Bird Season Primer and Sandy Island Deer Hunts

         The traditional start date of August 15 for deer season is here and sportsmen across the Lowcountry are able to target male deer. Presently, there is no limit on bucks, but remember that the season for doe deer does not begin until September 15. For wingshooters, the arrival of September 1 will renew their favorite pastime of shooting doves, which is accompanied with fellowship time among sporting friends. 

Marsh hens harvested in 2011

          Whether shooting doves with a 12-gauge automatic shotgun or a more sporting 20-gauge double barrel gun, hunters will need plenty of shotgun shells. A good option to tote those shells is Browning’s Wild Boar shell pouch, which attaches around your waist via an adjustable belt with quick release buckle. There is nothing wrong with looking good in the dove field by wearing a little pigskin.

            With no dove vest, hunters will need an easy way to move around with their harvested doves. Sure you can grab a limit of doves by the wings or legs, but that leaves hands often bloody and covered in feathers too. Try out a game strap, by TangleFree products, which is designed to hang the birds by the neck in the loops that cinch down, allowing an easy way to handle your birds, and a great way to show them off.

             September weather means afternoon showers, and you can't go wrong with a stuffable camo rainsuit from Frogg Toggs. An umbrella in the dove field is too cumbersome and really limits one's range of motion while pass shooting. To view the feature article on the September bird seasons click Charleston Mercury. The article also includes all you need to know about how to obtain the free permit to deer hunt on Sandy Island.

Sandy Island map from TNC

Essential bird hunting gear

To view past blog entries about early season deer gear click here.