As most of you are already aware, a substantial amount of construction is occurring on Fort Benning. The upgrade and construction of new roads and tank trails has significantly impacted hunters in the field this year.
As a reminder, no one is permitted to park or hunt within 200 feet of the construction projects. In addition, hunters may not discharge a weapon within 200 yards in the direction of these projects. Some of the areas traditionally hunted may not be accessible or you may have to “hoof it” to get where you want to go.
Parking violations by hunters in and around road and other construction sites has created some issues. As a result, to help mitigate further action and to prevent hunting activities from being curtailed completely, penalties will begin being imposed for infractions. Hunters who are parked on, in or within 200 feet of a construction project may lose their hunting privileges for a period of 30 days for the first offense and one year for subsequent violations.
Children’s fishing ponds stocked In cooperation with Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Section, two children’s fishing ponds on Post were stocked Nov. 15. Russ Pool and Russ Pond were stocked with about 4,000 channel catfish from Steve Cocke Fish Hatchery in Dawson, Ga. Conservation Branch staff and volunteers will feed the fish until the first children’s fishing event. Both ponds are closed to fishing until Child, Youth & School Services conducts the fishing event in mid-May.
The catfish were 6 to 8 inches when stocked, but by mid-May the fish should be 12-plus inches in length. Once the event has been completed, the ponds will be open for daily fishing. Further information on dates of children’s fishing events will be published at a later date.
Russ Pool and Russ Pond, when open to fishing, can only be fished in by children 15 years old and younger. Adults are allowed to assist children in baiting their hook, casting, and removing fish from their line. Adults are not required to possess a state license or post fishing permit when assisting youth fishing at these two ponds.
