The historic, Georgia-based hunting lodge Cabin Bluff announced today its exclusive “Putt, Strut and Cast Weekend Package” led by pro golfer and the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Davis Love III.

The four-day package will be offered from April 19 to April 22 only and will feature a turkey hunt with Love, plus a variety of unlimited activities at Cabin Bluff, such as golfing, inshore fishing and sporting clay shooting.

Love is an avid outdoorsman who has a long-standing relationship with Cabin Bluff. He not only has hunted at the historic lodge for several years, but Love is also the designer of its unique six-hole coastal golf course, which allows golfers to play each hole three different ways.

The package is priced at $2475 per person (excludes tax and fees) and space is limited. All meals and beverages are included. Individuals interested in booking the exclusive Davis Love III turkey hunt package must RSVP to Amy Kutrufis at 912-266-0063 or by emailing Amy.Kutrufis@CabinBluff.com.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Cabin Bluff Announces Exclusive Davis Love III-Hosted “Putt, Strut and Cast Weekend Package”

Hunters are eagerly anticipating opening day of the Georgia turkey hunting season coming on Sat., Mar. 24 and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) anticipates that the 2012 season should be a good one.

“Georgia appears to be set for a great turkey hunting season this spring, with good turkey poult production in the Piedmont, Blue Ridge and Ridge and Valley geographical portions of the state,” says Kevin Lowrey, Wildlife Resources Division wild turkey project coordinator.

“And while reproduction in the coastal plain was poor due to drought conditions, the good news is that there are many vocal two-year old gobblers from the 2010 production year that will be available to harvest this year.”

Georgia’s current turkey population is estimated at 335,000 birds and turkey hunters in this state are privileged with one of the longest turkey seasons nationwide. With a bag limit of three gobblers per season, hunters have from Mar. 24 through May 15, 2012 to harvest their bird(s).  With many hunters pursuing wild turkeys on private land, WRD reminds hunters to always obtain landowner permission before hunting.

WMA Hunting Opportunities

For those looking to hunt turkey on public land, Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) offer excellent opportunities. Through the WMA system, resident hunters have access to nearly one million acres of prime hunting land for just $19 a year.  Detailed below are some of the WMAs with the highest 2011 turkey hunting season success rates in the state:

• Northwest: Berry College and Paulding Forest WMAs
• Northeast: Lake Russell and Dawson Forest WMAs
• West Central: Blanton Creek and Rum Creek WMAs
• East Central: Di-Lane and Tuckahoe WMAs
• Southeast: Penholoway and Sansavilla WMAs
• Middle: Big Hammock and Horse Creek WMAs
• Southwest: River Creek and Chickasawhatchee WMAs

A WMA license is required for any person 16 years or older who does not possess a valid honorary, sportsman or lifetime license when hunting wild turkey on a WMA or Public Fishing Area. In addition, a valid hunting license and a big game license are required to legally hunt wild turkey. Legal firearms and archery equipment for hunting wild turkey are shotguns, loaded with No. 2 or smaller shot, any muzzleloading firearm, longbow, crossbow or compound bow.

Where can you get a license? Buy it online or find a list of retail license vendors at  www.georgiawildlife.com/recreational-licenses or buy it by phone at 1.800.366.2661.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Georgia Turkey Hunting Season Begins Mar. 24

Registration is now open for Land Certification Program (LCP) Inspector Training offered by the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). LCP Inspectors are the qualified natural resource professionals who will help implement QDMA’s new program by visiting, evaluating and providing guidance on hunting lands throughout North America.

The QDMA unveiled the Land Certification Program at its 2011 National Convention last August. The long-awaited companion to the Deer Steward courses – which are aimed at certifying individuals – the LCP is a multi-level, voluntary process which will evaluate and certify one or more properties against an established list of Quality Deer Management (QDM) standards and performance measures.

The LCP was developed to recognize the accomplishments of landowners and sportsmen implementing the four cornerstones of QDM throughout North America, as well as those committed to ethics, conservation and biodiversity through land stewardship; and to encourage management practices on participating lands that will enhance deer and other wildlife species, habitat conditions, and hunting experiences by providing incentives, recommendations and/or assistance; and finally to inspire others to engage in sound wildlife management and conservation of our natural resources.

To learn more about the entire LCP including the standards and performance measures, the three levels of land designation and how to contact a LCP inspector, visit: www.qdma.com/programs/certify/land-certification-program.

LCP Inspector Training Opportunities:
To ensure that everyone has access to a qualified property inspector the QDMA will host a series of half-day LCP inspector training sessions across the country. The 2012 schedule is as follows:

• April 26 at Cayuga Nature Center, Ithaca, N.Y.*
• May 24 at Bradford Research & Extension Center, Columbia, Mo.*
• May 31 at QDMA National Headquarters, Bogart, Ga,
• June 14 at Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, La.
• July 12 at Michigan State University Demmer Center; Lansing, Mich.
• July 26 at South Carolina Forestry Commission Harbison Education Center, Columbia, S.C.*

*Denotes co-sponsored training with the American Tree Farm Systems (ATFS), attendees can become certified inspectors for both organizations in one day/location. One half day each (QDMA and ATFS). Special rates apply. To learn more about ATFS and the ATFS inspector eligibility requirements visit www.treefarmsystem.org.

