2020 Turkey Season Changes and Draw Hunt Deadline

Everyone is hoping that hen turkeys have improved
noting success in 2020

Dove hunting and duck hunting seasons ended on the last day of January, and for many the spring turkey season is next on the outdoors to do list. Small game season extends into February for quail, rabbit and snipe hunting but warmer than average weather can hinder those opportunities. The rules and regulations for hunting wild turkey in South Carolina continues to evolve with their populations lower than normal in many areas. The opening day for turkey hunting in the Lowcountry will be pushed back until March 22, with a new provision that no more than one gobbler be harvested during the first ten days of the season.

            

For veteran turkey hunters the long time historical opening day for hunting Lowcountry longbeards on March 15, looks more and more like a thing of the past. The opening day for the 2019 opening season was pushed back until March 20, and now in 2020 the Sunday March 22 date effectively shaves off the first potential Saturday of turkey hunting opportunity. The deeper dates on the calendar, and the new provision, are in tune with data from biologist studies that show mature gobblers being the most susceptible to turkey calling in the early season. The later start date and the trimming of the early harvest theoretically gives the gobblers a better chance to breed with hens in order to increase reproductive success.

            

More date changes for the 2020 turkey season include a youth hunting weekend on March 14 and 15, with a limit of one bid per hunter, and that turkey counting toward their season limit. The season limit for turkey hunters is three birds per hunter, and 2020 marks the first year that turkey tags are no longer free. South Carolina residents will pay a $5 fee for three turkey tags, and non-resident hunters will pay $100 for their limit of two turkey tags per hunter. Tags may be purchased on-line or by phone and will be mailed out beginning in mid-February. Tags will be available over the counter at SCDNR regional offices in March, and turkey tags must be in your possession when hunting.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries on turkey hunting click Grand Slam - Mark Prudhomme - Eddie Salter - Tony Chachere - H.S. Strut 

To view past blog entires about the Turkey Season Opener click 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2010 - 2009