7/30/2007

Hunting, fishing licenses are up for renewal in S.C.

It’s time for South Carolina hunters and anglers to purchase their annual hunting and fishing licenses for the 2007-2008 season. Last season’s licenses expire on June 30, 2007.
           
The prices of all hunting and fishing licenses for the upcoming 2007-2008 South Carolina hunting season remain the same as last year. South Carolina residents born before July 1, 1940 are eligible for the Gratis Hunting and Fishing license. South Carolina residents born after July 1, 1940 are eligible for the $9.00 Senior License.  A resident, upon qualifying and purchasing the $9.00 Senior license will no longer have to purchase licenses in the future.
           
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sells hunting and fishing licenses at its Charleston (843-953-9301), Clemson (864-654-1671), Columbia (803-734-3857) and Florence (843-661-4766) offices as well as 800 license agents across the state. Licenses for the upcoming 2007-2008 season went on sale June 11 and are valid immediately after purchase.
           
You can also purchase a license by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-714-3611.
          
" South Carolina has a rich heritage of fishing and hunting," said Bryan Kyzer, DNR Customer Service Manager. "More than a half-million people, including residents and nonresidents, bought fishing and hunting licenses during fiscal year 2006-2007 which generated more than $13.8 million in revenue for natural resources conservation in the Palmetto State." Federal funds for wildlife and sport fisheries restoration earmarked for South Carolina are based in part on the number of hunting and fishing licenses sold. The funds are generated by excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment.
           
Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older must purchase the required licenses to hunt and fish in South Carolina. Anyone born after June 30, 1979, must complete a DNR certified hunter education course to purchase a hunting license. Residents born on or before July 1, 1940 are eligible to obtain the gratis license, free of charge. State residents born after July 1, 1940 will need to purchase the $9 Senior Statewide Senior lifetime license. The senior lifetime license, for residents age 64 and above, includes privileges that cover hunting and freshwater & saltwater fishing licenses and big game permit, Wildlife Management Area permit (a $30.50 annual permit), the state duck stamp (a $5.50 annual stamp). Applications for Lifetime, Gratis and Disability licenses will be printed in the 2007-2008 “Rules and Regulations” booklet available in August, or individuals may call (803) 734-3833 in Columbia to obtain an application. 2007-2008 Rules and Regulations do have some significant changes such as the reorganization of Games Zones, Game Zone maps and new limitations on fish species. Hunters and Anglers need to reference the new Rules and Regulations in August to familiarize themselves with the reorganized Game Zoning and new limitations on fish species.
           
" Please note there are some tags/licenses/permits required for specific privileges not covered under the senior license," Kyzer said. “We encourage people to pick up the new regulations locally from license sales agents at retail stores and DNR field offices statewide beginning the first week of August to save the state mailing and other handling expenses. For questions regarding hunting and fishing licenses call (803) 734-3833 in Columbia."
           
Hunting and fishing license fees for the 2007-2008 season are as follows: