S.C. Code Regs. § § 123-40
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024
Section 123-40 - Wildlife Management Area Regulations1.1 The regulations governing hunting including prescribed schedules and seasons, methods of hunting and taking wildlife, and bag limits for Wildlife Management Areas and special restrictions for use of WMA lands are as follows:A. Game Zone 11. US Forest Service WMA lands (Sumter National Forest)(a) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(b) Primitive Weapons Hunts for Deer (c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Oct. 11 through Oct. 16; Oct. 31 - Jan. 1(d) Archery Hunts for Deer(e) Still Gun Hunts for Bear (i) Game Zone 1 seasons and bag limits apply(f) Special Party Dog Hunt for Bear(i) Game Zone 1 seasons and bag limits apply(g) Small Game(i) Game Zone 1 seasons and bag limits apply (h) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) Jan. 2 - Jan. 10, Mar. 20 - Mar. 282. Other WMAs (a) Archery Hunts for Deer (b) Primitive Weapons for Deer (i) Oct. 1 through Oct. 10(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer(i) Oct. 11 through Oct. 16; Oct. 31 - Jan. 1(d) Still Gun Hunts for Bear (i) Game Zone 1 seasons and bag limits apply(e) Special Party Dog Hunt for Bear(i) Game Zone 1 seasons and bag limits apply(f) Small Game (i) Game Zone 1 seasons and bag limits apply(g) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) Jan. 2 - Jan. 10, Mar. 20 - Mar. 283. Glassy Mountain Archery Only Area - Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve (a) Archery Hunts for Deer. (b) Small Game (i) Game Zone 1 seasons and bag limits apply4. Long Creek Tract(a) Game Zone 1 seasons and bag limits, except no deer hunting on or after Thanksgiving Day5. Mill Shoals WMA (a) Archery Hunts for Deer (b) Archery Hunts for Bear (c) Small Game (i) Game Zone 1 seasons and bag limits applyB. Game Zone 2 1. US Forest Service WMA lands (Sumter National Forest)(a) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(b) Archery Hunts for Deer (c) Primitive Weapons for Deer (i) Oct. 1 through Oct. 10(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Oct. 11 through Jan. 1(e) Small Game (i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply except for quail and woodcock within the Indian Creek Quail Focal Area on the Enoree Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) Jan. 2 - 10, Mar. 20 - 282. Other WMAs (a) Archery Hunts for Deer (b) Primitive Weapons for Deer (i) Oct. 1 through Oct. 10(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer(i) Oct. 11 through Jan. 1(d) Small Game (i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply(e) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) Jan. 2 - 10, Mar. 20 - 283. Keowee WMA (a) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area. No hunting is allowed in research and teaching areas of Keowee WMA posted with white signs except those special hunts for youth or mobility impaired as conducted by the Department.(b) North of Hwy 123 and west of the Keowee arm of Lake Hartwell, and west of Hwy 291, small game hunting with shotguns only. All other areas are archery only for small game.(c) Archery Hunts for Deer(d) Raccoon and Opossum(i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits(e) Other Small Game(i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply.(ii) No small game hunting during archery deer hunts except for waterfowl, designated dove field hunting, or raccoon and opossum hunting at night.4. Draper WMA (a) Data cards required for hunter access, except draw dove hunts. Completed data cards must be returned daily before leaving the WMA.(b) Archery Hunts for Deer(c) Primitive Weapons for Deer(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer(e) Quail Hunts (i) 1st Sat. following Thanksgiving, 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wed. in Dec., 3rd Sat. in Dec., 1st and 4th Sat. in Jan., 3rd Wed. in Jan., 2nd Wed. in Feb., 3rd Sat. in Feb.(ii) Game Zone 2 bag limit(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset.(f) Rabbit Hunts (i) Wed. and Sat. in Jan. and Feb. except during scheduled quail hunts.(ii) Game Zone 2 bag limit(g) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)(i) Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply5. Fant's Grove WMA (a) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area(c) Special Gun Hunts for Deer(i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) Total 1 deer, either sex.(d) Raccoon and Opossum (i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits(e) Other Small Game(i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply(ii) No small game hunting during archery deer hunts except for waterfowl, designated dove field hunting, or raccoon and opossum hunting at night.(iii) Waterfowl may be hunted Wed. and Sat. AM only.6. Rock Hill Blackjacks HP WMA(b) Small Game (i) No small game hunting7. Belfast WMA (a) All terrain vehicles are prohibited. All harvested deer and turkeys must be checked in at the Belfast Check Station. Belfast WMA is open to public access during daylight hours (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset) except during special hunts and events regulated by DNR. Hunters may not enter the WMA prior to 5:00 AM on designated hunts. Public visitation is not allowed during scheduled deer and turkey hunts. Data cards required for hunter access. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving Belfast WMA.(b) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(c) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area.(d) Archery Hunts for Deer(e) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Hunters selected by drawing(f) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 2 bag limits8. Broad River Waterfowl Management Area (b) Small Game (ii) Game Zone 2 bag limits9. McCalla WMA (a) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area.(c) Small Game (i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) Jan. 2 - 10, Mar. 20 - 28(e) Special Hunt Area for Youth and Mobility Impaired Hunters(i) No open season except for hunters selected by drawing(ii) 1 deer per day, either sex10. Worth Mountain WMA (a) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area(c) Small Game (i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply.11. Liberty Hill WMA(a) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(b) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area.(c) Archery Hunts for Deer (d) Primitive Weapons for Deer (e) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (f) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply.12. Delta North WMA(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply13. Delta South WMA(a) Archery Hunts for Deer (b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Nov. 1 - Nov. 21, Wednesdays and Saturdays Only.(ii) Special hunts for youth or mobility impaired hunters as published by SCDNR.(c) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 2 bag limits14. Forty Acre Rock HP WMA(a) Archery Hunts for Deer (b) Primitive Weapons for Deer (c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (d) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply15. Indian Creek Quail Focal Area(a) The area is defined as that area of the Sumter National Forest Enoree Ranger District in Newberry County, bounded on the south by Old Whitmire Highway, private lands, and SC Highway 176; on the east by Brazzelmans Bridge Road, and private lands; on the northeast by the Enoree River; on the north by Wallace Road and private lands; on the west by SC Highway 121 and private lands; and on the southeast by Indian Creek to its intersection with SC Highway 121.(b) Small Game (except quail) (i) Game Zone 2 seasons and bag limits apply(c) Quail Hunts (i) 1st Sat. following Thanksgiving, 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wed. in Dec., 3rd Sat. in Dec., 1st and 4th Sat. in Jan., 3rd Wed. in Jan., 2nd Wed. in Feb., 3rd Sat. in Feb.(ii) Daily bag limit for quail is 6 quail per person per day(d) Woodcock hunting is permitted only on designated quail hunting days within the statewide woodcock hunting season.