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South Carolina Hunting Regulations

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  • 8/18/2019 South Carolina Hunting Regulations

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    H U N T I N GSUMMARY OF CHANGES

    WHY FEWER EITHER-SEX DAYS?

    In response to an ever increasing deer population in the 1980s and 1990s,SCDNR increased opportunities for hunters to take antlerless deer byincreasing either-sex days and the availability of antlerless deer tags.

    Over the last 10-12 years deer numbers and harvest trends have declined in many areas of the state.In addition to extremely liberal antlerless deer harvests, other factors like habitat changes related toforest management have played a role in the reduction in deer numbers. Also, coyotes are a recentaddition to the landscape and are another par t of the equation.

    While coyotes do kill deer, hunters continue to be far and away the No. 1 source of deer mortalityand the only source that hunting regulations can affect. Just as antlerless harvest opportunities wereincreased to address increasing deer numbers in the past, SCDNR believes that adjusting antlerlessharvest opportunities at the present time is important.

    Keep in mind that although some hunters are concerned with signicant declines in deer, there arestill areas in the state that receive high levels of agricultural damage from deer. Regardless of whetherthere are too few or too many deer locally, hunters continue to have exibility to adjust antlerlessharvest rates to meet their goals by using either-sex days and antlerless deer tagging programsoffered by SCDNR. Ul timately, SCDNR relies on hunters to make good decisions related to deerharvest management at the local level.

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    H U N T I N GGENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

    General Informationon HuntingHunting is dened as trying to nd, seek,obtain, pursue, or diligently search for game.Regulations in this section apply to bothprivate and public lands statewide, unlessotherwise specied.

    Licenses and PermitsLicenses and permits are required for hunt-ing in South Carolina. Detailed informationon types of licenses and permits is located onpages 12 & 14. All residents and nonresi-dents born after June 30, 1979 must success-fully complete a hunter education course thatis approved by the SC Department of NaturalResources (SCDNR) before a hunting licensecan be obtained. For exceptions, see page 8.

    Game Zones & WMAsSouth Carolina is divided into four gamezones, as dened on the maps on page 60.

    The SCDNR sets and regulates the methodsof harvest, bag limits and other requirementsfor hunting on Wildlife Management Areas(WMA) statewide.

    The SC General Assembly establishes sea-sons, limits and methods for private landstatewide. The SCDNR is responsible for lawenforcement statewide.

    Protected GameThe following species may be hunted ONLYduring legally established seasons: bear, bea-ver, bobcat, deer, fox, mink, muskrat, opos-sum, otter, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, squirrel,weasel, waterfowl (goose, brant and duck),

    bobwhite quail, mourning dove, rails (marshhen), coot, gallinule, ruffed grouse, crow, wildturkey, common snipe and woodcock.

    Protected NongameThe following species are protected and maynot be hunted, molested, caught, transported,sold or possessed in any manner: birds ofprey (eagles, hawks, osprey, owls, kites andvultures) and nongame birds (except Eng-lish sparrows, pigeons, Eurasian collareddoves and starlings). Falconers must possessa SCDNR permit.

    Importation & Possession

    It is unlawful to import, possess or transportfor the purpose of release, or to introduce or bring into this state any live wildlife of thefollowing types without a permit from theSCDNR: a member of the family Cervidae(deer, moose, elk, etc.), bear, turkey, furbearers(fox, raccoon, opossum, muskrat, mink, skunk,coyote, otter, bobcat, weasel and beaver), anondomestic member of the families Suidaeor Tayassuidae (pigs), or Bovidae (bison, an-telope, mountain goat, mountain sheep) (50-16-20). The importation or possession of livealligators is illegal without a permit from theDepartment (50-15-50).

    The importation or sale of live wolves is pro-hibited in South Carolina, except for exhibitionor scientic purposes upon the approval ofthe SCDNR as provided by regulations (50-11-1765). It is unlawful to import coyotes. Thepossession and sale of live foxes and coyotesis restricted by law (50-11-2630). A personmay not have a live wolf in his possessionwithout a SCDNR permit. Federal law pro-hibits importing, exporting, selling, buying,receiving or acquiring big cats across statelines. For information and exceptions, contactthe US Fish and Wildlife Service SoutheastRegion, 1875 Century Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30345.Prohibition of Sale, Purchase, Donation, orTransfer of Ownership Wildlife as Pets - TheDepartment of Health and EnvironmentalControl’s (DHEC) Rabies Control Act (47-5-50) prohibits the sale, purchase, donation, ortransfer of ownership of nondomesticatedcarnivores (raccoons, foxes, skunks, bobcats,coyotes, wolves, wolf dogs, weasels, civet cats,spotted skunks, and lynx or the offspring

    born to any combinations of crossbreeding(hybrids) between these wild animals anddomestic dogs or cats) to private individualsin this State. It is illegal to import native fur- bearing species into the state for any purposeexcept with a permit issued by the SCDNR.Requests for importing furbearing animalsfor private possession violate the spirit of theRabies Control Act and will be denied.

    Note: The SCDNR does not advocate or en-courage keeping wildlife in captivity.

    Equipment & Methods Archery Archery means a longbow, recurve bow, com-pound bow or crossbow (50-11-565). Thereare no restrictions on draw weight/length,arrow weight/length, or broad head weight,width, or style.

    CrossbowsCrossbows may be used on private lands andWMA lands statewide during all archery,muzzleloader or gun seasons for deer, bearand turkey.

    Primitive WeaponsFor special primitive weapons seasons, primi-tive weapons include bow and arrow, cross- bows and muzzleloading shotguns of twentygauge or larger, and ries of .36 caliber orlarger with open or peep sights or scopes,which use black powder or a black powdersubstitute that does not contain nitrocelluloseor nitro-glycerin components as the propellantcharge. There are no restrictions on ignitionsystems including intstone, percussion cap,shotgun primer, disk, or electronic. Duringprimitive weapons season, no revolving riesare permitted (50-11-310). Falconry Allowed.

    Transporting FirearmsThere are no SCDNR restrictions on trans-porting rearms by licensed hunters andshermen in a vehicle to and from the placeof hunting and shing except on WMA lands.For regulations on WMA lands see Weapons3.4 on page 73.

    Calls, Recorded orElectronically AmpliedIt is illegal to hunt, catch, take, kill or attemptto hunt, catch, take or kill any game bird orgame animal with the aid of recorded calls orsounds or recorded or electronically ampliedimitations of calls or sounds (50-11-40). Crows,coyotes or hogs are not game birds/animalsand therefore can be hunted using electroniccalls on private lands and WMA lands.

    TrappingTrapping regulations are availablein a separate publication or online at

    http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/furharvest.html.Commercial Fur HarvestRegulations are available in a sep-arate publication or online athttp://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/furharvest.html.

    Youth Hunting DaysYouth Hunting Days are scheduled for manyspecies of game and allow youth 17 years ofage and younger to hunt as long as they areaccompanied by a licensed adult 21 years orolder. Only the youth may take or attemptto take game and license requirements arewaived for the youth hunter (50-9-740). See

    pages 91-92 for youth hunt day list.Free Hunting DaysDecember 26 & 27Free hunting days allow all South Carolinaresidents to hunt without a state hunting li-cense or other required permits, to includeWildlife Management Area (WMA) permit,or Migratory Waterfowl Permit (formerly StateDuck Stamp). It is important to note that FreeHunting Days are offered by the State of SouthCarolina and do not waive any Federal require-ments for a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting& Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp)to hunt migratory waterfowl.

    Free hunting days are available only to SCresidents and apply to all lands in which hunt-ing is allowed, to include private lands andWildlife Management Areas (WMA) through-out the state that are not otherwise closed tohunting. The list of open WMAs can be found by visiting the Public Lands tab of the DNRwebsite at https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/lookup/ .Please note that all existing seasons, bag limitsand methods of take still apply.

    www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting.html

    2015-2016 SOUTH CAROLINA HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE • www.dnr.sc.gov

    http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/furharvest.htmlhttp://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/furharvest.htmlhttp://-/?-http://-/?-https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/lookup/http://www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting.htmlhttp://www.dnr.sc.gov/http://www.dnr.sc.gov/http://www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting.htmlhttps://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/lookup/http://-/?-http://-/?-http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/furharvest.htmlhttp://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/furharvest.htmlhttp://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-http://-/?-

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    SHOOTING RANGES

    The SCDNR operates multiple shooting ranges that are open for use during certain hours which aresubject to change according to time of year, hunting seasons, etc. All SCDNR ranges are 100 yards orless. To conrm hours of operation, call the SCDNR Clemson ofce at 864-654-1671 ext. 18 or for thePalachucola Range call 803-625-3569.

    Pickens County Range (Pickens Co.)From Easley, take SC Highway. 8 approximately4 miles towards Pickens. Turn left on BreazealeRoad. Drive 1/2 mile beyond SC Dept. ofTransportation Maintenance Shop and turn lefton Porter Rd. Go approximately 1/2 mile and turnleft at the red gate. The range is located at theend of the gravel road.

    Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM (EST) oras posted. Closed Sunday and Monday. For moreinformation, call 864-855-5747.

    SCDNR James O. Thomason ShootingRange (Spartanburg Co.)From Pauline, take SC Highway. 215approximately .5 mile east toward Glenn Springs.Turn left on Foster Mill Circle and drive 2.5 miles

    (paved road becomes gravel road). Range is onthe left side of the road.

    Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9 AM -5 PM (EST).Closed Sun. and Mon.

    Palachucola Range (Hampton Co.)Wednesday-Saturday: 8:00am - dark and Sunday1:00pm - dark except during deer and turkeyhunts. Dates are posted at the range or call 803-625-3569 for more information.

    Manchester State Forest Shooting Range(SC Forestry Commission, Sumter Co.)$5.00 per day or $25.00 per year. Hearingprotection required. For more information, call803-494-8196.

    Hours: Open Saturday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM andSunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

    SCDNR Belfast WMA Shooting Range(Laurens Co.)6655 Highway 560, Kinards, SC 29355

    Hours: Open Wednesday - Saturday. Daylighthours only, Sunday 2 PM - Dark Closed Mondayand Tuesday.

    US Forest Service Shooting RangesCedar Creek Shooting Range (Oconee Co.)Year round. Fully accessible to disabled visitors.Three of ve shooting tables are under a shelter.For more information, call 864-638-9568 or fax864-638-2659.

    Candy Branch Shooting Range (Abbeville Co.)Year round, sunrise to sunset. Five ring lines withleft or right benches including one accessible todisabled visitors. For more information call 803-637-5396 or fax 803-637-2273.Beaverdam Shooting Range (Edgeeld Co.)Year round, sunrise to sunset. Eight openring lines with left or r ight benches. For moreinformation call 803-637-5396 or fax 803-637-2273.

    Fairforest Shooting Range (Union Co.) ,Leeds Shooting Range (Chester Co.) , PhilsonCrossroads Shooting Range (Laurens Co.) ,Indian Creek Shooting Range (Newberry Co.)Year round, day use. All have six ring lanes, leftand right benches are available, including onebench accessible to disabled visitors. For moreinformation call 864 427-9858 or fax 864-427-3529.

    Francis Marion Shooting Ranges

    Year round, daylight hours only. Shooting tables,including one fully-accessible to disabled visitors.For more information call Francis Marion RangerDistrict ofce at 843-336-3248.

    For additional shooting ranges visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/shooting/

    Prohibited ActsShiningIn all game zones, the use of articial lights forthe purpose of observing or harassing wildlifeis unlawful, except that a property owner, les-see, or person with written permission fromthe property owner may use articial lights toobserve wildlife prior to 11:00 PM. This sectiondoes not prohibit an owner of real propertyfrom using articial lights for the purpose ofprotecting the property. This section does notprohibit the use of remote trail monitors orcameras from xed locations on a property, nordoes it prohibit a person or group, with writtenpermission of the landowner or leaseholderof the property, from observing wildlife withthe use of articial lights who is engaged inresearch or documentary lming (50-11-708).This section does not prohibit a person fromlawfully hunting coyotes, armadillos, andhogs at night as provided for by law (See pages68-69).

    Sunday HuntingHunting is prohibited on Sundays on all WMAlands. On private lands statewide, Sundayhunting for all game is legal.

    Selling Game AnimalsIt is unlawful to sell, except by special permit,any protected wildlife (50-1-290). Furbearinganimals may be sold with a valid com mercialfur harvest license. Contact the SCDNR for acopy of the commercial fur harvest regulations.

    TrespassIt shall be unlawful to enter upon the lands

    of another for the purpose of hunting, sh-ing, trapping or retrieval of dogs without theconsent of the landowner or manager.

    Hunting from Public RoadsIt is unlawful to hunt from a public roadunless the hunter has permission to huntthe adjacent property. Hunting as used inthis section includes possessing, carrying orhaving readily accessible a loaded centerrerie, or a shotgun loaded with shot size largerthan number four. Loaded means a weaponwithin which any ammunition is contained.This does not include weapons contained in aclosed compartment, closed vehicle trunk, or

    a vehicle traveling on a public road. A personconvicted of unlawful road hunting forfeitshunting privileges for one year. See WMARegulation 3.6 page 73 for restrictions onWMA lands.

    Negligent HuntingIt is unlawful to use a rearm or archery tacklein a criminally negligent manner while inpreparation for, engaged in the act of, or re-turning from hunting. Criminal negligenceis dened as the reckless disregard for thesafety of others.

    NightNight is dened as that period of time be-tween one hour after ofcial sunset of a dayand one hour before ofcial sunrise of thefollowing day (50-11-710).

    Night HuntingNight hunting is unlawful except that rac-coons, opossums, foxes, mink, skunk, coyotes,armadillos and hogs may be hunted at night.Information related to hunting coyotes, arma-dillos and feral hogs during night is providedon pages 68-69 of this document underspecic headings for these animals.

    Raccoons, opossums, foxes, mink, andskunk may not be hunted with articial lights

    except when treed or cornered with dogs.Devices that amplify light using some typeof power source (including night vision andinfrared devices) are considered articial light.No buckshot or any shot larger than a No. 4,or any ammunition larger than .22 rimremay be used. It is unlawful to use articiallights at night, except vehicle headlights whiletraveling in a normal manner on a public roador highway, while in possession of or withimmediate access to, both ammunition of atype prohibited for use at night and a rearmcapable of ring the ammunition (50-11-710).Rabbit hunting at night without weapons islawful on private land.

    2015-2016 SOUTH CAROLINA HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE • www.dnr.sc.gov

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    H U N T I N G

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    DEER RULES & REGULATIONS

    DeerLegal hunting time for deer is the time be-tween one hour before ofcial sunrise untilone hour after ofcial sunset (50-11-710).

    In Game Zones 1 and 2 it is unlawful topursue deer with dogs (50-11-310).

    It is unlawful to hunt, shoot or in any waykill deer from a motorboat, raft or any otherwater conveyance, or to molest a deer whileany part of the deer is in water (50-11-730).

    Possessing any deer with the head de-tached while in transit from the point of killis prohibited (50-11-400).

    It is unlawful to hunt deer with a rearmwithin three hundred yards of a residencewhen less than ten feet above the groundwithout permission of the owner and oc-cupant. The provisions of this section do notapply to a landowner hunting on his ownland or a person taking deer pursuant to adepartment permit.

    Archery, muzzleloaders and crossbows areallowed during gun hunts.

    Antlerless DeerAn antlerless deer is dened as a deer withno antlers or an antlered deer with less thantwo inches of antler visible above the hairline.Antlerless deer may not be possessed, hunted,shot or in any way killed except during spe-cial seasons or by special permit (50-11-410).

    Antlerless DeerHarvest ProgramsThese programs are conducted statewide us-ing either-sex days and 2 optional antlerlessdeer tag programs. The dates for either-sexdays are shown in the hunting season sectionon pages 60-61.

    Optional antlerless deer tag programs thathunters may choose to participate in includethe Individual Antlerless Deer Tag Programand the Antlerless Deer Quota Program(ADQP).

    Individual AntlerlessDeer Tag ProgramWith the Individual Antlerless Deer Tag hunt-ers may purchase up to 4 personal tags, for $5each, which can be used on any day open todeer hunting with the following Game Zonerestrictions: Only 1 tag is valid in Game Zone1 on WMA or private land. In Game Zones 1& 2, tags are valid on WMA and private landstarting Oct. 1. In Game Zones 3-4, tags arevalid on WMA and private land starting Sept.15. Limit of one (1) antlerless deer per day us-ing Individual Tags on WMA and private landstatewide. No more than two (2) IndividualTags may be used on all WMAs combinedin Game Zones 2-4. Up to 4 individual tagsmay be used on private land in Game Zones

    2-4. Tags do not have to be used on scheduledcounty-wide either-sex days. Tags are notvalid on properties enrolled in the Antler-less Deer Quota Program. Tags do not alterthe daily or seasonal bag limits prescribedfor Game Zones or alter the type of weaponallowed. Tags must be attached to the deerand validated as specied on the tag form.

    All persons purchasing individual tags lastyear will be sent a renewal notice in August.Tags are available over the counter at DNRofces in Charleston, Clemson, Columbia,Florence, and York. Tags can be ordered bytelephone a 1-866-714-3611 or online at: http:// dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html.

    A handwritten application can be obtainedon page 98 of this publication or at http://dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/speciallicenseapp.pdf .

    The possession and use of these tags islimited to the individual whose name ap-pears on the tags.

