026

🤎Give them a hunt they will remember!🌲🥾

Applications are open for the 2026-2027 Youth Quail and Duck quota hunts. These hunts allow hunters ages 10-15 the chance to experience a guided hunt on private land.

These hunts are an opportunity for young hunters to build skills, gain confidence, and make memories outdoors with a trusted adult cheering them on.

Youth quail hunt applications are open now - Nov. 15. Applications for the youth duck hunt are open until Oct. 15.

Apply through Quota Hunts using the youth hunter's account at: GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com

09/30/2026

Blues and Flatheads, can you tell which is which? 🎣

Both species have the iconic whiskers of a catfish, but our Aquatic Nuisance Species team can even tell them apart by the way they swim through brackish water of the Satilla River!
Both species are invasive to select Georgia waterways, so this team works to balance things out through electrofishing. With this process, we can safely retrieve the fish before collecting important information about them- like their size and s*x. This will help us better understand these populations and conserve native fish like channel catfish and redbreast sunfish. 📈

Catch a bigger look of ANS work at: https://georgiawildlife.com/ans .

09/28/2026

We can help you create a sight for eyes to see. 📷

Have a project in mind? Georgia DNR is bringing back a helping hand for those that focus on wildlife - literally! Through the Wildlife Viewing Grants Program, awards of up to $5,000 can further projects that provide opportunities to see and experience native animals, plants and habitats in the wild, particularly species of greatest conservation need in Georgia's State Wildlife Action Plan.

Submit proposals by February 4th at https://georgiawildlife.com/WildlifeViewingGrants .

📍: Altamaha WMA, Prater’s Mill, Talking Rock Nature Preserve, ABAC Nature Study Area

09/26/2026

Come one, come all!

It's National Hunting & Fishing Day, which means it's time to recognize the important role hunters and anglers play in conserving Georgia's natural resources. 🦌🎣

Get outside and introduce someone to your favorite hunting spot or teach them your best techniques on casting a line.

Find ways to celebrate at https://georgiawildlife.com/get-involved/nhfday

09/24/2026

We are saddened by the passing of Sgt. Ben Cunningham, who dedicated 27 years of service to the conservation and protection of Georgia’s natural resources. Sgt. Cunningham started with WRD as a Wildlife Technician in 1999 before moving to DNR Law Enforcement in 2006.

We ask that you please keep Sgt. Cunningham’s family, friends, fellow Georgia DNR colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Law Enforcement Division Sergeant Ben Cunningham, a 27-year veteran of the Department. Sergeant Cunningham passed away following a possible medical episode while on duty in Rome, Georgia, and participating in a Law Enforcement Division physical fitness program.

His career with DNR began with the Wildlife Resources Division in August 1999. He transferred to DNR Law Enforcement in December 2006, was promoted to Corporal in 2017 and to Sergeant in March 2021. Cunningham was an outstanding Game Warden and supervisor in the DNR Law Enforcement Division, most recently serving as Sergeant in Region I in northwest Georgia, where he supervised Game Wardens responsible for Walker, Dade, Chattooga and Floyd counties.

We are grateful for his years of dedication to this Department and will remember the mark he left on our DNR family.
The full press release can be found through the link in the comments.