(e) All quail, woodcock, and rabbit hunters must sign in and out at the designated check station. C. Game Zone 3 1. Other WMAs (b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (c) Small Game (i) Game Zone 3 seasons and bag limits apply2. Crackerneck WMA and Ecological Reserve(a) All individuals must sign in and out at main gate. Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area. Scouting seasons (no weapons), will be Saturdays only during September, March, and May. The gate opens at 6:00am and closes at 8:00pm. On deer hunt days, gates will open as follows: Oct., 4:30am - 8:30pm; Nov. - Dec., 4:30am - 7:30pm. For special hog hunts in Jan. and Feb., gate will be open from 5:30am - 7:00pm. On all raccoon hunts, raccoon hunters must cease hunting by midnight and exit the gate by 1:00am. All reptiles and amphibians are protected. No turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders etc. can be captured, removed, killed or harassed.(b) Archery Deer Hunts(i) 1st Fri. and Sat. in Oct(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (no buckshot).(i) 2nd Fri. and Sat. in Oct.(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer(i) 3rd Fri. in Oct. - Jan. 1, Fri., Sat. and Thanksgiving Day only except closed Dec. 25.(e) Raccoon and Opossum (i) 3rd Sat. night in Oct. - Jan. 1, Sat. nights only, except closed Dec. 25, 1st Fri. night in Jan. to last Fri. or Sat. night in Feb., Fri. and Sat. nights only.(ii) 3 raccoons per party per night(f) Still Hunts for Hogs (i) 1st Fri. after Jan. 1 - last Fri. in Feb. Fridays only(g) Other Small Game (except no open season on bobcats, foxes, otters or fox squirrels). (i) 3rd Fri. in Oct. - last Fri. or Sat. in Feb. Fri., Sat. and Thanksgiving Day only except closed Dec. 25.(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits3. Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve WMA(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (c) Small Game (no fox squirrels). (i) Thanksgiving day - Mar. 1.(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits.4. Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve WMA(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels). (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits5. Henderson Heritage Preserve WMA(b) No small game hunting allowed6. Francis Marion National Forest (a) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(b) All deer must be checked in by one hour after legal sunset.(c) During deer hunts when dogs are used, buckshot only is permitted. On hunts with dogs, all deer must be checked in by one hour after legal sunset. Individual antlerless deer tags are not valid during dog hunts for deer unless otherwise specified. Tibwin Special Use Area and Fairlawn (in Wambaw) are closed to hunting except for Special hunts. On youth deer hunts, only youths 17 and younger may carry a gun and must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older. No fox or coyote hunting with dogs on the Francis Marion.(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 3rd full week in Mar., 3rd full week in May(e) Still Hog Hunts (i) First full week in Mar.(f) Hellhole WMA (ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (1) Oct. 11 - Jan. 1 except during scheduled dog drive hunts(iii) Deer Hunts with Dogs (shotguns only)(1) 1st Sat. in Nov., 1st Sat. in Dec.(a) 2 deer per day, buck only(iv) Youth Only Deer Hunt with Dogs (2) Requirements and bag limits for youth are the same as the statewide youth deer hunt day except no antlerless deer may be taken.(v) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)(1) Game Zone 3 seasons and bag limits apply.(2) Dogs allowed during small game gun season only. Closed during scheduled periods using dogs to hunt deer.(g) Waterhorn WMA (ii) Muzzleloader Hunts for Deer (iii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (1) Every Friday and Saturday beginning Nov. 1.(iv) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)(1) Game Zone 3 seasons and bag limits apply.(2) Dogs allowed during small game gun season only. Closed to small game and waterfowl hunting during scheduled deer hunt periods.(h) Wambaw WMA (ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (1) Oct. 11 - Jan. 1 except during scheduled dog drive hunts west of Hwy 17.(2) Still gun hunts only East of Hwy 17. No buckshot.(iii) Deer Hunts with Dogs (shotguns only) (1) Fri. in Sept. before the last Sat. Northampton dog hunt, Wed. and Thurs. before the 3rd Sat. in Nov. and 2nd Sat. in Oct., first 2 days excluding Sunday after Dec. 25 (a) 2 deer per day, buck only(2) 2nd Sat. in Dec. (b) All deer must be checked in at designated check stations.(iv) Youth Only Deer Hunt with Dogs (1) 3rd Saturday in November.(2) Requirements and bag limits for youth are the same as the statewide youth deer hunt day except no antlerless deer may be taken.(v) Seewee Special Use Area(vi) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)(1) Game Zone 3 seasons and bag limits apply.(2) Dogs allowed during small game gun season only. Closed during scheduled periods using dogs to hunt deer.(i) Northampton WMA (ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (1) Oct. 11 - Jan. 1 except during scheduled dog drive hunts.(iii) Deer Hunts with Dogs (shotguns only)(1) Last Sat. in Sept., Wed. and Thurs. before the 2nd Sat. in Oct., Fri. before the 4th Sat. in Nov., 3rd day excluding Sunday after Dec. 25 (a) 2 deer per day, buck only(2) 2nd Sat. in Dec. (b) All deer must be checked in at designated check stations.(iv) Youth Only Deer Hunt with Dogs (1) Last Saturday in Nov.(2) Requirements and bag limits for youth are the same as the statewide youth deer hunt day except no antlerless deer may be taken.(v) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)(1) Game Zone 3 seasons and bag limits apply.(2) Dogs allowed during small game gun season only. Closed during scheduled periods using dogs to hunt deer.(j) Santee WMA (ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (1) Oct. 11 - Jan. 1 except during scheduled dog drive hunts(iii) Deer Hunts with Dogs (shotguns only)(1) 2nd Fri. and Sat. in Sept., Wed. and Thurs. before the 4th Sat. in Oct., 1st Fri. in Dec.(a) 2 deer per day, buck only(2) 2nd Sat. in Dec.(b) All deer must be checked in at designated check stations.(iv) Youth Only Deer Hunt with Dogs (2) Requirements and bag limits for youth are the same as the statewide youth deer hunt day except no antlerless deer may be taken.(v) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)(1) Game Zone 3 seasons and bag limits apply.(2) Dogs allowed during small game gun season only. Closed during scheduled periods using dogs to hunt deer.7. Moultrie (a) No hunting or shooting within fifty feet of the center of any road during gun hunts for deer except for SCDNR draw youth hunts.(b) Bluefield WMA (i) Open only to youth 17 years of age or younger who must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age. Youth hunters must carry a firearm and hunt. Adults with youth are allowed to carry a weapon and hunt.(ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer(1) Sept. 15 - Jan. 1, Wed. and Sat. only(iii) Small Game (no fox squirrels)(1) Game Zone 3 seasons and bag limits apply.(2) No small game hunting during scheduled deer hunts.(c) Greenfield WMA (i) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (ii) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (1) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(2) Game Zone 3 bag limits(d) North Dike WMA (i) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (ii) Special Gun Hunts for youth and women (1) Hunters selected by drawing.(iii) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (2) Game Zone 3 bag limits.(3) Sandy Beach Waterfowl Area open for raccoon hunting Feb. 9 - Mar. 1(e) Porcher and Hall WMAs (ii) Small Game (no fox squirrels) shotguns only(2) Game Zone 3 bag limits(f) Cross Station Site (i) Special Gun Hunts for youth and women (1) No open season except hunters selected by drawing8. Santee Cooper WMA (a) Data cards required for hunter access. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving. Hunters limited to two deer/tree stands. No stands may be placed on Santee Cooper WMA prior to Sept. 1. Campground is open during scheduled deer hunts only. All impoundments and posted buffers are closed to all public access Nov. 1 - Feb. 8 except during hunts as prescribed by the Department.(b) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area(d) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (i) Nov. 1 - Monday before Thanksgiving Day(e) Special Gun Hunts for youth(i) Hunters selected by drawing.(f) Small Game (no fox squirrels)(i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits9. Webb WMA(a) Data cards are required for hunter access. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving. Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area.(b) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(c) Still Hunts for Deer (i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) 2 deer, either sex but only 1 buck(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) 1st Thurs. - Sat. in Mar., 2nd Thurs. - Sat. in May, 4th Thurs. - Sat. in June, 4th Thurs. - Sat. in July, and last Thurs. Sat. in August(e) Quail Hunts (i) 1st Sat. following Thanksgiving, 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wed. in Dec., 3rd Sat. in Dec., 1st and 4th Sat. in Jan., 3rd Wed. in Jan., 2nd Wed. in Feb., 3rd Sat. in Feb.(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limit(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset(f) Raccoon and Opossum(i) Tues. nights and Sat. nights between Oct. 11 - Sat. before Thanksgiving; The full week of Thanksgiving; Tues. nights and Sat. nights from the Tues. after Thanksgiving until Dec. 15.; Dec. 15 - Mar. 1(ii) On Saturdays prior to Dec. 15, no entry onto WMA until 1 hour after official sunset.(iii) Game Zone 3 bag limits(g) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)(i) Thanksgiving Day through the following Sunday, Dec. 15 - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits(h) Dove Hunting (i) Designated public dove field only on specified days.10. Bear Island WMA (a) All hunters must sign in and out at the Bear Island Office. Hunting in designated areas only.(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) 3 deer, either sex but only 1 buck(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) 1st Thurs. - Sat. in March(e) Alligator Hunts (Bear Island East and West Units only)(i) Hunters selected by drawing only. Limited season with restricted access.(ii) Limit and size restrictions as prescribed.(f) Small Game(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits11. Donnelley WMA (a) All hunters must sign in and out at the check station. Hunting in designated areas only.(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) 3 deer, either sex but only 1 buck(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) 1st Thurs. - Sat. in March(e) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits12. Hatchery WMA (b) No small game hunting13. Bonneau Ferry WMA (a) All terrain vehicles prohibited. Hunting access by boat is prohibited. For hunting, the Adult/youth side is open only to youth 17 years old or younger who must be accompanied by only one adult 21 years of age or older. Youth hunters must carry a firearm and hunt. Adults with youth hunters may also carry a firearm and hunt. For deer and small game, regulations for the adult/youth and general use sides of the property will alternate each year as prescribed by the Department. All hunters must sign in and sign out upon entering or leaving. All deer must be checked out at the main entrance. Closed to public access one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise except for special hunts regulated by DNR. Hunters may not enter WMA prior to 5:00 AM on designated hunts. All impoundments and adjacent posted buffers are closed to all public access Nov. 1 - Feb. 8 except for special draw deer hunts and waterfowl hunts regulated by DNR during the regular waterfowl season. Hunted areas are closed to general public access during scheduled deer, turkey and waterfowl hunts. No fox hunting.(b) Adult/Youth Side (i) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (c) General Use Side (ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (1) Hunters selected by drawing(2) Total 3 deer, either sex except only 1 buck.(3) Hunters are required to have permit in possession and must sign in and out (Name, permit # and deer killed each day).(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels or fox) (ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits(iii) Dogs allowed during gun seasons only(e) Bonneau Ferry Fishing Regulations(i) Open to fishing from Mar. 2 - Oct. 31 during daylight hours only(ii) Adult/youth fishing only. Each youth (17 years and under) must be accompanied by no more than two adults 18 years of age or older.(iii) The youth must actively fish.(iv) Fishing is not allowed during scheduled deer and turkey hunts.(v) Only electric motors may be used.(vi) Creel limits per person per day are: largemouth bass - 2, panfish (bluegill, redear, crappie, pumpkinseed, redbreast) - 10, catfish - 5, species not listed - no limit. Grass carp must be released alive immediately.14. Santee Coastal Reserve WMA (a) Archery Deer Hunts (ii) Hunting on mainland only(b) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 2nd full week in March(c) Alligator Hunts (i) Hunters selected by drawing only. Limited season with restricted access.(ii) Limit and size restrictions as prescribed(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits15. Dungannon Heritage Preserve WMA(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Jan. 31(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits16. Edisto River WMA (a) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (d) Raccoon and Opossum (i) Game Zone 3 seasons and bag limits(e) Other Small Game(i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits17. Canal WMA (a) Quail Hunts (i) Game Zone 3 season and bag limit18. Palachucola WMA(a) Data cards are required for hunter access. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving WMA. Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area.(b) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) 3 deer, either sex but only 1 buck(e) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) 1st Thurs. - Sat. in Mar., 2nd Thurs. - Sat. in May, 4th Thurs. - Sat. in June, 4th Thurs. - Sat. in July, and last Thurs. Sat. in August(f) Quail Hunts (i) 1st Sat. following Thanksgiving, 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wed. in Dec., 3rd Sat. in Dec., 1st and 4th Sat. in Jan., 3rd Wed. in Jan., 2nd Wed. in Feb., 3rd Sat. in Feb.(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limit(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset.(g) Raccoon and Opossum(i) Tues. nights and Sat. nights between Oct. 11 - Sat. before Thanksgiving; The full week of Thanksgiving; Tues. nights and Sat. nights from the Tues. after Thanksgiving until Dec. 15.; Dec. 15 - Mar. 1(ii) On Saturdays prior to Dec. 15, no entry onto WMA until 1 hour after official sunset.(iii) Game Zone 3 bag limits(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)(i) Thanksgiving Day through the following Sunday, Dec. 15 - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits19. St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve WMA(a) Deer hunting by permit only obtained at McKenzie Field Station. Camping by special permit only and on Otter Island only.(b) Ashe, Beet, Warren, Otter, Big, South Williman, North Williman and Buzzard Islands Archery Deer Hunts(c) No small game hunting20. Tillman Sand Ridge Heritage Preserve WMA(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits21. Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve WMA(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits22. Hamilton Ridge WMA (a) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area. Horseback riding by permit only. No ATVs allowed. Data cards are required for hunter access. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving the WMA.(b) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) 3 deer, either sex but only 1 buck(e) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) 1st Thurs. - Sat. in Mar., 2nd Thurs. - Sat. in May, 4th Thurs. - Sat. in June, 4th Thurs. - Sat. in July, and last Thurs. Sat. in August.