S.C. Wild Turkey Harvest Down this Spring

COLUMBIA, SC - Nearly 50,000 turkey hunters take to the woods annually in South Carolina with hopes of harvesting a wily gobbler, and the 2007 spring turkey season was no exception. With a harvest of 19,289 birds, the spring turkey harvest was down about 5 percent from 2006 and down approximately 24 percent from the record harvest established in 2002, according to Charles Ruth, DNR Deer and Turkey Project supervisor...
Nov 23, 2007

Wild and Domestic Turkeys: Birds of a Different Feather

While sitting down to enjoy turkey during the Thanksgiving holiday, remember that although wild and domestic turkeys are genetically the same species, that’s about where the similarity ends. The domestic turkey lost its ability to fly through selective breeding that created heavier, broad-breasted birds, a feature much desired by chefs and commercial turkey producers...
Nov 22, 2007

Late-Season Migratory Bird Season Opens Soon

COLUMBIA, SC - The 2007-2008 late migratory bird seasons will soon be getting underway after approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some noted changes are differences in dates for State Youth Waterfowl Day and Federal Youth Waterfowl Days. The State days are Dec. 8, with Federal days set Feb. 2-3, 2008. Hunters should be aware that the age limitations for the youth and accompanying adult and the licensing and waterfowl stamp requirements for the adult differ between the State and Federal youth days...
Nov 19, 2007

Freshwater Fishing Trends

Freshwater fishing trends are provided by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. For South Carolina freshwater fish regulations visit the SCDNR website. Freshwater fishing trends for the week of November 19, 2007, follows...
Nov 19, 2007

Modoc Ramp Closes Temporarily

SAVANNAH, GA - The Savannah District, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, will temporarily close the Modoc Ramp at the J. Strom Thurmond Lake beginning November 16. The closure is necessary to remove timber for pending construction in the area...
Nov 17, 2007

Proposed Amendment to Board Vision and Mission Statement

CARTERSVILLE, GA - The Georgia Board of Natural Resources proposes to amend its Vision and Mission Statement by adding the following language: Public comments will be accepted at the Board’s December 5, 2007 meeting,which will be held at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Center at the Lodge at Red Top Mountain State Park, 50 Lodge Road, Cartersville, Georgia 30121...
Nov 12, 2007

Still No Evidence of Chronic Wasting Disease in SC White-Tailed Deer

COLUMBIA, SC - Surveillance conducted by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources over the last 5 years continues to provide no evidence of Chronic Wasting Disease in South Carolina.  Like fish and game agencies in most states, DNR has been diligent in conducting surveillance for the disease in recent years...
Nov 8, 2007

SCDNR Urges Caution on SC Waterways Due to Drought

COLUMBIA, SC - The S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division urges boaters to go slow and use caution in lower-than-normal waterways in the Palmetto State. Although hazards exist in lakes and rivers at any water elevation, current drought conditions have caused the exposure of even more underwater obstructions...
Nov 7, 2007

Waterfowl Advisory Group To Meet

COLUMBIA, SC - The Waterfowl Advisory Committee to the S.C. Natural Resources Board will meet at noon Tuesday, Nov. 13 in Room 335 (board room) of the Rembert Dennis Building at 1000 Assembly St. in Columbia.
William L. "Sam" Hiott Jr. of Charleston was elected the new chairman of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee at the April meeting...
Nov 6, 2007

Youth Racoon Hunt Planned

PICKENS, SC - The S.C. Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina State Coon Hunters Association and the Upper South Carolina Bearhunters Association will sponsor a youth coon hunt near Pickens in Pickens County on Saturday, Nov. 24. The winners in this event will qualify to participate in the state championship at the Webb Center in Hampton County on March 1, 2008...
Nov 4, 2007

Water Customers Encouraged to Conserve

COLUMBIA, SC - Following Governor Mark Sanford’s request for voluntary water conservation, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources has contacted state water system administrators to promote conservation efforts.
Despite recent rains, drought conditions continue to deteriorate and in a letter on Monday to water providers, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) renewed Governor Sanford’s request for voluntary water conservation and asked providers to encourage customers to conserve water.
Nov 2, 2007

Chance to Win Johnboat, Kayak and More

Beginning Oct. 26, South Carolina Wildlife magazine will sponsor the "I Love South Carolina Wildlife Sweepstakes," offering participants the chance to win a johnboat with a motor and trailer, a crossbow-hunting package, an ocean kayak and much more great outdoor-related equipment...
Oct 30, 2007

S.C. Prescribed Fire Council Joining Others to Form National Coalition

COLUMBIA, SC - The South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council has joined the state councils of Georgia and Florida to begin developing a national coalition of state prescribed fire councils, with the aim of forming a broader and more cohesive regional and national initiative to promote prescribed fire in appropriate forest ecosystems.
Oct 29, 2007

Print DNR Hunter Education Certification card Online

It’s now easier than ever to get a duplicate Hunter Education Certification card. Enter your information on the DNR site to create a new Hunter Education card with your own printer. All residents born after June 30, 1979, must successfully complete a hunter education course that is  approved by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources before a hunting license can be obtained...
Oct 28, 2007

Sea Turtle Rescue Program Releases Adult Male Turtle

FOLLY BEACH, SC - The South Carolina Aquarium released its first rehabilitated adult male loggerhead sea turtle into the Atlantic from Folly Beach County Park on Oct. 13. Named “Edisto,” the 310-pound loggerhead sea turtle was rescued this past May by the Edisto Beach Fire Department with the help of Edisto residents...
Oct 23, 2007