Category: South Carolina

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-25-2005 07:18
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
The opener was great. I limited out with 4 mallard drakes, 1 wood duck drake, and 1 gadwall hen. Saw a lot of ducks everywhere. Wood duck numbers are tremendous along with mallards and teal. Good luck for the remainder of the weekend.

Posted By:
J-GREIDER
Guest

Broad River 11-24-2005 07:03
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Saw a few ducks. Zero shot. Mostly Woody’s, R-neck’s, and teal. Two flocks of honkytonkbadonkydonks. Scraped a double out of one flock. Back home by 11:00. Working today, but will be back at it in the a.m.

Jon

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Savannah River 11-23-2005 22:46
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 45-50 Degrees
Hunted SC opener. Whiffed on 3 passers (wood ducks that had the afterburners lit). Very few ducks seen after initial shots at 6:36 most other hunters shot ringnecks, a few wood ducks, a handful of mallards and only one hunter managed to get a couple of geese on the river on my stretch. Pretty slow opener. Nice weather, but it was over by 7:00 am.Everyone was very cordial in the morning— a nice break from some of the poor conduct I grew used to in Illinois (fist fights at the ramp, skybusting on other guys swinging birds, guys setting up within 100 yards of your spread…etc)

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-22-2005 13:17
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Went scouting today.
High numbers of mallards and woodies.
Doz. Blacks
5Doz. GWT
Doz. Widgeons
6 Spoons
My newest sighting was about 2 dozen grey ducks.

Good luck on the opener tommorow. Hopefully I will have some pictures next Mon. or Tues.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Scouting Savannah River 11-22-2005 09:33
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
Did not see much at sundown last night driving along the river. A few geese here and there and some woodies. Good luck on the opener tomorrow. Hunt safe!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

25 Years Of Duck Stamps Help Waterfowl From S.C. To Canada 11-18-2005 13:49
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South Carolina’s 25th anniversary duck stamp this season features a pair of canvasback ducks flying over the ocean by wildlife artist Rodney Huckaby of Simpsonville. It is the 25th edition of conservation stamp and art print that has helped the Palmetto State make continued progress in waterfowl habitat conservation, as well as support breeding habitat restoration in Canada.

This year 2005 also marks the 100th anniversary of game and fish law enforcement in the Palmetto State.

Huckaby’s painting of a pair of canvasback ducks flying over the ocean with a shrimp boat pulling its trawl nets in the background was judged the winner of South Carolina’s 25th annual State Duck Stamp Contest by members of the S.C.

Migratory Waterfowl Committee. The stamp competition is a program of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The winning artwork is featured on the 2005-2006 S.C. Migratory Waterfowl and Hunting Stamp currently on sale. For more information on the duck stamp program, visit www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/stamps/index.html.

It has been almost 25 years since the first South Carolina duck stamp-a pair of wood ducks painted by artist Lee LeBlanc-went on sale in July 1981, and the limited edition art prints for 1981-82 literally sold out that year as they did the next season with a pair of mallards by Bob Binks. Two other top-selling prints in the 24 year history of the S.C. duck stamp program are the 1988-89 painting of a Boykin spaniel with wigeon by Jim Killen and the 1991-92 painting of a black lab with pintails, also by Killen

New 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 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 contact Adrian Rivera in DNR licensing at (803) 734-3824 in Columbia.

Funds from stamp sales are by law used strictly within South Carolina, which includes the cost of stamp production, and “those migratory waterfowl projects specified by the S.C. Natural Resources Board for the development, protection and propagation of waterfowl in the state. None of such funds shall be expended for administrative salaries.”

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, management and control of ducks and geese.

DNR Director John Frampton said: “South Carolina has enjoyed a long history of working with Ducks Unlimited both in providing funds for improvement of breeding habitat in Canada but also in acquiring and enhancing habitat n South Carolina through the MARSH (Matching Aid to Restore States Habitat) program and in other major conservation efforts such as the ACE basin project. Through the MARSH program the state was able to purchase two notable waterfowl areas in Colleton County: the 987-acre Cut plantation in 1989 and the 696-acre Springfield in 1987. We also work with Ducks Unlimited in Canada as they strategically locate high quality sites having significant potential to improve waterfowl production habitat benefiting species of importance to South Carolina.”