(f) Quail Hunts (i) 1st Sat. following Thanksgiving, 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wed. in Dec., 3rd Sat. in Dec., 1st and 4th Sat. in Jan., 3rd Wed. in Jan., 2nd Wed. in Feb., 3rd Sat. in Feb.(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limit(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset.(g) Raccoon and Opossum(i) Tues. nights and Sat. nights between Oct. 11 - Sat. before Thanksgiving; The full week of Thanksgiving; Tues. nights and Sat. nights from the Tues. after Thanksgiving until Dec. 15.; Dec. 15 - Mar. 1(ii) On Saturdays prior to Dec. 15, no entry onto WMA until 1 hour after official sunset.(iii) Game Zone 3 bag limits(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)(i) Thanksgiving Day through the following Sunday, Dec. 15 - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits(iii) Dove hunting on designated public dove field only23. Old Island Heritage Preserve WMA (b) No small game hunting24. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve WMA(a) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area. All hunters, fishermen and visitors must obtain and complete a day use pass upon entering the area and follow all instructions on the pass. Botany Bay Plantation WMA is open to public access during daylight hours (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset) except during special hunts and events regulated by DNR. Area is closed to general public access during special scheduled hunts. Hunting in designated areas only. Hunting access by boat is prohibited. Fishing in the Jason's Lake complex and all other ponds is adult/youth catch and release only on designated days. For adult/youth fishing, youth must be accompanied by no more than two adults 18 years old or older. Adult may also fish.(b) Archery Deer Hunts(i) Sept. 15 - Oct. 10, Mon. - Sat. during the week of Thanksgiving, Mon. - Sat. during the week of Christmas.(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer(i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) Total 3 deer, either sex but only 1 buck(iii) Hunters are required to have permit in possession and must sign in and sign out (Name, permit # and deer killed each day) at the designated check station. All harvested deer must be checked in at the designated check station.(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels or foxes)(i) Jan. 2 - Mar. 1 (Wed. through Sat. only)(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits(iii) Dogs allowed during gun seasons only25. Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve WMA (a) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Hunters selected by drawing.(ii) Total 1 deer per day, either sex(b) No small game hunting26. Wateree River Heritage Preserve WMA(a) Data cards are required for hunter and fisherman access. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving WMA. All harvested deer and turkeys must be checked in at the Wateree River check station. Hunters may not enter the WMA prior to 5:00 AM on designated hunts. Hunted areas are closed to general public access during scheduled deer, turkey and waterfowl hunts. Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area.(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) 3 deer, either sex but only 1 buck(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels)(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits.27. South Fenwick Island(a) Deer hunting by permit only. Primitive camping is allowed by permit within designated areas. Permits available from DNR through the McKenzie Field Station. Property is closed to other users during scheduled deer hunts.(b) Archery Deer Hunts (i) Hunters selected by drawing.(c) No small game or waterfowl hunting28. Turtle Island(a) No hunting except waterfowl and marsh hens29. Coosawhatchie WMA(a) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area. Horseback riding by permit only. No ATVs allowed. Data cards are required for hunter access. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving the WMA.(c) Still Hunts for Deer(i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) 3 deer, either sex but only 1 buck(d) Quail Hunts (i) 1st Sat. following Thanksgiving, 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wed. in Dec., 3rd Sat. in Dec., 1st and 4th Sat. in Jan., 3rd Wed. in Jan., 2nd Wed. in Feb., 3rd Sat. in Feb.(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limit(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset(e) Small Game (no fox squirrels)(ii) Game Zone 3 Bag Limits(iii) Dove hunting in designated public dove field only D. Game Zone 4 1. Other WMAs (b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (c) Small Game (i) Game Zone 4 seasons and bag limits apply2. Marsh WMA(a) All visitors to Marsh WMA are required to sign in upon entry to the WMA and sign out upon exit from the WMA and provide any additional information requested. No ATVs allowed.(b) Special Hunt Area for Youth and Mobility Impaired Hunters(i) No open season except for hunters selected by drawing(ii) 1 deer per day, either sex(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (e) Still Hog Hunts (i) First full week in Mar.(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 3rd full week in Mar. and 3rd full week in May(g) Raccoon and Opossum Hunts(i) Game Zone 4 seasons and bag limits(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)(i) Thanksgiving - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits(i) Quail Hunts (i) 1st Sat. following Thanksgiving, 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wed. in Dec., 3rd Sat. in Dec., 1st and 4th Sat. in Jan., 3rd Wed. in Jan., 2nd Wed. in Feb., 3rd Sat. in Feb.(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limit.(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset.3. Sand Hills State Forest WMA (a) Hunting by the general public closed during scheduled field trials on the Sand Hills State Forest Special Field Trial Area. Hunting allowed during permitted field trials on the Sand Hills State Forest Special Field Trial Area in compliance with R.123-96. No man drives allowed.(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (d) Small Game (i) Game Zones 4 seasons and bag limits apply. No daytime fox hunting from Sept. 15 - Jan. 14. McBee WMA (a) All visitors are required to sign in upon entry to the WMA and sign out upon exit and provide any additional information requested on sign in sheets at the kiosk. No ATVs allowed.(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer. (i) Oct. 11 - Saturday before Thanksgiving(d) Quail (i) no open season except hunters selected by drawing. Bag limit 10 birds per hunt party.(e) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels) (ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits5. Pee Dee Station Site WMA(a) All visitors are required to sign in upon entry to the WMA and sign out upon exit and provide any additional information requested on sign in sheets at the kiosk. No ATVs allowed.(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (d) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits6. Woodbury WMA (a) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(b) All visitors are required to sign in upon entry and sign out upon exit and provide any additional information requested on sign in sheets at the kiosk. No ATVs allowed.(c) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area(e) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (f) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (g) Still Hog Hunts (i) First full week in Mar.(h) Hog Hunts with Dogs(i) 3rd full week in Mar. and 3rd full week in May(i) Raccoon and opossum(i) Game Zone 4 seasons and bag limits(j) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)(i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits7. Little Pee Dee Complex WMA(a) Includes Little Pee Dee River HP, Tilghman HP, Dargan HP and Ward HP in Horry and Marion Counties. This also includes the Upper Gunters Island and Huggins tracts in Horry Co. which are part of Dargan HP.