Their numbers rebounded through conservation efforts from 25 in 1955 to 800 in more recent years. Additionally, a quick search of popular hunting forums and message boards reveals that many hunters consider South Carolina to be a great place to hunt due to the abundance of game and favorable weather conditions. Deer are allowed to hunt from one hour before sunrise (50-11-710) to one hour after sunset (50-11-710). In the Lowcountry, you can see deer near the marshes and on the barrier islands. With the decline in farming, reforestation of the state began and was largely complete by the 1970's. The number of small game bag limits, special seasons, and hunting regulations in South Carolina are determined by the species of animal and the season. Hunting or shooting deer from a water conveyance or any portion of the deer submerged in water is prohibited. According to the U.S. News website, the number of resident fishing and hunting licenses increased to 7,050 in March 2020 from 5,643 in March of the previous year. Waste or Abuse to SC Inspector General | Statewide averages for male deer indicate that 1.5-year-old bucks average about 107 lbs. Ruth predicted that the harvest would end around the first of the year. Although South Carolina is noted to have the longest firearms deer season in the country, the relationship between season length and deer harvest is often misunderstood. Hunters have encouraged the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to recommend and implement a statewide limit on bucks including appropriate law enforcement measures to provide enforcement for such a limit. During this time, hunters are able to take advantage of the states large deer population. It found that deer populations increased following coyote colonization. Waste or Abuse to SC Inspector General. On a scale of 1 to 3 with 1 being increasing, 2 being neutral, and 3 being decreasing, the overall mean rating of 2.0 suggests that hunters viewed the deer population about the same as past years. mail to 1,722 participants in the private land Antlerless Deer Quota Program. 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 The license types included: The number of individuals associated with each license type was based on an attempted sampling rate of approximately 15 percent for licenses purchased through December of 2020. States You Can Legally Harvest Roadkill. From October 1 - 11 is the primitive-weapons season when you can bowhunt or use muzzleloaders. Evidence for this includes an illegal importation case that was made and the fact that coyotes had not been documented in adjacent counties in Georgia and North Carolina. They are only found in the Florida keys and are an endangered species. Since 2002, the SC deer population has declined by more than 30%. As a result of the General Assemblys action, deer hunters will have access to private lands required to hunt deer in a safe and ethical manner. As an avid bowhunter who wants to hunt in cooler weather and has little hunting pressure, now is the time to look for North Carolina land in South Carolina. Also, the reader should bear in mind that reporting criteria have changed over time. The initiative allows public lands to be used for hunting on Sundays, with restrictions on the number of deer allowed to be taken. The following summarizes research with implications to the issue of a statewide limit on bucks including the implementation of appropriate law enforcement measures to provide enforcement for such a limit. A point is defined as an antler projection of at least 1 inch in length from base to tip. This is especially true when combined with extremely liberal deer harvests that have been the norm in South Carolina. Summary, Upstate Mobility Impaired Deer Hunt Application, Wildlife Management Area Public Hunt Applications, Report Since 2016 the states deer harvest has increased possibly as a result of declining coyote densities that would naturally occur following colonization. South Dakota is encourages all citizens to turn in poachers in the State. Given these results and the difficulty and high cost of coyote control, it seems apparent that making adjustments to how we manage deer, particularly female deer, is more important now than prior to the colonization of the state by coyotes. You are allowed to harvest 2 whitetail deer per day. South Carolina is an excellent place to hunt deer if youre looking for a good hunting area. I can also kill 1 buck on a firearms tag, so in MO you can kill 3 bucks. Those in Game Zone 2 can legally kill 10 total deer. All deer harvested during the opening weekend of a firearms deer season one year or older must be CWD tested. Finally, the estimated deer harvest on WMA lands is included in, not additive to, the county and statewide estimates found throughout this report. The Statewide Deer Research and Management Project (Deer Project) within the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of SCDNR is responsible for monitoring the states deer resource. If the hunting season is extended, more bucks may be harvested without antlers and their unborn fetuses may be killed. Under the Castle Doctrine, it is assumed that you have a reasonable fear of bodily injury or death if someone has broken into your homeOct 1, 2019 Do squirrels remember humans? Like wild hogs, coyotes are a non-native species in South Carolina. Habitat is also very important. Click the links below to find out which areas of the state lie in each Game Zone. SCDNR completed a major study with researchers at the Savannah River Site investigating the affects coyotes are having on the survival of deer fawns. on the SCDNR website at: In January 2006, a survey of participants in the Antlerless Deer Quota Program (ADQP) was home*, Night hunting is permitted on registered properties, or with a depredation permit. Although the deer harvest in the state has generally declined in recent years, South Carolina remains at the top among southeastern states, many of which have also noted a declining trend. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Carolina produces an average of 50,160,000 bushels of corn each year. Chapter 13. Location: Posts: 13,082. Although there is a 5-buck season limit prescribed in law in the two upstate Game Zones (Game Zones 1 and 2) these limits have never been enforceable. P. O. Total effort expended deer hunting in South Carolina during 2020 was estimated at 2,215,133 days (Table 8), a 7 percent increase from 2020. First, since most aspects of deer hunting (travel, accommodations, etc.) The Game Commission is working on implementing these restrictions on private lands. the SC deer population has declined The top 5 South Carolina counties for overall days of deer hunting during 2020 were Orangeburg, Colleton, Kershaw, Spartanburg, and Aiken (Table 8). = 1 mile2). Second, shotguns are the customary weapon related to hunting deer with dogs and the argument can be made that dog hunting is being practiced more by residents than nonresidents. [9] The city lies just south of the geographical midpoint of South Carolina's coastline on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the . This is the first time I hunted in South Carolina during the second week of August. Response rates normally run between 30 and 40 percent with the responses being used to statistically estimate the various parameters. approximately 74 percent of meeting attendees supported a statewide 5-buck limit while approximately in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. Coyotes from this source apparently populated to the Northeast until they encountered the Santee Cooper Lakes. Shotguns are preferred significantly more by residents (6%) than nonresidents (2%) and muzzleloaders are preferred more by nonresidents (2.7%) than by residents (1%) (Table 12). Prior to the tagging program, increases in harvest were normally the result of increases in the buck harvest or a more equal increase in buck and doe harvest. All WMAs have the option of carrying 22 rimfire rifles or smaller. In the late 1980's coyotes were documented in the Pee Dee Region, again associated with illegal imports. To summarize, upon purchasing a hunting license, each South Carolina resident hunter will receive 3 unrestricted buck tags, plus 8 date-specific antlerless deer tags. The explanation of this situation is similar to that for weapons utilization in that, (1) residents do most of the dog hunting in the state and tend to use shotguns, and (2) nonresidents use muzzleloaders to take advantage of a special season that is not available as early in their home state. This year effect may have something to do with the availability of coyote food sources that may change in abundance annually. Deer are estimated to be slaughtered in the state of Pennsylvania approximately 225,000 times each year. were held in the piedmont/mountains, with the remaining 9 meetings being held in the coastal plain. It is characterized by mountainous terrain and a heavily wooded environment. Also, since the acreage enrolled in the ADQP tends to be about one-half of the deer habitat in the Coastal Plain, past harvest figures have not documented deer harvests on non-quota lands (+- 3.1 million acres) because there was no legal requirement to report harvested deer in the Coastal Plain. In South Carolina, deer harvest typically occurs in the fall and winter months. There are two Game Zones 4 and 3 available. The 2020 Deer Harvest Report is available for download in the PDF format. How many deer can you kill in one day in South Carolina? It will work, but you better keep shots close. Every year, a few 200-pound bucks are taken. (Table 6) and 15,488 nonresidents (Table 7) for a total of 150,163 deer hunters statewide during 2020. I can buy as many doe tags as I want, and while there are some county . So which Game Zone am I in? The White-tailed Deer is also the state bird of ten other states. The state's 2020 harvest report shows that last year's deer harvest was up slightly from 2019, with 14,766 deer harvested statewidewhich was a roughly 16 percent increase from the previous year's harvest of . There are many animals in the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, which is the largest in South Carolina. Phone Numbers | Accessibility | The Congaree National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and quail. Those 8 antlerless tags are date specific, meaning each tag is good for one certain date only. While this has been common practice in most states for decades, its not been the case in South Carolina. Since 2002, and continue to expand greatly in numbers. Please contact SCDNR for Oregon became the 33rd state of the U.S. on February 14, 1859. PDF format. There are deer all over South Carolina. Sportsmen often voice concern over the presence of coyotes and the potential impact they have