The statewide Wood Duck Nest Box project for construction and distribution of nest box units to requesting landowners began in 1982. The project was renamed in 2004 to the Governor’s Wood Duck Project, and rejuvenated by private funding. Since 1982 30,032 nest box units have been issued to 4,059 cooperators. The project provides nest boxes, poles and predator guards to landowners having suitable wood duck production and brood-rearing habitat. Cooperators voluntarily submit data on nesting activity each year.

Since the first duck stamp prints were sold South Carolina has averaged $85,000 annually in stamp print revenues to the conservation of waterfowl breeding habitat in Canada which have included wetland restoration projects and land securement initiatives that benefit breeding and staging waterfowl species known to be important to the South Carolina harvest. The total S.C. duck stamp print revenues going to Canada, including a portion of non-resident hunting license revenues, amount to $2,036,671.

In fiscal year 2004-05 alone DNR contributions from print sales to Ducks Unlimited of Canada totaled $52,096 in US dollars, which “leveraged” an additional $156,288 from Ducks Unlimited Inc., plus $659,471 from Canadian government sources. This multiple matching of funds accumulated a total of $867,855, resulting in a ratio of almost 16:1 on DNR’s contribution. In FY 2004-05 Ducks Unlimited of Canada invested a total of $6,226,212 in habitat conservation.

Since the first South Carolina duck stamps were sold to hunters and collectors in 1981, a total of $3.6 million has been raised to fund in-state waterfowl conservation projects and habitat purchases. In the first 24 years of the duck stamp program annual collections have ranged from a high of $269,635 in 1990-91 to a low of $142,758 in 2001-02.

“As a result of the availability of state duck stamp funds we are better able to manage important DNR waterfowl projects and do things like treat infestations of aquatic nuisance weeds in waterfowl areas,” Frampton said. “We have been able to purchase and maintain agricultural equipment used on waterfowl management areas. And, we have been able to purchase additional waterfowl habitat.

“The South Carolina Wood Duck Nesting Box program, which began one year following the initiation of the duck stamp program, is perhaps the flagship of duck stamp funding,” Frampton said. “It is the most successful such program in the United States. In the past 23 years just over 30,000 boxes have been provided to some 4,000 cooperating landowners.”

The nine-member S.C. Migratory Waterfowl Committee, created by state law in 1981, has the responsibility for selecting the design used on annual migratory waterfowl stamps and prints and administration of art print sales. A contest to select the stamp design is held each year and is open to any artist with United States citizenship. The waterfowl committee by law is composed of three ex-officio members-a designee from Ducks Unlimited of South Carolina, a designee from the S.C. Waterfowl Association, and the chairman of the S.C. Natural Resources Board-and six appointed members-two members appointed by S.C. House of Representatives, two members appointed by the S.C. Senate, and two members appointed by the Governor.

Milton L. Brazell of West Columbia currently serves as chairman of the S.C. Migratory Waterfowl Committee and Joe S. Johnson of York is vice-chair. Other members are: Danny Stone or Georgetown; Thomas Towns Jr. of Conway; Wes Fowler of Florence; Thomas L. Wilcox of Greenville; Mario P. Insabella of Spartanburg, with Ducks Unlimited; Bobby Creech of Charleston, with the S.C. Waterfowl Association; and Michael G. McShane of Johns Island, chairman of the S.C. Natural Resources board.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-08-2005 06:56
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Last night was the best I’ve seen all year!
Lots and Lots of mallards and woodducks!
4 Widgeons
8 black ducks
8 Ringnecks
1 Redhead, he must be lost
2-3 dozen GWT
4 Coots, Ha! Ha! Stupid birds
Most of the ducks coming in late, after legal shooting, excepts for a few mallards.