(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (e) Still Hog Hunts (i) First full week in Mar.(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 2nd full week in Mar.(g) Raccoon and opossum (i) Game Zone 4 seasons and bag limits(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)(i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits(i) Bear Season (i) October 17 - October 308. Great Pee Dee Heritage Preserve WMA(a) All visitors are required to sign in upon entry and sign out upon exit and provide any additional information requested on sign in sheets at the kiosk. No ATVs allowed.(b) For big game hunting, access is restricted from two hours before sunrise to two hours after official sunset.(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (e) Still Hog Hunts (i) First full week in March(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 3rd full week in Mar. and 3rd full week in May(g) Raccoon and opossum(i) Game Zone 4 seasons and bag limits(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)(i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits9. Longleaf Pine Heritage Preserve WMA(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer(c) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits10. Manchester State Forest WMA(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) October 1 January 1 except during scheduled dog drive hunts(c) Deer Hunts with Dogs(i) Clubs selected by drawing.(ii) Last Saturday in October, 3rd Friday and Saturday in November, 3rd Friday and Saturday in December.(d) Small Game (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits(e) Still Gun Hunts for Hogs (i) First full week of March(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 2nd full week in Mar.11. Lynchburg Savanna Heritage Preserve WMA(a) Small Game Only (no fox squirrels)(i) Game Zone 4 seasons and bag limits12. Hickory Top WMA(a) Data cards required for hunter access. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving. The Greentree Reservoir is open to hunting during the regular Hickory Top seasons during years when the Greentree Reservoir remains unflooded.(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (d) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 2nd full week in Mar.(e) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Game Zone 4 seasons and bag limits apply.13. Oak Lea WMA(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (i) October 1 - January 1 except no deer hunting during scheduled quail hunts(c) Small Game (except quail) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1 except no other small game hunting during scheduled quail hunts(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits(d) Quail (i) Saturdays 1st Sat. following Thanksgiving, 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wed. in Dec., 3rd Sat. in Dec., 1st and 4th Sat. in Jan., 3rd Wed. in Jan., 2nd Wed. in Feb., 3rd Sat. in Feb.(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset14. Santee Dam WMA (b) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (c) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 2nd full week in March(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits15. Wee Tee WMA (b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (c) Still Hog Hunts (i) First full week in March(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 2nd full week in March(e) Small Game (no fox squirrels, no fox hunting)(i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits(iii) Dogs allowed during small game gun season only(f) Bear Season (i) October 17 - October 3016. Santee Delta WMA (b) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 2nd full week in Mar. (impoundments only)(c) No small game hunting17. Samworth WMA (a) Archery Deer Hunts (impoundments only) (b) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 2nd full week of Mar. (impoundments only)(c) No small game hunting except dove hunting during scheduled dove hunts18. Cartwheel Bay Heritage Preserve WMA (b) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits(c) Bear Season (i) October 17 - October 3019. Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve WMA(a) All deer hunters must sign in and sign out daily and record harvest at the kiosk.(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (e) Small Game (no fox squirrels). (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits(f) Bear Season (i) October 17 - October 3020. Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve WMA(b) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (d) Still Hog Hunts (i) First full week in March(e) Hog Hunts with Dogs (i) 2nd full week in Mar.(f) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits(g) Bear Season (i) October 17 - October 3021. Liberty Hill WMA(a) Hunting on Sundays will be allowed for all species beginning October 15 and continuing through the last day of January subject to seasons and bag limits as specified below.(b) Designated as a Quality Deer Management Area(c) Archery Hunts for Deer (d) Primitive Weapons for Deer (e) Still Gun Hunts for Deer (f) Small Game (No fox squirrels) (i) Zone 4 seasons and bag limits apply.22. Santee Island WMA(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels) (i) Thanksgiving Day - Mar. 1(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits.(c) Still Hunts for Hogs (i) First full week in March23. Ramsey Grove WMA (a) Still Hunts for Deer (i) Hunters selected by drawing(ii) 3 deer, either sex but only 1 buck24. Bobwhite Hills WMA(a) All visitors are required to sign in upon entry to the WMA and sign out upon exit and provide any additional information requested on sign in sheets at the kiosk. No ATVs allowed.(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer. (i) Oct. 11 - Saturday before Thanksgiving(d) Quail (i) no open season except hunters selected by drawing. Bag limit 10 birds per hunt party.(e) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels) (ii) Game Zone 4 bag limitsGENERAL REGULATIONS
2.1 Except as provided in these regulations, no person may hunt or take wildlife on areas designated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) as Wildlife Management Area (WMA) lands.2.2 Entry onto WMA land is done wholly and completely at the risk of the individual. Neither the landowners nor the State of South Carolina nor the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources accepts any responsibility for acts, omissions, or activities or conditions on these lands which cause personal injury or property damage.2.3 Entry onto WMA land constitutes consent to an inspection and search of the person, game bag or creel.2.4 No person may hunt or take wildlife on WMA land unless an individual is in possession of a valid South Carolina license, a valid WMA permit, and other applicable federal or state permits, stamps or licenses.2.5 No Sunday hunting is permitted on any WMA lands unless otherwise specified.2.6 On all WMA lands, baiting or hunting over a baited area is prohibited. As used in this section, "bait" or "baiting" means the placing, depositing, exposing, distributing, or scattering of shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain or other food stuffs to constitute an attraction, lure, or enticement to, on, or over any area. "Baited area" means an area where bait is directly or indirectly placed, deposited, exposed, distributed, or scattered and the area remains a baited area for ten (10) days following the complete removal of all bait. Salt/minerals are not considered bait.2.7 On WMA lands, construction or use of tree stands is prohibited if the tree stand is constructed by driving nails or other devices into trees or if wire is wrapped around trees. Other tree stands are permitted provided they are not permanently affixed or embedded in the tree. Excluding deer stands erected by the Department on WMA lands for the purpose of special hunts, no deer stands or temporary climbing devices may be placed on WMA lands prior to August 10 in any given year and must be removed by January 15 of the succeeding calendar year. All deer stands and temporary climbing devices must be labeled with the DNR Customer ID number of the person responsible for the stand or climbing