Deer Hunting Season Begins Aug. 15 in S.C. Game Zone Three

Deer stands will be busy on opening day

The traditional start date for deer hunting season in the Lowcountry of South Carolina remains August 15, and runs until January 1. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) reports that deer populations have declined over the past ten years, and that white-tailed deer management is now more important than ever, especially with the colonization of coyotes. One change for 2015 by SCDNR is the consolidation of Game Zones in the state, thereby changing our area formerly known as Game Zone Six, into Game Zone Three.

Charles Ruth is the deer and wild turkey program coordinator for the SCDNR. Readers of the Colletonian may recall that Ruth came to town in 2014 to speak at a meeting of the ACE Basin branch of the Quality Deer Management Association. In a May 2015 letter to deer hunters regarding doe harvest, Ruth addresses the fact that while deer populations may be in a decline over the past tens years, a more moderate population increases the overall herd quality.

A higher quality deer herd equates to larger trophy bucks being harvested, giving hunters something to think about as they pursue white-tailed deer in search of a ‘wallhanger’ this season. The practice of restraint, or trigger management, will allow younger bucks to be passed up so that they might grow into mature bucks in the near future. Good Luck Hunting!

To read this feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view the bird hunting seasons for 2015 - 2016 click here.

For past blog entries about Opening Days Deer Success Stories click on 2014- 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009