SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (AP) — Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials say they're gearing up to give deer hunters who use primitive weapons a chance to hone their skills.

Primitive weapons deer hunting season begins Oct. 12 and runs through Oct. 18. Officials say during last year's primitive weapons season, more than 45,000 hunters hauled away more than 10,500 deer.

Chief of Game Management John Bowers says the weeklong season allows hunters to use traditional or inline black powder firearms, or continue hunting with archery gear.

Hunters are reminded to wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the waist during primitive weapons season.

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