7/30/2007

#07–211 July 30, 2007

Fant's Grove youth deer hunt registration is due by Sept. 3

The registration deadline for an Upstate youth deer hunt sponsored by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and Clemson University’s Department of Forest Resources is Monday, Sept. 3.
           
The Fant's Grove Youth Deer Hunt is set for Saturday, Oct. 6 at Fant’s Grove Wildlife Management Area near Clemson. A public drawing for the 22 slots on the deer hunt will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 5. at the Clemson office of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 153 Hopewell Road near Clemson University. All interested applicants are welcome to attend the drawing.
           
To obtain an application for the hunt, call Richard Morton at (864) 654-1671, extension 16, in the Clemson DNR office, or e-mail MortonR@dnr.sc.gov. Applications may also be picked up at the DNR Clemson office at 153 Hopewell Road. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and "Take One Make One" applicants.
           
All participants must have an adult, 21 years or older, with them to hunt; youths must be between the ages of 10-15. All adults will be required to have a valid state hunting license, big game permit and a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit. Only the youths will be allowed to shoot.
           
The purpose of this hunt is to help educate and introduce youth to deer hunting and other outdoor experiences. The hunt will also help manage the deer population on Fant’s Grove Wildlife Management Area.

A mandatory registration and safety class will be held on Friday, Oct. 5, which all participants must attend in order to hunt. Only one rifle or shotgun will be allowed per stand; rifles will probably be the better choice. Each youth may harvest two deer of either sex. All participants will be required to wear international orange in the form of a vest and/or cap. Verification letters with further details will be mailed to all successfully drawn applicants. Applicants not drawn will also receive notification.            

DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.