GAME AND FISH Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing: Make Certain Legislative Findings; Provide that the Department of Natural Resources Has the Authority and Duty to Encourage Hunting and Fishing; Provide that Hunting and Fishing is a Right; Provide that No Political Subdivision of the State Shall Regulate Hunting, Trapping, or Fishing by Local Ordinance; Provide Exceptions

The Act makes hunting, trapping, and fishing a right. The Act also holds wildlife in trust by the State for the benefit of Georgia citizens. The Act further prohibits private ownership of wildlife without specific legislative exception. The Act also vests the Georgia Department of Natural Resources with the responsibility and authority to work with sportsmen and conservation groups for the purpose of encouraging participation in hunting and fishing to ensure that the opportunity to hunt and fish exist n perpetuity. The Act specifically provides that its provisions shall not infringe on private property owners\u27 rights. The Act prohibits political subdivisions of the state from regulating hunting, trapping, or fishing by local ordinance, but does not prevent political subdivisions from controlling hunting, trapping, or fishing on lands owned or leased by the political subdivision or from reasonably regulating the discharge of firearms within the political subdivision\u27s boundaries for the purposes of promoting public safety