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South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

By Webmaster January 9, 2013 January 9, 2013 South Carolina

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Clarks Hill 12-19-2008 11:04
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 60-65 Degrees
Went out again this morning. Two geese worked right in shot them as they were landing. Geese are getting hard to work. Several people sky busting….You cant kill geese when they are 20 yard over the tree tops…Anyway…Several ducks on the lake. tons and tons of coots….Several other diving ducks with very little Mallards and Teal.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SECOND PART OF MARSH HEN, COMMON MOORHENS, PURPLE GALLINULES EARLY SEASON OPENS SOON 10-06-2008 12:24
– – –
The second part of migratory bird hunting season for marsh hens (rails), common moorhens and purple gallinules will soon open.
The season for marsh hens—including king, clapper, sora and Virginia rails—and common moorhens and purple gallinules will be from and Oct. 13–Dec. 15. The daily bag limit for king and/or clapper rails is 15 birds per hunter and moorhens and/or purple gallinules are 15 birds per hunter. The daily limit for sora and/or Virginia rails is 25 birds per hunter. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. Lead shot is legal for rail hunting, except that non-toxic shot is required on National Wildlife Refuges.
The South Carolina early season for teal was Sept. 19-27.
For more information, write to Early-Season Migratory Birds, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202 or call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia. Check Migratory Bird regulations at the DNR website at: www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/MigratoryBird/regulations.html .
South Carolina migratory bird hunters age 16 and older must have a state hunting license and a free migratory bird permit. Additionally, participants in the September Canada Goose season and the early teal season must have the Federal Waterfowl Stamp and SC Waterfowl Permit. Completion of an approved hunter education course is mandatory for resident and nonresident South Carolina hunters born after June 30, 1979, to purchase a license, and voluntary for older and younger hunters. Purchase a South Carolina hunting license or permits at: www.dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html . You can also call 1-866-714-3611 to buy a license 7 Days a week 24 hours a day.
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at www.dnr.sc.gov .

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

MARSH HEN, TEAL SEASONS OPEN SOON 09-11-2008 15:47
– – –

The migratory bird hunting seasons for marsh hens (rails) and teal
will soon open.
The two-part season for marsh hens-including king, clapper, sora
and Virginia rails-and common moorhens and purple gallinules will be
from Sept. 15-Sept. 20 and Oct. 13-Dec. 15. The daily bag limit for king
and/or clapper rails is 15 birds per hunter and moorhens and/or purple
gallinules are 15 birds per hunter. The daily limit for sora and/or
Virginia rails is 25 birds per hunter. Shooting hours are 30 minutes
before sunrise until sunset. Lead shot is legal for rail hunting, except
that non-toxic shot is required on National Wildlife Refuges.
The South Carolina early season for teal will be Sept. 19-27. The
daily bag limit is four birds. Shooting hours are sunrise until sunset
(not 30 minutes before sunrise, as with other migratory bird seasons).
Nontoxic shot is required for all waterfowl hunting.
For more information, write to Early-Season Migratory Birds, S.C.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202,
call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia, or visit the DNR Web site at
www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting.html.
South Carolina migratory bird hunters age 16 and older must have a
state hunting license and a free migratory bird permit. Additionally,
participants in the September Canada Goose season and the early teal
season must have the Federal Waterfowl Stamp and SC Waterfowl Permit.
Completion of an approved hunter education course is mandatory for
resident and nonresident South Carolina hunters born after June 30,
1979, to purchase a license, and voluntary for older and younger
hunters.
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s
natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Delta Waterfowl Fall Events 09-05-2008 07:51
– – –
Charleston, SC – Low Country | Chairperson: Derek Willis (843) 297-1626

Columbia, SC – Midlands | Chairperson: Justin Stroud (803) 730-8604 Co-Chair: (803) 466-9955
October 9, 2008 Dinner
Columbia, SC – Belle Grove Plantation, Bluff Road Lower Richland County – Doors Open 5:30pm Dinner 7:30pm
For more information please contact Will Ligon (803) 466-9955

Conway, SC – Coastal Palmetto | Chairperson: Scott Clayton (843) 385-3391
November 22, 2008 Dinner
Conway, SC – SC National Guard Armory 16 Ave. – Social 5pm Dinner 7pm
For more information please contact Scott Clayton (843) 385-3391

Sumter, SC – Sumter | Chairperson: Miles Altman (803) 938-3046 and Matthew Parrott (803) 968-5583
November 21, 2008 Dinner
Sumter, SC – Sumter County Expo Center 700 West Liberty St. – Social 5:30pm Dinner 7:00pm
For more information please contact Matthew Parrot (901) 968-5583

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

DU Banquets Fall 2008 09-05-2008 07:49
– – –
09/06/2008 Santee Banquet
09/11/2008 Blythewood Sponsor Drop-In
09/12/2008 Georgetown Sponsor Dinner
09/18/2008 East Cooper Sponsor Dinner
09/18/2008 Kingstree Sponsor Appreciation
09/19/2008 Grand Strand Sportsman’s Night Out
09/25/2008 North Augusta Banquet
10/02/2008 Lancaster County Dinner
10/03/2008 East Cooper Membership Banquet
10/16/2008 Florence Banquet
10/16/2008 Manning Banquet
10/18/2008 Southern Berkeley Summerville Banquet
10/23/2008 Aiken Dinner
10/24/2008 Georgetown Banquet
10/24/2008 Western York County Annual Banquet
10/25/2008 Kingstree Banquet
11/14/2008 Spartanburg Dinner
11/20/2008 Upper Dorchester County Dinner

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Late-season migratory bird season approved by Natural Resources Board 09-05-2008 07:47
– – –

The S.C. Natural Resources Board, the policy-making body of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), approved the 2008-2009 late migratory bird seasons and regulations during its Aug. 14 meeting in Columbia from a framework set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The season and bag limit selections have been sent to the Service for approval. This approval will be finalized by publication in the Federal Register.

Changes in regulations include an increase in the wood duck bag limit from two to three and a hybrid daily bag limit for scaup. This season will also include three youth waterfowl hunting days. State youth day is December 6, 2008. Federal youth days are January 31, 2009 and February 1, 2009.

Copies of the regulations booklet and migratory bird brochure are available by writing to PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202; or by calling (803) 734-3886 in Columbia. Find out more about late season regulations for migratory waterfowl and other hunting seasons and regulations.

Dec. 6, 2008 is State Youth Day. Only hunters 17 years of age or younger may hunt waterfowl (ducks and geese) on this day. The youth(s) must be accompanied by an adult of at least 21 years of age. The adult is not allowed to carry a gun or hunt, but must be properly licensed, including state and federal duck stamps. Youth who are 16 and 17 years of age who hunt on this day are not required to be licensed or have a state waterfowl stamp but must possess a Federal Waterfowl Stamp. The regular duck season limits apply except on this day, the 6 total limit may include no more than 1 scaup.
Jan. 31, 2009 and Feb. 1, 2009 are Federal Youth Days. Only hunters 15 years of age or younger may hunt waterfowl (ducks and geese) on these days. The youth(s) must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age. The adult is not allowed to carry a gun or hunt, and does not have to be licensed. . The regular duck season limits apply except on these days, the 6 total limit may include no more than 2 scaup.

DUCKS (Excluding Sea Ducks) – Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 26–Nov. 30; Dec. 12–Jan. 25 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 6 total, including no more than 4 mallards (1 hen), 1 pintail, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 1 black-bellied whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads and 1 black duck or 1 mottled duck. The 6 total shall include no more than 1 scaup for the period Nov. 26-Nov. 30 and Dec. 12-Jan. 5. The 6 total shall include no more than 2 scaup for the period Jan. 6-Jan. 25. – Possession limit: 12 total, including no more than 8 mallards (2 hens), 2 pintails, 2 fulvous whistling ducks, 2 black-bellied whistling ducks, 6 wood ducks, 4 redheads, (2 black ducks or 2 mottled ducks or 1 black duck and 1 mottled duck). The 12 total shall include no more than 2 scaup for the period Nov. 26-Nov. 30 and Dec. 12-Jan. 5. The 12 total shall include no more than 4 scaup for the period Jan. 6-Jan. 25.

MERGANSERS – Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 26–Nov. 30; Dec. 12–Jan. 25 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 5 (not to include more than 1 Hooded Merganser) – Possession limit: 10 (not to include more than 2 Hooded Mergansers).

SEA DUCKS – Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Oct. 11–Jan. 25 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 7 (Not to include more than 4 scoters) – Possession limit: 14 (Not to include more than 8 scoters) — Sea ducks taken outside of the regular duck season may be hunted only in Atlantic Ocean waters separated from any shore, island or emergent vegetation by at least one mile of open water. Sea ducks include eiders, scotors and long-tailed ducks.

COOTS – Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 26–Nov. 30; Dec. 12–Jan. 25 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 15 – Possession limit: 30.

CANADA GEESE/WHITE FRONTED GEESE (Late Seasons) – Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 26–Nov. 30; Dec. 12–Jan 30, Feb 2-Feb 15 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 5 (not to include more than 2 white-fronted geese) – Possession limit: 10 (not to include more than 4 white-fronted geese). Excludes all of Clarendon County, that portion of Orangeburg County North of SC Highway 6 and that portion of Berkeley County North of SC Highway 45 from the Orangeburg County Line to the junction of SC Highway 45 and State Road S-8-31 and that portion West of the Santee Dam.

BLUE and SNOW GEESE – Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 26–Nov. 30; Dec. 12–Jan. 25 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 15 – Possession limit: No limit.
BRANT – Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 26–Nov. 30; Dec. 12–Jan. 25 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 3 – Possession limit: 6.

There is no open season on canvasbacks or harlequin ducks.

Shooting hours for late season duck hunting are uniform statewide. Hunters should take notice that DNR law enforcement officers will pay special attention to “late shooting violations” throughout South Carolina. Check local newspapers for sunrise and sunset times. Any South Carolina hunter born after June 30, 1979, must complete an approved hunter education course to purchase a hunting license.

Nontoxic shot (such as steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron or tungsten-polymer) is required for all waterfowl hunting. The possession of lead shot is prohibited for all waterfowl hunting statewide.
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Late-season migratory bird season approved by Natural Resources Board 09-05-2008 07:47
– – –

COOTS – Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 26–Nov. 30; Dec. 12–Jan. 25 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 15 – Possession limit: 30.

There is no open season on canvasbacks or harlequin ducks.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 09-05-2008 07:42
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Few geese flying along river. Not many people shooting or hunting. Heard that the birds are up on the main lake.

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Early Goose Season 08-29-2008 17:31
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Anyone going to be doing any early goose season? Up here at clarks hill the geese have had a good year. Should be fairly easy to kill several.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

S.C. WATERFOWL ADVISORY GROUP MEETS AUG. 5 IN COLUMBIA 07-24-2008 15:31
– – –

The Waterfowl Advisory Committee to the S.C. Natural Resources Board will meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 5 in Room 149 at the Rembert Dennis Building in Columbia. William L. “Sam” Hiott Jr. of Charleston is the chairman of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee.
The meeting is open to the public. Anyone with business for the advisory committee, needing the agenda or directions to the meeting place should contact Susan Johnson at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources in Columbia at (803) 734-3889.
Items on the agenda include:
* Resident Canada Goose Depredation Permits
* DHEC Notice of Proposed Decision for TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Loads) in Santee Basin
* Governor’s Wood Duck Box Program Update
* 2006-07 Waterfowl Harvest Estimates
* Increase in Wood Duck Bag Limit
* 2008-09 DNR Staff Waterfowl Season Recommendations
* 2008-09 WAC Waterfowl Season Recommendations Discussion
* Peer Review Update
* Constituent Comments
* Advisory Committee Member Comments
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at www.dnr.sc.gov.

