What is Outdoors Beyond Barriers (OBB)?
Outdoors Beyond Barriers, referred to most often as OBB, is a new program that was initiated in 2024 by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. While many properties around the state were already offering adaptive opportunities, the creation of the Outdoors Beyond Barriers Program allows for a concerted effort and department wide coordination of events. You can find all the details at GADNR.org/OBB. From wildlife viewing to fishing and hunting this new program aims to educate, encourage, and empower those with mobility and other health impairments to connect with nature.
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Meet the Team
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Linda Scovanner (Center) is your OBB Contact for WRD and General Information. She can be reached at 770-784-3063 or Linda.Scovanner@dnr.ga.gov.
Ray Smith (Right) is your contact specifically for State Parks and Historical Sites. He can be reached at 770-389-7286 or Ray.Smith@dnr.ga.gov.
Chip Madren (Left) is our lead champion and assists with programming. He can be reached at 770-784-3059 or Chip.Madren1@dnr.ga.gov.
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Fishing Season is Here
We are excited to announce our upcoming adaptive fishing events! These one day events will be held around the state providing opportunities to use adaptive equipment and enjoy a community day of fishing and fellowship. We ask that you register for the free event so that we can make sure to provide resources to make your day at the lake as accessible and positive as possible. Sadly, we cannot guarantee the fish will bite! You can find the locations and information at: https://georgiawildlife.com/OBB-Freshwater-Fishing
Please have your license with you at the event (day license is permitted).
Lunch is not provided to keep this activity free of charge.
Turkey Season
Turkey season is around the corner. If you are looking for locations look no further than your Georgia Hunting & Fishing Guide! You can find it online at: https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources. Page 26 has all your information on Specialty and Mobility-Impaired Hunt locations and dates. If you need any assistance don't hesitate to reach out to Linda 770-784-3063.
Deer Season in Review
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We had a phenomenal first season with the adaptive deer program. We took a lot of notes from our participants as we learned what was working and what wasn't to return in 2025 even stronger!
Deer 2024 in Numbers:
- 5 Public Hunts
- 51 Participants
- 25 Deer Harvested
- 14 Bucks and 11 Does
- 56% Success Rate
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First Day Hike
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In conjunction with State Parks First Day Hikes, WRD and Parks teamed up to create two adaptive "hikes" one at Tallulah Gorge State Park and one at Sweetwater Creek State Park over 20 participants and their families. In the true spirit of overcoming barriers, we made it possible for a large family looking for something adaptive to do that morning, to spontaneously join us on our adventure to Inspiration Point. |
Keep an eye out for our next edition that will talk about the 2025 dove and deer season along with other adaptive events.
Thanks for Reading!
-The Outdoors Beyond Barriers Team
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