Waiting for the cold!!!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Scouting Savannah Riv. Area Midlands/ 11-07-2005 19:51
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Lots of local geese moving up to 9:00 AM. Lots of local wood ducks but nothing else except for a few teal moving in the mix. Sounds like there are some other ducks upstate. Thanks Drake26!

[Edited By PJ-Perea on 2005-11-07 19:52]

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

New Waterfowl Guide Helps Identify Ducks 11-07-2005 19:49
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Differences in size, shape, plumage patterns and colors, wing beat, flocking behavior, voice, and habitat all help to distinguish one duck species from another, but knowing what to look for can be a challenge.

A new free waterfowl identification pocket guide will help hunters recognize birds on the wing, and it emphasizes their fall and winter plumage patterns as well as size, shape and flight characteristics.
“Ducks at a Distance” is now available free from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/duckdist/duckdist.htm.

You can also request a copy free of charge by calling Stephanie Thompson in the Columbia DNR office at (803) 734-4001 or writing to Ducks at a Distance, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202.

Hunters can contribute to their own sport by not firing at those species that are protected. It can also add to their daily limit by knowing when extra birds of certain species can be taken legally.

Duck season in South Carolina begins Nov. 23. The daily bag limit is six total, not to include more than two wood ducks, two redheads, one fulvous tree duck, one black-bellied whistling duck, two scaup, four mallards (not to include more than one female mallard or one black duck or one mottled duck). Find out more about duck season and regulations at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/MigratoryBirdRegs.pdf.

South Carolina waterfowl hunters 16 and older are required by state law to obtain a state migratory waterfowl stamp at a cost of $5.50 and a free Harvest Information Program (HIP) migratory bird permit. The stamp must be validated

with the hunter’s signature on the front. Both the stamp and HIP permit must be in the hunter’s possession while hunting or transporting legal waterfowl. Licenses now available by phone 24 hours a day 1-888-434-7472.

This edition of “Ducks at a Distance” is a cooperative effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Southwest Natural and Cultural Heritage Association. It is published by Outdoor Empire Publishing Inc. of Seattle, Wash.

The artwork of Robert “Bob” W. Hines (1912-94), of Columbus, Ohio, is featured in the guide. Over the years his work has appeared in many government-published books, pamphlets and posters and in national magazines such as Sports Afield and The New Yorker.

Posted By:
Drake26
Guest

Upstate 11-07-2005 13:19
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Went scouting yesterday, saw four dozen woodies, 10 greenheads, 4 blacks, 6 bluewings, 6 greenwings, and 1 immature pintail drake, Yes a pintail drake this early, also saw some spoons and other crap ducks.

Can’t wait till the 23rd

Hoping for rain and cold weather!!

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Avian Influenza and Wild Birds 11-07-2005 12:35
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Not to scare anyone, but FYI

Many different avian influenza viruses (bird flu) are found in wild birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds. In most instances, only a small number of birds become infected and most wild birds do not exhibit observable symptoms of sickness or die. Recently a particularly virulent form of avian influenza (highly pathogenic H5N1) has emerged in Asia where the virus has primarily affected domestic poultry operations. In addition, humans in Asia have contracted the highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, but there is no evidence that H5N1 infections in humans have been acquired from wild birds.

Wild migratory birds have not been documented to carry H5N1 between geographic regions. However, recent mortality events of wild birds in Europe and Asia and outbreaks of H5N1 in new regions of the two continents have raised concerns that the highly pathogenic form of H5N1 avian influenza could be spread by wild birds. Efforts to monitor wild migratory birds for H5N1 have been undertaken by federal authorities in both the U.S. and Canada. To date (November 2, 2005), the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain has not been found in North America. However, even apparently healthy birds can carry diseases other than avian influenza which can infect humans. As a result, hunters and others handling wild birds and game should follow the minimum basic precautions below.

