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| Planning ahead for a draw hunt can help to tag a tom turkey |
Deer, dove and duck seasons have just wrapped up, and
Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day prediction is for an early spring. Small game
season remains in effect for February, but warming temperatures can end hunting
plans before a specific calendar date arrives. Big game hunters are already
dreaming of full strut toms and opening day of wild turkey season on March 20.
Turkey populations are lower than average in many places across the state right
now, but certainly not everywhere. Turkey draw hunts on Wildlife Management
Areas can provide an extra opportunity to hunt and the February 22 deadline for
online applications is approaching.
The public
lottery hunt program is administered by the South Carolina Department of
Natural Resources, providing access to hunt public lands managed for all wildlife.
This program is well suited for hunter recruitment, serving those who do not
have hunting access elsewhere. All applications are processed online on the
SCDNR website, and hunters can choose between five properties in the multi-site
draw hunt. There is a non-refundable fee of $5 per applicant, and if drawn a
Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit is required during the hunt.
Three of
these public hunting properties are in the Lowcountry including Bonneau Ferry
WMA, Donnelly WMA and Santee Cooper WMA. The remaining two public hunting
properties in the Midlands include Belfast WMA and Wateree River Heritage
Preserve. These same five properties also offer a separate youth only turkey
draw hunt lottery, requiring a separate application. No turkey hunt is ever a
sure thing, but access to these properties is limited and a high quality
experience in the outdoors is more than likely. All hunters, including youth,
are required to have turkey tags in their possession, and they can be ordered
by calling 1-866-714-3611.
To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.
To view past blog entries on draw hunt applications click 2014
To view past blog entries on turkey hunting click Grand Slam - Mark Prudhomme - Eddie Salter - Tony Chachere - H.S. Strut
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