Governor Nathan Deal held a signing ceremony for House Bill 208 at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
House Bill 208 makes changes in Georgia law to simplify the hunting and fishing license structure while also adjusting fees for resident hunting and fishing licenses for the first time since 1992. More than 5,000 Georgia residents provided feedback about the content of House Bill 208 through a series of 8 public meetings held around the state. Over 85% supported the proposed changes. Leading sportsmen’s groups such as the Georgia Wildlife Federation, Coastal Conservation Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Ducks Unlimited was also supportive of the changes.
With the additional revenue, DNR will improve wildlife and fish habitat and management on public and private lands and waters; create more shooting ranges; improve boating access in fresh and salt waters; add youth education opportunities; increase fish stocking; and add approximately 40 conservation rangers.
The legislation, which becomes effective July 1, will rank Georgia in the middle of its Southeastern neighbors for resident hunting and fishing license fees.