    Antlerless DeerQuota ProgramAntlerless deer quotas are issued to qualify-ing landowners or lessees statewide whocomplete and submit an application alongwith a $50 fee prior to July 18 each year.This program is generally better suited forlandowners or lessees with larger acreages.Under the ADQP, a quota of tags is issued for

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    the hamstring since the hunter’s name,address and tag number appear on theface of the tag. Deer processors shouldrecognize that it is unlawful to sell deermeat to regain the processing fee fordeer that have not been picked-up bythe owner (50-11-1910). The best practice isto take a deposit for the processing servicewhen deer are left at the facility. If meat isnot picked-up by the owner, it can be givento another individual at no charge.

    a particular tract of land based on criteria in-cluding: density of the local deer population,condition of the local deer population, the sizeof the tract of land and the recreational andagricultural objectives of the property owner.

    Utilization of tags issued under the ADQPis subject to the following Game Zone re-strictions. In Game Zone 1 (Mountains) tagsare valid beginning Oct. 1. in Game Zone 2(Piedmont) and Game Zones 3-4 (CoastalPlain) tags are valid beginning Sept. 15. Tagsissued for a particular tract of land can only beused on that tract and they must be used onall antlerless deer that are harvested, includ-ing antlerless deer harvested on either-sexdays or by bow and arrow. Tags do not alterthe use of weapons during special weaponsseasons. Game Zone season and daily limitson antlerless deer do not apply on propertiesenrolled in the ADQP. A harvest report must be completed by the applicant at the close ofthe season.

    Deer ProcessorsIt is unlawful to keep any deer in cold storageor refrigerating plants unless the carcass isclearly marked with the hunter’s name, ad-dress and hunting license number (50-11-1700).This does not apply to storage at a privateresidence or to deer that have an IndividualAntlerless Deer Tag Program tag attached to

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    H U N T I N GDEER RULES & REGULATIONS

    DeerSeasonson PrivateLands• Sunday hunting allowed

    on private lands.

    • Archery and crossbows al-lowed during all seasons.

    • Crossbows are considered archeryequipment.

    • Limit of 1 antlerless deer per day withindividual antlerless tags or on postedeither sex days.

    • Limits listed include deer taken on private& WMA lands.

    • Only 1 individual antlerless deer tag may be usedin Game Zone 1. Tags are valid in Game Zones 3-4 beginning Sept. 15 and in Game Zones1 & 2 beginning Oct. 1. Individual tags are not valid on properties enrolled in the Antler-

    less Deer Quota Program. Individual tags do not alter the daily (1 per day) or seasonallimit or change the type of weapon that can be used during special weapons seasons.Tags must be attached to the deer and validated as specied on the tag form.

    • In Game Zones 1 and 2 it is unlawful to pursue deer with dogs.

    • Baiting or hunting deer over bait is permitted on private lands statewide.

    Statewide Youth DayPrivate lands: Jan. 2: Limit 2 total, 1 antlerless deer. No tags required.

    Game Zone 1 (Private Lands)Buck Limit: 2 per day, 5 per season (all meth-ods and hunt periods combined)

    Antlerless Limit: One (1) per day on either-sex

    days or with individual antlerless deer tag.Archers may take either-sex during primitiveweapons seasons without being required totag the animal.

    Deer Primitive Weapons:Oct. 1-10Muzzleloader is buck only. One (1) antler-less deer may be taken with an individualantlerless deer tag. Archery antlerless limit1 per day - 2 total.

    Gun Hunts: Oct. 11-Jan. 1Antlerless Limit: buck only for all weapons

    except on either-sex days or with individualantlerless deer tag. 1 antlerless per day. Total 5.Either-Sex Days: Nov. 14, 21, 28

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    Game Zone 2(Private Lands)Buck Limit: 2 per day, 5 per season (all meth-ods and hunt periods combined)

    Antlerless Limit: One (1) per day on either-sex

    days or with individual antlerless deer tags.Archers may take either-sex during primitiveweapons seasons (including archery only sea-son) without being required to tag the animal.

    Archery Only: Sept. 15-301 antlerless per day - 2 total.

    Primitive Weapons: Oct. 1-10Muzzleloader is buck only, except Antlerlesson Oct. 3, 10 or with individual antlerless deertags. 1 antlerless per day - 2 total.

    Gun Hunts: Oct. 11-Jan. 1Buck only, except on either-sex days or with

    individual antlerless deer tags - 1 antlerlessdeer per day - 5 total.

    Either-Sex Days: Oct. 17,Nov. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 26; Jan. 1

    Game Zone 3(Private Lands)No limit on antlered bucks.Limit 1 antlerless deer per day on either-sexdays or with individual antlerless deer tags.

    Archery & Gun Hunts: Aug. 15-Jan. 1Buck only, except on either-sex days or withindividual antlerless deer tags. 1 antlerlessdeer per day.

    Either-Sex Days: Oct. 3, 10, 17;Nov. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 26; Jan. 1

    Game Zone 4(Private Lands)No limit on antlered bucks.Limit 1 antlerless deer per day on either-sexdays or with individual antlerless deer tags.

    Archery Only: Aug. 15-31Buck only.

    Gun Hunts: Sept. 1-Jan. 1Buck only,except on either-sex days or withindividual antlerless deer tags. 1 antlerlessdeer per day.

    Either-Sex Days: Oct. 3, 10, 17;Nov. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 26; Jan. 1

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    H U N T I N G ALLIGATOR & BEAR REGULATIONS

    AlligatorsIt is unlawful to feed or entice an Americanalligator with food (50-11-750).

    Public Alligator Draw HuntsHunters will be randomly selected by com-puterized drawing and may only apply online

    beginning May 1. A $10 nonrefundable ap-plication fee is required to participate in thedrawing. All applicants must be at least 16years old (at the time of the hunt) in order toapply for the drawing. If selected, the permit/tag fee is $100 and all hunters are required topossess a SC Hunting License. In addition tothe $100 permit fee and SC Hunting License,a $200 Nonresident Alligator Hunting Feeapplies to ALL permitted nonresident alliga-tor hunters. Anyone may assist a permittedhunter, but all assistants must possess a hunt-

    ing license unless they are under the age of 16.In addition, ALL nonresident alligator huntingassistants 16 years of age or older must obtaina $200 Nonresident Alligator Hunting FeeEndorsement, available from any license salesvendor. The deadline for applying for eachyear’s Public Alligator Hunting Season is June15th. The application and other details may befound on the SCDNR website. For informa-tion regarding the Alligator Program, andlicensing requirements for taking, possessing,and sale of alligators or their products, call803-734-3938 or 803-734-4024 (the NonresidentAlligator Hunting fee for nonresident alligatorhunters and nonresident assistants may bepaid at any license vendor location, online atwww.dnr.sc.gov, or by phone at 1-866-714-3611).

    WMA Alligator Draw HuntsThere is a special WMA alligator draw hunt, inwhich the person selected will be permitted totake up to three assistants and have access toeither portions of Bear Island Wildlife Manage-ment Area (WMA) or Santee Coastal WMA forone hunt period (Monday at Noon to Saturdayat Noon). There are four available hunt periodsduring the WMA alligator hunting season. Allhunters must have a hunting license, WMA per-mit, and if a nonresident, pay the NonresidentAlligator Hunting fee. The permit will allowthe hunter to take one alligator, 4 feet or greaterin length, from the selected WMA property.There is a $15 nonrefundable application fee toapply for the WMA Alligator Hunt Drawingand if selected the cost for the permit is $500for residents and $800 for nonresidents. See theSCDNR website for more information.

    BearIt is unlawful to buy, sell, barter or exchange a bear or bear part or attempt to buy, sell, barteror exchange a bear or bear part. Transporta-tion of a freshly killed bear or bear part isunlawful except during the bear season. Anyperson violating these offenses must be nednot more than $2,500 or imprisoned for notmore than 2 years, or both, and hunting andshing privileges must be suspended for 3years. It is unlawful to feed bears or to hunt bears by the aid of bait (50-11-430, 50-11-440,50-1-130, 50-1-125).

    Mountain Bear Season(Game Zone 1)For the privilege of taking bear, in additionto the required hunting license and big gamepermit, a hunter must obtain a bear tag issuedin his/her name at a cost of $25 for residentsand $100 for nonresidents. Youth under theage of 16 are required to obtain a youth beartag from the department at no cost. Bear tagsare available over the counter at DNR ofces

    in Charleston, Clemson, Columbia, Florence,and York. Tags can be ordered by telephonea 1-866-714-3611 or online at: http://dnr.sc.gov/

    purchase.html.A handwritten application can be obtained

    on page 98 of this publication or at http://dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/speciallicenseapp.pdf .

    The possession and use of bear tags is lim-ited to the individual to whom it was issued.Tags must be attached to the bear before beingmoved from the point of kill.

    Participants in party dog hunts for bearmust register by application by Sept. 1 withthe SCDNR. 25 members maximum per partyand hunters must provide their hunting li-cense number to register. Write: SCDNR BearRegistration Permit, 311 Natural ResourcesDr. Clemson, SC 29631. Applications for tagsand for party hunt registration may also bedownloaded at: www.dnr.sc.gov/bearhunting.