No comments

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

By Webmaster January 9, 2013 January 9, 2013 South Carolina

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

S.C. WATERFOWL ADVISORY GROUP MEETS MAY 13 AT YAWKEY CENTER 05-09-2008 12:02
– – –
The Waterfowl Advisory Committee to the S.C. Natural Resources
Board will meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 13 at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife
Center near Georgetown. William L. “Sam” Hiott Jr. of Charleston is the
chairman of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee.
The meeting is open to the public. Anyone with business for the
advisory committee, needing the agenda or directions to the meeting
place should contact Susan Johnson at the S.C. Department of Natural
Resources in Columbia at (803) 734-3889.
Items scheduled on the agenda for the meeting of the Waterfowl
Advisory Committee include:
* Region Four waterfowl update
* Legislative update
* Atlantic Flyway Council recommendations
* 2008-2009 State Waterfowl Stamp budget
* Yawkey Peer Review Report discussion
* Constituent comments
* Advisory committee member comments
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural
resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the
state’s natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SCDNR Announcements 03-06-2008 14:37
– – –
The South Carolina Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee will
meet 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 12 at the Rembert C. Dennis Building
located at 1000 Assembly St. Columbia. The meeting will be held in Room
335.
The meeting is open to the public. Anyone with business for the
advisory committee, needing the agenda or directions to the meeting
place should contact the S.C. Department of Natural Resources in
Columbia at (803) 734-3838. Milton Brazell of West Columbia is chairman
of the Migratory Waterfowl Committee.
Items scheduled on the agenda for the meeting of the Waterfowl
Advisory Committee include:
* Comments
* Old business
* New business
* Items for board action
View the completed original Killen duck stamp paintings,
(if received):
2009 Ring Neck Duck with Yellow Lab in the Broad
River
2010 Wood Duck with Boykin Spaniel in the Ace
Basin-30th Anniversary
* Committee member update
* Update: Duck stamp original painting logistics/planning
* Summary of 2008 revenue and expenditures 2008
* Print sales recap (February 2008)
* Ducks Unlimited Canada projects review
* Legislative updates
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s
natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

YOUTH FEDERAL WATERFOWL DAYS ARE SET FOR FEB. 2-3 01-24-2008 14:30
– – –
YOUTH FEDERAL WATERFOWL DAYS ARE SET FOR FEB. 2-3

Young waterfowl hunters across the state will enjoy special days
in the field Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3 by participating in
Youth Waterfowl Days on private lands, public waters normally open to
waterfowl hunting, and on some S.C. Department of Natural Resources
Waterfowl Management Areas.
Hunters 15 years of age or younger may hunt ducks, geese,
mergansers and coots on Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3 when
accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. Daily and possession
bag limits are the same as the regular duck season. The adult cannot
carry a firearm or hunt and does not have to be licensed. South Carolina
youth waterfowl hunters are not required to have the Federal Waterfowl
stamp and the HIP (migratory bird) permit for the Feb. 2-3 hunt. For
more information on Youth Waterfowl Days, call (803) 734-3886 in
Columbia.
Find out more about Migratory Bird Regulations at:
www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/MigratoryBird/regulations.html.
“These hunts offer the perfect opportunity for youth to be
introduced to waterfowl hunting in a positive manner,” said Dean
Harrigal, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife biologist.
Many DNR Waterfowl Management Areas will be open for public
hunting on Saturday, Feb. 2 for Youth Waterfowl Day (DNR Waterfowl
Management Areas are not open on Sundays). Waterfowl Management Areas
that are open Saturday mornings during the regular waterfowl season will
be open for Youth Waterfowl Day on Saturday, Feb. 2. These include:
* Beidler Impoundment WMA in Sumter County
* Dunaway WMA in Union County
* Duncan Creek WMA in Laurens County
* Hatchery WMA in Berkeley County
* Enoree River WMA in Newberry County
* Marsh WMA in Marion County
* Monticello Reservoir WMA in Fairfield County
* Moultrie WMA in Berkeley County
* Parr Reservoir WMA in Fairfield County
* Potato Creek WMA in Clarendon County
* Russell Creek WMA in McCormick County
* Turtle Island WMA in Jasper County
* Tyger River WMA in Union County
* Sampson Island Unit of Bear Island WMA in Colleton County
* Wee Tee WMA in Williamsburg County
Nontoxic shot (such as steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron or
tungsten-polymer) is required for all waterfowl hunting. The possession
of lead shot is prohibited for all waterfowl hunting statewide.
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s
natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 01-23-2008 09:09
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
Watched a lot of new birds (ringnecks and bluebills) running up and down the river. Georgia side was doing a lot of shooting from 7-9 am.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

FEDERAL YOUTH WATERFOWL DAYS WILL BE HELD FEB. 2-3 01-17-2008 13:28
Cloudy, Snow & Rain Mix – 35-40 Degrees
Young waterfowl hunters across the state will enjoy special days
in the field Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3 by participating in
Youth Waterfowl Days on private lands and on some S.C. Department of
Natural Resources Waterfowl Management Areas.
Hunters 15 years of age or younger may hunt ducks, geese,
mergansers and coots on Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3 when
accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. Daily and possession
bag limits are the same as the regular duck season. The adult cannot
carry a firearm or hunt and does not have to be licensed. South Carolina
youth waterfowl hunters are not required to have the federal waterfowl
stamp and the HIP (migratory bird) permit for the Feb. 2-3 hunt. For
more information on Youth Waterfowl Days, call (803) 734-3886 in
Columbia.
Find out more about Migratory Bird Regulations at:
www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/MigratoryBird/regulations.html
“These hunts offer the perfect opportunity for youth to be
introduced to waterfowl hunting in a positive manner,” said S.C.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologist Dean Harrigal.
Many DNR Waterfowl Management Areas will be open for public
hunting on Saturday, Feb. 2 for Youth Waterfowl Day (DNR Waterfowl
Management Areas are not open on Sundays). Waterfowl Management Areas
that are open Saturday mornings during the regular waterfowl season will
be open for Youth Waterfowl Day on Saturday, Feb. 2. These include:
* Beidler Impoundment WMA in Sumter County
* Dunaway WMA in Union County
* Duncan Creek WMA in Laurens County
* Hatchery WMA in Berkeley County
* Enoree River WMA in Newberry County
* Marsh WMA in Marion County
* Monticello Reservoir WMA in Fairfield County
* Moultrie WMA in Berkeley County
* Parr Reservoir WMA in Fairfield County
* Potato Creek WMA in Clarendon County
* Russell Creek WMA in McCormick County
* Turtle Island WMA in Jasper County
* Tyger River WMA in Union County
* Sampson Island Unit of Bear Island WMA in Colleton County
* Wee Tee WMA in Williamsburg County
Nontoxic shot (such as steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron or
tungsten-polymer) is required for all waterfowl hunting. The possession
of lead shot is prohibited for all waterfowl hunting statewide.
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s
natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

S.C. DUCK STAMPS PRODUCED BY ACCLAIMED WILDLIFE ARTIST 01-11-2008 15:38
– – –
Nationally acclaimed wildlife artist Jim Killen’s print,
“Blue-winged Teal at Santee Coastal Reserve,” chosen by the South
Carolina Department of Natural Resources as the 2008 South Carolina Duck
Stamp print, goes on sale July 1st, 2008. The S.C. Migratory Waterfowl
Committee and DNR commissioned Killen to do a series of four originals
through 2010.
Killen, who has reaped national and international awards, was
also honored three times as the “International Artist of the Year” for
Ducks Unlimited. The quality and distinctive style of his art has
generated millions of dollars for numerous conservation groups such as
Ducks Unlimited International, Pheasants Forever, Quail Unlimited and
the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was also named Southeastern
Wildlife Expo “Artist of the Year” in 1987. Born and raised in
Minnesota, the pheasant fields and prairie potholes inspired him to
strive to preserve these gifts of nature for future generations.
Killen’s three-story studio overlooks the 160 acres he has developed
into a wildlife management area, focusing on waterfowl, pheasant, wild
turkey and deer. A favorite project for Killen is perpetuating the
forest. Over the years, he has planted more than 30,000 trees on his
property. Check www.killencollection.com/killen.asp for more information
on the artist.
The new 2008 state migratory waterfowl stamps, often called duck
stamps, go on sale each July 1 for the upcoming season and cost $5.50
each. Stamps are available from most retail businesses that sell hunting
and fishing licenses or directly from the S.C. Department of Natural
Resources. Collectors should purchase stamps from the DNR. South
Carolina duck hunters are required to have the state waterfowl stamp in
their possession while hunting. In 2007, 34,318 stamps were purchased.
For more information on the Duck Stamp Program contact Antonio Bates in
DNR licensing at (803) 734-4269 in Columbia or visit
www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/stamps/index.html. The stamps go on sale July 1,
2008.
Funds from stamp sales are by law used strictly within South
Carolina, which includes the cost of stamp production, and migratory
waterfowl projects specified by the S.C. Natural Resources Board for the
development, protection and propagation of waterfowl in the state.
Funds derived from the sale of art prints and related artwork is
used as specified in state law. The committee administers and promotes
the sale of prints, stamps and related articles. The amount needed to
make up 50 percent of the total from stamp and print sales is
transferred to the DNR for use in its specified projects. The remainder
of funds derived by the sale of prints and related articles is disbursed
to a nonprofit organization for the development of waterfowl propagation
projects within Canada. The projects must specifically provide waterfowl
for the Atlantic Flyway and must be able to demonstrate evidence that
the projects are acceptable to the appropriate governmental agencies
having jurisdiction over the project areas.
Since 1962 a portion of the revenues from nonresident hunting
licenses has helped to fund waterfowl conservation projects within South
Carolina and in Canada. One dollar from each annual nonresident hunting
license and 50 cents from each temporary nonresident hunting license is
used by DNR for propagation, management and control of ducks and geese
in the state. A like portion of such license fees is contributed by DNR
to proper agencies in Canada for propagation and management of ducks and
geese.
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s
natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

