2013 Sportsmen’s and Coastal Day Takes Place at the Georgia Capitol

It is going to get a little wild at the Georgia Capitol this Thursday as sportsmen’s groups and coastal conservation groups from the around the state gather to meet with state leaders for “Sportsmen’s and Coastal Day at the Capitol.”

“For years, we have celebrated this day and the impact that conservation and outdoor recreation have on our state,” said Scott Tanner, the event organizer. “Hunting and freshwater fishing directly support more than 31,000 jobs and generating more than $3 billion annually. Plus, our coastal resources are responsible for an impact of more than $2 billion through tourism and saltwater fishing industry.”

This year, the conservation groups are emphasizing the importance of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs.

“To ensure healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife populations, sportsmen and women pay a federal excise tax on hunting, fishing and boating equipment,” explains Commissioner Mark Williams, Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “Those funds are directed to the states based on the number of paid sporting licenses, among other factors. This system has been in place for just over 75 years and is considered America’s greatest conservation story.”

A broad spectrum of sportsmen’s and conservation groups will participate with displays, educational materials, interactive activities and live animals at the Capitol. Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources and Coastal Resources Divisions will participate in the event.

Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston are scheduled to speak at the event.

For more information about hunting and fishing opportunities in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com . For more information about coastal fishing and recreational opportunities, visit www.coastalgadnr.org .

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is comprised of six divisions which carryout DNR’s mission to sustain, enhance, protect and conserve Georgia’s natural, historic and cultural resources. As one of six divisions within DNR, the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is charged with conserving, enhancing and promoting Georgia’s wildlife resources, including game and nongame animals, fish and protected plants. WRD is comprised of four sections – Game Management, Fisheries Management, Law Enforcement and Nongame Conservation, which regulate hunting, fishing and boat operation, protect nongame and endangered wildlife, provide conservation education and enforce laws for the protection and use of Georgia’s natural resources.