SCDNR encourages night hunting for invasive species

An opportunistic harvest of a coyote during turkey season

The call for control of invasive species is growing louder. Hunters are some of the best conservationists around, and they are now being called on to aid South Carolinians by expanding their hobby. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources is opening up a new night hunting season that is history in the making. From February 28 until July 1 those hunting private property will be able to hunt at night over bait for hogs, coyotes and armadillos. Many Colletonians see these three species as a menace in the Lowcountry, giving pristine lands new scars with digging and rooting, while taxing our game species with their predatory skill. Furthermore, electronic calls, artificial lights and even night vision equipment will be legal to use during this new night hunting season. Any legal firearm, bow or crossbow may be used, with centerfire rifles only allowed when hunting from an elevated position at least 10 feet from the ground. Remember that an advanced notice of 48 hours must be given to SCDNR for each hunter before practicing this new hunt option. That notice shall include hunter information including name, date of birth and hunting license number. Applicants must also provide the location of the private property with a street address or road numbers that border a rural property when applicable. Call SCDNR at 803-955-4000 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to register.

To view the rest of my feature article click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries about hunting invasive hogs click here.