The following advisory guidelines have been developed by the National Wildlife Health Center:

• Do not handle or eat sick game.
• Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals.
• All game should be thoroughly cooked (well done or 160° F). Additional information on food safety can be found at: www.who.int/entity/foodsafety/fs_management/No_02_Avianinfluenza_Dec04_en.pdf

Links for further information about Avian Influenza:

Illinois Department of Public Health www.idph.state.il.us/avianflu.htm

Illinois Department of Agriculture www.agr.state.il.us/news/Special/birdflu/

National Wildlife Health Center www.nwhc.usgs.gov/research/avian_influenza/avian_influenza.html

Alaska Department of Fish and Game www.wc.adfg.state.ak.us/aawildlife/disease/avian_influenza.pdf

Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm

World Health Organization www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

DU Events November 11-02-2005 11:26
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Marion / Mullins Membership Banquet
Date: November 2, 2005
Location: Marion
Contact: John Padgett
Phone: 843-423-8205

Blythewood Ducks Unlimited 2005 Banquet
Date: November 3, 2005
Location: Blythewood
Contact: Eric Fleming
Phone: 803-691-1572

Orangeburg County Membership Banquet
Date: November 3, 2005
Location: Orangeburg
Contact: Ken Daniels
Phone: 803-536-1711

Spartanburg Ducks Unlimited 2005 Banquet
Date: November 3, 2005
Location: Spartanburg
Contact: Craig Jacobs
Phone: 864-577-7771

Grand Strand Membership Banquet
Date: November 4, 2005
Location: Garden City
Contact: David Owens
Phone: 843-385-1417

Southern Berkeley Membership Dinner
Date: November 5, 2005
Location: Summerville
Contact: Gil Jackson
Phone: 843-297-0278

Clemson UniversityDucks Unlimited Fall 2005 Banquet
Date: November 9, 2005
Location: Clemson
Contact: Bill Middleton
Phone: 864-650-8027

Aiken Membership Banquet
Date: November 10, 2005
Location: Aiken
Contact: Mike Rearden
Phone: 803-644-7144

Greenville Ducks Unlimited Fall 2005 Banquet
Date: November 10, 2005
Location: Greenville
Contact: Jason Tyner
Phone: 864-449-6965

Ridgeland Membership Banquet
Date: November 11, 2005
Location: Davant Plantation – Ridgeland
Contact: Stan Wells
Phone: 843-726-4118

North Strand Membership Banquet
Date: November 13, 2005
Location: North Myrtle Beach
Contact: Jesse Medlock
Phone: 843-663-0001

Gaffney Ducks Unlimited 2005 Banquet
Date: November 15, 2005
Location: Gaffney
Contact: Dennis Fowler
Phone: 846-488-2248
Date: November 17, 2005
Location: Anderson Civic Center
Contact: Oscar McCurry
Phone: 864-225-8704
Email: oscarshomeoffice@earthlink.net

Anderson Ducks Unlimited 2005 Banquet
Date: November 17, 2005
Location: Anderson
Contact: Oscar McCurry
Phone: 864-225-8704

Columbia Membership Banquet
Date: November 17, 2005
Location: Columbia
Contact: Bill Short
Phone: 803-540-7823

Upper Dorchester Co. Membership Banquet
Date: November 17, 2005
Location: Holly Hill
Contact: Allen Hay
Phone: 843-531-0545
Cooper River Membership Banquet
Date: November 18, 2005
Location: North Charleston
Contact: Mark Gilmore
Phone: 843-761-2076

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Hunjting News:State Small Game Hunting Surveys Rank Top Counties For Quail, Rabbit 10-31-2005 10:05
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Survey results for the 2004-05 hunting season show Lee, Orangeburg, Horry, Sumter and Marlboro counties were the top five counties for quail, while the top five counties for rabbits jumped per hour were Lee, Saluda, Greenwood, Orangeburg and Edgefield, according to biologists with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Small Game Project.

Through intensive field observations, South Carolina quail and rabbit hunters maintained detailed records of their hunting excursions throughout the year and provided the data to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Small Game Project for analysis. Hunting data compiled included the number of quail coveys flushed, covey size, number of rabbits jumped, the dates and counties where hunts occurred, and the amount of time expended in pursuit of these species. The S.C. State Council of Quail Unlimited assists with funding for the supplies necessary to conduct the surveys.

