#07–234 August 20, 2007

Hunters must check deer taken on lower state WMA's

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

Sam Chappelear, regional wildlife coordinator S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said that deer check stations at local retail businesses are available near all Wildlife Management Area (WMA) hunting lands and are accessible to hunters for checking in deer. Operating hours of the local voluntary check stations will vary. Refer to a 2007-2008 Wildlife Management Area map for specific times and check station locations. Maps are available from the DNR and local deer check stations. Printable portions of the WMA maps are also available online.

Check stations near the Francis Marion National Forest include: 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. 
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 WMA either-sex deer hunt with dogs (Oct. 20) (P&C Grocery or Anglers Mini Mart in Jamestown); Santee WMA either-sex deer hunt with dogs (Sept. 22) (Bonneau Ferry WMA entrance or M&B Alvin Community Mart); Wambaw WMA either-sex deer hunt with dogs (Oct. 27) (Awendaw check station or Honey Hill Lookout Tower); and Hellhole WMA one day either-sex deer hunt with dogs (Dec. 14) (Hellhole check station off SC Highway 41). 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.

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

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

Deer harvested from the Edisto River WMA must be checked in at one of the two designated sign-out locations located on the management area. See the 2007-08 WMA map (Map 9) for specific locations.
Hunters hunting on Bonneau Ferry WMA in Berkeley County must sign in and sign out at the main entrance 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 main entrance.

Hunters planning to hunt the Moultrie Hunt Unit in Berkeley County are reminded that on the North Dike WMA individual antlerless tags will be valid beginning Sept. 15, but are not necessary on days designated either sex (either sex days are Oct. 1-27). The limit for deer on North Dike WMA is two deer per day. Hunters may not harvest more than eight deer total from the Moultrie Hunt Unit during gun hunts.

For more information on South Carolina hunting seasons and regulations, refer to the 2007-2008 South Carolina Rules & Regulations for Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife Management Areas. The booklet can be picked up at DNR locations and is available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

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.