In a story April 8 about the Georgia Department of Natural Resources considering shortening deer hunting season, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the department is considering shortening deer hunting season in general. The department is only considering shortening hunting season for female deer.

A corrected version of the story is below:

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is considering shortening doe hunting season to stabilize the state's deer population.

John Bowers, of the department's Game Management Section, says a proposal to shorten doe hunting season by 25 days is a response to scientific data suggesting female deer now comprise 60 to 65 percent of the annual deer harvest. Additionally, Bowers says officials have noted a statewide decline in the fawn recruitment rate.

Bowers says hunters will be able to hunt for bucks throughout the season if the proposal passes.

The department plans to hold three hearings in Tifton, Forsyth and Jasper this month to allow the public to weigh in on the proposal.

Tags: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, deer hunting season, deer hunting, deer, deer population