To receive copies of the Quail Hunter Survey report or the Rabbit Hunter Survey report or to have your name added to the list of potential cooperators, contact the DNR Small Game Project in Columbia at (803) 734-3609.

Statewide survey results indicate a slight increase in the number of quail coveys flushed per hour and an increase the number of rabbits jumped per hour when compared with the previous year. The quail covey flush rate was 0.54 coveys/hour during the 2004-05 season, up from 0.53 coveys/hour the previous year. Quail hunters in the top five counties reported flushing an average of 0.94 to 0.74 coveys per hour. The rabbit-jumping rate increased slightly from 1.48 to 1.57 rabbits/hour during the 2004-05 season.

The Northern Coastal Plain, defined as a seven-county area from the Charleston-Georgetown county line north to the North Carolina line and inland to Dillon, Florence, and Clarendon counties, claimed the highest rates of quail finds. Piedmont quail hunters had significantly less success than those hunting in other regions of the state, said Billy Dukes, DNR Small Game Project supervisor.

The Rabbit Hunter Survey has shown stable populations and hunting success during the past four years. A majority of rabbit hunting (78 percent) by survey cooperators occurred in the Piedmont. The Lowcountry exhibited the highest rate of rabbits jumped per hour (2.01), among regions with a minimum of 25 hunts, said Judy Barnes, wildlife biologist with the DNR Small Game Project.

Written comments from hunters in the surveys provided some excellent field observations, particularly on food items of quail. The preferred foods reported for quail were soybeans, lespedeza and partridge pea. Other food items such as green vegetation, native weed seed and acorns were also reported.

“To ensure continued accuracy and usefulness of future small game surveys, the Small Game Project would like to increase the number of hunters participating this coming season,” Dukes said. Avid quail and rabbit hunters across the state who are willing to assist by taking careful notes on their hunts should write to DNR Small Game Project, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202 or call (803) 734-3609 in Columbia. Indicate whether you are interested in participating in the Quail Hunter Survey, the Rabbit Hunter Survey, or both. Survey materials will be mailed to cooperators in mid-November, just prior to the opening of statewide quail and rabbit seasons.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Youth Waterfowl Hunt 10-31-2005 09:49
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NOV. 19: A youth waterfowl hunt will be held at Richard Russell Lake, beginning with check-in at 5:15 a.m. Ten slots are available through advance drawing. A parent or guardian must accompany each successful applicant. Hunters must request an application by Nov. 7 by calling (800) 944-7207, ext. 3405.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Wingshooters News 10-27-2005 09:57
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McBee, Webb Quail Hunt Applications Due Nov. 4– Applications are now available for public quail hunts to be conducted at Webb Wildlife Center in Hampton County and McBee Wildlife Management Area in Chesterfield County. Hunters who want an application for the Webb or McBee quail hunts should visit their local DNR office or write: Quail Hunts, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202. Applications are also available on the DNR Web site at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/huntapp.html, or by calling the DNR office in Columbia at (803) 734-3886. Webb and McBee quail hunt applications are due in the Columbia office by 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, and should be mailed to the Columbia DNR address or delivered to Room 255 in the Rembert Dennis Building at 1000 Assembly St. in Columbia.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

State Seeking Nominations For Environmental Award 10-27-2005 09:56
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Any leaders associated with SC waterfowl issues we can nominate?

The S.C. Environmental Awareness Award, now in its 14th year, was established by the S.C. General Assembly during the 1992 legislative session to recognize outstanding contributions made toward the protection, conservation and improvement of South Carolina’s natural resources. The state of South Carolina is seeking nominations for this award to recognize individuals who are doing extraordinary work for the natural environment. Each year the public is invited to submit nominations that are then reviewed by an awards committee, which includes representatives from the state’s environmental and natural resource agencies. In judging nominees, the committee considers excellence in innovation, leadership and accomplishments that influence positive changes affecting the natural environment. Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 15. Nomination guidelines and forms are available on the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Web site at http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/awards/environmental.html; call (803) 734-9093 in Columbia; or e-mail: enviroaward@dnr.sc.gov.