    Coastal Bear(Georgetown, Horry, andWilliamsburg counties)Hunting bears in the coastal plain is bycomputer drawing only. Twenty tags will

    be issued for Williamsburg County and75 tags each for Georgetown and Horrycounties. Applications will be availableAugust 1 at SCDNR offices, online at:http://www.dnr.sc.gov/bearhunting/ , or by call-ing 803-734-3886. Deadline for applicationsis Sept. 18. The season is Oct. 24-Nov. 5, 2015.The nonrefundable application fee is $10.Those selected will have to purchase a tag ata cost of $25 for residents and $100 for non-residents. The tag will only be valid for one ofthe three counties so applicants should rankthe counties in order of preference. Selectedhunters will be allowed to hunt on WildlifeManagement Areas (WMA) in the countyselected but must have a valid WMA permit.Bears may be taken on private lands, as longas the hunter has the permission of the land-owner or person holding the hunting lease.Hunters not selected will earn a preferencepoint that applies to next year’s drawing.

    Bear Seasons on PrivateLands (Game Zone 1 ONLY )• Tag required to take bear (see Bear on

    page 98)

    • Harvested bear must be reportedwithin 24 hours to Clemson SCDNR at

    864-654-1671, ext. 24.Still Hunt (No Dogs) : Oct. 17-23Limit: 1 bear; no sow with cubs, no bears 100lbs. or less.Party Dog Hunts: Oct. 24-30Limit: 5 bears per party; no sow with cubs,no bears 100 lbs. or less.

    • All parties (maximum party size of 25)must register by application due Sept.1. For application call Clemson Ofce @864-654-1671 ext. 16 or 24 or download @ www.dnr.sc.gov/bearhunting. Groups hunt-ing together are considered 1 party.

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    H U N T I N G TURKEY REGULATIONS

    STATEWIDE TURKEY YOUTH HUNTDAYS ON PRIVATE LAND (TAGS REQUIRED)Mar. 12-13 for youth 17 years old and younger accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older. Nolicense required for youth. Adult may call or guide, however, only the youth may take or attempt totake. Limit 2 gobblers.

    Seasons & Limits• Private lands statewide: March 20 - May 5

    • WMA lands statewide: April 1 - May 5

    » Some WMA’s may be more restrictive,see page 64 for specied hunt dates.

    • Limit statewide private and WMA lands:3 gobblers per season, no more than 2per day.

    » Some WMA’s may be more restrictive,see page 64 for specied limits.

    General Turkey Hunting Lawsand Regulations for Huntingon Private & WMA Lands• Sunday hunting allowed on private lands

    (SC 50-11-555). No Sunday hunting allowedon WMA land (Reg. 123-51).

    • Statewide limit of 3 gobblers, no more than

    2 per day (SC Code 50-11-525). Beardedhens are not legal.

    • All hunters, including hunters youngerthan 16 or those who are calling or guid-ing must possess a valid set of turkey tags.All harvested turkeys must be tagged andvalidated as prescribed on the tag form before being moved from the point of kill.No person may possess more than one setof turkey tags (SC 50-11-544).

    • Hunters who have used all their tags maycall or guide for other hunters providedthey possess their tag form.

    • Legal weapons - shotguns, muzzleload-ing shotguns, bows and crossbows. Allother weapons or methods are prohibitedincluding ries, pistols and buckshot (SC50-11-500, Reg. 123-51).

    • Turkeys may not be hunted with dogs,live decoys or electronic calls (SC 50-11-40,Reg. 123-51).

    • Unlawful to shoot any turkey between 30minutes after ofcial sunset and 30 minutes before ofcial sunrise. Unlawful to take orattempt to take a wild turkey from a vehicleon a public road. Unlawful to trap or snarea wild turkey. Unlawful to take wild turkeyfrom a watercraft (SC 50-11-500).

    • Unlawful to hunt or take a wild turkey by means of bait or on or over any baitedarea (SC 50-11-510). Bait means placing,depositing, exposing, distributing, or scat-tering of salt, corn, wheat, or other grain, orfoodstuffs to constitute a lure or attractionfor wild turkeys. An area remains a baitedarea for ten days following the completeremoval of all bait. NOTE: The followingactivities can result in a baited area if doneprior to or during turkey season: planting,discing or manipulating chufa to expose

    the tubers; mowing or manipulating stand-ing grain crops where grain is scattered orexposed; top sowing of any grains; bait orfeed intended for other species.

    Savannah River SiteDraw Hunts for Personswith DisabilitiesSavannah River Site will hold a draw hunt forpersons with disabilities in Apr. for hunt appli-cations, contact NWTF’s Wheelin’ Sportmen’sCoordinator, 800-843-6983 ext 7421.

    Wildlife Management AreaPublic Hunt DrawingsDonnelley WMA, Santee Cooper WMA,Bonneau Ferry WMA (Youth) & BelfastWMA (Adult Hunts and Youth hunts). Tur-key hunts available by public hunt draw-ing ONLY. To apply, visit our website atwww.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/drawhunts . Deadlinefor applications is Feb. 27.

    Carolina SandhillsNational Wildlife RefugeTurkey hunts available by public hunt draw-ing only. Contact: Carolina Sandhills NWR,23734 Highway 1, McBee, SC 29101 or call843-335-6026

    How to Get Turkey TagsRequest turkey tags when you get your BigGame Permit, Sportsman’s or Combination Li-

    www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/turkey

    cense. If “Turkey Tags” appears on your license,you should receive tags by mail. Tags will bemailed in mid February. You can order turkeytags by visiting http://dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html or by completing and mailing the application onpage 98 or call 1-866-714-3611. Tags will beavailable over the counter at SCDNR ofces in

    late February. Handwritten tags are no longeravailable over the counter at local vendors asin the past. All hunters, including youth, arerequired to have turkey tags in possessionwhile hunting for wild turkey.

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    H U N T I N G2016 SPRING TURKEY SEASONS ON WMAs

    SCDNRHERITAGEPRESERVE USEREGULATIONS

    Visitation and use of heritage preserves aregoverned by regulations to promote publicenjoyment of the land while preserving thefeatures that make them special.

    Complete regulations for heritagepreserves may be found in SC Code ofRegulations 123-200 through 204 or go towww.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/heritage , select anyheritage preserve, then select “regulations.”

    AREAS OPEN LIMIT

    1 Keowee WMA 2

    Fants Grove WMA 2

    Francis Marion Hunt Unit (WMA Only) 2

    Sand Hills State Forest WMA 2

    4 Webb-Palachucola-HamiltonRidge 2

    Manchester State Forest WMA (Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Moultrie Hunt Unit (Thurs.-Satonly), Greeneld, Hall, NorthDike, Porcher

    2

    Blueeld WMA (Adult/youth Only, Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Santee Dam WMA 2

    Edisto River WMA (Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    4 Oak Lea WMA (Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Marsh WMA(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    McBee WMA(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Hickory Top WMA 2

    5 Pee Dee Station Site WMA(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    5 Great Pee Dee River WMA(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Tillman Sand Ridge WMA(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    AREAS OPEN LIMIT

    Lewis Ocean Bay HP(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Waccamaw River HP (Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Cartwheel Bay HP(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    3 Little Pee Dee River Complex(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Victoria Bluff WMA(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    2 Crackerneck WMA(Fri. & Sat. only) 3

    Worth Mountain WMA(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Draper WMA(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Wee Tee State Forest(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Woodbury WMA(Thurs.-Sat. only) 2

    Aiken Gopher Tortoise HP WMA 2

    Longleaf Pine HP WMA

    (Thurs.-Sat. only)2

    Game Zones 1 & 2"unnamed" WMAs includingUS Forest Service Land

    3

    Game Zones 3-4 "unnamed"WMAs 3

    McCalla WMA 2

    Liberty Hill WMA 2

    WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS OPEN TO TURKEY HUNTING APR. 1 – MAY 5(NAMED WMAs)

    1 Keowee WMA - Shotguns only -- north of Highway 123 and west of the Keowee Arm of Lake Hartwelland west of Highway 291. Archery Only on other sections.

    2 Crackerneck WMA - Main gate opens at 4:30 AM and closed at 1:00 pm. All hunters must check inand out at main gate.

    3 Little Pee Dee River Complex includes Tilghman, Dargan (including upper Gunters Is. and Hugginstracts), Little Pee Dee River and Ward Heritage Preserves in portions of Horry and Marion counties.

    4 On Webb, Palachucola, Hamilton Ridge and Oak Lea WMAs, all turkey hunters must pick up and re-turn data cards daily to kiosk and display hang tags on vehicles. Harvested turkeys must be checkedin at the self-check kiosk located adjacent to the check stations at the respective properties.

    5 On Pee Dee Station site WMA, Great Pee Dee River WMA, Woodbury WMA and Marsh WMA all hunt-ers must sign in and sign out.

    Statewide Youth Hunt Day on Wildlife Management Areas (Tags required)March 26, 2016 for all areas listed above, except Keowee WMA.

