#06–209 August 7, 2006                           

Fifty-one Fields Available For Public Dove Hunting

Fifty-one public dove fields will be available across the state during the 2006-07 season through the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Management Area program.

The 2006-07 mourning dove season will run as follows: Sept. 2 - Oct. 7, Nov. 18- 25 and Dec. 21 –  Jan. 15.  Statewide legal shooting hours for the 2006-07 dove season will allow afternoon hunting only (from noon to sunset) for the first three days (Sept. 2 - 4) of the first season segment and then all-day hunting (from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset) for the rest of the season.  The daily bag limit is 12 birds per hunter.  The state’s mourning dove season is set each year by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Board within a framework of regulations and timetables issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The number of hunters will be limited by a public drawing on three fields, the Evans Property field in Anderson County, the Draper Tract in York County, and Donnelly Wildlife Management Area in Colleton County.  Hunting and hunter placement on all other public fields is on a first-come basis, beginning at 12:00 noon.

For more information on the application process for these hunts, contact the DNR Clemson office at 864-654-1671 ext. 16 (Evans Property), the DNR Unit 2B office at 864-427-5140 (Draper Tract), or the Donnelly Wildlife Management Area office at 843-844-8957. 

Hunters participating in public dove hunts on DNR Wildlife Management Area dove fields should be aware of special regulations in place on these fields.  Hunters may not take shooting positions on public fields before 12:00 noon.  Hunters will be restricted to 50 shells per hunt on all DNR public dove fields, and shooting hours will end at 6:00 p.m. on all public fields during the first segment of the South Carolina dove season (September 2-October 7).

These regulations have been implemented to address concerns regarding hunt quality and hunter satisfaction on public dove fields, according to Tim Ivey, Chief of DNR Wildlife Section Regional Projects. “The goal of these regulations is to provide equitable opportunity for all participants on public dove fields, while increasing hunter satisfaction and enjoyment,” said Ivey.

A limited number of openings are available on eight special youth dove hunts scheduled for Abbeville, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Sumter, Union and York counties. Participants are selected by pre-registration or drawing for all youth hunts with the exception of the Orangeburg County youth hunt, which has no pre-registration requirement.  A list of youth hunts, dates and registration deadlines is included with this article.

Individuals who plan to hunt on these public fields will need a South Carolina hunting license and a Wildlife Management Area permit. Also, all persons hunting migratory birds (including doves) are required to have a migratory bird permit. Migratory bird permits can be obtained free-of-charge at all hunting and fishing license vendors.

A county-by-county list of public dove fields and special youth hunts can be obtained by writing: SCDNR, Attn: Public Dove Fields, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, or by calling (803) 734-3609 in Columbia. The Public Dove Field List is also available at County Extension Service offices, Soil and Water Conservation District offices, local DNR offices, and on the DNR web page at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/smallgame/dove.html.

By County Listing

*ABBEVILLE -U.S. Forest Service, Parson Mountain WMA.
5 mi. east of Abbeville on SC-72, ¼ mile south on Bass Rd., 15 acres.  Special Youth Hunt on Sept. 2 (see Youth Hunt List for details). 1st season – Saturdays only beginning Sept. 16, afternoons only.
2nd and 3rd season – open Mon. – Sat. Call (864) 223-2731 for details.

*AIKEN -U.S. Dept of Energy, Crackerneck WMA
From SC 125/CR62 (Silverton Rd) in Jackson, take Silverton 0.4 mi. to Main St., left on Main for 0.4 mi., then right on Brown Rd. for 2.1 mi. Turn left on gravel road, at end of pavement go 0.2 mi. to check station, 40 acres. 1st season – Sept. 6 & 20; Oct. 4.  Afternoons only. 2nd & 3rd season – Fridays, Saturdays & Thanksgiving Day only.Call (803) 725-3663 for details.

*ANDERSON - Evans Property
US 178 at Lebanon, 25 acres. Saturdays only, afternoons only, Dove hunting only.
Opening day participants selected by drawing. Apply by Aug. 18 at Clemson DNR office.
Call (864) 654-1671 ext. 16 for details.

*ANDERSON -Clemson University ‑ Fant's Grove WMA
From US 76/ SC 28 south of Clemson Take SC 187 to Fant's Grove Rd. 1.5 miles W, 45 acres
Open 1st, 2nd & 3rd seasons. Saturdays only, afternoons only.  (*Note: Field will be closed Oct. 7)
Dove hunting only. Call (864) 654‑1671 ext. 16 for details.