[Edited By PJ-Perea on 2005-10-27 09:58]

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SCDU INSHORE FISHING TOURNAMENT 10-21-2005 11:01
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Announcing the first annual SCDU State Inshore Fishing Tournament Saturday, October 29, 2005 in Georgetown, SC. Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in what promises to be one of the best-paying inshore tournaments in South Carolina and a great banquet to go along with it on Friday night!

The Georgetown Chapter has been hard at work planning one of this year’s most unique fundraising events. They’ve coupled a high-stakes inshore fishing tournament with a Friday Night Tournament Banquet that promises to be one of the best events in the state. Whether you choose to fish or not, Friday night’s banquet is open to anyone interested, so please make plans to come join us for a wild-game feast as well as auctions and raffles. Tickets for Friday night are only $65.00 per couple and $40.00 per individual.

For those interested in fishing, the tournament entry fee is only $100 per two-man team, and that includes two tickets to the Friday Night Tournament Banquet. To register for the tournament, or to find out more information about the weekend, please contact Michael Toemmes at 843-833-5415. Everyone is welcome, so come join us.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SCDNR news 10-21-2005 10:56
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Bear Island Wildlife Area changes visitation period

In order to provide a quality experience for all user groups as well as minimize disturbance to numerous wildlife species, Bear Island Wildlife Management Area in Colleton County has changed its visitation days to Feb. 1 through Oct. 14. This began Saturday, Oct. 15 with a closure for upcoming rifle deer season and will extend through the end of waterfowl season.

From Oct. 15 to Jan. 31, the Bear Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will be open only for those individuals participating in scheduled hunts for deer, waterfowl and doves.

“Entry of the general public onto Bear Island during the closed period can cause safety problems and unnecessary disturbance to wildlife,” said Dean Harrigal, wildlife biologist and ACE Basin coordinator with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “We are trying to ensure that all visitors have a quality outdoors experience, while at the same time meeting our wildlife conservation goals.”

Even during the closure the general public can view the house pond and utilize an observation blind, both just off Bennett’s Point Road.
For more information on Bear Island WMA, call the DNR office at Donnelley WMA near Green Pond at (843) 844-8957.

The Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto (ACE) Basin of South Carolina is a largely undeveloped landscape consisting of extensive, diverse habitats, such as saltwater and brackish-water marshes, maritime forests, upland pines, and bottomland hardwoods. These ecologically important attributes, coupled with management goals that balance conservation of natural resources with economic development and population growth, have made the ACE Basin the focus of national attention.

A number of organizations and local citizens have been instrumental in the conservation of the ACE Basin, including DNR, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Colleton County, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Through these and other organizations, nearly 10 percent of the upland and wetland habitats in the ACE Basin have been permanently protected by purchase and conservation easements.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

The flyfwayfoundation.org news 10-21-2005 10:53
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Great Lakes Mallard Nesting Project

Extensive banding data has been researched to determine the nesting location of a remnant population of mallards migrating to South Carolina. The majority were found to come from the great lakes area.

“Based on examining banding data, we are in complete agreement that most mallards wintering in SC are coming from this area and westward.” Bob Perry Waterfowl Biologist with SCDNR.

The Flyway Foundation is happy to announce that we have reached agreements with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Delta Waterfowl on a project in North West Pennsylvania to install 300 mallard nesting structures.

The Flyway Foundation will be constructing and providing the nesting structures. The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be providing most of the installation and long term maintenace of the hen houses.

Delta Waterfowl will be providing technical assistance of the installation and also assigning a graduate student for record keeping and scientific validation. Whistling Wings of Pennsylvania and the NW Pennsylvania Waterfowl Association will also be providing assistance to the Penn Game Commission and the Flyway Foundation with this project.

