This is the time of year that I really look forward to.

The temperature has been steady, holding around 90 degrees most of the summer, and I eventually grow a little tired of the sweat and mosquitoes that come with it. Then, there is something magical that takes place in the southeast this time of year.

I awake one morning and the high will be in the mid-80s and the low for night is around 65. This is the first sign fall is on its way. The sunlight even looks a little clearer. For those of us that enjoy hunting, this is a very exciting time of the year. As I visit the local stores and begin to notice hunting clothes being displayed, I really become energized. The local sporting goods stores have started to put out all of the latest camouflage clothing and hunting gear.

When I picked up the 2012-13 Georgia hunting seasons and regulations magazine, I saw that there are several changes to our hunting regulations that will appeal to the hunters with children that make it easier for the children to become involved in hunting. The internet also has all of the Georgia hunting information that you will need.

The northern zone firearms deer season runs Oct. 20 thru Jan. 11. This is the zone that we are in, and it goes all of the way down to Crawford County to the south and covers our entire east and west boundaries of Georgia. Small game season, which includes squirrel, started on Aug. 15 and goes until Feb. 28. Daily limit is 12. Dove season is Sept. 1-16, Oct. 13-21 and Nov. 22-Jan. 5.

The quota hunts are getting under way soon, so don’t forget to sign up so you won’t be left out. All of the quota hunts are listed at the web site.

For all of you WMA hunters, Cohutta will be having their archery, either sex, deer hunts on Sept. 8-Oct. 9 and Oct. 15-19. Bear season will be on the same dates as deer. Firearm deer hunts, buck only, will be Oct. 11-14 and Nov. 28-Dec. 2. All of the WMAs are listed; check out the dates for the one you would like to attend.

I have plans to go to Alaska the end of the year and hunt black bear with my grandson. This trip I have wanted to take forever. I will be taking my Browning .338 Winchester Magnum. I ordered a pair of Frog Togs boots for the trip and a pair of Fits socks to keep my feet warm and comfortable.

I mentioned gun shows in our last column; I am planning a trip to Tulsa, Okla., in November to what is said to be one of the largest shows in the country. I also plan a trip to Knob Creek, Ky., for a military gun show and automatic weapon shoot. I will be busy this coming fall and winter.

If you have a hunting trip that you would like to share with our readers, just send it to my email and I will take care of it.

It’s time for you to start planning your next hunting trip. Take a youngster and let them enjoy the experience with you. I want to remind you to be sure and sign up those that need the hunter’s safety course. Classes begin soon.

Always remember to point your firearm in a safe direction. Have a great week.

Roger Sherrill lives in Ringgold. He can be reached at tandemjumper@catt.com.