*BERKELEY -U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ‑ Canal WMA (Above Powerhouse)
 From St. Stephen Take SC 45 west for 1.5 miles or continue to County Rd 35.  Go Left about .3 miles, 60 acres Sept 2, 16, 30; Nov. 18; afternoons only. Dove & Pigeon hunting only. Call (843) 825‑3387 for details.

*BERKELEY
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ‑ Canal WMA (Below Powerhouse) 
From St. Stephen Take SC 45 E for 2.5 miles Turn Left on Paved Road, 40 acres
Sept 2, 16, 30; Nov. 18; Afternoons only. Dove & Pigeon Hunting Only. Call (843) 825‑3387 for details.

*CHEROKEE - Gaffney Board of Public Works
Take I-85 to Gaffney Exit 95, 1.2 mi. N on SR82, near Lake Whelchel, field on west side of road only, 20 acres Saturdays only, Afternoons only. Dove Hunting only. Call (864) 427-5140 for details.

*CHESTER - U.S. Forest Service ‑ Worthy Bottoms
10 miles west of Chester on SC 9, Left on Sec Rd 535, Turn Right on Worthy=s Ferry Rd. 30 acres
1st season ‑  Saturdays only, Afternoons only. 2nd & 3rd seasons ‑ Open Mon. –Sat. afternoons only.
Call (864) 427‑9858 or (864) 427-5140 for details.

* CHESTERFIELD - Taylor Property
1.8 miles north of McBee on US 1, Left on SC 145 for 11.8 miles. Right on Sec Rd 29 for .6 miles. 40 acres Saturdays only, Afternoons only. Dove Hunting Only. Call (864) 427-5140 for details.

*CHESTERFIELD - DNR McBee Tract
4 miles west of McBee on US 1, Left (South) on Sec Rd 296 for about 2 miles, Field on Left, 20 acres Planted. 1st season – Saturdays only, afternoons only. 2nd & 3rd seasons ‑ Open Mon. – Sat. afternoons only. Call (864) 427-5140 for details.

*CHESTERFIELD - SC Forestry Commission ‑ Sand Hills State Forest Wilkes Chapel Field
From Sand Hills Forest Headquarters on US 1, Go south on truck trail 141 for 1.3 miles, Right on Sec Rd 29 for .2 miles, Field on Right, 54 acres.1st season – Saturdays only, afternoons only. 2nd & 3rd seasons ‑ Open Mon – Sat afternoons only – Call (843) 498‑6478, or (803) 661-4768 for details.

*CHESTERFIELD -SC Forestry Commission – Sandhills State Forest Davis Field
From the intersection of US 1 and SC 102 in Patrick: Go southeast on SC 102 approx. 1 mi. Bear left on SR 80 and proceed approx. 1.5 mi. Left on Campbell Lake Rd. Continue 0.2 mi. then left on Griggs Loop Rd. Field entrance 0.1 mi. on the right.  30 acres. 1st season – Wednesdays only, afternoons only. 2nd & 3rd seasons – Open Mon. – Sat., Afternoons only. Call (843) 498‑6478, or (803) 661-4768 for details.

*CLARENDON - Santee Cooper – Santee Dam WMA
From the south end of SC 260 follow gravel road at base of dam for approx. 5 mi., 137 acres.
Sept. 2, 16, 30; Nov. 25, Jan. 6.  Afternoons only. Dove Hunting Only – Call (803) 655-5809 for details.

*CLARENDON  - S.C. Forestry Commission Oak Lea WMA.
From Summerton take SC 26 west for 2 mi. Go north on SC 41 for approx 5 mi. Field on right. 135 ac.
Sept. 2, 16, 30; Nov. 25, Jan. 6. Afternoons only. Dove Hunting only  - Call (803) 655-5809 for details.

*COLLETON - DNR ‑ Bear Island WMA
About 17 miles southeast of Green Pond on Sec Rd 26, 100 acres – Sept 6 & 20; Nov 25. Afternoons only Call (843) 844‑8957 for details.