BIOLOGISTS MONITOR EMERGING WATERFOWL, RAPTOR DISEASE 01-11-2008 15:37
– – –

Wildlife biologists and park rangers are continuing to monitor
area reservoirs and lakes for signs of avian vacuolar myelinopathy, a
disease that primarily affects waterfowl and raptors.
Biologists are concerned with the emergence of avian vacuolar
myelinopathy (AVM) in South Carolina but note an 8.5 percent increase in
eagle nesting per year since surveys were first initiated 30 years ago.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Georgia
Department of Natural Resources, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife
Disease Study and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been collaborating
to monitor reservoirs that may support potentially toxic blue green
algae, the suspect agent of AVM, which has been implicated as a cause in
American coot and eagle mortalities. AVM is an often-fatal disorder that
affects the central nervous system of waterfowl and raptors that consume
the suspect toxic algae growing on submerged aquatic vegetation in some
Southeastern reservoirs.
Research supports the working hypothesis that waterfowl such as
American coots feeding on freshwater aquatic plants are susceptible to
toxins found in algae growing on the leaves and stems. Once ingested,
toxins cause cell and tissue damage primarily to the central nervous
system and affected birds become uncoordinated and lose the ability to
fly. This makes them vulnerable to raptors, such as eagles, that easily
target affected birds. Eagles may then contract the disease from
consuming affected prey.
AVM has been implicated in the death of more than 100 eagles and
suspected in the death of thousands of American coots in Southeastern
reservoirs since the disease was first documented in Arkansas in 1994.
In South Carolina, the disease was first observed in 1998 on Lake
Thurmond, a 70,000-acre reservoir on Savannah, Broad and Little rivers
bordered by South Carolina and Georgia and managed by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers. According to Shirley Willard, a ranger with the
Corps of Engineers who conducts fieldwork out of the Corps’ J. Strom
Thurmond U.S. Project Office, 46 eagles have been found dead at Lake
Thurmond, and AVM has been implicated in their deaths. The losses also
translate to the disappearance of six eagle nesting territories.
“Eagle nesting below Highway 378 in our state has basically been
extinguished,” said DNR biologist Tom Murphy, “and we suspect this is a
direct effect of this emerging wildlife disease.” Only after fresh bird
carcasses are submitted for necropsy and microscopic examination to the
Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of
Georgia, or to other qualified wildlife health laboratories, is AVM
implicated in a bird’s death.
Murphy, along with DNR’s Charlotte Hope, coordinates South
Carolina’s Midwinter Eagle Survey, which tracks the population numbers
of eagles along standardized routes during the beginning of January.
Despite concern for the emergence of AVM in South Carolina, they have
documented an 8.5 percent increase in eagle nesting per year since the
survey was first initiated 30 years ago. As further testimony to the
eagle’s recovery, earlier in 2007 they were removed from the list of
Threatened and Endangered Species, however they still remain protected
under other state and federal statutes.
Biologists and rangers have closely monitored AVM disease events
after the first occurrence was recorded on Defray Lake in Arkansas in
1994. Susan Wilde, a former algal ecologist with DNR, was instrumental
in associating the relationship between the presence of the toxic blue
green algae growing on aquatic vegetation found in freshwater reservoirs
and brain lesions that formed in American coots after ingesting the
vegetation. Wilde has monitored the disease along freshwater reservoirs
as well as smaller farm and residential ponds in the Southeast. Further
research also helped to determine that seasonality plays an important
role in the occurrence of the disease. American coots and other
waterfowl migrate to Southeastern reservoirs typically around October
from northern areas, where aquatic vegetation is an integral component
of their diet. Overwintering eagles stopover along some of the same
Southeastern reservoirs where affected waterfowl may be present. In
addition to this population of eagles, local nesting eagles are also
susceptible to the disease once they prey upon affected waterfowl.
The collaborative efforts between South Carolina DNR, Georgia
DNR and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers involved in observation and
research of AVM continue to work closely together to monitor this
disease and develop steps for mitigation. As the bald eagle population
continues to increase throughout the state, it is important to track the
impacts of AVM and record disease events throughout freshwater
reservoirs and other water bodies.
Because eagles nest in obscure areas, biologists and rangers
alone cannot ensure that all affected birds will be found. Willard says,
“The more eyes we have out there helping us to monitor and track this
disease, the better.” The public can help with the research and
documentation of the disease if they encounter waterfowl or raptors
exhibiting strange behaviors affecting movements or happen upon
carcasses while in these areas where characteristics exist that may
result in AVM-affected birds: submerged aquatic vegetation, presence of
American coots and signs of eagle nests or eagle sightings.
The public is asked to call one of the following to report these
types of observations among waterfowl or raptors:
* J. Strom Thurmond U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Office:
1-800-533-3478
* Savannah District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Office:
1-800-944-7207
* South Carolina DNR: (843) 953-9300
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s
natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 01-02-2008 07:45
– – 45-50 Degrees
Shot a couple of divers (ringnecks) at 7:30. No birds flying after that. Pretty slow.

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

WMA 12-17-2007 10:46
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Went out this morning to a wood duck hole, several flying and shot a nice drake with his feet down. No other ducks seen. Piss-R decoy just about froze up. Did see a ring neck on one of my ponds first migrator maybe? Hopefully this cool/cold weather will hold up. Will be back up to the lake middle of this week hopefully get another shot at some geese/big ducks. Everyone get as much rain as we did? 2.5 inches on sat. Edisto came up almost two feet overnight, starting to get water in the swamp. Hopefully the rain on Thursday will come like they are calling for, we still need it here.

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Clarks Hill/Desert 12-15-2007 10:19
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Went up to the lake for the opener hoping to get a shot at some geese. They had different plans. Feeding at night, they all flew back to the lake at 5:30 when I was setting up the spread. Did see more ducks then anytime last year. End up with a nice drake mallard and GWT. Will be off most of this week until X-mas…Got a few more ticks for them.

Boy at Santee State Park told me their ramp is on the ONLY one open on the entire lake. He said it is rough though, no concrete, just gravel…..!

No comments

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

By Webmaster January 9, 2013 January 9, 2013 South Carolina

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Arcadia Plantation: Protecting the Past for the Future 12-12-2007 07:39
– – –
Ducks Unlimited Easement Protects Historic Lands

GEORGETOWN, S.C., December 12, 2007 – Mrs. Lucille V. Pate and her family continue a long history of land stewardship by granting a Ducks Unlimited conservation easement for Arcadia Plantation. The 3,612-acre easement permanently protects some of the most historically and environmentally important habitat in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

“We are very pleased to be involved in the permanent protection of this crucial Lowcountry habitat,” said Craig LeSchack, Ducks Unlimited Director of Conservation Programs for the South Atlantic. “Because of the intensity of land development in the Lowcountry in general, and around Georgetown in particular, the preservation of Arcadia Plantation will yield a significant public benefit.”

George Washington arrived at Captain Wm. Alston’s property on April 29, 1791. Alston’s Clifton Plantation was one of seven prosperous rice plantations that comprise current-day Arcadia Plantation. President Washington later wrote that the property “stands on a sandhill, high for the country, with his rice fields below, the contrast of which with the lands back of it, and the sand and piney barrens through which we had passed is scarcely to be conceived”.

Two-hundred and sixteen years later, the beauty and awe of this property along the Waccamaw River remains. The conservation easement will ensure that it does so in perpetuity.

The land Arcadia Plantation sits on not only resonates history, but also is very ecologically diverse. Habitats on the site include longleaf pine flatwoods, pine mixed hardwoods, tidal rice fields, tidal forested wetlands, nontidal swamp forests, nontidal wet hardwood forests and freshwater impoundments. The conservation easement boundary also protects the scenic nature of nearly five miles of river frontage along the Waccamaw River.

“Development of this tract would lead to the degradation of the scenic natural character of the Winyah Bay and its associated nearby conservation lands,” LeSchack said. “Mrs. Pate and her family should be congratulated for their conservation ethic and land stewardship principles.”

From managing freshwater wetlands for waterfowl and wading birds to funding and supporting ecological research, Arcadia’s owner, Mrs. Lucille V. Pate and her family have continued a long history of land stewardship. By granting the conservation easement to Ducks Unlimited’s Wetlands America Trust, they clearly demonstrate their commitment to future generations.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Ducks Unlimited and we are honored to have been able to preserve Arcadia’s future,” Mrs. Pate said.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with over 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands ? nature’s most productive ecosystem ? and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate-West 12-05-2007 07:00
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
I was sitting in the deer stand last night and had a large number of geese fly over. Also heard a couple dozen mallards quacking over head and to my surprise I saw some gadwalls too. Didn’t believe it until I heard the gadwalls unmistakable grunt/quack. There are always birds flying over this area, but the numbers have seemed to pick up in the past 2 days. Hopefully they’ll stay around for awhile since my opener sucked!

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Work 11-22-2007 15:10
– – –
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I have the pleasure of working all weekend. No hunting for me. I guess I will have to wait a couple more weeks to shoot some birds. I heard from a friend that several birds were killed up on Clarks Hill. Mostly teal, woodrow’s, and a couple of big ducks……Good Luck……

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

2007-2008 Waterfowl Season Info 11-20-2007 10:46
– – –
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.

The lack of water in some locations due to drought could lead to an alternate distribution of ducks and other waterfowl this season. “It’s possible that coastal wetland complexes managed by tidal flooding could see more ducks this season, as opposed to areas that are left dry by the drought,” said S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologist Dean Harrigal. “Also, inland areas with adequate food and water could see good waterfowl populations this year. In short, waterfowl will inhabit areas with adequate water and food supplies. Ducks follow the food and water.”

Sandy Beach Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) will not be hunted this season. Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir WMA will not be flooded this season, and the only hunting opportunity will be in the permanently flooded portions of Cane’s Branch.

Copies of the regulations booklet and migratory bird brochure are available by writing to PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202; or by calling (803) 734-3886 in Columbia.

DUCKS (Excluding Sea Ducks)—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21-25; Dec. 14–Jan. 27 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before sunrise until sunset – Bag limit: 6 total, including no more than 4 mallards (1 hen), 2 scaup, 1 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 1 black-bellied whistling duck, 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads and 1 black duck or 1 mottled duck. – Possession limit: 12 total, including no more than 8 mallards (2 hens), 4 scaup, 2 pintails, 4 canvasbacks, 2 fulvous whistling ducks, 2 black-bellied whistling ducks, 4 wood ducks, 4 redheads, (2 black ducks or 2 mottled ducks or 1 black duck and 1 mottled duck). — Dec. 8, 2007 – State Youth Waterfowl Day – Only hunters 17 years of age or younger may hunt waterfowl (ducks, geese, mergansers and coots) on this day. The youth(s) must be accompanied by an adult of at least 21 years of age. The adult is not allowed to carry a gun or hunt, but must be properly licensed, including state and federal duck stamps and HIP Permit. Youth who are 16 and 17 years of age who hunt on this day are not required to be licensed or have a state waterfowl stamp but must possess a Federal Waterfowl Stamp and an HIP permit. Feb. 2-3, 2008 – Federal Youth Waterfowl Days – Only hunters 15 years of age or younger may hunt waterfowl (ducks, geese, mergansers and coots) on these days. The youth(s) must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age. The adult is not allowed to carry a gun or hunt, and does not have to be licensed. Daily and possession bag limits are the same as the regular duck season.

MERGANSERS—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21-25; Dec. 14–Jan. 27 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before sunrise until sunset – Bag limit: 5 (not to include more than 1 Hooded Merganser) – Possession limit: 10 (not to include more than 2 Hooded Mergansers)

SEA DUCKS—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Oct. 13–Jan. 27 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before sunrise until sunset – Bag limit: 7 (Not to include more than 4 scoters) – Possession limit: 14 (Not to include more than 8 scoters) – Sea ducks may be hunted only in Atlantic Ocean waters separated from any shore, island or emergent vegetation by at least one mile of open water, except during the regular duck season.

COOTS—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21-25; Dec.14–Jan. 27 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before sunrise until sunset – Bag limit: 15 – Possession limit: 30

CANADA GEESE/WHITE FRONTED GEESE (Late Seasons)—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21-25; Dec. 14–Feb. 1; Feb. 4-Feb. 15 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before sunrise until sunset – Bag limit: 5 (not to include more than 2 white-fronted geese) – Possession limit: 10 (not to include more than 4 white-fronted geese). Excludes all of Clarendon County, that portion of Orangeburg County North of SC Highway 6 and that portion of Berkeley County North of SC Highway 45 from the Orangeburg County Line to the junction of SC Highway 45 and State Road S-8-31 and that portion West of the Santee Dam.