device in a conspicuous location using an identification tag, etching, or permanent marker.2.8 On WMA lands, any hunter younger than sixteen (16) years of age must be accompanied by an adult (21 years or older). Sight and voice contact must be maintained.2.9 Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, the Department may permit special hunts on any day during the regular hunting season.2.10 No person may release or attempt to release any animal onto WMA lands without approval from the Department. This regulation does not apply on designated Public Bird Dog Training Areas where pen raised quail and pigeons may be released.2.11 While participating in a hunt on WMAs, no person may possess, consume or be under the influence of intoxicants, including beer, wine, liquor or drugs.2.12 On WMA lands, during the designated statewide youth deer hunt day, only still hunting is allowed. The limit is two deer total, either sex. Tags are not required.2.13 Taking or destroying timber, other forest products or cutting firewood on WMA lands without written permission from the landowner or his agent is prohibited. Users of WMA lands are prohibited from planting, attempting to plant, burning or otherwise attempting to manipulate crops, natural vegetation or openings without written permission from the landowner or his agent.2.14 On WMA lands, hunting armadillos and coyotes at night is prohibited. Armadillos and coyotes may be hunted during any open season for game during daylight hours with no bag limit. Weapon(s) used to hunt armadillos and coyotes are limited to the weapon(s) that are allowed for the current open season on WMA.2.15 On WMA lands during special designated hunts, a WMA may be closed to other public access.2.16 Still hunting for hogs is permitted on WMAs during any open season for game during daylight hours with only the weapons allowed during the hunting season in progress unless otherwise prohibited. No hog may be transported alive from a WMA. Hogs may not be hunted at night. There is no bag limit on hogs. Hunters must wear a hat, coat, or vest of solid international orange while hog hunting. Buckshot is prohibited. During hog hunts with dogs, no still or stalk hunting is allowed and only handguns are permitted. No hog hunting with dogs is allowed except during special designated seasons. During firearms seasons for deer, hog hunters possessing big game weapons must possess licenses, permits, and tags applicable to deer hunting. Big game weapons include centerfire weapons, archery equipment with broad heads, shot larger than No. 2, and muzzle loading shotguns (larger than 20 gauge) and rifles/muskets (.36 caliber or greater).2.17 Unless otherwise specified, small game hunting seasons and bag limits on WMA lands are the same as Game Zone seasons and bag limits except no hunting before Sept. 1 or after Mar. 1. The season for hunting beavers on WMA lands shall be October 1 through March 1.WEAPONS
3.1 On WMA lands hunters may use any shotgun, rifle, bow and arrow, crossbow or hand gun except that specific weapons may be prohibited on certain hunts. Blow guns, dart guns, drugged arrows or arrows with exploding tips are not permitted. Small game hunters may possess or use shotguns with shot no larger than No. 2 or .22 rimfire or smaller rifles/handguns or primitive muzzle loading rifles/muskets of .40 caliber or smaller. Small game hunters may not possess or use buckshot, slugs or shot larger than No. 2. Small game hunters using archery equipment may use small game tips or broadheads on the arrows.3.2 For Special Primitive Weapons Seasons, primitive weapons include bow and arrow, crossbow and muzzle loading shotguns (20 gauge or larger) and rifles/muskets (.36 caliber or larger) with open or peep sights or scopes, which use black powder or a black powder substitute that does not contain nitro cellulose or nitro glycerin components as the propellant charge. There are no restrictions on ignition systems (e.g. flintstone, percussion cap, shotgun primer, disk, electronic, etc.). During primitive weapons season, no revolving rifles are permitted.3.3 On WMA lands big game hunters are not allowed to use armor piercing, tracer, incendiary, or full metal jacket bullets or .22 or smaller rimfire. Buckshot is prohibited during still gun hunts for deer on WMA lands in Game Zones 3 & 4.3.4 On WMAs all firearms transported in vehicles must be unloaded and secured in a weapons case, or in the trunk of a vehicle or in a locked toolbox. On the Francis Marion Hunt Unit during deer hunts with dogs, loaded shotguns may be transported in vehicles. Any shotgun, centerfire rifle, rimfire rifle or pistol with a shell in the chamber or magazine, or a muzzleloader with a cap on the nipple or a flintlock with powder in the flash pan is considered loaded.3.5 No target practice is permitted on WMA lands except in specifically designated areas.3.6 On WMA lands during gun hunts for deer or hogs there shall be no hunting or shooting from, on or across any road open to vehicle traffic. During any deer or hog hunt there shall be no open season for hunting on any designated recreational trail on U.S Forest Service or S.C. Public Service Authority property.DEER
4.1 On WMA lands with designated check stations, all deer bagged must be checked at a check station. Deer bagged too late for reporting one day must be reported the following day.4.2 Unless otherwise specified by the Department, only antlered deer may be taken on all WMA lands. Deer with visible antlers of less than two (2) inches above the hairline are considered antlerless deer and must be tagged with an antlerless deer tag issued by the Department. A point is any projection at least one inch long and longer than wide at some location at least one inch from the tip of the projection.4.3 On WMA lands, man drives for deer are permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. only. A man drive is defined as an organized hunting technique involving two (2) or more individuals whereby an attempt is made to drive game animals from cover or habitat for the purpose of shooting, killing, or moving such animals toward other hunters. On WMA lands, drivers participating in man drives are prohibited from carrying or using weapons.4.4 For all WMAs combined statewide, the limit for all seasons and methods combined is two deer per day, 5 deer total, no more than two antlered bucks, unless otherwise specified. For WMAs in Game Zone 1, the limit for antlerless deer for all seasons and methods combined is 3. Antlerless deer limit is two deer per day, unless otherwise specified. On special mobility impaired and youth deer hunts sanctioned by the Department and during the statewide youth deer hunt day prescribed by the Department, participants may take two deer total, either sex.4.5 Individual Antlerless Deer Tags are valid in Game Zone 1 beginning Oct. 1 and in Game Zones 2, 3 & 4 beginning Sept. 15. For all WMAs combined, a maximum of 5 individual antlerless deer tags may be used during primitive weapons or still gun deer seasons in all Game Zones except three individual antlerless deer tags may used in Game Zone 1. Tags do not alter the daily (2 per day) or seasonal limit or change the type of weapons that can be used during special weapons seasons.4.6 All deer must be tagged immediately after harvest as prescribed by the Department and before being moved from the point of kill and the tag must be validated as prescribed by the Department. A valid tag must remain attached until the deer or carcass is quartered or received by a processor.4.7 For WMAs designated as Quality Deer Management Areas, all antlered bucks must have a minimum 4 points on one side or a minimum 12 inch inside antler spread except during designated special youth hunts. Inside antler spread is measured at a right angle to centerline of the skull at its widest point between the main beams.4.8 On WMA lands, deer, hogs, or bear may not be hunted with a firearm within 300 yards of a residence.DOGS
