Hunters must check deer taken on lower state WMA ’s

Hunters on state Wildlife Management Area lands in Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston counties, including Francis Marion National Forest, need to remember that all deer harvested must be checked in at the nearest deer check station.

Sam Chappelear, S.C. Department of Natural Resources regional wildlife coordinator for the Lowcountry, noted that deer check stations at local retail businesses are available near all Wildlife Management Area hunting lands and are accessible to hunters for checking-in deer.

For more information on South Carolina hunting seasons and regulations consult the “2006-2007 South Carolina Rules & Regulations for Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife Management Areas.” The booklet is available at the DNR Web site, http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html, and where hunting and fishing licenses are sold. You may also obtain one by writing: Regulations, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202; or by calling (803) 734-3886 in Columbia.

Check stations near the Francis Marion National Forest include: Angler’s Mini-Mart (Jamestown), Dennis Wildlife Center, Elmwood Check Station, Witherbee Ranger Station, Macedonia Superette, Rock Road Tackle Shop, Wambaw Ranger Station, McClellanville Feed & Seed, P&C Grocery, and Haddrell’s Point Tackle and Supply. Deer harvested from the Francis Marion National Forest on either-sex deer hunts with dogs must be checked in prior to one hour after legal sunset.

Site-specific check stations have been set up during the either-sex deer hunts with dogs on the Francis Marion Forest. In order to gather biological information, all harvested deer on those days may only be checked in at the following locations: Northampton Wildlife Management Area, either-sex deer hunt with dogs (Oct. 21) (P&C Grocery or Anglers in Jamestown); Santee Wildlife Management Area, either-sex deer hunt with dogs (Oct. 7) (Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area entrance or M&B Alvin Community Mart); Wambaw Wilfdlife Management Area, either-sex deer hunt with dogs (Nov. 4) (Awendaw check station or Honey Hill Lookout Tower); and Hellhole Wildlife Management Area, one day either-sex deer hunt with dogs (Dec. 8) (Hellhole check station off SC Highway 41).

Check stations near the Moultrie Hunt Unit include: St. Stephen Citgo, Henry’s Bait and Tackle, Cathie’s Mini Mart, and Thornhill’s Fish Camp.

The check station for the Dungannon Heritage Preserve Wildlife Management Area in Charleston County is now a self-check system. Tags specifically for use only on Dungannon Wildlife Management Area will be located at the sign-in box at the main entrance off of SC Highway 162.

Deer harvested from the Edisto River Wildlife Management Area must be checked in at one of the two designated sign-out locations located on the management area. See the 2006-2007 Wildlife Management Area map for Game Zones 6 and 11 for specific locations.

Hunters on Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area in Berkeley County must sign in and sign out at one of the two main entrances located on SC Highway 402. Deer harvested from the area must be checked-in using a special legal tag located in the information box at the two entrances.

Operating hours of the local voluntary check stations will vary. Check a 2006-2007 Wildlife Management Area Map (Game Zones 6 and 11) for specific times and check station locations. Maps are available from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and local deer check stations.

Hunters planning to hunt the Moultrie Hunt Unit in Berkeley County are reminded that on the North Dike Wildlife Management Area, individual antlerless tags will be valid Sept. 15–Oct. 28, but not necessary on days designated either sex (either sex days are Oct. 1-28). The limit for deer on North Dike Wildlife Management Area is two deer per day. Hunters may not harvest more than eight deer total from the Moultrie Hunt Unit during gun hunts.