MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- The start of the deer hunting season aboard base is Saturday, and with it caution is urged for hunters and non-hunters alike.
With hunters taking to their tree stands throughout the base, non-hunters are especially urged not to venture into hunting areas while the season is underway until it ends Jan. 31, 2010.
“We want to get the word out to the general population to be aware that hunting season is going on and for them to stay out of the wooded areas and off the dirt roads,” said Al Belanger, game warden, Installation and Environment Division, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga.
The base allows bow hunting of deer only, and hunting is allowed seven days a week during the season.
Hunters must check in with the base game warden at building 5643, and hunters can check in two hours prior to sunrise and check out one hour after sunset.
Additionally, hunters are required to weigh and take basic measurements of any deer that are harvested. They are also required to take a picture of the deer as a record for the base game warden.
This year, 63 bow hunters have registered to hunt aboard the base, and per Base Order 1720.17Q, all hunters must pass a bow hunting qualification course that tests the accuracy and skills of each hunter before they are allowed to hunt. Also, hunters must have a valid state and base hunting license.
According to Belanger, the quotas derived for this year’s season was deduced from a deer census conducted with state resources officials.
Too many deer in one area can cause an overpopulation which weakens the herd through spreading disease and lack of food.
Too few, and the herd suffers as well from lack of diversity within the herd.
For more information on obtaining a hunting license, taking the bow hunting qualification course, or hunting-related safety questions, call the game warden at (229) 639-5188.