Who Is Eligible?
The QDMA will approve LCP inspectors through a rigid set of professional standards. If you are interested in becoming a LCP property inspector, you can sign up for one of these training sessions if you satisfy at least one of the following:

• Have an accredited college degree AND two years experience in forestry, wildlife, or another natural resource management field;

• Have completed QDMA Deer Steward II (or higher) course AND three years of wildlife and habitat management field experience^*

Those who do not meet either of the above guidelines but wish to become eligible to participate, you must submit a written request outlining your qualifications and experience. The QDMA will review each submission on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.

Wildlife management experience refers to actively managing wildlife population(s) at either the property or landscape level. Habitat management experience refers to personally manipulating vegetation species and composition at the property or landscape level in accordance with wildlife management prescriptions.

Cost

The QDMA LCP training session is $50 for QDMA members and $80 for non-members (includes a 1-year QDMA membership). Current ATFS inspectors can take QDMA training for $35. Cost includes instruction, materials and certificate. Travel, meals and lodging are not included. Lunch will be provided for attendees taking both trainings.

Registration

To register, visit www.qdma.com/programs/certify/land-certification-program to download the registration form. You can register by:

• Calling the QDMA National Office at 800-209-3337
• Faxing a completed registration form to 706-353-0223
• Mailing a completed registration form to: QDMA, P.O. Box 160, Bogart, GA  30622

Lodging

For your convenience, the QDMA has reserved local hotel rooms at a reduced price the evening before each training session. For a complete list of lodging contact information for each training session, visit www.qdma.com/programs/certify/land-certification-program.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Registration Open for QDMA’S Land Certification Program Inspector Training in Georgia

The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and the Georgia State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) are hosting “Give It A Shot!,” shotgun patterning days in February and March. Choke tubes and ammunition options will be available to test with your shotgun.

Testing different types of choke tubes and ammunition is essential to developing the tightest pattern for your shotgun,” says Walter Lane, Wildlife Resources Division’s hunter development program manager.

“Successful turkey hunters pattern their shotgun before they take to the woods. These events will give hunters – from novices to the most seasoned — an opportunity to test out different products, talk with veteran turkey hunters, and interact with other sportsmen and women.”

“Give It A Shot!” dates are:

• Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Paradise Public Fishing Area (Berrien County) From Tifton: East on US Hwy 82 for 8 miles to Whitley Road near Brookfield; follow signs from US Hwy 82 to the area

• Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Shooting Range (Jasper County) From Mansfield: South on GA Hwy 11 for 2.7 miles, left on Marben Farm Rd. Follow the signs

• Saturday, March 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wilson Shoals Wildlife

Management Area Shooting Range (Banks County); From Gainesville: Take Hwy 365 north 11 miles; turn right on Mud Creed Rd., go 1 mile, turn left; go 0.1 mile, turn right on Yonah Rd.; go 2.1 miles, area on left.

Follow signs.

Volunteers from Wildlife Resources and the NWTF will assist hunters during this event.  Hunters should bring their own shotguns and can also bring ammunition or choke tubes of their own they would like to test. Paper targets will be provided.

“Give It A Shot!” is FREE, and participants are exempt from needing the Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass (GORP) during the events. Children

16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, contact Walter Lane, hunter development program manager, at walter.lane@dnr.state.ga.us or 770-761-3010.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Georgia Shotgun Patterning Days Scheduled

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - 2012 Georgia Turkey Hunt for Handicapped Hunters Set

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - 2012 Georgia Turkey Hunt for Handicapped Hunters Set

It is going to get a little wild at the Georgia Capitol this Wednesday as sportsmen’s groups and coastal conservation groups from the around the state gather to meet with state leaders for “Sportsmen’s and Coastal Day at the Capitol.”

“This is our 11th annual sportsmen’s event at the Capitol and we are excited to have this opportunity to talk about the impact that our sportsmen and women have on our state including directly supporting more than 31,000 jobs and generating more than $3 billion annually,” said Scott Tanner, the event organizer. “We also are pleased to add the recognition of ‘Coastal Day’ to this event to highlight the more than $2 billion annually that this area generates in tourism dollars as well as the state’s saltwater fishing industry.”

A broad spectrum of sportsmen’s and conservation groups will participate with displays, educational materials, interactive activities and live animals.  Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources and Coastal Resources Divisions will participate in the event.

Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston are scheduled to speak at the event at 9:00 a.m.

“This event is an opportunity for the sportsmen of Georgia to say thank you to the legislators for their leadership and support in defending and advancing hunting, fishing, and conservation issues,” said Jennifer Lundy, State Caucus Manager for the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.  “Because of our legislative leadership, Georgia has abundant animal populations that provide our citizens with unrivaled opportunities for recreation and commerce.”