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    H U N T I N GSMALL GAME REGULATIONS

    S T A T E W I D E

    YOUTH DAYS ON PRIVATE LANDSPECIES GAME ZONE DATE LIMIT

    Raccoon All Game Zones Sept. 12, 2015 Game Zone limits apply

    Squirrel All Game Zones Sept. 26, 2015 Game Zone limits apply

    Quail All Game Zones Nov. 21, 2015 Game Zone limits apply

    Rabbit All Game Zones Mar. 5, 2016 Game Zone limits apply

    A L L G A M E Z O N E S

    SMALL GAME SEASONS — Check individual WMAs for additional restrictions.SPECIES GAME ZONE PRIVATE LAND SEASONS WMA SEASONS LIMIT

    Mourning Doves All Game ZonesSept. 5-7 (afternoons only)Sept. 8-Oct. 17, Nov. 14-28, Dec. 1 5 -Jan.15

    See Public Dove Field List Avail-able in Early August 15 per day

    Crow All Game Zones Nov. 1-Mar. 1 Nov. 1-Mar. 1 No limit

    Quail All Game ZonesMar. 2-Nov. 23, 2015 (dogs only)Nov. 24-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs)Mar. 2-Nov. 20, 2016 (dogs only)

    Sept. 1-14 (dogs only)Nov. 24-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs)

    12 per day

    Rabbit All Game ZonesMar. 2-Nov. 25, 2015 (dogs only)Nov. 26-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs)Mar. 2-Nov. 23, 2016 (dogs only)

    Sept. 1-14 (dogs only)Nov. 26-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs)

    5 per day

    Squirrel All Game Zones

    Mar. 2-Sept. 30, 2015 (dogs only)

    Oct. 1-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs)Mar. 2-Sept. 30, 2016 (dogs only)

    Sept. 1-14 (dogs only)

    Oct. 1-Mar. 1 10 per day

    Fox All Game ZonesMar. 2-Nov.25, 2015 (dogs only)Nov. 26-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs)Mar. 2-Nov. 23, 2016 (dogs only)

    Sept. 1-Nov. 25 (dogs only, nightonly)Nov. 26-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs,night only)

    No limit

    Beaver All Game Zones Year-round Sept. 1-Mar. 1 No limit

    Other Furbearers(Bobcat, Otter, Mink,Muskrat, Skunk, Weasel)

    All Game Zones Nov. 26-Mar. 1 Nov. 26-Mar. 1 No limit

    Grouse Game Zone 1 only Nov. 26-Mar. 1 Nov. 26-Mar. 1 3 per day

    Raccoon & Opossum All Game ZonesMar. 16-Sept. 14, 2015 (dogs only)Sept. 15, 2015-Mar. 15, 2016 (guns & dogs)Mar. 16-Sept. 14, 2016 (dogs only)

    Sept. 1-14 (dogs only, night only)Sept. 15-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs,night only)

    3 per party,per dayNo limit foropossum

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    Small GameSmall game includes the following species:quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, fox, beaver, bobcat, mink, muskrat, otter, skunk,grouse and weasel. Unless otherwise speciedin the small game seasons charts, hunt datesfor these species are from Thanksgiving daythrough Mar. 1.

    Rabbit BoxesIt is unlawful for any person to trap rabbits,except that a landlord or tenant may use notmore than ve rabbit boxes on lands on whichhe has exclusive control during the gun seasonfor rabbits. A hunting license is required to userabbit boxes. Rabbit boxes are not permittedon WMA lands (50-11-160).

    Running Seasons(No gun season)During any period when rabbits, raccoons,opossums, squirrels or fox may be hunted

    without rearms, it is illegal to hunt suchgame when carrying on one’s person anyrearm.

    Bird Dog TrainingBird dogs may be trained year-round on pri-vate land. Trainers must have a valid huntinglicense and may only use rearms with blank

    ammunition during the closed season forquail. A Bird Dog Trainer’s License is availableto persons engaged in the business of train-ing bird dogs in return for money, goods orservices. This license allows a trainer and twoassistants to take pen-raised quail, chukarsand pheasant during the closed season whiletraining dogs. Applicants must provide docu-mentation of land areas to be used for training.For information, or to obtain a license, contact:SCDNR Small Game Project at P.O. Box 167,Columbia, SC 29202 or call 803-734-3609.

    Field TrialsIt is unlawful to conduct or participate in anyeld trial unless a permit for such trial has been obtained from the SCDNR. Requestsfor eld trial permits must be submitted toSCDNR at least 14 days prior to the proposedtrial date. Requests shall include paymentof $5 per trial and the time and location ofthe proposed trial. A charter or documentindicating that the trial is sanctioned by a

    nationally recognized eld trial organiza-tion must accompany all requests for eldtrial permits.

    For information, or to obtain a permit, con-tact SCDNR Small Game Project at P.O. Box167, Columbia, SC 29202 or call 803-734-3609.

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    H U N T I N GMIGRATORY BIRDS, CROWS , FERAL HOGS,COYOTES & ARMADILLOS REGULATIONS

    Migratory BirdsMigratory birds include: mourning dove,marsh hens, rails, woodcock, common snipe,common moorhens, purple gallinules, ducks,mergansers, sea ducks, coots, blue & snowgeese, brant, Canada geese and crows.

    Effective July 1, 1998, anyone over 16 or alllicensed hunters hunting migratory game birds in the United States must have an HIPpermit and complete a short questionnaire before hunting. Permits are available from anySCDNR license sales vendor, SCDNR ofce oronline. There is no cost for the permit.

    Seasons, shooting hours, limits and otherspecial restrictions on migratory bird hunt-ing are set by SCDNR in accordance withguidelines set by the US Fish & WildlifeService. Detailed the SCDNR South Caro-lina Rules & Regulations information onthe seasons and restrictions is provided in aseparate Migratory Bird Brochure available

    in September.Listed below are frequently requested rulesfor hunting migratory birds.

    • Shotguns must be plugged so as to hold nomore than 3 shells.

    • Baiting or hunting over bait is strictly pro-hibited.

    • All hunting hours end at ofcial sunset.

    • The possession of lead shot is prohibitedwhile waterfowl hunting.

    • In addition to a migratory bird permit (HIP),a SC Migratory Waterfowl Permit and Fed-eral Waterfowl Stamp is required for hunt-ing ducks, geese and brant.

    Refer to the Migratory Bird Brochure forcomplete information on particular speciesand other restrictions or by visiting themigratory bird web page, http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/migratorybird/regulations.html.

    CrowsA hunting license is required to hunt crows.Crows are migratory birds and as such, area federally-protected species. The season is based on criteria established by the US Fish andWildlife Service. The open season for crows onprivate lands in South Carolina is Nov. 1 - Mar.1. There is no bag limit. During the open seasonon private lands, crows may be taken with anyrearm, bow and arrow, or by falconry. Crowhunting on WMA lands is permitted. Duringthe open season for small game hunting onWMAs, crows may only be hunted with weap-ons legal for small game. The use of electroniccalls for crow hunting is permitted statewide onprivate land and WMA land. Crows damaging

    crops may be taken at any time using non-toxicshot without a federal permit (50 CFR 21.43).

    Feral HogsFeral or wild hogs occur in the wild in everycounty of the state. They compete directly withnative wildlife species, damage plants, agricul-tural crops and threaten public and livestockhealth. Those dressing feral hogs should wearrubber gloves and eye protection.

    It is illegal to remove a hog from the wildalive unless it is taken pursuant to a permitissued by the SCDNR at a cost of $50 (50-16-25).All hogs taken pursuant to a permit must betagged in each ear with tags provided by theDepartment and may only be released ontothe same tract of land or into a permitted hoghunting enclosure within the county where thehogs were captured. Hogs taken under permitwithin a county cannot be transported into orthrough another county.

    A hunting license is required to hunt hogs.There is no closed season or weapon restrictionson hogs on private land during daylight hours.Hogs can be hunted at night with or withoutthe aid of bait, electronic calls, articial lights,or night vision devices using a bow and arrowother than a crossbow, or a pistol of any caliberhaving iron sights, a barrel length not exceedingnine inches, and which is not equipped with a

    http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/migratorybird/regulations.htmlhttp://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/migratorybird/regulations.htmlhttp://www.biglakeduckcalls.com/http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/migratorybird/regulations.htmlhttp://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/migratorybird/regulations.html

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    butt-stock, scope, or laser sight (50-11-710). Hogsmay not be hunted at night with a centerrerie or shotgun, unless specically permitted by the department. Dogs can be used to huntand bay hogs at night as long as the hunter(s)complies with the equipment restrictions above.

    From the last day of February to July 1, uponnotication to SCDNR ( www.dnr.sc.gov/nighthunt)at least 48 hours in advance, hogs may be huntedat night with articial lights and night visiondevices using any legal rearm, bow, or cross- bow. Notice to the SCDNR is required onceper season for each property and the namesand hunting license numbers of each personparticipating in the hunt must be listed. Huntersusing centerre ries during this time must beat an elevated position at least 10 feet from theground. Persons hunting with subsonic am-munition do not have to hunt from an elevatedposition, provided they do not possess super-sonic ammunition for that weapon. Personsconvicted of certain road hunting and nighthunting violations during the previous veyears are ineligible to hunt hogs at night.

