diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
index d1bf6638d..e6af1c454 100644
--- a/VERSION
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-3.1.43
+3.1.44
diff --git a/doc/source/changes.rst b/doc/source/changes.rst
index 3c903423c..00a3c660e 100644
--- a/doc/source/changes.rst
+++ b/doc/source/changes.rst
@@ -2,6 +2,12 @@
 Changelog
 =========
 
+3.1.44
+======
+
+See the following for all changes.
+https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/releases/tag/3.1.44
+
 3.1.43
 ======