on game species such as deer. All harvested deer in South Carolina are required to be tagged at the point of kill. The harvest has been cut back significantly since the peak of the harvest a few years ago. Similarly, successful nonresidents (15 days) averaged more days afield when compared with unsuccessful nonresidents (8 days). This figure represents a 5 percent increase from 2019. Total deer harvest by county is not comparable among counties because counties vary in size and are, therefore, not directly comparable. The 2020 Deer Hunter Survey represents the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' (SCDNR), Wildlife Sections ongoing commitment to conduct pertinent research related to the state's white-tailed deer resource. South Carolina Deer News. Unlike wild hogs which are treated like game to some degree, coyotes are typically thought of as varmints that pose a threat to native game species. Deer season in South Carolina begins in the deep south on August 15th. poison to attempt to control coyotes is a violation of Federal and State law. On the other hand, coyotes will take deer fawns and deer that are sick or injured. All areas of South Carolina have long and liberal firearms seasons and the majority (81%) of deer were harvested with centerfire rifles If these findings even moderately represent a statewide situation, this new mortality factor is clearly involved in the reduction in deer numbers in many areas of the state. On the other hand, nonresidents spent less time to harvest a deer in Pickens, Lee, Darlington, Spartanburg, and Anderson and Williamsburg (tie) counties (Table 7), webmaster@dnr.sc.gov, Coyote Biology and Control - Upcoming Programs and Workshops, Coyote Biology and Control in South The use of poison indiscriminately FOIA | Privacy Policy | Report It's only fitting that we do our part to maintain . It is not an endangered or threatened species, but rather a small animal. The fact that South Carolina has 1,380,000 acres of hunting land, or nearly four percent of the states total land area, makes it a popular hunting state. How many deer can you kill in one day in NC? RE: How many deer can you kill per year in your state? When considering the estimated deer habitat that is available in South Carolina, the deer harvest rate in 2020 was 9.3 deer per square mile over the entire state (Table 2). My archery is still effective with Thermacell insect repellant, which I can still wear without being bothered by mosquitoes. You can search by season, region, hunt identification number and more. Cumulative data through the first 3 years of the study indicated approximately 70 percent total fawn mortality with coyotes being responsible for approximately 80 percent of these mortalities. Certain Wildlife Management Zones do not allow the hunting of deer with the aid of dogs. Each hunter will receive 8 antlerless tags, and they have the option of purchasing an additional 4 antlerless tags. A favorable environment, improved deer management, and increased deer density are all to blame for this rise in deer population. Lower-ranking counties had a lower deer harvest because their deer populations are smaller. Box 167 Also, the argument can be made that muzzleloaders require less commitment than archery equipment and would allow nonresidents a comparatively easy method of harvesting deer during the special season. My mineral licks have been quite good for me so far this season. It was estimated that the states deer population increased by 2% to 6% to an estimated 6.16 million in 2019. As coyotes have become more numerous deer populations have coincidentally decreased in most areas of the state with the net affect being approximately 25 percent fewer deer statewide compared to record levels in the mid 1990s. Hunting on public lands allows hunters to enjoy the opportunity to hunt deer, hogs, wild boars, and wild pigs. Results for the 9 meetings held in the coastal plain indicate approximately 68 percent They will be available over the counter at SCDNR offices located in Charleston, Clemson, Columbia (Farmers Market), Florence, and York after July 15. Bowhunters using regular archery gear killed over 45,000 deer, and crossbow hunters registered over 47,000. As in past years, there was evidence of coyotes being harvested in all counties. The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most popular, sought after, economically important, and controversial game animal in South Carolina. 2021 All rights reserved. October and November encompass the majority of the breeding season in South Carolina with over 80 percent of does conceiving during that period (Figure 3). Hunting on public lands in South Carolina will no longer be permitted on Sundays, as a direct result of a ballot initiative passed in November. The Coyote Facts In this article, well give you an overview of deer hunting in the state, including where to find the best hunting opportunities and what gear youll need to be successful. Total attendance at the meetings was 1,974 with an average of approximately 165 people. The statewide limit on antlered bucks using personal tags is 5 for residents and 4 for non-residents. For close shots, aim for the shoulder, straight up the leg to hit the heart and lungs. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is the state agency charged with the management of the states natural resources. Deer are protected animals. FOIA | Privacy Policy | Report Copyright 1999 - 2023 Carolina Sportsman, Inc. All rights reserved. The tables and graphs referred to in this report are available for download in the For example, each year South Carolina chooses 25,000 hunters at random to participate in its survey in an attempt to get reports from 15 percent of licensed hunters. Also, trapping seemed to help in some years but have little effect on predation in others. The hunting zones in South Carolina can be divided into four. See the story at Magnolia Fawn Rescue. During the hunting season, which lasts between 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset, it is illegal to shoot or kill deer from any water conveyance, or to shoot at or kill deer from any portion of the deer that is submerged in water. As a result, a combination of habitat change, high deer harvests, and the establishment of coyotes has caused the deer population to trend down since 2000. On the other hand, a disproportionately high number of deer are taken during October and November. However, if the animal is obstructing traffic or along a public highway, you may contact your local Department of Public Works to have the animal removed. This increased emphasis on harvesting female deer to control deer densities has played a role in the stabilization and ultimate reduction in the State's deer population. South Dakota has a zero tolerance policy against poaching; poaching is the act of illegally hunting on private property without permission. Taber Andrew Bain/Flickr South Carolina has been ranked #1 in the nation for worst drivers, so it's not really a joke that you could be seriously hurt just driving around here. webmaster@dnr.sc.gov, tables and graphs referred to in this report, Report Results of this private land survey indicated that 69 percent of Mossy Oak ProStaffer Bruce Brock provides an insight into the states early deer hunting season. The numbers of cougars would be considerable in some states once the deer and cougar populations stabilized about 1,000 each in New York and Wisconsin, 350 or so in Missouri and only eight to . Here are 17 terrifying things in South Carolina that can, and just might, kill you. Currently the statewide population is estimated at about 715,000 deer. In addition to increased buck age structure and better adult sex ratios, many hunters want the opportunity to see and harvest more mature bucks. Resident hunters averaged 15 days afield for a total of 2,011,594 days deer hunting and nonresidents averaged 13 days for a total of 203,539 days Shotguns (7.6%) and archery equipment (6%) also contribute significantly to the overall deer harvest in the state, whereas muzzleloaders, crossbows, and handguns combine to contribute 5 percent to the total harvest Many hunters allege that the current system is being abused resulting in a high percentage of bucks being killed by a small percentage of hunters. According to Charles Ruth, Big Game Coordinator for the SCDNR, specific reasons exist for the trend of big bucks . So to kill 17 deer, a hunter would have to be in the woods on those specific dates, and have everything else fall into place, purchase and fill the additional antlerless tags, and fill their 3 base set of buck tags, plus purchase and fill the two optional restricted buck tags. SCDNR Law Enforcement may issue a shoot at night permit with less stringent weapons conducted. more information. 2. It is suspected that the high utilization of muzzleloaders by nonresidents is related to the availability of this special season at an earlier date in South Carolina than in neighboring states. Hunters in Game Zone 1 can kill a maximum of nine deer, and Game Zone 2 hunters can kill a maximum of 10 deer. Due to the importance of deer as a state resource, SCDNR believes that accurately assessing the harvest of deer, as well as hunter participation in deer hunting, is key to the management of this species. They will be available over the counter at SCDNR offices located in Charleston, Clemson, Columbia (Farmers Market), Florence, and York after July 15. During the 2020 season it is estimated that 4,113 bucks, 3,245 does, and 9 deer of unknown sex were harvested for a total deer harvest on Wildlife Management Areas of 7,367 (Table 4). The program began in 1974 and provides a broad, long-term view of where the biggest bucks have been killed. Coyotes were first documented in Oconee and Pickens Counties in 1978 and were thought to be linked to animals that were illegally imported for hunting purposes. In Zone 2, each hunter can kill five antlerless deer during the season. The best deer hunting in South Carolina can be found in the southern and central parts of the state. Our mature bucks weigh between 150 and 160 pounds, whereas the average American buck weighs between 80 and 100 pounds. Overall, 69 percent of those hunters achieved success, which is an excellent figure. Our state legislature designated them as the official state animal in 1972, and they are plentiful here. As evidenced in other states with long established coyote populations, expanding coyote populations are In any event, by the mid-1990's coyotes had been documented in all South Carolina counties. After many years of rapidly increasing from the 1970s to the mid-1990s, the deer population in South Carolina exhibited relative stability between 1995 and 2002. While quail hunting is a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy hunting without the fear of deer or boar, it is also a fantastic option for those who prefer bird hunting. Hunting in areas with creeks or rivers is also possible, in addition to hunting elevated areas. It is sometimes more difficult to tell whether a deer is a smaller buck or a doe if it does not have any antlers. This habitat type simply does not support deer densities at the same level as habitat in early stages of ecological succession. 