*COLLETON - DNR ‑ Donnelley WMA
From US 17 E of Green Pond, Go southeast on Sec Rd 26 4 miles, Turn Right at Donnelley WMA Sign, Field 2 miles on Right, 100 acres. Sept 6 & 20; Nov 25; Dec 21; Jan. 3 & 10 Afternoons only. Call  (843) 844-8957 for details. On site lottery for 120 hunters on Sept. 6. For information call 843-844-8957.

*DARLINGTON -DeWitt Property
 From I-20 (Exit 137) go South on SC 340 (towards Timmonsville) 2.1 miles to Meander Rd. Right on Meander. Go 1.7 miles to Lake Swamp Rd. Right on Lake Swamp Rd. Go 0.5 miles to Oak Stump Rd. Bear left on Oak Stump. Field 1 mile on left. 50 acres. Wed. Afternoons only, Dove Hunting only.
Call (843) 661-4768 for details.

*EDGEFIELD/ MCCORMICK - U.S. Forest Service ‑ Forks WMA
1 mile east of SC 28 on Sec Rd 112 near Furey's Ferry, 22 acres - 1st season – Saturdays Only, afternoons only. 2nd & 3rd seasons ‑ Open Mon-Sat. Call  (864) 223‑2731 for details.

*FAIRFIELD - Crescent Resources LLC
From Ridgeway take US21 N for 9.0 mi., turn right on S-20-101 (River Rd), go 10.8 mi. to 2nd Rockbridge Rd S-20-291 turn left for 0.8 mi. to Island Rd, turn right 0.5 mi. to field – 25 acres
Saturdays Only – Afternoons Only - Dove Hunting Only. Call (864) 427-5140 for details.

*GEORGETOWN  - DNR Samworth WMA
15 miles north of Georgetown off US 701, Follow Signs, 30 acres Saturdays, Afternoons Only, Dove Hunting Only. Call (843) 546‑9489 for details.

*HAMPTON   DNR ‑ Webb Wildlife Center
3 miles west of Garnett on Augusta Stage Coach Rd., 35 acres - Sept 6,20, & 30; Nov. 22, Dec. 21, Jan 13 Afternoons Only.  Call (803) 625‑3569 for details.

*HORRY - DNR - Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve, Schultz Tract
From Stephens Crossroads on SC 9, Turn north on Sec Rd 57 & Proceed 2.2 miles,  Left on Sec Rd 111 & Proceed 2 miles, Left on Oscar Rd., Bear Left & Then Right to Field Entrance, 32 acres. Saturdays only, Afternoons only. Call (843) 546-9489 for details.

*LAURENS - DNR Gray Court Tract
8 miles north of Laurens on SC 14, Right on tar & gravel road for .2 miles, Right on dirt road for .1 mile, 12 acres - 1st season – Saturdays Only, Afternoons Only - 2nd & 3rd seasons ‑ Open Mon – Sat. Afternoons Only Call  (864) 427-5140 for details.

*LEE - Atkinson Property
From 1-20, Go 2.7 miles southeast on SC 341 to Wisacky, Go 0.9 miles west on Cooper=s Mill Rd. To Mt. Zion AME Church.  Go 3.7 miles south on Dog Island Rd.  Field on both sides of road. From US 401, Go 1.1 miles northwest on Dog Island Rd., 70 acres.Wednesday Afternoons only. Dove Hunting Only.
Call (843) 661-4768 for details.

*LEXINGTON - Hallman Field
From I-20 take 178 south for 2.5 miles toTruex Rd. take left 0.5 miles to Tom Adams Rd. take right, to 0.9 miles to stop sign, turn left on Rish Rd., go 0.3 miles to parking area. 45 acres. Saturdays Only, Afternoons Only – Dove Hunting only.Call (803) 734-3898 for details.

*MARLBORO  - DNR ‑ Lake Wallace WMA
Northwest of Lake Wallace on Sec Rd 47 Bennettsville, Beauty Spot Rd., 50 acres. Saturdays, Afternoons Only. Dove Hunting Only Call (843) 661‑4768, or (843) 479‑3312 for details.

*MCCORMICK  - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ‑ Clarks Hill WMA
Waterfowl Area, 2.5 mi. south of Bordeaux on Sec. Rd. 110, 40 acres. Sept. 2 & 20; Nov. 22, Jan 10 only, Afternoons only. Call (864) 223‑2731 for details.

*MCCORMICK – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Key Bridge WMA
0.25 mile north of Parksville on SC-28, 22 acres. 1st season – Saturdays Only, Afternoons Only. 2nd & 3rd seasons – Open Mon.- Sat.Call (864) 223-2731for details.