BLUE and SNOW GEESE—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov.21-25; Dec. 14–Jan. 27 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before sunrise until sunset – Bag limit: 15 – Possession limit: No limit

BRANT—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21-25; Dec. 14-Jan. 27 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 2 – Possession limit: 4

South Carolina waterfowl hunters age 16 and older must have a state hunting license, state and federal duck stamps and a free migratory bird permit, except on Dec. 8 when they are only required to have the Federal Waterfowl stamp and the HIP (migratory bird) permit. Any South Carolina hunter born after June 30, 1979, must complete an approved hunter education course to purchase a hunting license.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

2007-2008 Waterfowl Season Info 11-20-2007 10:44
– – –
The 2007-2008 late migratory bird seasons will soon be getting underway after approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Copies of the regulations booklet and migratory bird brochure are available by writing to PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202; or by calling (803) 734-3886 in Columbia.

COOTS—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21-25; Dec.14–Jan. 27 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before sunrise until sunset – Bag limit: 15 – Possession limit: 30

BLUE and SNOW GEESE—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov.21-25; Dec. 14–Jan. 27 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before sunrise until sunset – Bag limit: 15 – Possession limit: No limit

BRANT—Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21-25; Dec. 14-Jan. 27 – Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset – Bag limit: 2 – Possession limit: 4

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SCDNR Announcements 11-05-2007 08:39
– – –
MIGRATORY WATERFOWL GROUP WILL MEET NOV. 6 IN COLUMBIA

The Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee will meet 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 6 in Room 335 (board room) at the Rembert C. Dennis
Building located at 1000 Assembly St. Columbia.
The meeting is open to the public. Anyone with business for the
advisory committee, needing the agenda or directions to the meeting
place should contact Sandra Hartley at the S.C. Department of Natural
Resources in Columbia at (803) 734-3838. South Carolina Natural
Resources board member Milton Brazell of West Columbia is chairman of
the Migratory Waterfowl Committee.
Items scheduled on the agenda for the meeting of the Waterfowl
Advisory Committee include:
* Items for Board Action
View the completed Original Killen Duck Stamp paintings,
(if received):
2008 : Blue Winged Teal with Black Lab in the Santee
Coastal Reserve
2009 : Ring Neck Duck with Yellow Lab in the Broad River

2010 : Wood Duck with Boykin Spaniel in the Ace Basin –
30th Anniversary
* Committee Member Update
* Update: Duck Stamp original painting logistics/planning
* Summary of Revenue & Expenditures 2007
* Print Sales Recap, (October 27th, 2007)
* Non-Toxic Shot Update
* Legislative Updates
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s
natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.
#

NEWS RELEASE #07-325 November 5, 2007 DNR News
(803) 734-3815

DNR LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET NOVEMBER 14 IN WEST COLUMBIA

The Law Enforcement Advisory Committee to the S.C. Natural
Resources Board will meet on Wednesday, November 14 at 10:00 a.m., S.C.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Communication Center, 2762 Fish
Hatchery Road, West Columbia, S.C.
South Carolina Natural Resources Board Vice Chairman Michael
Campbell of Columbia serves as the chairman of the Law Enforcement
Advisory Committee.
The meeting is open to the public. Anyone needing information or
directions to the meeting may contact Leah Wingard at (803) 734-4004 at
the DNR Law Enforcement headquarters in Columbia.
Agenda items scheduled for the Law Enforcement Advisory
Committee meeting include:
* Law Enforcement Division Comments
* Law Enforcement Strategic Plan
* Law Enforcement Accountability Report
* Turkey Bait Legislation
* Waterfowl Hunting & Baiting
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s
natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.
#

NEWS RELEASE #07-326 November 5, 2007 DNR News
(803) 734-3815

WATERFOWL ADVISORY GROUP WILL MEET NOV. 13 IN COLUMBIA

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.
The meeting is open to the public. Anyone with business for the
advisory committee, needing the agenda or directions to the meeting
place should contact Susan Johnson at the S.C. Department of Natural
Resources in Columbia at (803) 734-3889.
* Items scheduled on the agenda for the meeting of the Waterfowl
Advisory Committee include:
* Peer Review Team Update
* Waterfowl Hunting & Baiting Guide
* DNR Legislative Priorities for 2008
* Avian Influenza Surveillance
* Drought Impacts on DNR Waterfowl Areas
* Waterfowl Hunting and Management Opportunities in Region II
* Constituent Comments
* Advisory Committee Member Comments
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by
making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s
natural resources and its people. Find out more about DNR at
www.dnr.sc.gov.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SC Delta Waterfowl Events 2007 10-25-2007 12:18
– – –
Charleston, SC – Low Country | Chairperson: Derek Willis (843) 297-1626
November 9, 2007 Dinner
Mt. Pleasant, SC – Boone Hall Plantation 1235 Long Point Rd. – Social 6pm Dinner 7:30pm
For more information please contact Derek Willis (843) 297-1626 or Robert Germany (843) 216-3711

Columbia, SC – Midlands | Chairperson: Bill Bennett (803) 532-1026
December 1, 2007 Dinner
Columbia, SC – Belle Grove Plantation – Social 6pm Dinner 7pm
For more information please contact Bill Bennett (803) 767-8246 or Justin Stroud (803) 730-8604

Conway, SC – Coastal Palmetto | Chairperson: Scott Clayton (843) 385-3391
November 17, 2007 Dinner
Conway, SC – SC National Guard Armory 16th Ave. – Social 5pm Dinner 7pm
For more information please contact Jason Wallace (843) 229-4344

Greenville, SC – Upstate | Chairperson: Rusty Tollison (864) 449-0932
Sumter, SC – Sumter | Chairperson: Robert Galiano (803) 468-3934
November 16, 2007 Dinner
Sumter, SC – SPCA Korn Center 1100 South Guignard Dr. – Social 6pm Dinner 7pm
For more information please contact Robert Galiano (803) 468-3934

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

DU Events Oct/Nov 10-25-2007 11:54
– – –
10/25/2007 James Island Banquet
10/27/2007 Cooper River Banquet
11/01/2007 Blythewood General Banquet
11/01/2007 Ridge Flyway Sponsor Dinner
11/01/2007 Aiken Membership Banquet
11/02/2007 Grand Strand Banquet
11/03/2007 Berkeley Fall Harvest Banquet
11/03/2007 Rivers Bridge Sportsman’s Banquet & Oyster Roast
11/03/2007 Summerville/S.Berkley Banquet
11/07/2007 Marion County Banquet
11/08/2007 Columbia General Banquet
11/08/2007 Laurens County General Banquet
11/08/2007 Waterfowl Hunters Party/Conway
11/10/2007 Bluffton/Hilton Head Banquet
11/11/2007 North Strand Banquet
11/13/2007 Gaffney General Banquet
11/15/2007 Greenville Fall Banquet
11/16/2007 East Cooper DU Inshore Tournament and Captain’s Banquet
11/17/2007 First Annual East Cooper DU Inshore Fishing Tourmanent

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Ducks Unlimited commitment to conservation nets results from the Senate 10-25-2007 11:50
– – –
Increases to conservation a positive step, but more work remains

WASHINGTON, October 24, 2007 – Conservationists raised their voices for conservation in the farm bill, and the Senate Agriculture Committee listened, allocating more than $3 billion for agriculture conservation in the 2007 Farm Bill.

The voice of America’s sportsmen and women had a profound impact on the course of the 2007 Farm Bill recently, when more than 30 conservation groups launched a Commit to Conservation campaign. Representing America’s 87 million sportsmen, as well as industry and state wildlife agencies, the groups joined forces to pressure the Senate to provide at least $6 billion for conservation programs in the bill.

Ducks Unlimited applauds the positive steps taken by the Senate Agriculture Committee to fund conservation programs in response to the push from sportsmen. “We were concerned that conservation may be cut to fund other aspects of the bill, resulting in a step backward for America’s conservation efforts,” said Barton James, director of agriculture conservation policy for Ducks Unlimited.

Thirty-four groups, including Ducks Unlimited, the National Wildlife Federation, Pheasants Forever, the National Rifle Association and the Association for Fish and Wildlife Agencies urged their membership to take action and call their Senators to tell them to support farm bill conservation programs. The groups also ran an ad in Roll Call, the most read newspaper by Members of Congress, urging the Senate to provide $6 billion in conservation funding in the farm bill.

“Ducks Unlimited appreciates the level of funding the committee was able to agree on for conservation,” James said. “We cannot afford to let the funding levels for these programs drop, and we will continue to work with the Senate to make conservation a priority.”

Proposals had been floated to cut conservation funding to pay for experimental pilot programs. “Conservation programs are not a piggy bank that can be raided whenever there is a new idea,” James said. “The U.S. is losing more than 80,000 acres of wetlands each year. Conservation needs all of the money it gets.”

The bill will now move to the Senate floor for consideration. After passage, Members of the House and Senate will conference to iron out unsettled differences in the respective versions of the bill.

The Senate’s version of the farm bill includes a stronger Sodsaver provision, which would eliminate farm program payments on newly converted land that has never been cropped. The Wetlands Reserve Program would be funded to enroll 250,000 new acres of wetlands every year, with the national cap being increased to 3.5 million acres, up from 2.75 million acres. However, an appraisal issue harming the program’s enrollment is still unresolved.

The Conservation Reserve Program would be authorized for 39.2 million acres, which is the same number that the House authorized, and the Grasslands Reserve Programs was funded at a similar level as the House.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with almost 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands – nature’s most productive ecosystem – and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

Media contact:
Neil Shader
202-347-1530
nshader@ducks.org

For more information on DU’s farm bill priorities: www.ducks.org/farmbill

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Sodsaver Legislative Alert 10-25-2007 11:45
– – –
Duck Populations at Risk
The Prairie Pothole Region of the U.S., the largest expanse of grassland in the world covering the Great Plains, is rapidly losing native prairie resulting in serious threats to duck populations. In the last year the amount of prairie that was destroyed, primarily due to grassland being converted to cropland in key states like North Dakota and Montana, increased upwards of 40 percent. To counter this dangerous trend it is imperative that a Sodsaver provision — removing federal farm payments from converted native prairie where there is no previous cropping history — be added to the 2007 Farm Bill.

Go to this link and send an e-mail to your legislators: http://capwiz.com/nssf/issues/alert/?alertid=10477151

No comments

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

By Webmaster January 9, 2013 January 9, 2013 South Carolina

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

STATE DROUGHT RESPONSE COMMITTEE UPGRADES S.C. TO \’SEVERE\’ STATUS 09-06-2007 07:40
– – –
The state and local representatives from the Drought Response
Committee decided September 5, 2007 that conditions have continued to
deteriorate. The Committee upgraded the drought level to severe for all
counties except Beaufort and Jasper. Drought levels are declared in
four stages from incipient to moderate, severe followed by extreme. The
state has been under a moderate drought declaration since June 6, 2007.

