Firearm Deer season starts Saturday, here’s what you need to know

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Several South Georgia hunters headed to gun ranges Friday to practice for the opening of firearm deer season. The season kicks off on Saturday.

“Best feeling in the world. You don’t even gotta shoot them. Just seeing how nature works,” said Nick Giles, a South Georgia hunter.

This year firearm deer season starts Oct. 18 and goes until Jan. 12.

“Animals are a lot smarter than people put them out to be and you’ve got to be on your A game,” Giles said.

That A game has to stand up against a healthy harvest which experts say keeps getting bigger every year. Last year Georgians harvested around 240,000 deer.

Brent Howze, Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Biologist, said he’s expecting this year’s deer harvest to meet or exceed last year’s numbers.

“Georgia’s deer herd is doing great, especially in Southwest Georgia. It is flourishing and any hunters that can please get out and harvest some deer,” he said.

Howze said hunting deer is essential to keeping the population controlled and communities safe. But hunting deer for meat comes with regulations.

Georgia law prohibits anyone from killing deer without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the deer. Violators can face a misdemeanor charge. Hunters also need to make sure they stay safe.

“Make sure you wear your hunter orange. Make sure you know your target. Make sure you’re careful with your firearm. Loading and unloading your firearm is probably one of the most dangerous things you can do,” Howze said.

Experts said following safety protocols and the law will ensure you get to experience an exhilarating feeling.

“Your heart starts racing it’s just... You just start shaking. It’s just crazy,” Giles said.

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