    Hogs cannot be hunted at night on WMAlands, but can be hunted during the day onWMAs where hog hunting is allowed. Seepage 90.

    Swine brucellosisSwine brucellosis is caused by a bacteria and isprimarily a reproductive tract disease in wildpigs that can be transmitted to humans. In-fections are manifested by u-like symptoms

    including fever, headaches, muscle and jointsoreness and weakness. The fatality rate inhumans is very low, but the disease often isprolonged and debilitating. Humans have con-tracted swine brucellosis from handling anddressing wild swine. This disease is presentin many wild hog populations in SC. Personsdressing wild swine should take the followingprecautions: 1) use disposable rubber glovesand protective eyeglasses while dressing thecarcass, 2) minimize handling of the reproduc-tive tracts of both sexes, 3) dispose of wasteparts by burying or burning, 4) clean up withhot water and soap after processing, and 5)cook meat thoroughly to 160º F prior to eating.

    Coyotes & ArmadillosA hunting license is required, however thereis no closed season on hunting coyotes andarmadillos on private land statewide duringdaylight hours. The use of bait and electroniccalls is legal. Coyotes and armadillos may behunted at night with or without the aid of bait,electronic calls, articial lights, or night visiondevices using a bow and arrow other than a

    crossbow, a rimre rie, a shotgun with shotsize no larger than a BB, or a pistol of any caliberhaving iron sights, a barrel length not exceedingnine inches. The pistol may not be equippedwith a butt-stock, scope, or laser sight.

    From the last day of February to July 1, uponnotication to SCDNR ( www.dnr.sc.gov/nighthunt)at least 48 hours in advance, coyotes may behunted at night with articial lights and night

    vision devices using any legal rearm, bow, orcrossbow. Notice to the SCDNR is required onceper season for each property and the namesand hunting license numbers of each personparticipating in the hunt must be listed. Huntersusing centerre ries during this time must beat an elevated position at least 10 feet from theground. Persons hunting with subsonic am-munition do not have to hunt from an elevatedposition, provided they do not possess super-sonic ammunition for that weapon. Personsconvicted of certain road hunting and nighthunting violations during the previous veyears are ineligible to hunt coyotes at night.

    Coyotes and armadillos cannot be hunted atnight on WMA lands but can be hunted duringthe day on WMAs where coyote and armadillohunting is allowed.

    On WMA lands, weapons used to huntcoyotes and armadillos are limited to theweapon(s) that are allowed for the current openseason on the WMA — see WMA seasons list-ing in the Game Zones sections beginning onpage 78.

    The use of electronic calls for coyote huntingis permitted statewide on private and WMAlands. Dog hunting for coyotes is allowed year-round on private lands statewide. Deer maynot be hunted with dogs on any lands in GameZones 1 & 2. On WMA lands in Game Zones 1 &2 coyotes may not be hunted with dogs duringstill gun and muzzleloader hunts for deer or bear. The possession or transport of live coyotesis allowed only by permit from the SCDNR.

    http://www.dnr.sc.gov/nighthunthttp://-/?-http://www.dnr.sc.gov/nighthunthttp://-/?-http://-/?-http://www.dnr.sc.gov/nighthunthttp://-/?-http://www.dnr.sc.gov/nighthunthttp://clemson.edu/invasives

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    Open dates for each season are listed in the Hunt Seasons section beginning on page 78 of this book.Note: * indicates an SCDNR Property. D

    E E R

    H O G S

    B E A R

    T U R K E Y

    D O V E

    W A T E R F O W L

    Q U A I L

    S Q U I R R E L

    R A B B I T

    R A C C O O N

    F O X

    WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACREAGE MAP # COUNTY TELEPHONE HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Aiken Gopher Tortoise HeritagePreserve * 1,622 3 Aiken 803-734-3886 x x x x x x

    Bear Island * 12,153 10 Colleton 843-844-8957 x x x x x xBelfast * 4,664 4 Laurens, Newberry 803-734-3886 x x x x xBonneau Ferry * 10,712 9 Berkeley 843-825-3387 x x x x x x x xBotany Bay Plantation 4,687 10 Charleston 843-869-2713 x x x x x xCanal 2,491 9 Berkeley 843-825-3387 x xCartwheel Bay Heritage Preserve * 568 8 Horry 843-546-3226 x x x x x x x

    Central Piedmont Hunt Unit 183,706 4, 5, 6 Cherokee, Chester, Faireld, Lancaster,Laurens, Newberry, Spartanburg, Union, York 803-734-3886 x x x x x x x x x

    Crackerneck 10,470 3 Aiken 803-725-3663 x x x x x x x x xDitch Pond Heritage Preserve * 233 3 Aiken, Barnwell 803-734-3886 x x x xDonnelley * 8,060 10 Colleton 843-844-8957 x x x x x x x x xDraper *,McConnells *,Ross * 1,360 5 York 864-427-5140 x x x x x x x xDungannon Heritage Preserve * 730 9, 10 Charleston 843-546-3226 x x x x x x xEdisto River * 1,394 10 Dorchester 843-844-8957 x x x x x x x x xFants Grove 7,444 1, 2 Anderson, Oconee, Pickens 864-654-1671 x x x x x x x x xFrancis Marion National Forest 259,410 9, 10 Berkeley, Charleston 843-825-3387 x x x x x x x x xGreat Pee Dee Heritage Preserve * 2,725 6, 7 Darlington 843-661-4766 x x x x x xHamilton Ridge * 13, 281 10 Hampton 803-625-3569 x x x x x x x x x xHatchery 2,400 9 Berkeley 843-825-3387 x xHenderson Heritage Preserve * 417 3 Aiken 803-734-3886 xHickory Top 1,105 7 Clarendon 803-734-3886 x x x x x x x x x xKeowee 4,930 1, 2 Pickens, Oconee 864-654-1671 x x x x x x x xLewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve * 10,097 8 Horry 843-546-3226 x x x x x x x xLiberty Hill 7,718 4 Kershaw Lancaster 803-432-6616 x x x x x x

    Little Pee Dee Heritage Preserve *Complex 10,238 8 Horry, Marion 843-546-3226 x x x x x x x x x x

    Longleaf Pine Heritage Preserve * 843 7 Lee 803-419-9374 x x x x xLynchburg Savanna HeritagePreserve * 291 7 Lee 803-419-9374 x x

    Manchester State Forest 23,135 7 Sumter 803-494-8196 x x x x x x x x x xMarsh * 8,560 8 Marion 843-661-4766 x x x x x x x x x xMcBee *, Angelus *,Crossroads * 1,199 6 Chestereld 843-661-4766 x x x x x x x xMcCalla 5,667 2 Abbeville 864-223-2731 x x x x x x x x x xMoultrie 9,951 9 Berkeley 843-825-3387 x x x x x x x x x xMountain Hunt Unit 152,575 1 Greenville, Oconee, Pickens 864-654-1671 x x x x x x x x x x xOak Lea 2,000 7 Clarendon 803-734-3886 x x x x x x x xOld Island Heritage Preserve * 400 10 Beaufort 803-625-3569 x

    H U N T I N GWILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

    WMA Program Through the cooperative effort of private landowners, the U. S. Forest Service and the SCDNR, WildlifeManagement Areas (WMAs) are provided for the enjoyment of all wildlife enthusiasts. Funds generatedfrom the sale of WMA permits enable the SCDNR to lease approximately 1.1 million acres of land for wildlifeconservation and management.

    Heritage Preserves are properties acquired by the SCDNR for the primary purpose of protecting habi-tat for rare and endangered species. Some heritage preserves offer game hunting opportunities and areincluded in the WMA Program. All persons using WMA lands are reminded that only US Forest Servicelands and those areas marked by WMA signs are open to the public. Lands not posted with these signs arethe property of private individuals, and landowner permission must be obtained.

    General locations of the areas described below are shown on the map on page 76. For detailed mapsshowing these and other WMA lands, write WMA MAPS, SCDNR, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC, 29202, call803-734-3886 or visit www.dnr.sc.gov/wma/maps.html. Reference map # from chart below.