*MCCORMICK -U.S. Forest Service – Key Bridge WMA – Cunningham Fields
5 mi. E of Plum Branch on SC 283, 1 mi. south on Forest Service Rd 688, 40 acres. 1st season – Saturdays Only, Afternoons Only 2nd & 3rd seasons – Open Mon-Sat. Call (864) 223-2731 for details.

*MCCORMICK  - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ‑ Key Bridge WMA
2 miles west of Plum Branch on Sec Rd 57, 30 acres. 1st season – Saturdays Only,  Afternoons Only.  2nd & 3rd seasons ‑ Open Mon-Sat. Call (864) 223‑2731for details.

*NEWBERRY  - S.C.DOT  McCullough Field
From I-26 North on Hwy 121 towards Whitmire 9.2 mi. Right on McCullough Rd., 0.7 mi. Field on right.
Saturdays Only Beginning Sept 9, Afternoons Only, Dove Hunting Only. Call (803) 734-3898 for details.

* OCONEE - S.C. Forestry Commission  - Piedmont Forestry Center
From SC 130 north of Salem Turn Left on SC 11 & follow signs to  nursery, 18 acres Saturdays Only, Afternoons Only. Dove hunting only.  3rd season – Closed. Call (864) 654‑1671 ext. 16 for details.

*OCONEE - U.S. Forest Service - Ross Mtn. Field
About 7 miles north of Walhalla on SC 28, Turn on Tunneltown Rd., Turn on Ross Mtn. Rd, Field on Both Sides of road, 35 acres.1st Season, Saturdays - Afternoons Only, Beginning Sept 9 open 2nd & 3rd seasons Saturday Afternoons Only. Call (864) 654-1671 ext. 16 for details.

*ORANGEBURG - Santee Cooper ‑ Santee Cooper WMA
.5 miles northeast of Eutaw Springs, 50 acres. Entire WMA under Dove Area Regulations.Sept 16 & 30; Nov. 18. Afternoons Only. Dove Hunting Only.   Call (803) 655-5809 for details.

*PICKENS - DNR Property
South of Pickens off Sec Rd 304 near SC Highway Dept. Bldg., 40 acres. Open 1st, 2nd & 3rd seasons. Saturdays Only, Afternoons Only.  Dove Hunting Only. Call (864) 654‑1671 ext. 16 for details.

*PICKENS - Clemson University ‑ Gravely WMA ‑ Causey Tract
From SC 11 Go south on Sec Rd 112 at Cendy's Store, Turn east on Sec Rd 114 & Go 0.5 miles; 25 acres. Open 1st, 2nd & 3rd seasons Saturdays Only,  Afternoons Only.  Dove Hunting Only. Call (864) 654‑1671 ext. 16 for details.

*PICKENS - Porter Field
183 from Pickens, Go 5 miles to Mtn. View Church Rd.  Right 1/10 miles, Field  on Right. Saturdays - Afternoons Only,  Beginning Sept. 9, 3rd Season – Closed
Dove Hunting Only. Call (864) 654-1671 ext. 16 for details.

*RICHLAND - Richland County  Landfill
From Columbia Take SC 215 north from I‑20 for about 6 miles, Turn Left, Then back Right at Landfill Signs & Follow Arrows to Field, 30 acres. Sept 2 & 16 only.  1 pm – 6pm.  Dove Hunting Only. Call (803) 734-3898 for details.

*SALUDA - S.C. Electric and Gas, Murray WMA
12 mi. N of Saluda on SC-121, 1 mi. E on Tostie Creek Rd., 40 acres. Saturdays Only. Afternoons Only.
Call (803) 734-3898 for details.

*SPARTANBURG - Santee Cooper
From intersection of US 176 & West Main St. (Sec. Rd. 227) approx. 2.5 miles W. of Pacolet, go 0.1 mile east on West Main St. and turn left on Goldmine Rd. (Sec. Rd. 108) for 4.3 miles then turn right on Hatchet Dr.  Field at end of road. 15 acres.1st season - Saturdays only, Afternoons Only. 2nd & 3rd seasons – Open Mon.-Sat., Afternoons Only. Call (864) 427-5140 for details.