According to Hope Mizzell, SC State Climatologist, there was
general consensus that most counties should be upgraded based on the
drought impact to agriculture, forestry, and hydrology. Beaufort and
Jasper were excluded due the heavy rainfall received over the past two
weeks. There was also discussion about the potential rainfall from the
low-pressure system off the coast; however, the committee agreed they
could not make a drought declaration based off a forecast. The committee
will closely monitor the system and if significant rain is received and
conditions improve in areas they will reconvene. Likewise local
committee members recognized that some indicators supported an extreme
declaration for portions of the upstate and this would also be monitored
closely.
While there is no recommendation for mandatory water
restrictions from the SC Drought Response Committee there may be
restrictions that result from local water system ordinances going to the
severe level. The committee does hope the upgrade will increase
awareness and water systems and industries are encouraged to closely
monitor conditions and implement their local drought plans as needed.
For more information about drought, visit the Office of State
Climatology Web site at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/ or contact
State Climatologist Hope Mizzell at (803) 734-9568 in Columbia.
Forestry and agriculture had reports of increasing concern about
conditions. According to David Tompkins with the S.C. Department of
Agriculture, “I’ve talked to a lot of people around the state, and few
have received adequate moisture. Especially hard hit have been soybeans
and cotton. Livestock producers are concerned about the lack of feed
and forage going into winter. We’ve got to get a long period of normal
rainfall to get back where we need to be.”
Darryl Jones, Forest Protection Chief with the S.C. Forestry
Commission stated, “The prolonged dry weather has negatively impacted
forest resources in the state. In July and August, the SC Forestry
Commission responded to 518 wildfires that burned more than 2,730 acres.
Wildfire occurrence in July and August is typically very low. Fires
have burned more intensely, requiring more personnel and equipment to
control, and the high temperatures have made it much harder on our
firefighters. Without widespread rainfall, the fall wildfire season,
which typically occurs in October and November, has the potential to be
very active.
State Hydrologist Bud Badr reported all lake levels are below
normal (except Lake Murray, which is slightly above normal). Badr
reports 12 of 17 drought-monitoring stations around the state are in a
drought category with two in Severe and ten in Extreme. David Baize with
S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported that his
agency has received reports of 15 water systems with water restrictions
in place. Ten are reporting voluntary restrictions with five reporting
mandatory.
Power generating facilities have implemented their federally
approved drought protocols and plans. Water suppliers have also
implemented local drought measures. “The SC Drought Response Committee’s
decision demonstrates that coordination and consistency between local,
state, and federal drought response is important for effective drought
planning and management,” said Steve de Kozlowski of the S.C. Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) Interim Deputy Director.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 09-04-2007 07:40
Cloudy, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
We shot 11 birds on the opener. Birds seemed to be receptive to calling and flagging. Not a bad start for the season. How did everyone else do?

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Early-season migratory bird seasons approved by Natural Resources Board 08-14-2007 15:03
– – –

The S.C. Natural Resources Board recently approved migratory bird hunting seasons for mourning doves, marsh hens (rails), woodcock, snipe, moorhens, purple gallinules, teal and an early season for Canada geese.

The Natural Resources Board set the 2007-2008 hunting seasons for these migratory game birds at its July 20 meeting in Charleston. The seasons must still meet approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and be published in the Federal Register in order to become final.

For more information, write to Early-Season Migratory Birds, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia.

The 2007-2008 mourning dove season in South Carolina is Sept. 1-3 (noon until sunset); Sept. 4–Oct. 6; Nov. 17-24; and Dec. 21–Jan. 15. Legal hunting hours for mourning dove season, except for Sept. 1-3, are from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The bag limit is 12 doves per hunter per day.

Hunters are reminded that mourning dove season will open this year on Saturday, Sept. 1. Dove season traditionally opens on either the first Saturday in September or on Labor Day, whichever comes first. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, seasons for migratory game birds cannot begin before Sept. 1.

An early season for Canada geese will be Sept. 1-30. This season is statewide. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The daily bag limit for Canada geese during this early season is 15 birds.

The two-part season for marsh hens—including king, clapper, sora and Virginia rails—and common moorhens and purple gallinules will be from Sept. 26–Oct. 1 and Oct. 24–Dec. 26. The daily bag limit for king and/or clapper rails is 15 birds per hunter and moorhens and/or purple gallinules is 15 birds per hunter. The daily limit for sora and/or Virginia rails is 25 birds per hunter. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

The 2008 South Carolina season for woodcock will run Jan. 2-31. Three birds per hunter is the daily limit for woodcock. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

The 2006-2007 season for common snipe, also called Wilson’s snipe, will be Nov. 14–Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is eight birds. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

The South Carolina early season for teal will be Sept. 21-29. The daily bag limit is four birds. Shooting hours are sunrise until sunset (not 30 minutes before sunrise, as with other migratory bird seasons).

South Carolina migratory bird hunters age 16 and older must have a state hunting license and a free migratory bird permit. Completion of an approved hunter education course is mandatory for resident and nonresident South Carolina hunters born after June 30, 1979, to purchase a license, and voluntary for older and younger hunters.
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Waterfowl Advisory group will meet Aug. 14 in Columbia 08-14-2007 15:00
– – –

The Waterfowl Advisory Committee to the S.C. Natural Resources Board will meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14 in Room 335 (board room) of the Rembert Dennis Building at 1000 Assembly St. in Columbia.

The meeting is open to the public. Anyone with business for the advisory committee, needing the agenda or directions to the meeting place should contact Susan Johnson at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources in Columbia at (803) 734-3889. William L. “Sam” Hiott Jr. of Charleston is the chairman of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee.

Items scheduled on the agenda for the meeting of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee include:

Advisory Committee member comments

Constituent comments

DNR Board Approved 2007-08 State Waterfowl Stamp Budget

Update on Waterfowl Hunting Guide

Trends in Continental Waterfowl Populations, 1955-2007

Legislative Update

2007-08 DNR Staff Waterfowl Season Recommendation

2007-08 WAC Waterfowl Season Recommendation

Peer Review Update

Constituent – WAC Internet Communication Forum Update
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Early goose season 07-28-2007 19:06
– – –
Anyone have any news about the early goose season? Last year it was all of Sept. That is only 34 days away…I’ve already got the itch…Decoys are clean and ready to go…

Posted By:
GOOSE SLAYER22
Web Member

03-20-2007 14:33
– – –
If anybody is looking look for a place in mantioba,canada to waerfowl hunt, i no a real good place, and they will treat you right, If you would like more information on it just pm me and will get back to you

Posted By:
hodgman
Guest

Upstate 02-18-2007 16:59
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
Just got back from SEWE in Charleston, SC and my father and I went to the timber to see if any new birds were down. Man were they. Approximately 100 mallards, several small flocks of blacks and a couple of pintails. Quite a few of woodies.

I sure wish season was still in!

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

The big lake 02-18-2007 15:02
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Managed to shoot 4 long necks on the 15th. Got my first triple! Never done that with Geese before. Should of had 5, but someone(me) forgot to eject a shell. So to the two geese that landed and flew off unharmed. Until next year.

If work permits I will get up north to kill some snows and blues.

Posted By:
hodgman
Guest

Upstate 02-11-2007 19:07
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 35-40 Degrees
Hunted with father in private timber on 1/24/07 in a heavy rain. Worked two flocks of mallards, the largest being 15. Harvested 6 mallards some as close as 10 yds.

Hunted same area with kids again and only harvested 2 woodies.

[Edited By hodgman on 2007-02-11 19:08]

Posted By:
hodgman
Guest

Upstate 02-11-2007 18:49
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Hunted on 1/6/07 with 11year old son and two nephews in private timber: Harvested 4 mallards, 3 blacks, and 2 woodies. Kids had a blast calling and of course shooting!

[Edited By hodgman on 2007-02-11 19:01]

No comments

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

By Webmaster January 9, 2013 January 9, 2013 South Carolina

Posted By:
Paul – Kiker
Guest

Pee Dee 01-31-2007 01:16
– – –
It was a great season.Not as good as some, but certainly not as bad as others. I guess I should have, but I didn’t keep a count of the numbers bagged. I just enjoyed hunting with old & new friends and their kids. Having the kids along and seeing their reaction to birds landing in decoys was very rewarding.Probably the best part of my season was with my wife. We took a trip to the midwest and kicked about in smalltown, USA in several states, visited with old friends, made new friends, and I hunted a little along the way. Did not want to come home.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate-West 01-30-2007 13:09
– – –
Fair season for me, going thru withdrawals now that its over. My season ended as follows:
59 total ducks, 2 Canadas, 1 Coot
36 Mallards
10 woodies
7 GWT
5 Gadwalls
1 Ringneck
Not as good as some, but good enough for me.

How bout Ya’ll?

[Edited By Drake26 on 2007-01-30 13:15]

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Clarks Hill 01-30-2007 10:19
– – –
I guess the fat lady has all but sung. Had two flocks of geese land in the decoys about 6:55. Left just a little after 7. Ended up with 2 geese and 5 Merg on the 27th. Should have had several more geese, and a fat drake mallard. Terrible shooting! Needed more than two guns! Anyone going to be doing any late season hunting? I am going to try to get out a few more times before the 15th. Good Luck!

Posted By:
Paul – Kiker
Guest

Pee Dee 01-23-2007 03:35
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
Hunted on the river with too friends last Friday morning the 19th. Put out decoys in a calm hole of deep water in the outward bend of the river so we could see up and down stream. It was a beautiful morning,2 bald eagles flying and screaming, turkeys roosting in the trees along both sides of the river and clucking and gobbling,2 otters visited in the decoys for a while, but almost no ducks. Never fired a shot. Saw about a dozen woodies, 2 mallards, and 8 gaddies, but we must have smelled bad, cause nothing came into us. Two other friends and their two sons hunted in my pond,set up in the flooded lowground field, and got 6 woodies. They said some mallards also came in but landed in the flooded timber. The ringnecks were “noshows”.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate-West 01-16-2007 14:26
Cloudy, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
Glad the weather’s about to change it’s way to hot. I haven’t seen it this bad in a long time. Only a few ducks in the area. I’ve had a pretty good year so far, killed 49 maybe I can get to 60 before the end. I’m only going to hunt about 4 more times and there isn’t much to shoot at.

[Edited By Drake26 on 2007-01-16 14:31]

Posted By:
Paul – Kiker
Guest

Private Impoundment – Pee Dee River 01-13-2007 04:23
– – –
Drove in to my land on the Pee Dee yesterday morning about 10 am and I don’t know where they came from, but it was full of birds – woodies, mallards, ringnecks, and a few gadwalls. Maple is at the back door and she and I are getting ready to leave right now. 5 of us are planning to hunt this morning, 3 Dads and 2 sons. It should be fun.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SEWE DU Fundraiser 01-11-2007 08:28
– – –
This is one you don’t want to miss!

The annual Ducks Unlimited / Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Oyster Roast is scheduled for Friday, February 16, 2007 at the Charleston Visitor’s Center Bus Shed. Doors open at 6pm. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of one of the most outstanding DU events in the country!

Tickets are on sale now at a special early bird rate and can be purchased over the phone by calling 843-224-5142 or by visiting our Online Registration Page. Tickets are $40 per person if purchased before February 9 and $50 per person if purchased after February 9. Your ticket includes all-you-can eat oysters and an assortment of other lowcountry cuisine, open bar, a membership to Ducks Unlimited and the opportunity to participate in this event’s unique auctions and raffles.