    S O U T H C A R O L I N A

    WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA PROPERTIES

    WMA properties should be markedwith these yellow and black signs.

    www.dnr.sc.gov/wma

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    Open dates for each season are listed in the Hunt Seasons section beginning on page 78 of this book.Note: * indicates an SCDNR Property. D

    E E R

    H O G S

    B E A R

    T U R K E Y

    D O V E

    W A T E R F O W L

    Q U A I L

    S Q U I R R E L

    R A B B I T

    R A C C O O N

    F O X

    WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACREAGE MAP # COUNTY TELEPHONE HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLEPalachucola * 6,757 10 Hampton, Jasper 803-625-3569 x x x x x x x x xParr Hydroelectric Project 4,400 4, 5 Faireld, Newberry 803-609-6992 x x x xPee Dee Station Site 2,701 8 Florence 843-661-4766 x x x x x x x xRock Hill Blackjacks HeritagePreserve * 291 5 York 864-419-9374 x

    Samworth * 1,588 9 Georgetown 843-546-8665 x x x xSand Hills State Forest 46,000 5, 6, 7 Chestereld, Darlington 843-661-4766 x x x x x x x x xSantee Coastal * 24,000 9, 10 Charleston, Georgetown 843-546-8665 x x x x x x xSantee Cooper 3,144 7 Orangeburg 803-734-3886 x x x x x x x xSantee Dam 575 7 Clarendon 803-734-3886 x x x x x x x x xSantee-Delta * 1,899 9 Georgetown 843-546-8665 x x xSt. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve * 10,302 10 Beaufort 843-844-8822 x xTillman Sand Ridge HeritagePreserve * 1,422 10 Jasper 803-625-3569 x x x x x x x x x

    Turtle Island * 1,700 10 Jasper 803-625-3569 x Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve * 1,113 10 Beaufort 803-625-3569 x x x x x xWaccamaw River Heritage Preserve * 6,691 8 Horry 843-546-3226 x x x x x x x xWateree River Heritage Preserve 3,677 7 Richland 803-734-3886 x x x x x x x x xWebb * 5,860 10 Hampton 803-625-3569 x x x x x x x x x xWee Tee 12,439 9, 10 Williamsburg, Georgetown 843-661-4766 x x x x x x x x x

    Western Piedmont Hunt Unit 146,561 2, 3, 4 Abbeville, Edgeeld, Green wood,McCormick, Saluda 864-223-2731 x x x x x x x x x

    Woodbury* 25,668 8 Marion 843-661-4766 x x x x x x x x x xWorth Mountain 1,643 5 York 864-427-5140 x x x x x x x x

    THANKS TO LANDOWNERS

    Landowners providing their land for public hunting and recreation are due much appreciation from the SCDNR and all outdoor enthusiasts. Without theselands, public hunting as provided in this state would be impossible. Sportsmen seeing the yellow and black diamond-shaped signs designating WMAboundaries should remember they are hunting as guests of the landowner and be respectful of this privilege.

    US Forest Service .................. ................... .................. ................... .................. 632,177SC Department of Natural Resources .........................................................232,730SC Forestry Commission ..................................................................................90,296SC Public Service Authority (Santee) ................... ................... ................... .... 25,127Clemson University ................. ................... .................. ................... ................... . 11,265Department of Energy .................. ................... .................. ................... .............. 10,470

    American Forest Management ................. ................... ................... ................. 17,440SCPRT .................. ................... .................. ................... ................... .................. ....... 7,571Corps of Engineers (Thurmond Res.) ...............................................................6,506SC Electric & Gas Company ................................................................................5,187Timber-Lands L.P. ................................................................................................2,002

    Plum Creek ..............................................................................................................4,887Teredo Timber ................ ................... ................... .................. ................... ............. 1,376TIAA Timberlands II (Hancock Forest Mgmt.) ................................................4,682

    American Timberland II (RMK) ...........................................................................2,827Georgia Power Company .................. ................... ................... .................. .......... 2,814Wells Fargo Bank (Brown Trust) .........................................................................3,252SC Dept. of Commerce ................... ................... .................. ................... ............. 1,675SC Public Ser. Auth. (Pee Dee) .................. ................... ................... ................... 2,755Corps of Engineers (Canal) .................................................................................2,465Knightwood (Hancock Forest Mgmt.) .................. ................... .................. .......... 476

    Springland, Inc .......................................................................................................1,856Duke Energy Progress .........................................................................................1,036SC Conf. Bd. Of Camps & Retreats .................. .................. ................... ............ 1,249Duke Energy Carolinas ................. ................... .................. ................... ............... 7,443

    York County ............................................................................................................1,643Jordan Properties .................................................................................................2,48 3Duke Power (ROWs) ..............................................................................................1,200Thomas Heirs LLC ................. .................. ................... ................... .................. ......... 594TNC – Ninetimes .......................................................................................................560Lavinia B. George Estate ........................................................................................944City of Walhalla .........................................................................................................439

    City of Clinton .................. ................... ................... .................. ................... ............... 276Brown Family Partnership .................. ................... ................... .................. ............ 120Commission of Public Works (Greer) ................. ................... .................. ............ 100William & Joab Lesesne ................... ................... .................. ................... ................. 92

    Vandiviere Properties LLC .....................................................................................655John and Irene Blackmon .................. ................... ................... .................. ......... 1,587Blue Heron Timber LLC ................. ................... .................. ................... .................. 594Naturaland Trust ....................................................................................................2,253The Cons. Fund ......................................................................................................1,946Dorothy Beaty .................. ................... ................... .................. ................... ............... 557

    TOTAL ACRES .................................................................................................1,095,607

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    H U N T I N GWMA REGULATIONS

    WMA AbuseAny person who damages, destroys or mis-uses WMA lands or improvements on themincluding, but not limited to, roads, vegetation, buildings, structures or fences, leaves refuse,trash or other debris on the property, or sets,makes or builds a re (except in an area spe-cially designated as a campre area), operatesa motor conveyance on areas or roads closedto operation, target practices, camps in areasexcept for designated campsites, disregardssafety or restrictive postings as designated by the landowner or who otherwise abuses,

    damages, destroys or misuses wildlife man-agement areas is guilty of a misdemeanor and,upon conviction, must be ned $200 and berequired to make restitution to the landownerin an amount determined by the court to benecessary to repair, rebuild, restore or clean upthe property to its condition before the abuseoccurred. A person who is convicted of damag-ing, destroying, abusing or misusing WildlifeManagement Area land shall lose the privilegeof entering WMA land for one year (50-11-2210).

    WMA PublicDrawing HuntsThe SCDNR offers a variety of WMA huntsthrough computerized drawings. Hunt feesrange from $10 to $800 per hunter and must be submitted at the time of application. Ap-plications for deer hunts are available in July, waterfowl and quail hunts in Sept. andyouth/adult only turkey hunts in Feb. Dead-lines to apply for draw hunts are generallymid-Aug. (deer), mid-Oct. for quail and wa-terfowl and early Mar. for youth turkey hunts.Applications are available at SCDNR ofcesstatewide (refer to directory on page 6 orwrite SCDNR Public Drawing Hunts, PO Box167, Columbia, SC 29202 or visit our websiteat www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/drawhunts ). A

    hunter’s privilege to participate in a Wild-life Management Area lottery hunt may berevoked for the remainder of the hunt forany violation of law or WMA regulations(SC 50-11-2240).

    General Regulations• On all SCDNR-owned WMA lands the

    removal of artifacts or ecofacts (includingarrowheads) from the surface or subsur-face is prohibited except when approved by the State Historic Preservation Ofceand carried out in accordance with theirguidelines.

    • Statutes 50-11-2200 and 50-11-2210 authorizethe promulgation of WMA regulations R123-40. See specic game zones for seasons.

    2.1 – Except as provided in these regulations,no person may hunt or take wildlife on areasdesignated by the South Carolina Departmentof Natural Resources (SCDNR) as WildlifeManagement Area (WMA) lands.

    2.2 – Entry onto WMA land is done whollyand completely at the risk of the individual.Neither the landowners nor the State of SouthCarolina nor the South Carolina Departmentof Natural Resources accepts any responsibil-ity for acts, omissions, activities or conditionson these lands which cause or may causepersonal injury or property damage.

    2.3 – Entry onto WMA land constitutes con-sent to an inspection and search of the person,game bag or creel.

    2.4 – No person may hunt or take wildlife onWMA land unless an individual is in posses-

    sion of a valid South Carolina license; a validWMA permit; and other applicable federal orstate permits, stamps, or licenses.

    2.5 – No Sunday hunting is permitted on anyWMA lands.

    2.6 – On all WMA lands, baiting or huntingover a baited area is prohibited. As used in thissection, “bait” or “baiting” means the placing,depositing, exposing, distributing, or scatter-ing of shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn,wheat, or other grain or other food stuffs toconstitute an attraction, lure, or enticement to,on, or over any area. “Baited area” means anarea where bait is directly or indirectly placed,

    deposited, exposed, distributed, or scatteredand the area remains a baited area for ten(10) days following the complete removal ofall bait. Salt/minerals are not considered bait.

    2.7 – On WMA lands construction or use oftree stands and temporary climbing devicesis prohibited if the tree stand or temporarydevice is constructed by driving nails, screwsor other devices into the tree; or the tree standor temporary climbing device is constructed by wrapping wire around the tree. Other treestands and temporary climbing devices arepermitted provided they are not permanentlyafxed or embedded in the tree. All standsand temporary climbing devices must be re-moved by the end of deer hunting season.2.8 – On WMA lands any hunter younger thansixteen (16) years of age must be accompanied by an adult (21 years or older) who is validlylicensed and holds applicable permits, licensesor stamps for the use of WMA lands. Sight andvoice contact must be maintained.