“I’m proud to participate in Sportsmen’s and Coastal Day at the Capitol,” said Mark Williams, Georgia DNR Commissioner.  “Hunting, fishing and our coast are not only economic engines in our state, but they also improve our quality of life.  I want to thank all of our sportsmen and partners on the coast for all they do for conservation in Georgia.”

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Sportsmen’s and Coastal Day Takes Place at the Georgia Capitol

Catching poachers and other wildlife violators often involved lengthy criminal investigations and require diligence and dedication on behalf of conservation rangers.

Cpl. Michael Crawley, representing Washington and Johnson counties, was named Investigative Ranger of the Year for demonstrating tenacity and excellence in his work, which included a complex case with more than 18 violations in 2011.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division names an Investigative Range of the Year annually.

“I commend Cpl. Crawley for his drive and continued efforts to apprehend violators who damaged our natural resources,” says Col.

Eddie Henderson, chief of law enforcement for Wildlife Resources Division.  “His commitment to the investigative work required for this case, as well as continuing to do all other required tasks, shows great multi-tasking skills and dedication.”

Cpl. Crawley’s investigation involved a poaching case in Washington County.  The case began with a complaint about trespassing on private property.  Assisting Cpl. Crawley was Storm, a canine who helped in the detection of evidence, including an injured deer and tire tracks.  Over the next few weeks, Crawley gathered information on the suspected violator, and in January 2011, served the suspect with an arrest warrant.

The poacher was charged with 18 total violations including:

•  possession of illegally taken wildlife
• taking game above the bag limit
• violation of a crop damage permit
• additional charges from other agencies.

He was fined $2,500 and loss of hunting privileges for two years.

Other WRD conservation rangers nominated for the award for their outstanding investigative work:  Sgt. John VanLandingham, RFC Josh Chambers, Cpl. Lynn Stanford, RFC Tim Hutto and Cpl. Phillip Scott.

The Georgia Chapter of the Safari Club International sponsors this award.  For more information about that organization, visit www.gasci.org.  For more information about Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/enforcement/law-enforcement-section.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Georgia DNR Recognizes Investigative Ranger of the Year

Bubba Stevens of Senoia, Ga., prevailed over a strong field of competitors to win the 2011 NWTF Video Contest and an all-expenses-paid Osceola turkey hunt at Rafter T Ranch in Sebring, Fla.

In addition to the three-day Osceola hunt, Stevens will receive a CZ-USA Upland Ultralight 12-gauge and a gear package from Bass Pro Shops.

“I’m so excited I’m trying not to throw up in my office,” said Stevens, a project manager with a turn-key site contractor. “I was tossing and turning the last couple nights waiting to see if I won.”

Stevens outpolled four other finalists on the NWTF’s Facebook page to earn the hunt of a lifetime. Voters selected from videos that celebrated “Hunters: Champions of Conservation”, the theme for the 2012 NWTF national convention.

“We had several outstanding entries that demonstrated the passion for conservation shared by our members,” NWTF public relations director Brent Lawrence said. “We congratulate Bubba for his winning effort.”

Stevens’ 14-year-old son Cole filmed the winning video. Stevens was a finalist in the 2010 NWTF Video Contest.

“We’ve kind of been waiting for another chance since last year,” Stevens said. “I had a lot of support. I’m very grateful to all the vote who took the time to vote for me.”

The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Georgia Man Wins NWTF Video Contest and Osceola Turkey Hunt

Social Circle, Ga. Oct. 13, 2011 – It is finally that time of the year again for Georgia hunters. Firearms deer season opens Saturday, Oct. 22 and lasts through Jan. 1, 2012 in the Northern Zone and in the Southern Zone, through Jan. 15, 2012.

“Regulated hunting is the most cost effective and efficient means of managing the deer herd,” says John W. Bowers, assistant chief of Game Management for the Wildlife Resources Division. “In addition, sportsmen and women provide more than $30 million each year to fund wildlife conservation in the state through license fees and self-imposed excise taxes collected on the purchase of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment and fishing equipment.”

More than one million acres of public hunting land is available to hunters in Georgia, including more than 100 state-operated wildlife management areas. In addition to traditional hunters, many special hunts are offered, including ladies-only and adult/child hunts. Dates and locations for these hunts, as well as WMA maps, are available in the 2011-2012 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/regulations.

During the 2010-2011 firearms deer season, 299,894 licensed hunters harvested more than 386,050 deer in Georgia.

Hunters are allowed a season total of 10 antlerless deer and two antlered deer (one of the two antlered deer must have a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers).

A valid hunting license is required to hunt deer during firearms season, as is a big game license and a deer harvest record. In most cases, a separate WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA. All deer hunters must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange above the waist to legally hunt during firearms season, except on archery-only areas. Where can you get a license? Buy it online or find a list of retail license vendors at www.georgiawildlife.com/recreational-licenses or buy it by phone at 1.800.366.2661.

Georgia is considered the top destination in the country for non-resident hunters and continues to draw tens of thousands of hunters from across the country each year. The state’s quality hunting opportunities and the availability of vast acres of public hunting land serve as the main appeal.

For more information on deer hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/regulations.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Georgia Firearms Deer Season Opens Oct. 22