*SPARTANBURG - Spartanburg County Parks & Recreation Dept. – Inman Tract
3.5 mi. northwest of Inman on New Cut Rd. (Sec. Hwy 52). Field is on left (west) side of the road.
20 acres. Saturdays Only, Afternoons Only, Dove Hunting Only.  Call (864) 427-5140 for details.

* SUMTER - S.C. Forestry Commission ‑ Manchester State Forest
Directions from Wedgefield

*UNION - DNR Thurmond Tract
4.3 miles North on SC9 from the intersection of SC 9 and SC 49 at Lockhart. Field is on left. 15 acres.
1st season – Saturdays Only, Afternoons Only. 2nd & 3rd seasons open Mon – Sat. Afternoons Only. Call (864) 427-5140 for details.

*UNION - U.S. Forest Service 
3 miles E of Cross Keys on Sec Rd 18 at Intersection of Sec Rd 80 near Sedalia , 15 acres
1st season – Saturdays – Afternoons Only, Beginning Sept. 9. 2nd & 3rd seasons ‑ Open Mon ‑ Sat.
Afternoons Only. Call (864) 427-5140, or (864) 427‑9858 for details.

*YORK  - DNR - Draper Tract
3.5 miles E of McConnell on SC 322, Turn Right on Sec Rd 165, Go .5 miles, Turn Right, Two 30 acres Fields. 1st season – Saturdays Only, Afternoons Only
2nd & 3rd seasons Open Mon - Sat. Afternoons Only. 
Opening day participants selected by drawing. Apply in writing by Aug 18 to DNR, 124 Wildlife Dr, Union, SC  29379.  Limited space available.  Call (864) 427-5140 for details.

*YORK - Worth Mountain WMA
From Hickory Grove at the intersection of SC Hwy 97 and SC Hwy 211, take Hwy 211 South approx. 4 miles and turn left on Scenic View Rd, go .75 miles and field is on right. 40 acres planted.
1st season – Saturdays only, Afternoons only. 2nd & 3rd seasons Open Mon-Sat, Afternoons Only.
Call (864) 427-5140 for details.

* SPECIAL YOUTH DOVE HUNTS - Eligibility for these hunts requires adults 21 years or older to bring 1 or 2 youths 5 to 15 years of age.  The following regulations also apply on Special Youth Dove Hunts:

1. Adults may actively participate in hunting, but adults may not shoot while accompanying youths are shooting.  Adult’s gun must be unloaded when accompanying youth is shooting; youths’ guns must be unloaded when adult is shooting. 
2. Bag limit is 12 birds per youth participant.  Birds harvested by adult hunters will count towards this bag limit.  Birds harvested by individual hunters must be kept separate, and in no instance may an individual hunter harvest more than 12 birds.

Abbeville Youth Hunt – U.S. Forest Service Parson Mountain WMA
Sept. 2. Participants Selected by drawing. Call (864) 223-2731 Aug. 1-18 to pre-register.

Newberry Youth Hunt – SCDOT McCullough Field
Sept. 2. Limited space available. Call (803) 734-3898 Aug. 1-18 to pre-register.

Oconee Youth Hunt – U.S. Forest Service, Ross Mtn. Field
Sept. 2. Participants selected by drawing, limited space available. Apply by Aug.18 to DNR, 153 Hopewell Rd., Pendleton, SC 29670. Call (864) 654-1671, ext.16.

Orangeburg Youth Hunt – Santee Cooper WMA
Sept.2. No pre-registration required. Call (803) 734-3898 for information.

Pickens Youth Hunt – Porter Field
Sept.2. Participants selected by drawing. Apply by Aug.18 to DNR, 153 Hopewell Rd., Pendleton, SC 29670. Limited space available. Call (864) 654-1671 ext. 16 for application.

Sumter Youth Hunt – Manchester State Forest near Wedgefield – Bland Tract, Field 1
Sept.2. Limited space available.Call (803) 734-3898 Aug.1-18 for field location and to pre-register.

Union Youth Hunt – U.S. Forest Service near Sedalia
Sept. 2. Participants selected by drawing. Apply in writing or call by Aug.18 to DNR, 124 Wildlife Dr., Union SC 29379. Limited space available. (864) 427-5140.

York Youth Hunt – DNR Draper WMA
Sept.2. Participants selected by drawing. Apply in writing or call by Aug.18 to DNR, 124 Wildlife Dr., Union SC 29379. Limited space available. (864) 427-5140.