For years the Ducks Unlimited / Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Oyster Roast has been a tremendous success. In fact, this is one of the only events of its kind that is recognized as an official part of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Crowds of well over 1000 people with many different interests come to enjoy an evening filled with fun and excitement. This year’s auctions, both live and silent, feature original artwork and carvings from artists across the country, as well as trips of all kinds and some of the most exclusive Ducks Unlimited merchandise that you won’t find anywhere else! We also have a live band for entertainment and some of the best food that Charleston has to offer. So if you’re from the Charleston area and looking to join in the festivities, or from out-of-town and interested in being a part of the biggest Friday night event of the weekend, get your tickets and plan to join us for the 2007 Ducks Unlimited / Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Oyster Roast!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Ducks Unlimited Events Jan-Feb 01-11-2007 08:27
– – –
Event Details: Walterboro Banquet
When: Saturday, January 20, 2007
Event Type: Banquet
Location: National Guard Armory
Contact Name: Scott Bridge
Phone: (843)549-1774

Event Details: Columbia Oyster Roast
When: Friday, February 02, 2007
Event Type: Banquet
Location: University House – Bluff Road @ Williams Brice Stadium
Contact Name: Jamie Newman
Phone: (803)758-6000

Event Details: Newberry County Banquet
When: Friday, February 02, 2007
Event Type: Banquet
Contact Name: Andy Gallman
Phone: (803)924-5157

Event Details: Cooper River Oyster Roast
When: Saturday, February 03, 2007
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Wannamaker County Park
Contact Name: Beth Davis
Phone: (843)577-0660

Event Details: Sparkleberry Dinner
When: Friday, February 09, 2007
Event Type: Banquet
Location: American Legion Hut
Contact Name: Deron Donohoo
Phone: (803)778-1931

Event Details: Florence Oyster Roast
When: Friday, February 09, 2007
Event Type: Banquet
Location: National Guard Armory
Contact Name: Lee Daugherty
Phone: (843)674-3285

Event Details: Greenwood Ducks Unlimited Banquet
When: Thursday, February 15, 2007 6:00 p.m.
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Greenwood State Park
Contact Name: Steve McGee
Phone: (864)377-0871

Event Details: 2007 Ducks Unlimited / Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Oyster Roast
When: Friday, February 16, 2007
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Charleston Visitor’s Center

Contact Name: Mark Hartley
Phone: (843)224-5142

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Feb 17-19 01-10-2007 07:58
– – –
Now in its 25th year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation, attracting over 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. A 3-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education.

Established in 1982, the first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. Its goal was, and is, to produce an event which contributes significantly to the economy while promoting the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through its educational outreach programs and its focus on the visual arts.

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an effort that began as a small winter diversion has now become the largest annual event to take place in South Carolina and one of the most popular and successful events in the country.

[Edited By PJ-Perea on 2007-01-10 08:02]

Posted By:
Paul – Kiker
Guest

private impoundment-Pee Dee River 01-08-2007 10:49
– – –
Last Fri. morning a friend and I went to my pond, saw the usual woodies and one group of mallards. The mallards were real wary, actually flew back to the river, and 15 min. later showed back up and tried to land in my small jon boat. We got 8(6drakes and 2 hens). On Sat. morning, I was not able to go, but two of my friends and their two sons went and bagged 3 mallards and 2 ringnecks and saw the usual woodies. Need a frontal change and some new birds.

No comments

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

By Webmaster January 9, 2013 January 9, 2013 South Carolina

Posted By:
jwhite6
WFC Sponsor

01-05-2007 18:45
– – –
things really stink down here on the coast hunted today at the ocean seen 15 ducks got 2 of them we need some weather

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Local Ponds Aiken Count 01-02-2007 13:55
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 50-60 Degrees
Weeknd storm finally pushed a few new birds into Aiken. Mostly Buffleheads, a few ringnecks and even a few wood ducks showed up. Didn’t hunt, just watching for new birds.

My friends said skies were pretty empty on Savannah River over weekend. Not much shooting except a few ringnecks and the odd wood duck. Very few geese on river. anybody hunting the big water on Thurmond?

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Youth waterfowl hunt applications due Jan. 5 01-02-2007 13:52
– – –

Applications are now available for public drawing youth waterfowl hunts at Wildlife Management Areas across the state, sponsored by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. The deadline for returning completed applications is Friday, Jan. 5, 2007.

Completed applications for the youth waterfowl hunts must be received by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Columbia office by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2007. For more information call your local DNR office or the Columbia office at (803) 734-3886, or write DNR Youth Duck Hunts, Attn: Patty Castine, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202-0167. Download a pdf file of the application>>>.

Adobe® Reader® is required to open the files and is available as a free download from the Adobe® Web site.

The Wildlife Management Area (WMA) youth waterfowl hunts will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007. Hunts will be conducted at the following Wildlife Management Areas: Bear Island, Beaverdam Creek, Bonneau Ferry, Donnelley, Sandy Beach, Samworth, Santee Delta-East, Santee Delta-West, and Santee Coastal–The Cape.

Applications for Beaverdam may include only one adult and one youth.

Each hunt party must consist of either one or two hunters age 10-15 and a non-hunting adult 18 years or older. A hunt fee of $10 per youth hunter is required. In order to hunt on any of the coastal WMA, hunters must have in their possession a current hunting license, WMA permit, migratory bird (HIP) permit, along with state and federal duck stamps. For more information on waterfowl hunting, consult the “2006-2007 South Carolina Migratory Bird Regulations”

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Try Christmas bird counts to get in the holiday spirit 12-27-2006 09:25
– – –
Tired of fighting crowds at the mall? Want to see a real partridge in a pear tree? Join thousands of other volunteers in the National Audubon Society’s longest-running wintertime tradition, the 107th annual Christmas Bird Count.

“Christmas Bird Counts are a good way for beginners to learn birdwatching from experienced birders,” said Laurel Barnhill, wildlife biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Section. “Anyone interested in birds can participate. The most important thing is having eyes out in the field. Even people who are feeder watchers within the count area can participate.”

South Carolina’s Christmas bird counters are among the more than 50,000 volunteers participating in the National Audubon Society’s 107th Christmas Bird Count Dec. 14–Jan. 5, the world’s largest volunteer survey of its type. This marks the 107th anniversary since 27 conservationists decided to protest the traditional bird shoot, and instead of killing birds with guns, they counted them on Christmas Day 1900. The event originated as a protest to the traditional holiday “side hunt” in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds and animals in one day.

For information on bird counts in your area, visit the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count; check the Carolina Bird Club; or call the DNR at (803) 734-3886 in Columbia.

This year, nearly 2,000 individual counts are scheduled to take place throughout the Americas. The data, 100 percent volunteer generated, have become a crucial part of the federal government’s natural history monitoring database. During Christmas Bird Counts, all birds within a 7.5-mile radius are identified by species and counted during a 24-hour period. Most counts begin at 7 or 8 a.m. and last the entire day, but participants can leave at their convenience if they make prior arrangements with the trip leader. Barnhill advises bringing a lunch and drink since many bird counts are conducted in rural areas. Dress for the weather.

Count participants are asked to pay a $5 fee to defray costs of the program; observers 18 years of age and under count for free. Count results and participants’ names will be published by the National Audubon Society. A list of the counts, and contacts for more information, includes:

2006-2007 South Carolina Christmas Bird Counts

Saturday, Dec. 23 – YORK/ROCK HILL, Bill Hilton Jr., (803) 684-5852, Hilton@hiltonpond.org

Saturday, Dec. 23 – AIKEN, Calvin Zippler, zipplerc@bellsouth.net

Friday, Dec. 29 – SPARTANBURG, Lyle Campbell, lcampbell@uscupstate.edu

Saturday, Dec. 30 – SANTEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Robin Carter, rcarter@sc.rr.com

Saturday, Dec. 30 – NORTH GREENVILLE, J.B. Hines, (864) 579-5854, jbhines3@chesnet.net

Sunday, Dec. 31 – ACE BASIN, Pete Laurie, (843) 559-2046, farmall41@aol.com

Sunday, Dec. 31 – CHARLESTON, Burton Moore, (843) 853-1100, BEMIII@yahoo.com

Wednesday, Jan. 3 – LAKE WATEREE, Donna Slyce, pine.siskin@hotmail.com

Friday, Jan. 5 – COLUMBIA, Robin Carter, rcarter@sc.rr.com

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Acclaimed wildlife artist to produce SC Duck Stamps 12-27-2006 09:21
– – –
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources unveiled the 2007 South Carolina Duck Stamp print in a ceremony Tuesday at the Statehouse. The print, “Redheads at Winyah Bay,” is the first of four in a series from nationally acclaimed wildlife artist Jim Killen, a three-time winner of the S.C. Migratory Waterfowl Duck Stamp and Print Program competition. The S.C. Migratory Waterfowl Committee recently chose Killen to commission prints for the program for the next four years, 2007 to 2010.

Killen, who has reaped national and international awards, was also honored three times as the “International Artist of the Year” for Ducks Unlimited. The quality and distinctive style of his art has generated millions of dollars for numerous conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited International, Pheasants Forever, Quail Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was also named Southeastern Wildlife Expo “Artist of the Year” in 1987. Born and raised in Minnesota, the pheasant fields and prairie potholes inspired him to strive to preserve these gifts of nature for future generations. Jim’s third story studio overlooks the 160 acres he has developed into a wildlife management area…focusing on waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey and deer. A favorite project for Jim is perpetuating the forest. Over the years, he has planted more than 30,000 trees on his property.

The new 2007 state migratory waterfowl stamps, often called duck stamps, go on sale each July 1 for the upcoming season and cost $5.50 each. Stamps are available from most retail businesses that sell hunting and fishing licenses or directly from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Also check Arcadia Publications. Collectors should purchase stamps from the DNR. South Carolina duck hunters age 16 and older are required to have the state waterfowl stamp in their possession while hunting. Duck hunters purchase about 24,000 stamps each year, and collectors buy another 5,000 stamps. For more information on the Duck Stamp Program contact Antonio Bates in DNR licensing at (803) 734-4269 in Columbia.

Funds from stamp sales are by law used strictly within South Carolina, which includes the cost of stamp production, and migratory waterfowl projects specified by the S.C. Natural Resources Board for the development, protection and propagation of waterfowl in the state.

Funds derived from the sale of art prints and related artwork is used as specified in state law. The committee administers and promotes the sale of prints, stamps and related articles. The amount needed to make up 50 percent of the total from stamp and print sales is transferred to the DNR for use in its specified projects. The remainder of funds derived by the sale of prints and related articles is disbursed to a nonprofit organization for the development of waterfowl propagation projects within Canada. The projects must specifically provide waterfowl for the Atlantic Flyway and must be able to demonstrate evidence that the projects are acceptable to the appropriate governmental agencies having jurisdiction over the project areas.

Since 1962 a portion of the revenues from nonresident hunting licenses has helped to fund waterfowl conservation projects within South Carolina and in Canada. One dollar from each annual nonresident hunting license and 50 cents from each temporary nonresident hunting license is used by DNR for propagation, management and control of ducks and geese in the state. A like portion of such license fees is contributed by DNR to proper agencies in Canada for propagation and management of ducks and geese.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 12-27-2006 09:17
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Not much flying except a few ringnecks and the odd goose. My friend dropped a few wood ducks at local pond. Watched a lot of skyblasting and pass shooting. Not much willing to work as they are the same ducks that we’ve hunted since the opener.

