SOCIAL CIRCLE — It’s time to fill up that freezer with one of the healthiest meats available. The Georgia deer firearms season opens Sat., Oct. 20 and continues through Jan. 13, 2019 statewide.

“Hunting is a grand tradition in Georgia, with all types of people participating,” said Charlie Killmaster, state deer biologist for the Wildlife Resources Division. “It is an exciting activity enjoyed by many, and Georgia has one of the longest deer seasons, with a deer harvest that is sustainably among the highest, and with quality bucks.”

During firearms deer season last year, more than 321,000 hunters harvested almost 310,000 deer in the state. The use of regulated deer hunting ensures that Georgia’s deer population continues to be healthy and strong.

Hunters can check out the interactive map created to see the opportunities available for the counties they hunt. If you hunt on National Forest land, either-sex days may be different than on private land.  More info at Georgiawildlife.com/hunting/deer-opportunities.

All deer hunters must report their harvest using Georgia Game Check. Deer can be reported on the Outdoors GA app (which now works whether you have cell service or not).