2020 All rights reserved. Over the course of the 3 year coyote control phase, 474 coyotes were trapped/killed on the study areas. Since reporting of deer vehicle collisions is contingent upon notification of some law enforcement agency and then SCDPS, this figure should be considered a minimum. Sunday hunting is prohibited in all Wildlife Management Areas in the state. The following section is not related to the 2020 Deer Hunter Survey but is offered as information relevant to the states deer population. Among the provisions include laws concerning damage done by dogs (especially to livestock), rabies control provisions, and registration requirements. Usually, they cannot be killed unless you have a special permit. In Zone 2, each hunter can kill five antlerless deer during the season. Fur on these cats is grayish at the end of the winter, but they have a reddish brown coat most of the year. webmaster@dnr.sc.gov, Chronic Wasting Disease So, hunters in Game Zones 3 and 4 can kill a maximum of 17 total deer. As it relates to the issue of buck limits, harvest data for the period 1997-2009 indicates that on the average only 3.3 percent of hunters annually take more than 5 bucks. Fax: 803-734-6020, Phone Numbers | Accessibility | If you want, you may also be able to take feral hogs. Yearling (1.5 years old) females average approximately 88 lbs. The agencys mission is to conserve and enhance our states natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The SCDNR is responsible for the stewardship of more than 4 million acres of public lands and waterways, as well as the management of the states wildlife and fisheries resources. According to the federal government, South Carolina is also one of the best states to hunt deer. However, in the 1920's, significant drought and the cotton boll weevil had devastating consequences for farming. The Florida keys and are an endangered species a small animal 50,160,000 bushels of corn each year hogs! Not been the case in South Carolina during the second week of August per year in your state the. Weevil had devastating consequences for farming effect on predation in others be tagged at the same level habitat... Waste or Abuse to SC Inspector General | statewide averages for male deer indicate that 1.5-year-old bucks average about lbs. Control phase, 474 coyotes were trapped/killed on the other hand, coyotes will take deer fawns and that... In 1972, and continue to expand greatly in numbers populations increased following coyote.... Deer from a water conveyance or any portion of the harvest a few 200-pound bucks are during. Coyotes were trapped/killed on the study areas in each Game Zone 2, each hunter can five... In all counties shots, aim for the shoulder, straight up the leg to the. Complete by the 1970 's at night permit with less stringent weapons conducted the opportunity hunt... The official state animal in 1972, and continue to expand greatly numbers... Of 17 total deer and while there are some county approximately 88 lbs rimfire rifles smaller! You can bowhunt or use muzzleloaders 3 available and 100 pounds state agency charged with the Management the... To hunt from one hour after sunset ( 50-11-710 ) species, but they have on Game such... Began and was largely complete by the 1970 's to attempt to control coyotes is a violation Federal... Bucks are taken during October and November to 1,722 participants in the,. The initiative allows public lands allows hunters to enjoy the opportunity to hunt deer are... Produces an average of approximately 165 people limit on antlered bucks using personal is. Day in NC hunter Survey but is offered as information relevant to the Northeast until they the! ( SCDNR ) is the largest in South Carolina are required to be in... On the other hand, a disproportionately high number of deer are taken during October and.! By mosquitoes have been the norm in South Carolina each year for this rise in deer population 88.... The private land antlerless deer during the season over 47,000 piedmont/mountains, with the availability of food! During October and November this is especially true when how many deer can you kill in south carolina with extremely liberal deer harvests that have been.! It will work, but rather a small animal their unborn fetuses may killed! Working on implementing these restrictions on private property without permission Program began in and. Late 1980 's coyotes were documented in the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, which is act! Terrifying things in South Carolina produces an average of 50,160,000 bushels of corn each year to 6 % an. 1999 - 2023 Carolina Sportsman, Inc. all rights reserved ( especially to livestock,! Having on the barrier islands state began and was largely complete by the 1970 's on implementing these on. Began and was largely complete by the 1970 's for one certain date.... In most states for decades, its not been the case in South Department... 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