Slow overall—not much moved down with X-mas storm except a few buffleheads.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate-West 12-18-2006 13:57
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Sat. 12/16
3 guns, 4 woodies, 1 mallard drake
Saw 200+ mallards, they were in the ozone due to the heat and blue skies, wouldn’t work. Shoulda limited on woodies, but we all shot awful.
Sun. 12/17
By myself, 3 mallards (2 drakes, 1 hen). had to cut my hunt short had to take the wife to the airport. ARG!

Bring back the cold!!!!!!!!

Posted By:
Paul – Kiker
Guest

Pee Dee River 12-16-2006 02:40
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
I went to my pond yesterday morning for the opener and saw about 75 woodies and a dozen mallards. I imagine all are the same ducks I saw during Thanksgiving. The mallards came from the river, circled 3 times as I was calling and settled right in on top of me. I got 3, let Maple retrieve, and walked out. The impoundments about 2 miles south of me had some pretty good hunting, judging from the number of shots I heard.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate-West 12-13-2006 07:17
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Report for Tuesday 12/12
Well they are here. At least a big variety. Saw 200+ mallards, 36+ gadwall, 6-8 blacks, & 25 widgeons in pretty good abundance. Saw a pair of pintails also. All on private land.

[Edited By Drake26 on 2006-12-14 07:17]

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Youth waterfowl hunt applications due Jan. 5 12-12-2006 08:06
– – –
Applications are now available for public drawing youth waterfowl hunts at Wildlife Management Areas across the state, sponsored by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. The deadline for returning completed applications is Friday, Jan. 5, 2007.

Completed applications for the youth waterfowl hunts must be received by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Columbia office by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2007. For more information or to request an application, call your local DNR office or the Columbia office at (803) 734-3886, or write DNR Youth Duck Hunts, Attn: Patty Castine, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202-0167.

Applications for Beaverdam may include only one adult and one youth.

No comments

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

By Webmaster January 9, 2013 January 9, 2013 South Carolina

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Georgetown County creeks are part of state waterfowl areas 12-12-2006 08:04
– – –
The public is reminded that the portions of Big Carr Creek and Little Carr Creek bordering Samworth Wildlife Management Area in Georgetown County are included as Category II waterfowl areas during the 2006-2007 season, which means these areas can be hunted only during scheduled dates and times.

Public hunting on Big Carr Creek and Little Carr Creek in Georgetown County will take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the waterfowl season, with the second portion of the season beginning Friday, Dec. 15. Shooting times are 30 minutes before sunrise until noon. A Wildlife Management Area Permit, along with a valid state hunting license, state and federal waterfowl stamps and Harvest Information Program (migratory bird) permit will be required to hunt waterfowl within the Category II areas. Each hunter is limited to 25 non-toxic shells per hunt. Signs will be posted marking the boundaries in both creeks where the Category II status begins. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) law enforcement officers will be enforcing the new regulations.

For additional information refer to the 2006-2007 “South Carolina Migratory Bird Regulations,” or contact Jim Westerhold, DNR Waterfowl Project leader in the upper coastal area, at (843) 546-3226.

Including Big Carr Creek and Little Carr Creek in the Category II waterfowl area status and limiting hunting times will improve the quality of waterfowl hunting in these creeks as well as on other private and public properties around the Samworth Wildlife Management Area, since continual disturbance of ducks limits the use of available habitat for waterfowl. Boat navigation and fishing in both creeks are not affected by this change.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate-West 12-09-2006 07:31
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Report for Fri. 12/8
Saw larger numbers of gadwalls & teal on some private areas about the same as Wednesday’s report although there was a new pair of redheads there.
The few mallards from Wednesday turned into 150+ on the public water hole I’ve been watching.
Didn’t see as many woodies as Wed.
Total numbers aren’t huge yet, but they are growing.
6 more days!

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate-West 12-07-2006 06:43
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Report for Wed. 12/6
Saw larger numbers of gadwalls & teal on some private areas.
A few mallards and mergs have showed up on a public water hole I’ve been watching.
Also saw an enormous amount of wood duck action.
Total numbers aren’t huge just yet.
Glad we are almost done with the split only 8 more days!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Low Country Public Hunting Opp’s 11-28-2006 08:52
– – –
Coastal waterfowl hunting opportunities are numerous

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources reminds the public that several Wildlife Management Areas are open to waterfowl hunting along the coast this season.

Statewide waterfowl seasons are Nov. 22-26 and Dec. 15–Jan. 28. In order to hunt on any of the coastal Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), hunters must have in their possession a current hunting license, WMA permit, migratory bird (HIP) permit, along with state and federal duck stamps. For more information on waterfowl hunting, consult the “2006-2007 South Carolina Migratory Bird Regulations”

Waterfowl hunting on the Little Pee Dee River WMA Complex in Marion and Horry counties is open on Wednesdays only. The various tracts offer good opportunities for wood ducks on several oxbow lakes and flooded bottomlands. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildlife Biologist Deanna Ruth reminds everyone that hunting ends at noon each Wednesday.

A new addition to the Category II waterfowl areas is the inclusion of Carr Creek and Little Carr Creek. Only those portions of both creeks that are bordered by Samworth WMA on both sides will be classified as a Category II waterfowl area. Waterfowl hunting will be allowed in these areas on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, and hunting must cease at noon. Signs will be posted alerting hunters as to where the boundaries of this new area are located. According to DNR Waterfowl

Biologist Jim Westerhold, “Including Big and Little Carr Creeks in the Category II status will foster a decrease in disturbance and improve the quality of waterfowl hunting for the public hunter as well as those drawn for the waterfowl hunts on Samworth.” For more information on these waterfowl areas, contact Westerhold at (843) 546-3226.

The 2,424-acre Hatchery WMA in Berkeley County on Lake Moultrie will be open on Saturdays only throughout the 2006-2007 waterfowl season, according to DNR Wildlife Biologist Will Carlisle. Hunters may not enter the area prior to 3 a.m. with hunting beginning 30 minutes before legal sunrise and ending at noon. Everyone must be out of the area by 1 p.m. except for Jan. 27, 2007, when hunting is allowed until legal sunset. Hunters must enter and leave through the Hatchery Landing. No fishing is allowed during the scheduled waterfowl hunts. No airboats are allowed from Nov. 15 through Jan. 31.

Each hunter is limited to 25 non-toxic shot shells. Carlisle emphasizes that after the hunt, each participant must accurately complete a data card and deposit it in the receptacle before leaving the landing. Only ducks, coots, geese and mergansers may be harvested.

The Moultrie Hunt Unit consists of the borrow pits surrounding Lake Moultrie. Hunting in this area is allowed Monday thru Saturday.

Dungannon WMA located in Charleston County will open on Wednesday mornings only throughout the waterfowl season. All hunters must enter and leave through the public parking lot located on SC Highway 162.

The Francis Marion National Forest is open for waterfowl hunting during the small game seasons within the regular waterfowl season except for the Tibwin Special Use Area, which is not open to waterfowl hunting.

Public hunting in the ACE (Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto) Basin can be found in the waters of the Samson Island Unit of Bear Island WMA in Colleton County. DNR’s ACE Basin Project Supervisor Dean Harrigal reminds hunters that the area includes the tidal waters of Samson Island Creek and is accessible only by boat from nearby Willtown or Dawhoo landings. The area is open until noon on Thursdays and Saturdays only.

Hunters may visit the Turtle Island WMA in Jasper County. DNR Wildlife Biologist Jay Cantrell said that the area is open until noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.

Youth waterfowl days are scheduled for Feb. 3-4, 2007. Only hunters 15 years of age or younger may hunt waterfowl on these days. They must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age. The adult is not allowed to carry a weapon or hunt.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

DU Events December 11-28-2006 08:48
– – –
Event Details: Clemson University Ducks Unlimited Banquet
When: Thursday, November 30, 2006 6:00 p.m.
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Tiger Park
Contact Name: Bill Middleton
Phone: (864) 650-8027

Event Details: Dillon County Chapter Banquet
When: Monday, December 04, 2006 7:00 p.m.
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Pee Dee Shrine Club, Dillon, SC
Contact Name: Patrick Stewart

Event Details: York Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Event
When: Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Event Type: Other
Contact Name: Joe Johnson
Phone: (704)718-0622

Event Details: Ducks Unlimited Wild Game Dinner
When: Thursday, December 07, 2006
Event Type: Dinner
Location: Lexington
Contact Name: Jay Phillips
Phone: (803)518-1616

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-27-2006 08:40
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Wed. 11/22 3 of us killed 6 woodies and 3 mallards, coulda piled the back of the truck up with the woodies.
Thursday 11/23 killed a limit of green 3 drakes 1 hen
Sat. 11/25 2 of us killed 4 woodies had to leave early to go see the suck fest at Clemson.
Sun. 11/26 took 2 kids 16 & 13 we killed 3 limits of green 9 drakes and 3 hens.
Pretty good opener!!!

Posted By:
Paul – Kiker
Guest

Pee Dee 11-24-2006 17:14
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Went back to my farm on the river this morning with a friend, but this time took my 12′ jon boat. The river had dropped about 2 feet in elevation, but still had 90% of the lowgrounds flooded.Paddled the boat down the farm road to the first lowground field and then paddled to the south end of the field and put out 10 decoys. The fog moved in and the woodies beginning showing up at 6:35 am. It took us about 15 min. to kill our 4 woodies and then we sat waiting to see if any mallards dropped in. Flock after flock of woodies from 3 to 12 birds landed in the decoys. It was fun to watch them as they tried to determine if they should befriend our decoy spread. At 8 am, 6 mallards came in but landed in the lowground field north of us, stayed about 15min. then flew back to the river and downstream. We pulled the decoys at 8:30 and paddled out. The water depth in the field was 7′ so don’t think the river will be back inside the banks until sometime Sunday. Plan to go back in the morning, maybe hunt, but mostly to start cleaning debris out of the farm road.

Posted By:
Paul – Kiker
Guest

Pee Dee 11-23-2006 18:57
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Left our home at 5:30am this morning for our traditional Thanksgiving morning family duck hunt and when we dropped off the hill on our farm road and at the beginning of the low grounds along the river, the road and entire 1/2 mile wide low ground was flooded. Yep, the river was out of its banks big time, which meant our pond was inundated also. So we walked about 600 feet south of the farm road, put out 4 decoys, and sat down along the edge of the flooded timber. At 6:30 the woodies began to show up squealling and landing in the flooded timber as well as the flooded low ground fields towards the river. At about 6:45, 12-15 woodies fell in on top of us and we bagged 4 and, of course, Maple had fun retrieving.Then we had 14 mallards to circle and talk to us for about 30 seconds, but they also landed in the flooded low ground fields. No more woodies came to us and the water was too deep to wade, so at 8:30 we hung it up and went home to help with turkey day lunch. Sure wished we had taken our small jon boat, but that will be tomorrow mornings hunt. The river had not crested when we left at 8:30. Instead, it had risen a foot in elevation while we were hunting.Heard a fair amount of shooting across the river from legal shooting time until about 8 am.

Posted By:
Paul – Kiker
Guest

Pee Dee 11-22-2006 19:27
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 35-40 Degrees
Checked my pond midday, full of water from the rains, 15-20 mallards and 50-75 woodies. Plan to do the traditional Thanksgiving morning hunt with my 3 sons. Good luck on turkey day and be sure to spend time with family.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Finally some ducky weather! 11-21-2006 14:15
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 35-40 Degrees
Good luck on the opener. Still lots of ramp closures on Thurmond lake. I’d double check the ramp before heading out. Buffleheads are starting to show up on local ponds, so a few migrants are finally filtering into the Midlands.

