Mor.tUi, PuUkathm of the GEORGIA STATE GAME & FISH COMMISSION January 1963 Georgia's New Governor Pledges Support For Vigorous Outdoor Recreational Program For Georgians James F. Darby, Jr. Vidalla Businessman, Named To G &> F Commission "Georgia sportsmen are fortunate to live in a state so richly blessed with an abundant water supply, vast timber and soil resources and unsurpassable outdoor recreation facilities. But, despite our rich outdoor heritage, we must realize that the continued avail- ability of our natural advantages depends upon our using them wisely and restoring them promptly. That is why State Government is con- stantly striving to provide the necessary outdoor recreation facilities for the enjoyment of present-day sportsmen and future generations. Through an alert and aggressive wild- life program, the State Game and Fish Department has reached a new plateau in game and fish populations. The Department's guiding hand has convei-ted thousands of acres of barren land into public hunting areas where sportsmen are assured of a good day's hunt. It is significant in these modem times, when land is at a premium, that Georgia has well over 600,000 acres of forestlands under intense management for public hunting. This is more than six times the amount available for the state's legion of hunters ten years ago. For anglers, the Department has increased its output from state fish hatcheries to over a half-million trout and seven million bass and bream for use in public lakes and streams. Even more important, however, is the Commission's program of consulting and advising landowners of the proper meth- ods of utilizing their landholdings for maximum wildlife production. It will be my goal as Governor to en- courage new programs that will help fill the bag and creel of Georgia sportsmen. With the help of landowners and sportsmen, I will help the Game and Fish Department increase the area devoted to public hunting. There is no reason why Georgia, a state rich in natural resources, cannot have a million acres for public hunting and fishing. Great accomplishments along this line are sure to result when state government and the people of Georgia join hands and work together as a team to provide "the greatest good for the greatest number for the longest time." To meet the challenges ahead, it is mandatory that we preserve, improve and safeguard our resources as one indivisible unit, with each conservation agency assisting each other. If we fail in this respect, we have de- feated, not only the purpose of the forester, the sportsman or the wildlife biologist, but the entire purpose of the conservation movement as well. I believe that in 1975, when more than 230 million Americans will be looking for fish to catch, game to bag, places to camp, picnic and enjoy nature, Georgia will have more than her share of outdoor wealth. Through the continued efforts of sportsmen, the support conservation will receive from the Sanders administration and continued progress from federal and state conservation agencies, we shall continue to make Georgia a true sportsman's paradise." Governor Carl E. Sanders James F. Darby, Jr., Vidalia businessman, has been appointed to the Georgia Game and Fish Commission by Governor Carl E. Sanders. Mr. Darby will represent the First District. He replaced J. T. Trapnell of Metter whose term expired in January. Darby has been in business in Vidalia for 26 years. He is President of the Darby Banking Company there. He operated a building supply company and is active in the ownership of several large tobacco warehouses in Vidalia. Darby served as President of the Vi dalia Chamber of Commerce in 1948 and Chairman of its Industrial Committee in 1961. He was named Citizen-of-the-Year on January 2nd. He is an avid sportsman and wildlife conservationist, and has served previously on the Game and Fish Commission. He is married to the former Helen Threlkeld and has a daughter, Connie. He is a member of the Vidalia Methodist Church. He was born in Vidalia in 1914. He is a graduate of the Vidalia High School and attended Riverside Military Academy. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1936. Darby was installed at the January meeting of the Commissioners after being sworn in by Governor Sanders. At the same meeting, the Commission also re-appointed Fulton Lovell as Di- rector of the Game and Fish Department. Charles L. Davidson, Jr. of Lithonia, Commissioner from the fifth district, was elected as Chairman succeeding William E. Smith of Americus, representing the Third District. The Commission also began work on setting the 1963 fishing seasons. -- Wildlife Conservation Proposals To Be Submitted To General Assembly For Action G r F Commission Asks Power To Set Motorboat Gas Tax Revenue Asked For License Rates Structure Recreational Use A resolution to enable the Georgia Game and Fish Commissioners to set hunting- and fishing license fees and modei-nize the license structure has been proposed for consideration by the General Assembly, Director Fulton Lovell announced recently. The measure, if adopted, will bring Georgia a stream-lined license system in accord with other states throughout the nation. It will also give the Commission the authority- necessary to keep its Department self-supporting through the sale of licenses, permits, tags and other regulatory instruments. At the present time, Georgia is one of the lowest states in per capita costs for wildlife conservation but is one of the finest hunting and fishing states in the nation. "As a 'fisherman's paradise' where all kinds of fishing abound, from mountain trout streams, to lakes, rivers and ocean -- fishing plus thousands of farm ponds Georgia offers some of the best fishing that can be found anywhere," Lovell said. "As the 'quail capital of the world,' and as a state where small game hunting is unequaled, and where experts predict deer hunting will be tops in the very near future, Georgia sportsmen cannot afford to neglect our wildlife program, nor fail to accept their share in the responsibility of maintaining and enriching outdoor sport