2017 SCI Wounded Warrior Deer Hunt

Jon Fox with first ever deer, and a hog too

The wounded warrior deer hunt was postponed one week due to wet weather in 2015, and then was canceled outright in 2016 due to Hurricane Matthew. With no inclement weather in the forecast for October 23 and 24, the 12th annual SCI Wounded Warrior deer hunt in the ACE Basin was conducted with military precision. Hunt organizer Mark Peterson coordinates getting the hunters in touch with the properties they will be hunting, and Nemours Wildlife Foundation provides the hub for meals, safety requirements and the all important social time that allows for the swapping of hunt stories.

            

Guide Pam Constantine and Cory Iddins

Not every hunter will be able to harvest a deer or a hog, but everyone can share in the experience after the hunt. Perhaps they saw some deer movement, but had no opportunity for a sporting shot. With twenty-two properties welcoming these wounded warrior deer hunters into the ACE Basin, there is always an elevated chance for success and the Monday afternoon hunt saw five deer harvested plus one pig. The weather on Monday night was warm and included rain showers, but by early Tuesday morning the weather had changed over to clear conditions with much cooler temps, and the hunters had even more success.

            

SCI volunteer Clint Lemon

Gathering at Nemours Plantation late Tuesday morning, everyone huddles near the skinning shed to see which hunters bring back a big buck, doe or hog. Several hunters returned with more than one animal, which is an indicator of good marksmanship, and of good hunting. Cory Iddins of Maine returned from Gracefield Plantation with two bucks to his credit, accompanied by his local guide and longtime wounded warrior hunt volunteer, Pam Constantine of Walterboro. Both Iddins and Constantine feel that this hunt is helpful to all who participate in this therapeutic reconnaissance into the outdoors.

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

To view past blog entries on the SCI Wounded Warrior deer hunt click 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

2017 Therapy Dog Team

Group Photo

Economics of Alligator Hunting in S.C.

Sunning alligator

When it comes to our natural resources, none are considered to be unlimited anymore. However, the alligator resources of South Carolina have been tapped for sustainable harvest for ten years now and the blueprint for continued success is already in place.

As the Program Coordinator for Furbearers and Alligators for the SCDNR, Butfilowski is a busy man each fall and winter when gator hunting and furbearer seasons commence. “The inaugural alligator season in S.C. was 2010, and we have made very little changes to the hunt since then,” said Butfilowski. “We began in 2010 by issuing 1200 harvest tags, but that number has been reduced to 1000 tags for several seasons and that number won’t change in 2017. Specifically, that is 250 harvest permits per each alligator management unit.”

Alligator Drew Hunts generate funds with a $10 non-refundable application fee and then a $100 permit fee for those selected. Non-resident hunters must pay an additional $200 fee, and purchase the proper non-resident hunting license too. Only about 80-percent of drawn hunters go on to purchase their alligator harvest tag, which makes it legal to harvest one alligator, four-feet in length or greater. Most hunters are looking for a gator much longer than four feet, but occasionally a smaller gator is preferred for table fare.

The economics of alligator hunting season in S.C. goes beyond SCDNR revenues, since venison processors and taxidermists have become accustomed to increased traffic during gator season. Alligator meat can be processed for customers, but not sold. Alligator hides and parts may be sold according to regulations, so hunters have the option of getting a custom belt or some other accessory to celebrate their trophy gator harvest. Since demand for alligator harvest permits remains high, and the alligator population remains sustainable, the alligator hunting season in S.C. is likely to remain a success story for SCDNR and the economy for the next ten years.

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

To view past stories about gator hunting click 2015 - 2013 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 - 2008  

To view past articles in Tideline click on 2016 Deer Season - Surf Zone Redfish - New State Wide Turkey Season - Hunt Club Management - Amberjack Fishing 

2017 Birding Journal Observations - September / October

Immature Bald Eagle in Bald Cypress Tree from 10/24

After Hurricane Irma delivered 6-inches of rain in one deluge on September 11, the precipitation in the Lowcountry essentially turned off. Only 1.5-inches of rain fell in October, and with above average temperatures, the landscape is dry heading into winter. Of course birders know that these climactic conditions make birdbaths a powerful attractor for avian life, and the fresher the water the better!

Fall migration seemed to start early in 2017 with my first hooded warbler sighting on September 4. And I had a bald eagle sighting on that same day for good measure! I would say that observing these two bird species is fairly common in my area, but they both offer eye-popping characteristics (both large and small) that make each viewing memorable.

Other sightings include Parula warbler (9/18), blue jay, cardinal, dove, flycatcher, magnolia warbler, mockingbird, red-bellied woodpecker, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-shouldered hawk, Canada goose, Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, downy woodpecker, hermit thrush (9/25), pileated woodpecker, gray catbird, female summer tanager (9/22), brown thrasher, American redstart (10/10), kingfisher and Great blue heron. To the best of my knowledge my hummingbirds departed on 10/25 for the winter.

To view the most recent birding journal observations click on July / August 2017

To view past Birding Journal Observations for September / October click 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009