No comments

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

By Webmaster January 9, 2013 January 9, 2013 South Carolina

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-15-2006 10:03
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 45-50 Degrees
Only one week to go, I can’t wait. Seeing plenty of mallards, GWT, gadwalls, a few blacks and some ringers. The opener should be interesting. Good luck to All!!!

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-01-2006 15:07
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
3weeks from today!!! Can’t wait!!!!!!
Got a pretty good number of new ducks showing up daily. mallards, teal, gadwalls, wigeons and a lot of ringnecks showed up yesterday.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Delta Waterfowl Events Oct/Nov 10-27-2006 08:48
– – –
Columbia, SC – Midlands
Chairperson: Bill Bennett (803) 532-1026
October 27, 2006 Dinner
Lower Richland County – Belle Grove Plantation – Gate Opens at 6pm
For more information please contact Bill Bennett (803) 767-8246

Conway, SC – Coastal Palmetto
Chairperson: Jason Wallace (843) 248-2609
November 18, 2006 Dinner
Conway, SC – SC National Guard Armory 16th Ave. – Social 5pm Dinner 7pm
For more information please contact Jason Wallace (843) 248-2609

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

DU Events Oct/Nov 10-27-2006 08:27
– – –
Event Details: Ducks Unlimited SCDU Inshore Fishing Tournament
When: Saturday, October 28, 2006
Event Type: Other
Location: Georgetown
Contact Name: Michael Toemmes
Phone: (843)833-5415

Event Details: Western York Ducks Unlimited Membership Banquet
When: Monday, October 30, 2006 6:00 p.m.
Event Type: Banquet
Location: River Hills Country Club
Contact Name: Joe Johnson
Phone: (803)684-4271
Contact Email: joe@dunlapjohnson.com

Event Details: Ducks Unlimited Marion / Mullins Membership Banquet
When: Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Marion
Contact Name: Ashley Brady
Phone: (843)423-1212

Event Details: Ducks Unlimited Columbia Membership Banquet
When: Thursday, November 02, 2006
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Columbia – State Fairgrounds
Contact Name: Andy Stevenson
Phone: (803)513-5739

Event Details: Spartanburg Ducks Unlimited Membership Banquet
When: Thursday, November 02, 2006 6:00 p.m.
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds
Contact Name: Jamie Mintz
Phone: (864)809-6111
Contact Email: mintzscrap@charter.net

Event Details: Ducks Unlimited Berkeley County Fall Harvest Banquet
When: Thursday, November 02, 2006
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Moncks Corner
Contact Name: Shea McMakin
Phone: (843)810-9653

Event Details: Ducks Unlimited Grand Strand Membership Banquet
When: Friday, November 03, 2006
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Garden City – SBB 4 Corners
Contact Name: Rick Baumann
Phone: (843)457-8126

Event Details: Ducks Unlimited Kingstree Membership Banquet
When: Thursday, November 09, 2006
Event Type: Banquet
Location: Kingstree
Contact Name: Shannon Coker
Phone: (843)356-9723

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Congrats to Mike Prince of Goose Creek SC 10-16-2006 08:53
– – –
Duck & Goose Calling Contest Draws National Competitors
Hanover, Maryland – The air around Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World – Baltimore was saturated with the sounds of ringing duck calls and hailing goose calls when four waterfowl calling contests were held there on September 30.

Mike Prince from Goose Creek, South Carolina and Charles Petty form Harrisburg, Arkansas won First Place in the Chesapeake Bay Regional Open Duck Calling Championship and the Susquehanna Flats Regional Open Duck Calling Championship respectively, to earn a spot in the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas on November 25.

The rules for the new Bass Pro Shops RedHead ‘Over/Under’ Team Goose Calling Championship were the same as for any other open contest. The difference was that one contestant must be age 17 or ‘under’; the other contestant must be ‘over’ the age of 17.
The following are the results of the calling contests.

Chesapeake Bay Regional Open Duck Calling Championship – Sanctioned:
1 Mike Prince, Goose Creek, SC – Echo Calls
2 Charles Petty, Harrisburg, AR – RNT Calls
3 Mike Pauley, Ashland City, TN – Echo Calls

Chesapeake Bay Open Goose Calling Championship:
1 Allan Stanley, Dover, DE – Allan Stanley Calls
2 Jacob Stanley, Dover, DE – Allan Stanley Calls
3 Justin Culver, Quantico, MD – Bay Country Calls

Bass Pro Shops RedHead Over/Under Team Goose Calling Championship:
1 John Taylor/Josh Taylor, both of Quantico, MD – Bay Country Calls
2 Allan Stanley/Jacob Stanley, both of Dover, DE – Allan Stanley Calls
3 Josh Neuwiller, Federalsburg, MD/ Edward Roe, Cordova, MD – Sean Mann Outdoors

Susquehanna Flats Regional Open Duck Calling Championship – Sanctioned:
1 Charles Petty, Harrisburg, AR – RNT Calls
2 John Taylor, Quantico, MD – Allan Stanley Calls
3 Scott Bauswell, Salisbury, MD – Allan Stanley Calls

How it works: The scene is a duck or goose blind. A flock has been sighted and the callers’ intent is to attract the birds into gun range.
Callers create a calling routine that begins with ‘hail’ or greeting calls. The purpose of these calls is to attract the attention of distant ducks or geese. Once the imaginary flock turns in the direction of the caller, his next series are called ‘flock’ calls to simulate birds on the ground (the decoys) calling to the overhead flock to keep their attention. In the scenario, something unforeseen happens and the flock turns away. The caller then issues ‘comeback’ calls. The flock is hooked and then called to ground with the ‘laydown’ or landing calls. These calls are required and must be done in order and under a 90-second time limit. Each routine is similar, yet different in tone and volume based on the callers’ ability to create the illusion of one flock (the caller) calling to another. Each contest is judged by unseen waterfowl experts who listen to the quality of the calls and score the calls on a point system. The identities of the callers are unknown to the judges.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 09-29-2006 12:21
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
My friend punched his first goose this morning. Very few birds in the air. Mostly mallards mixed with woodies when they do buzz by. Only saw one group of teal all morning.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Moderate drought declared for Savannah River Basin 09-28-2006 08:11
– – –
State and local Drought Response Committee members declared a “moderate” drought for the Savannah River Basin during a meeting Wednesday, Sept. 20 in Columbia based on the hydrologic conditions in the basin. The state agency members of the drought response committee voted to declare a moderate drought in Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Abbeville, McCormick, Edgefield, Aiken, Barnwell, Allendale, Hampton and Jasper counties. The state agency representatives of the drought response committee declared an incipient drought on Aug. 16. Recent rains have not improved the hydrologic conditions with lake levels continuing to decline. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers upgraded the drought status for the Savannah River Basin to the second stage of drought on Aug. 28. Moderate drought means there is an increasing threat of a drought as demonstrated by drought indices. The primary indices driving this declaration were the sustained decline in reservoir levels and decline in ground water resources. For more information about drought, visit the Office of State Climatology Web site at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/ or contact State Climatologist Hope Mizzell at (803) 734-9100 in Columbia.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

South Carolina Teen Takes Shot at Olympic Dream 09-28-2006 08:09
– – –
U.S. OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER, Colorado Springs, Colo.?Sixteen-year-old shotgunner Aaron Cobb of Moore, S.C., took a step forward in fulfilling his Olympic dream this past week at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

Cobb, considered among the top talents in the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), spent last week fine-tuning his shooting skills with U.S. Olympic shotgun coach Lloyd Woodhouse and his staff at this year’s U.S. Junior Olympic Development Camp. The camp concluded Sept. 24.

Cobb was one of only 19 young shotgunners accepted from SCTP, which includes more than 8,300 young trap, skeet and sporting clays shooters nationwide. He was selected through an application and interview process by NSSF, which co-sponsored a portion of the costs. USA Shooting was a major partner.

“I have a goal of one day becoming an Olympian, and this is just one of the stepping-stones,” Cobb said. “It’s been great to learn from the coaches here, learning their tricks of the trade. It’s been a real influence on me and has bettered my shooting.”

As for Cobb’s future plans in the sport, he said: “My goal for the next year or two is to make the Junior Olympic team.”

Daily activities at the Olympic camp start at sunup, with the 19 young shooters assembling for physical training exercises in one of the Olympic facility’s gymnasiums. They then move on to the athletes’ cafeteria for a hearty meal, seated shoulder-to-shoulder with scores of other Olympic hopefuls and a handful of seasoned Olympic veterans from many different sports. The group then heads for the equipment locker room where they pick up their shotguns and begin the 15-minute drive to the U.S. Olympic Shooting Park at Fort Carson.

The young shotgunners spend their entire day at the range firing many hundreds of shells to help perfect their technique under the eye of the U.S. national team’s coaching staff. As the sun goes down, the athletes return to the Olympic training center for a hot shower and a warm meal, followed by classroom work on nutrition, setting goals, maintaining physical training programs and the nuances of mentally preparing for high-level competition. Then it’s off to the visiting athlete dorms for a good night’s sleep.

With more than three decades of top-flight coaching experience, coach Woodhouse knows how to spot emerging talent and bring out the very best in his athletes at the big matches. Six of the last nine U.S. medals in Olympic shooting have come from his shotgun teams.

Woodhouse said he isn’t looking for simply great shooters for the U.S. Olympic team, but is seeking the ones who also have a dream.

“We don’t want people just to make the Olympic team. We want them to have a dream, a dream to medal at the Olympic Games and know along the way what they have to do and how they have to get there in order to achieve those goals,” Woodhouse said.

“This Scholastic Clay Target Program is unbelievable to me,” Woodhouse said. “Some years ago, I started a junior Olympic shotgun team because we didn’t have a resource for young people who wanted to pursue the Olympic dream. And now, my heavens, there are 8,000 people this year in this program. As the national coach, I just can’t think of anything that pleases me more.”

Since its inception six years ago, the popularity of SCTP has skyrocketed. The program has grown to include more than 8,300 youths in 41 states. SCTP has also experienced remarkable growth in female participation. This year, more than 1,000 female youths participated, a 50 percent increase from 2005 and a 178 percent leap from 2004.

The SCTP athletes selected to this year’s U.S. Junior Olympic Development Camp are considered some of the program’s all-around best.

“These young athletes are some of the Scholastic Clay Target Program’s finest, and this week they demonstrated exactly why they were chosen for this opportunity,” said Zach Snow of NSSF. “We are thrilled to be able to provide such a great opportunity for these young talents. And there’s a chance we might see them on the medal stand someday representing our sport and our nation.”

NSSF, formed in 1961, is the non-profit trade association for the firearms industry. NSSF directs a variety of outreach programs to promote greater participation and a better understanding of shooting sports, emphasizing safe and responsible ownership of firearms. For more information, visit www.nssf.org.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 09-28-2006 08:04
– – –
My friend went out yesterday. did not fire a shot. Not much flying on SC side. Ga side was sporadically shooting. Pretty quiet otherwise.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 09-25-2006 16:00
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Hunted the Teal opener. My buddy and I shot two teal and he blasted a nice monster goose. Not much flying otherwise. A few wood ducks and mallards in the mix. Very slow overall.

Author: Webmaster

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

South Carolina Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

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