DNR Offers Shotgun Patterning Days
Turkey season opens on March 23, 2013.
Although some politicians would prefer us to hunt with slingshots (until they are outlawed as weapons of mass destruction), we remain free to use shotguns in the great state of Georgia.
In fact, our 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 March. Choke tubes and ammunition options will be available to test with your shotgun.
Wildlife Resources Division’s Hunter Development Program Manager Walter Lane says, “Testing different types of choke tubes and ammunition is essential to developing the tightest pattern for your shotgun. 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, March 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Shooting Range (Jasper County). Directions from Mansfield: South on GA Hwy 11 for 2.7 miles, left on Marben Farm Rd. Follow the signs.
- Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wilson Shoals WMA Shooting Range (Banks County). Directions from Gainesville: Take Hwy 365 North, 11 miles from exit 24. Turn right on Mud Creek Rd., go 1 mile and turn left on Old Cornelia Hwy. Go 0.1 mile and turn right on Yonah Rd. Go 2.1 miles and turn left on Grant Mill Rd. The range will be 1 mile on the right.
- Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Flint Skeet and Trap Club Flint Skeet and Trap Club is located at 1319 Lily Pond Rd., Albany, GA 31701
Volunteers from Wildlife Resources and the NWTF will assist hunters during this event.
Hunters should bring their own shotguns and ammunition or choke tubes that they would like to test. Paper targets will be provided.
“Give It A Shot!” is FREE.
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
- e-mail: [email protected] or
- phone 770-761-3010.