5.1 On all WMA lands, dogs may be used for small game hunting unless otherwise specified.5.2 Dogs may be trained for quail, rabbit and squirrel hunting from Sept. 1-14 (no guns), except on designated Public Bird Dog Training Areas where bird dog training is allowed from September 15 to March 15 (Sundays excluded).5.3 On WMA lands, dogs may be used for hunting foxes, raccoons, bobcats or opossums only between thirty (30) minutes after official sunset and 30 minutes before official sunrise.5.4 Unless otherwise specified, deer hunting with dogs on WMA lands is prohibited. The Department may permit deer hunting with dogs on WMA lands not located in Game Zones 1 and 2. For the purposes of tracking a wounded deer, a hunter may use one dog which is kept on a leash.5.5 Dogs may be used to hunt bear on WMA lands in Game Zone 1 during the special party dog bear season.5.6 On WMA lands, dogs may be used to hunt hogs only during special designated hog hunts with dogs.VEHICLES
6.1 On all WMA lands, no hunter may shoot from a vehicle unless permitted by the Department.6.2 On WMA lands, motor driven land conveyances must be operated only on designated roads or trails. Unless otherwise specified, roads or trails which are closed by barricades and/or signs, either permanently or temporarily, are off limits to motor driven land conveyances.6.3 A person may not obstruct or cause to be obstructed travel routes on WMA lands.VISIBLE COLOR CLOTHING
7.1 On all WMA lands during any gun and muzzleloader hunting seasons for deer, bear and hogs, all hunters including small game hunters must wear either a hat, coat, or vest of solid visible international orange. Archery hunters during archery only deer seasons and hunters for dove, turkey, ducks, geese and other hunted migratory birds including crows are exempt from this requirement while hunting for those species.CAMPING
8.1 Camping is not permitted on WMA lands except in designated camp sites.TRAPPING
9.1 Trapping on WMA lands is not permitted.WATERFOWL & DOVE REGULATIONS
10.1 Unless specially designated by the Department as a Wildlife Management Area for Waterfowl or a Wildlife Management Area for Dove, all Wildlife Management Areas are open during the regular season for hunting and taking of migratory birds except where restricted.10.2 The Department may designate sections of Wildlife Management Areas and other lands and waters under the control of the Department as Designated Waterfowl Management Areas or Designated Dove Management Areas. All laws and regulations governing Wildlife Management Areas apply to these special areas. In addition, the Department may set special shooting hours, bag limits, and methods of hunting and taking waterfowl and doves on those areas. All State and Federal migratory bird laws and regulations apply. Regulations pertaining to the use of Dove Management Areas will be filed annually.10.3 On areas where blinds are not provided, only portable blinds which are removed at the conclusion of the hunt or temporary blinds of native vegetation may be used. Temporary blinds once vacated may be used by other hunters.10.4 On Designated Waterfowl Areas, no species other than waterfowl may be taken during waterfowl hunts. On Designated Dove Management Areas no species other than doves may be taken during dove hunts. Only dove hunting is allowed at Lake Wallace.10.5 No fishing is permitted in any Category I Designated Waterfowl Area during scheduled waterfowl hunts.10.6 The Bordeaux Work Center Area is closed to hunting except for special hunts as designated by the SCDNR.10.7 Impoundments on Bear Island, Beaverdam Creek, Bonneau Ferry, Broad River, Clemson, Donnelley, Samworth, Sandy Beach, Santee Coastal Reserve, Santee Cooper, Wateree River, and Santee Delta WMAs are closed to all public access during the period Nov. 1 - Feb. 8 except during special hunts designated by the Department. All public access during the period Feb. 9 - Oct. 31 is limited to designated areas. On Bear Island WMA, Mathews' Canal is closed to all hunting from Nov. 1 - Feb. 15 beyond a point 0.8 mile from the confluence of Mathews' Canal with the South Edisto River.10.8 Potato Creek Hatchery Waterfowl Area is closed to hunting access and fishing during the period one week prior to and two weeks after the Federal waterfowl season except for scheduled waterfowl hunts. All hunters must enter and leave the Potato Creek Hatchery Waterfowl Area through the designated public landing on secondary road 260 and complete a data card and deposit card in receptacle prior to leaving the area No airboats are allowed for hunting or fishing and no hunting from secondary road 260.10.9 On Hatchery WMA, hunters must leave the area by 1 PM, except on the last Saturday of the waterfowl season when hunters may hunt until sunset. Each hunter is limited to twenty five Federally approved nontoxic shot shells per hunt. No airboats are allowed in the Hatchery WMA for hunting or fishing during the period Nov. 15 - Jan. 31. No fishing allowed during scheduled waterfowl hunts.10.10 On Crackerneck WMA, waterfowl may be hunted only on Fri., Sat. and Thanksgiving Day within the regular migratory bird seasons and no hunting on Dec. 25; Fant's Grove WMA is open AM only on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the regular migratory bird seasons; Palachucola WMA, Tillman Sand Ridge WMA, Hamilton Ridge WMA and Webb WMA are open AM only for waterfowl hunting during the regular migratory bird seasons only on days when small game hunting is allowed and the entire week of Thanksgiving, Sundays excluded.10.11 Category I Designated Waterfowl Areas include Beaverdam, Bonneau Ferry, Broad River, Clemson, Sandy Beach, Samworth, Santee Coastal Reserve, Ramsey Grove, Santee Delta, Tibwin, Bear Island, Wateree River Heritage Preserve, and portions of Donnelley Wildlife Management Areas. Hunting in Category I Designated Waterfowl Areas is by special permit obtained through annual computer drawing.10.12 Category II Designated Waterfowl Areas include Biedler Impoundment, Carr Creek (bounded by Samworth WMA), Little Carr Creek (bounded by Samworth WMA), Lake Cunningham, Russell Creek, Monticello Reservoir, Parr Reservoir, Duncan Creek, Dunaway, Dungannon, Enoree River, Moultrie, Hatchery, Hickory Top, Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir, Lancaster Reservoir, Turtle Island, Little Pee Dee River Complex (including Ervin Dargan, Horace Tilghman), Great Pee Dee River, Potato Creek Hatchery, Sampson Island Unit (Bear Island), Tyger River, Marsh, Wee Tee, Woodbury, Ditch Pond, Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve, Francis Marion National Forest, Sumter National Forest, Santee Cooper, Santee Island, Coosawhatchie, portions of Donnelley, and 40 Acre Rock Waterfowl Management Areas. Hunting on Category II Designated Waterfowl Areas is in accordance with scheduled dates and times. 1. Biedler Impoundment (a) Sat. AM only during regular season2. Bear Island (a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular seas3. Beaverdam (a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular season4. Bonneau Ferry (a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular season5. Broad River (a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular season6. Carr Creek (bounded by Samworth WMA, no hunting in impoundments) (a) Wed. and Sat. AM only during regular season7. Little Carr Creek (bounded by Samworth WMA, no hunting in impoundments) (a) Wed. and Sat. AM only during regular season8. Clemson (a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular season9. Ditch Pond (a) Wed. AM only during regular season10. Donnelley (a) Category I Area - Hunters selected by drawing during regular season(b) Category II Area - Wed. AM only during specified dates.11. Dunaway (a) Sat. AM only during regular season12. Duncan Creek (a) Sat. AM only during regular season13. Dungannon (a) Wed. AM only during regular season(c) No hunting from the Boardwalk14. Enoree River(a) Sat. AM only during regular season15. Hatchery (a) Sat. AM only and until sunset on the last Sat. of the regular waterfowl season16. Hickory Top (a) Mon. through Sat. during regular season17. Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir(a) Sat. AM only during regular season(c) No hunting from roads and dikes18. Lake Cunningham(a) Wed. AM only during the regular season19. Lancaster Reservoir(a) Mon. and Fri. AM only during the regular season20. Marsh (a) Fri. and Sat. AM only during regular season21. Monticello Reservoir(a) Mon. through Sat. AM only during regular season22. Moultrie (a) Mon. through Sat. during regular season23. Parr Reservoir(a) Mon. through Sat. during regular season24. Potato Creek Hatchery(a) Fri. and Sat. only during regular season25. Russell Creek (a) Wed. and Sat. AM only during regular season26. Sampson Island Unit (Bear Island)(a) Wed. and Sat. AM only during the regular season27. Samworth(a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular season28. Sandy Beach (a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular season29. Santee Coastal Reserve(a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular season30. Santee Cooper(a) Sat. AM only during regular season31. Santee Delta (a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular season32. Tibwin (a) Special hunts by drawing during regular season33. Turtle Island (a) Fri. and Sat. AM only during regular season34. Tyger River (a) Sat. AM only during regular season35. Wee Tee (a) Fri. and Sat. AM only during regular season36. Woodbury (a) Fri. and Sat. AM only during regular season37. Great Pee Dee (a) Sat. AM only during regular season38. Little Pee Dee River Complex(a) Fri. and Sat. AM only during regular season39. Waccamaw River HP(a) Fri. and Sat. AM only during regular season40. 40 acre Rock (a) Sat. AM only during regular season41. Wateree River HP(a) Hunters selected by drawing during regular season42. Sumter National Forest(a) Wednesday and Saturday mornings only during regular season43. Ramsey Grove WMA (a) No waterfowl hunting except for youth or mobility impaired hunts as approved by the Department44. Francis Marion National Forest (a) Monday thru Saturday during regular season45. Coosawhatchie WMA(a) Wednesday and Saturday mornings only during regular waterfowl season beginning after the last lottery hunt in December46. Santee Island (a) Monday thru Saturday during regular season10.13 On Hickory Top WMA public waterfowl hunting without a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit is allowed on all land and water below 76.8'. Waterfowl hunting at or above elevation 76.8' requires a WMA permit. A WMA permit is required for waterfowl hunting in the Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir.10.14 Designated Dove Management Areas include all dove management areas as published by the Department in the annual listing of WMA public dove fields and are subject to regulations filed annually.10.15 Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir is closed to hunting access November 1 until March 1, except for special hunts designated by SCDNR. All hunters must accurately complete a data card and deposit card in receptacle prior to leaving the area. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 11:00 am. Hunters may not enter the area prior to 5:00 am on hunt days. No open season on roads and dikes. Hunters may only use electric motors on boats.10.16 On all State owned, US Forest Service and other Federally owned Category I and II Waterfowl Management Areas each hunter is limited to 25 Federally approved non toxic shells per hunt.10.17 On Enoree River, Dunaway, Duncan Creek, Russell Creek and Tyger River Waterfowl Areas data cards are required for hunter access during scheduled waterfowl hunts. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving each of these areas.10.18 Woodbury Waterfowl Management Area includes all SCDNR owned property south of US Hwy 378 and bounded on the west by the Great Pee Dee River and Bluff Road and to the east by the Little Pee Dee River except no waterfowl hunting allowed in the area known as Hass Pond that is bounded on all sides by Hass Pond Road.10.19 Donnelley Wildlife Management Area Category II Waterfowl Area is open Wednesday mornings only during the November thru January regular waterfowl season. The Category II area is defined as all wetlands east of Donnelley Drive and Blocker Run Road except those areas south of Blocker Run Road between Stocks Creek Road and the intersection of Mary's Island Road and the property boundary. No trailered boats and no electric or gas motors allowed. No entry before 5:00 AM and all users must sign in and sign out at designated check stations. No hunting is allowed from the dikes.AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
11.1 Taking of any amphibian or reptile, except the bullfrog, is prohibited on any Department owned Wildlife Management Areas without written permission of the Department.PUBLIC BIRD DOG TRAINING AREAS
12.1 The Department may establish Public Bird Dog Training Areas on Wildlife Management Area lands. A valid hunting license and WMA permit is required to train bird dogs on these lands.12.2 It shall be unlawful to take game by any means while training bird dogs, except during the lawful open seasons for such game; provided, however, that pen raised quail or pigeons may be taken at any time on designated Public Bird Dog Training Areas for training bird dogs.12.3 It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession any firearms or other equipment for taking game while training bird dogs, provided that handguns with blank ammunition or shot cartridges may be used for training bird dogs, and shotguns with number eight shot or smaller shot may be used while training bird dogs using pen raised quail and pigeons.12.4 All participants in bird dog training must wear either a hat, coat, or vest of solid visible international orange.Amended by State Register Volume 17, Issue No. 5, Part 3, eff May 28, 1993; State Register Volume 19, Issue No. 5, eff May 26, 1995; State Register Volume 20, Issue No. 4, eff April 26, 1996; State Register Volume 21, Issue No. 3, eff March 28, 1997; State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 5, eff May 22, 1998; State Register Volume 22, Issue 6, Part 3, eff June 26, 1998; State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 4, eff April 23, 1999; State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 5, eff May 28, 1999; State Register Volume 24, Issue No. 3, eff March 24, 2000; State Register Volume 25, Issue No. 3, eff March 23, 2001; State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 2, eff February 22, 2002; State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 4, eff April 26, 2002; State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 5, Part 2, eff May 24, 2002; State Register Volume 27, Issue No. 6, Part 2, eff June 27, 2003; State Register Volume 28, Issue No. 5, eff May 28, 2004; State Register Volume 29, Issue No. 5, eff May 27, 2005; State Register Volume 30, Issue No. 4, eff April 28, 2006; State Register Volume 30, Issue No. 7, eff July 28, 2006; State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2007; State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 7, eff July 27, 2007; State Register Volume 32, Issue No. 5, eff May 23, 2008; State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 6, eff June 26, 2009; State Register Volume 34, Issue No. 4, eff April 23, 2010; State Register Volume 35, Issue No. 5, eff May 27, 2011; Amended by State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 5, eff May 25, 2012; State Register Volume 37, Issue No. 6, eff June 28, 2013; State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 6, eff 6/27/2014; State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/26/2015; State Register Volume 41, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/23/2017; State Register Volume 42, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/25/2018; State Register Volume 43, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/24/2019; State Register Volume 44, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/26/2020; State Register Volume 45, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/28/2021; State Register Volume 46, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/27/2022; State Register Volume 47, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/26/2023; State Register Volume 48, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/24/2024.