Hunt Free in SC.

 

For the first time, the SC Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering free hunting days (Jan. 4-5, 2013) to any South Carolina resident.

“If you ever wanted to experience the thrill of hunting, the relaxation of spending time in the woods, or the joy of  a new adventure with family and friends, this is the time to get out there and see all that South Carolina’s natural resources have to offer,” said SC DNR officials.

Free hunting days allow all South Carolina residents to hunt without a state hunting license or other required permits — to include the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit or Migratory Waterfowl Permit (formerly State Duck Stamp).

DNR officials want residents to understand that while the free hunting days eliminate state licensing requirements for those days, they do not waive any federal requirements for a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting & Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) to hunt migratory waterfowl.

Free hunting days are available only to SC residents and apply to all lands on which hunting is allowed, to include private lands and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) throughout the state that are not otherwise closed to hunting.

The list of open WMAs can be found by visiting the Managed Lands tab of the DNR website (https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/lookup). Existing seasons, bag limits, and methods of take still apply on these days, so if you’re thinking about taking advantage of free hunting on January 4-5, make sure to check the 2012-2013 Rules and Regulations for more information (http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html).

UPDATE: SC DNR wants to clarify that the Jan. 4-5, 2013 free hunt days do not extend deer or any other season. Deer season in South Carolina ends on Jan. 1. Free hunting days are a chance for those unlicensed hunters to get into the field. All existing seasons, bag limits and methods of take still apply so check the 2012-2013 Rules and Regulations for more information.

PHOTO CREDIT: SC WILDLIFE/SCDNR