    2.9 – Notwithstanding any other provision ofthese regulations, the Department may permitspecial hunts on any day during the regularhunting season.

    2.10 – No person may release or attempt torelease any animal onto WMA lands withoutapproval from the Department.

    2.11 – While participating in a hunt on WMAs,no person may possess, consume or be underthe inuence of intoxicants, including beer,wine, liquor or drugs.

    2.12 – On WMA lands, during the designatedstatewide youth deer hunt day, only still hunt-ing is allowed. The limit is two deer total toinclude no more than one antlerless deer.

    2.13 – Taking or destroying timber, other for-est products or cutting rewood on WMAlands without written permission from thelandowner or his agents is prohibited. Usersof WMA lands are prohibited from planting,attempting to plant, burning or otherwise at-tempting to manipulate crops, natural vegeta-tion or openings without written permissionfrom the landowner or his agent.

    2.14 – On WMA lands, hunting armadillos and

    coyotes at night is prohibited. Armadillos andcoyotes may be hunted during any open seasonfor game during daylight hours with no baglimit. Weapon(s) used to hunt armadillos andcoyotes are limited to the weapon(s) that areallowed for the current open season on WMA.

    2.15 – On WMA lands during special desig-nated hunts, a WMA may be closed to otherpublic access.

    2.16 – Still hunting for hogs is permitted onWMAs during any open season for gameduring daylight hours with only the weaponsallowed during the hunting season in prog-ress unless otherwise prohibited. No hog may

    be transported alive from a WMA. Hogs maynot be hunted at night. There is no bag limiton hogs. Hunters must wear a hat, coat, orvest of solid international orange while hoghunting. Buckshot is prohibited. During hoghunts with dogs, no still or stalk hunting isallowed and only handguns are permitted.No hog hunting with dogs is allowed exceptduring special designated seasons.

    2.17 – Unless otherwise specied, small gamehunting seasons and bag limits are the sameas Game Zone seasons and bag limits exceptno hunting before Sept. 1 or after Mar. 1.

    Weapons3.1 – On WMA lands hunters may use any shot-gun, rie, bow and arrow, crossbow or handgun except specic weapons may be prohibitedon certain hunts. Small game hunters may pos-sess or use shotguns with shot no larger thanNo. 2 or .22 or smaller rimre ries/handgunsor primitive muzzle-loading ries of .40 caliberor smaller. Small game hunters may not possessor use buckshot, slugs or shot larger than No.2. Blow guns, dart guns, drugged arrows orarrows with exploding tips are not permitted.Small game hunters using archery equipmentmust use small game tips on the arrows (judopoints, bludgeon points, etc.).

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    3.2 – For Special Primitive Weapons Seasons,primitive weapons include bow and arrow,crossbow and muzzle-loading shotguns(20 gauge or larger) and ries (.36 caliber orlarger) with open or peep sights or scopes,which use black powder or a black powdersubstitute that does not contain nitro-celluloseor nitro-glycerin components as the propel-lant charge; there are no restrictions on igni-tion systems (e.g. Flintstone, percussion cap,shotgun primer, disk, electronic, etc.). Duringprimitive weapons season, no revolving riesare permitted. (Falconry Allowed).

    3.3 – On WMA lands, big game hunters arenot allowed to use armory-piercing, tracer, in-cendiary, or full metal bullets or .22 or smallerrimre. Shotguns with only buckshot or slugsare allowed. Buckshot is prohibited duringstill gun hunts for deer on WMA lands inGame Zones 3-4.

    3.4 – On WMAs all rearms transported invehicles must be unloaded and secured in a

    weapons case, or in the trunk of a vehicle or ina locked toolbox. On the Francis Marion HuntUnit during deer hunts with dogs, loadedshotguns may be transported in vehicles.Any shotgun, centerre rie, rimre rie orpistol with a shell in the chamber, magazineor muzzleloader with a cap on the nippleor intlock with powder in the ash pan isconsidered loaded.

    3.5 – No target practice is permitted on WMAlands except in speci cally designated areas.

    3.6 – On WMA lands during still gun huntsfor deer or hogs there shall be no hunting orshooting from, on or across any road open tovehicle trafc. During any deer or hog huntthere shall be no open season for huntingon any designated recreational trail on U.SForest Service or SC Public Service Author-ity property.

    Deer4.1 – On WMA lands with designated checkstations, all deer bagged must be checkedat a check station. Deer bagged too late forreporting one day must be reported the fol-lowing day.

    4.2 – Unless otherwise specied by the De-partment, only bucks (male deer) may be takenon all WMA lands. Antlered bucks must haveantlers visible two (2) inches above the hairlineto be legally bagged on “bucks only” hunts.

    Male deer with visible antlers of less than two(2) inches above the hairline must be takenonly on either-sex days or pursuant to permitsissued by the Department. A point is anyprojection at least one inch long and longerthan wide at some location at least one inchfrom the tip of the projection.

    4.3 – On WMA lands, man drives for deer arepermitted between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

    only, except that no man drives may be con-ducted on days designated by the Departmentfor taking deer of either sex except on WMAlands in Game Zones 1 and 2, man drives will be permitted on the last two (2) scheduledeither-sex days. A man drive is dened as anorganized hunting technique involving two(2) or more individuals whereby an attemptis made to drive game animals from cover orhabitat for the purpose of shooting, killing,or moving such animals toward other hunt-ers. On WMA lands, drivers participating inman drives are prohibited from carrying orusing weapons.

    4.4 – Deer either-sex days for still gun huntson WMAs are as follows:

    • Game Zone 1: The last three Sat. in Nov.

    • Game Zones 2-4: The rst three Sat. inOct., the last three Sat. in Nov., the Sat.after Christmas, and Jan. 1.

    • In all Game Zones, hunters using archery

    equipment may take either-sex during allarchery only and primitive weapon sea-sons for deer without being required to tagthe animal. Game Zone WMA limits apply.

    • On special mobility impaired and youthdeer hunts sanctioned by the Departmentand during the statewide youth deer huntday, participants may take two deer total,to include no more than one antlerless deer.

  • 8/18/2019 South Carolina Hunting Regulations

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    H U N T I N GWMA REGULATIONS

    4.5 – For all WMAs combined statewide, thelimit for all seasons and methods combinedis two deer per day, 5 deer total, no morethan two bucks, unless otherwise specied.Antlerless deer limit is one deer per day, un-less otherwise specied. Buck only, excepteither-sex on Game Zone either-sex days.

    4.6 – Individual Antlerless Deer Tags: Tagsare valid in Game Zones 1 and 2 beginningOct. 1 and in Game Zones 3-4 beginning Sept.15. For all WMAs combined a maximum oftwo (2) individual antlerless deer tags may beused during primitive weapons or gun deerseasons in all Game Zones, except only oneindividual antlerless deer tag may be usedin Game Zone 1.

    4.7 –Except on either-sex days, antlerless deermust be tagged immediately after harvestand before being moved from the point of killand the tag must be validated as prescribed by the SCDNR.

    4.8 – For WMAs designated as Quality DeerManagement Areas, all antlered bucks musthave a minimum 4 points on one side or aminimum 12-inch antler spread except duringdesignated special youth hunts. Antler spreadis the greatest outside measurement (main beam or points) on a plane perpendicularto the skull.

    4.9 - On WMA lands, deer, hogs, or bear maynot be hunted with a rearm within 300 yardsof a residence.

    Dogs5.1 – On all WMA lands, dogs may be usedfor small game hunting unless otherwise

    specied.5.2 – Dogs may be trained for squirrel, quailand rabbit hunting from Sept. 1 through Sept.14 (no guns).

    5.3 – On WMA lands, dogs may be used forhunting foxes, raccoons, bobcats or opossumsonly between thirty (30) minutes after ofcialsunset and thirty (30) minutes before ofcialsunrise.

    5.4 – Unless otherwise specied, deer huntingwith dogs on WMA lands is prohibited. TheDepartment may permit deer hunting withdogs on WMA lands not located in GameZones 1 & 2. For the purposes of trackinga wounded deer, a hunter may use one dogwhich is kept on a leash.

    5.5 – Dogs may be used to hunt bear on WMAlands in Game Zone 1 during the special partydog bear season.

    5.6 – On WMA lands, dogs may be used tohunt hogs only during special designated hoghunts with dogs.

    VehiclesAll terrain vehicles are not allowed on anyHeritage Preserve Reg. 123-203 D.1.

    6.1 – On all WMA lands, no hunter may shootfrom a vehicle unless permitted by the de-partment.

    6.2 – On WMA lands, motor-driven landconveyances must be operated only on des-ignated roads or trails. Unless otherwisespecied, roads or trails which are closed by barricades and/or signs, either permanentlyor temporarily, are off limits to motor-drivenland conveyances.

    6.3 – A person may not obstruct, or cause to be obstructed travel routes on WMA lands.

    Visible Col


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