2-day deer hunt planned at Buford Dam

BUFORD - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be conducting a quota deer hunt on lands around Buford Dam January 5 and 6.

For public safety, the Laurel Ridge Trail and all parks along Buford Dam Road except West Bank Park will be closed during this event.

Public safety and the health of the deer population are the two incentives for the hunt. Deer being struck by cars traveling Buford Dam Road is a public safety hazard that could be lessened from this hunt. In addition, food resources naturally decline during the winter months causing stress to the deer population. By reducing the number of deer, the food resources in the Buford Dam area will better meet the deer population needs.

The Corps has conducted population estimates and coordinated with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to insure responsible wildlife management. Twenty-one hunters were chosen for the six hundred acre area by lottery that was open to the public. For public safety reasons, the hunt will be restricted to archery only.