Brad Harvey: DNR offering Upstate youth hunts for deer

Despite that it’s still hotter than blue blazes outside, we’re now inside of a month before the start of South Carolina’s annual deer season.

If you have or know of a youngster between the ages of 10 and 15 who already hunts deer or is interested in trying it, the state’s Department of Natural Resources is offering a great opportunity.

As a part of its Take One Make One outdoors education program, DNR, in cooperation with private landowners and hunt clubs, will hold hunts throughout the Piedmont just for these young hunters.

There is no cost, but a parent or legal guardian must provide written permission for child to attend, along with signing a liability waiver and providing transportation to and from the site.

“We are specifically looking for young people who have an interest in hunting but don’t have anyone to take them,” said Gerald Moore, DNR wildlife biologist. “These special hunts are designed for a growing number of youth today who don’t have a parent, relative or close friend that hunts and can provide them proper exposure to the hunting experience. As a result, many of today’s young people are missing out on a challenging and enjoyable recreational activity.”

Special youth deer hunts are scheduled at the following sites:

▪  Oct. 17, Laurens County, Brownlee Farm

▪  Oct. 17, Laurens County, Johnson Farm

▪  Nov. 7, Spartanburg County, Horseshoe Falls Hunt Club

▪  Nov. 14, Union County, Laura Lyn Farm

▪  Nov. 14, Union County, Chufa Ridge Farm

▪  Nov. 14, Cherokee County, Broken Arrow Hunt Club

▪  Dec. 5, Spartanburg County, Yelton Farm

▪  Dec. 12, Laurens County, The Clinton House Plantation

▪  Dec. 12, Union County, Trophy Buck Club

Those participating will take part in a short training course on gun safety and go to the rifle range to fire the gun they’ll use during the hunt. All firearms will be provided for anyone who needs one and adult supervision will be provided throughout every aspect of the event, including while hunting.

Lunch will be provided at no cost.

All applications must be received by Monday, Sept. 14. You can get that application from the Union DNR office at 124 Wildlife Drive or by downloading it from the DNR website at www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/youthhunting/docs/2015youthupstatereg1.pdf.

Migratory bird hunting seasons approved

The S.C. Natural Resources Board recently gave its approval to this fall’s migratory bird hunting seasons for mourning doves, marsh hens, woodcock, moorhens, snipe, purple gallinules, along with early seasons in September for teal and Canada geese.

Here’s a rundown:

▪  The 2015-2016 mourning dove season in South Carolina is Sept. 5-7, noon to sunset; Sept. 8-Oct. 17; Nov. 14-28; and Dec. 15-Jan. 15. Legal hunting hours for mourning dove season, except for Sept. 5-7, are from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The daily bag limit is 15 birds per day. Dove season traditionally opens on either the first Saturday in September or on Labor Day, whichever comes first. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, seasons for migratory game birds cannot begin before Sept. 1. The season encompasses 90 days.

▪  The two-part season for marsh hens – including king, clapper, sora and Virginia rails – and common moorhens and purple gallinules will be from Sept. 26-Oct. 1 and Oct. 25-Dec. 27. The daily bag limit for king and/or clapper rails is 15 birds per hunter and moorhens and/or purple gallinules is 15 birds per hunter. The daily limit for sora and/or Virginia rails is 25 birds per hunter. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

▪  The 2015-2016 South Carolina season for woodcock will run Dec. 18-Jan. 31. Three birds per hunter is the daily limit. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

▪  The 2015-2016 season for common snipe, also called Wilson’s snipe, will be Nov. 14-Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is eight birds. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

▪  An early season for Canada geese will be Sept. 1-30. This season is statewide. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The daily bag limit for Canada geese during this early season is 15 birds.

▪  The South Carolina early season for teal will be Sept. 11-26. The daily bag limit is six birds. Shooting hours are sunrise until sunset (not 30 minutes before sunrise, as with other migratory bird seasons). Category II waterfowl areas will be open for hunting during teal and Canada goose seasons.

Although it’s not likely to change, this still has to be rubber stamped by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and then published in the federal register before it’s official.

One thing that’s a little different this year is a wrinkle in the possession limit. Now you’ll be allowed to have up to three times the daily bag limit as opposed to two times as it was in the past.

This story was originally published August 18, 2015 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Brad Harvey: DNR offering Upstate youth hunts for deer."