potentialities." Lovell cited the fact that Georgia is 18c below the national average in per capita cost, of fishing licenses; $1.60 under the national average in cost of hunting licenses, and ranks lowest in overall license costs. Although Georgia is the 24th highest state in the number of hunting license holders, it is the 40th lowest state in hunting revenue. Georgia is exceeded by only 17 other states in the number of fishing license holders, but ranks as the 31st. lowest state in amount of fishingrevenue. A proposal to accelerate development of outdoor recreational facilities with tax money from outboard motor gasoline sales has been recommended for legislation by the Georgia Game and Fish Commission, Fulton Lovell, Commission Di- rector announced. Under the plan, revenue now going into the State Highway Department treasury from tax on gasoline used in recreational power boat motors would be earmarked for the construction of access roads to recreational areas, boat launching ramps, recreational sites, camping and picnic facilities, and similar projects. Lovell said that at the present time between $500,000 and $700,000 annually is being received from this source of revenue, although a limit not to exceed $300,000 for the first year would be necessary. "The proposal has the sanction of both Governor Carl E. Sanders and Highway Board Chairman Jim Gillis," Mr. Lovell said. The proposal would allow the Highway Department to enter into contracts for construction of sites selected by the Game and Fish Commission based on need and use of recreational facilities. "Georgians are seeking enjoyment in the outdoors with an ever-increasing intensity. This plan would provide funds that could enable our department to bettor meet the increasing demand from outdoor enthusiasts for more and better facilities. The pressure on existing facilities, especially near urban areas, is not only dampening outdoor enjoyment, it is creating crowded conditions that are not necessary," Fulton Lovell said. "There is plenty of room in the Georgia outdoors for everybody who loves outdoor recreation. Some of the best fishing streams, hunting areas and scenic spots go unused because there is no access to these areas. The tremendous success of the Game and Fish Department's High Falls Lake is a good example of what Law Asked To Curb Quail Trapping Wildlife rangers will get some assistance in controlling illegal trapping of Georgia's quail if a proposal submitted to the General Assembly is made law. Game and Fish Director Fulton Lovell says that the Game and Fish Commis- sion has recommended legislation requir- ing all traps capable of snaring live quail to be identified with the name and address of the owner tagged to the trap. "This would discourage illegal setting of traps," Lovell said, "and it would help our rangers catch persons violating the law." The proposal would also require manufacturers of traps to secure a permit for such manufacturing from the Game and Fish Commission. "This is not a restrictive move on our part. The purpose of this proposal is not to restrict legitimate trap manufacturers, but to bring persons making traps for illegal purposes before the courts for proper punishment," Lovell said. Illegal quail trapping is a very difficult violation to control unless our rangers can get direct evidence for convictions. Better methods to help us secure convictions would go a long way toward discouraging violators." can be done with adequate funds. High Falls is a great scenic wonder enjoyed by fishermen, hunters, campers, picnickers and nature lovers alike. This beauty spot was inacessible until the Game and Fish Department began to develop access roads and recreational facilities." "Funds were made available for this purpose by the former administration, and the present administration has set a goal of even greater progress in developing" outdoor recreational facilities for the citizens of Georgia." BDB SHDRT, G & F l&E CHIEF JDIN5 GDVERNDR'S STAFF AS PRESS AIDE Bob Short of Clayton, public relations chief for the Georgia Game and Fish Commission, has been named press aide to Governor Carl Sanders. For the past six years, as Georgia's most famous "voice" for wildlife conservation, Mr. Short has played a key role in promoting wise and successful game and fish management practices in Georgia through radio and television shows and publications. Through his efforts to educate and inform Georgia sportsmen of the necessity to wisely conserve our wildlife resources, he has been instrumental in joining together sportsmen and wildlife rangers in a common effort to make Georgia a sportsman's paradise. As chief of public relations for the Game and Fish Commission, Mr. Short has enjoyed the confidence of sportsmen's organizations and other private as well as governmental wildlife organiza- tions. Mr. Short has received many honors from wildlife experts all over the United States. "I have enjoyed my association with the Game and Fish Commission and its wise and aggressive director, Fulton Lovell," Short said. "I am proud to have beeen a part of the tremendous success in conservation made possible by Mr. Lovell's wise and dedicated administration," he said. "My feeling for conservation is real and I am by no means leaving the wildlife con- servation picture." "I have known Carl Sanders for many years and look forward with gusto to becoming a part of his administration. I am confident that Gov. Sanders will be a great leader for our state and that his administration will be one of the greatest in the history of Georgia. "I am deeply honored for the oppor- tunity to serve on his team," Short said. Mr. Short, 30, is a graduate of Rabun County High School, where he was an outstanding athlete and student. He was also a star basketball player at Young Harris Junior College and Georgia South- ern University. He is presently studying Law at Woodrow Wilson University in Atlanta. Mr. Short is the son of Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Short of Clayton. A plaque citing Bob Short's outstanding work in Georgia wildlife conservation was presented by Director Fulton Lovell in ceremonies before Game and Fish employees. The plaque was presented to Mr. Short by the employees of the Department as a token of appreciation. Water Control Council Hears Pollution Problems The Georgia Water Control Council held their quarterly meeting in Atlanta January 3rd, and discussed specific pollution problems existing in Georgia water- ways. Chief on the list of pollution problems was the report that the city of Rome is operating a public health hazard by dumping raw sewage into the Coosa River. An official of the council said that Rome officials had been warned of the sewage condition last October but no reply had been received. Investigation of pollution of the Conasauga River was dropped when it was learned that Dalton is expecting to complete a $2,500,000 sewage treatment system by April of 1964. Other incidents mentioned by the Council include: -- Clarkesville Chicken hatchery dump- ing unhatched eggs into the Chatta- hoochee River. -- Claxton Inadequate city sewage treat- ment before releasing waste into the Canoochee River, and a chicken process- ing plant were cited. -- Thomasville A mining company's waste material is polluting the Canoochee River. Another plant, near Moultrie, also dumps obnoxious material into the river. -- Fitzgerald Waste from four laundries is being dumped into Okapilco Creek. -- Newnan Industry pollution in Mineral Springs Branch. --A Trion textile mill's untreated waste goes into the Chattooga River. -- Chickamauga City sewage and waste from a textile mill enter West Chicka- mauga Creek. -- Camilla Waste from a chicken pro- cessing plant and a slaughter house drain into Big Slough Creek. The Senate Water Pollution Committee called Monday for legislation to prevent pollution of streams and lakes in Geor- gia. The committee, headed by Sen. Dan F. Hart of Quitman, said pollution has forced condemnation of some coastal areas and has hurt Georgia's oyster crop. "Dollar value of the oyster industry is over 20 times greater in South Carolina than in Georgia," the committee said. Hart and committee members Zell Miller of Young Harris and Oscar E. Raynor of Folkston said additional or strengthened laws should be passed "to expedite control of existing pollution and to prevent future pollution of streams and lakes." -- IOO Whitetail Deer Released In North Georgia Game Management technicians re- leased 100 deer January 17th in four north Georgia counties. Twenty-five whitetailed deer were released in each of the counties. They are Gwinnett, Oglethorpe, Wilkes and Elbert Counties. The deer, purchased and transported from the King Ranch in Texas, were liberated in an area of the county chosen by game technicians. The technicians thoroughly researched the portion of the county chosen as the release area. Ample food and other requirements exist throughout the release area. Wildlife rangers will constantly patrol the area to protect the newly-released deer. "It has been our experience to find that deer released into the new area for the first time spread out rapidly and many are seen in the open and along high- ways", Fulton Lovell, G&F Director com- mented. "These deer must be protected and given an opportunity to populate the surrounding area. With cooperation from the people of Gwinnett, Oglethorpe, Wilkes and Elbert Counties we feel very confident that there will be good deer hunting in this section within the next few years." The deer consists of 100 bucks and pregnant does. They have been tested and certified by the U. S. Department of Agriculture as screwworm free and were given a clean bill of health. These deer were released above the screwworm line as established by the USDA. The Game and Fish Commission pur- chased the deer from the King Ranch in Texas to further its plans of creating new hunting areas throughout the state. "The addition of these deer will greatly help Gwinnett, Oglethorpe, Wilkes and Elbert Counties' deer population increase in number," Lovell said. "We're hopeful they will populate the area to the extent that hunting will improve in the very near future." Lovell requested that any of the deer found dead, crippled or struck by auto which sometimes happens to newly-re- -- leased deer be reported to the Game and Fish Commission immediately, along with any illegal hunting. Stray dogs often take a heavy toll of deer, particularly those that have been brought from another state and released into new homes, Lovell said. Three Coastal Fish Drops Completed The Georgia Game and Fish Commis- sion has completed three artificial fish drops as a part of its program to improve coastal sport fishing. Commission director Fulton Lovell said the drops were located in strategic points along Georgia's more than 1,000 miles of coastline. One of the drops is situated on the Wilmington River near Warsaw Sound in Chatham County. Another is in Liberty County at St. Catherine's Sound and the third on Pine Creek, just off the Hampton River in Glynn County. The drops were constructed of concrete given the commission by the U. S. Army from its Fort Stewart Military Reservation. "The Game and Fish Commission feels that these drops are the beginning of a program that will greatly enhance sport fishing along the Georgia coast," Lovell said. "With this construction and the employment of a full-time marine biologist to carry through research and development programs Georgia's coast should develop into a choice saltwater fishing spot," Lovell commented. OUTDOOR TIPS 'TWERE are several methods of distinguishing the cottontail prom the marsh and swamp rabbits... The cottontail has whitish feet, and a brownish patch on back op neck... SNOW WHITE TAIL wt~ Marsh RABBITS WAVE SMALL BROWN FEET AND A SMALL GREY- ISH TAll Swamp rabbits weigh up to c pounds" have brownish -red feet and a tail similar -to that op a cottontail State Game & Fish Commission -4D1 STATE CAPITOL ATLANTA. GEORGIA 3 ElOfl QMSS4 0344 SFC. 34.66. P. L. ft R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA. GA. PERMIT NO. 155 Acquisitions Division The University Libraries The University of Georgia Athens- Ga. 3 Copies