We hope this partnership is the first of many projects in the Great Lakes Area for improving nesting success. Delta Waterfowl studies have shown that with the use of hen houses, nesting success can average around 80%. Nesting success of 15% is needed just to break even.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Delta Waterfowl Events November 10-21-2005 10:51
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November 4, 2005 Midlands Dinner
Columbia, SC – Jamil Shrine Temple 206 Jamil Rd. – Social 6pm Dinner 7pm
For more information please contact Bill Bennett (803) 767-8246

November 12, 2005 Coastal Palmetto Dinner
Conway, SC – SC National Guard Armory 16th Ave. – Social 5:30pm Dinner 7pm
For more information please contact Jason Wallace (843) 229-4344

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

DU Events 10/21-11/01 10-21-2005 10:47
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Citadel University Banquet
Date: October 22, 2005
Location: Charleston
Contact: William Rhodes
Phone: 843-860-3045

Hilton Head Membership Banquet
Date: October 22, 2005
Location: Palmetto Bluff – Blufton
Contact: Kevin Smolek
Phone: 843-290-0989Lexington Golf Tournament
Date: October 24, 2005
Location: Lexington
Contact: G.A. Weathersby
Phone: 803-238-1758

Union Ducks Unlimited Fall 2005 Banquet
Date: October 24, 2005
Location: Union
Contact: Jerry McDonald
Phone: 864-427-4172

Columbia Volunteer Recruitment Meeting
Date: October 25, 2005
Location: Columbia
Contact: Bill Short
Phone: 803-540-7823

Wofford College Ducks Unlimited Fall 2005 Banquet
Date: October 26, 2005
Location: Wofford College
Contact: Sam Little
Phone: 843-224-2591

Newberry College Ducks Unlimited Fall 2005 Banquet
Date: October 27, 2005
Location: Jaycee Hut
Contact: Anthony Porter
Phone: 843-338-0458

Chesterfield – Marlboro Membership Banquet
Date: October 27, 2005
Location: Cheraw
Contact: Steve Cook
Phone: 843-320-2254

James Island Membership Banquet
Date: October 27, 2005
Location: James Island
Contact: Tommy Parnell
Phone: 843-670-2312

Georgetown Tournament Banquet
Date: October 28, 2005
Location: Georgetown
Contact: Michael Toemmes
Phone: 843-833-5415

SCDU Inshore Fishing Tournament
Date: October 29, 2005
Location: Georgetown
Contact: Michael Toemmes
Phone: 843-833-5415

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Liv’s Calling For a Cure Cystic Fibrosis Open 2005 10-06-2005 09:05
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This is an awesome event. You get to hang out with the legends of the Goose Hunting and Calling World (Tim & Hunter Grounds, Jeff Foiles, Sean Mann, Kelly Powers …etc) eat dinner with them and experience probably the finest goose hunting in the planet. If you are into goose hunting pr contest calling, this trip is worth the time and the money goes towards a great cause.

Liv’s Calling For a Cure
Cystic Fibrosis Open 2005

Goose Calling Contest & Waterfowl Hunt Dec. 9-10, 2005

Come and spend two days with some of the world’s finest goose callers and help out a great cause. You will hunt in the finest choice locations throughout beautiful Lake County Illinois. There will be a silent auction table to suit all of your hunting needs. Dine with the greatest callers in the world. Meals, goose pit fees, and all other scheduled events are included in the registration.

Flock to Northeast Illinois to enjoy one of the nations largest goose migrations. Be a part of making a difference in the lives of 30,000 children and young adults by supporting research through your generous donations.

Visit www.livforacure.org for more information.

[Edited By PJ-Perea on 2005-10-06 09:08]

[Edited By PJ-Perea on 2005-10-06 09:10]

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

10-06-2005 08:03
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Puddleskipper

Sea duck hunting is something I have yet to experience, but from talking to some of the local waterfowl hunters, their numbers are way down as well. Scoters only make it down to SC when they have a real tough winter in the NE coast.

Posted By:
Puddleskipper
Guest

HOOCHie 10-06-2005 07:38
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P J what about sea ducks. When I lived up there it was untapped resource. I used to hunt the Shillote area. Just over the N.C. line on the coast. About 30 minutes north of Calabash. Also the Georgetown area in the slews between the rice fields on public water. What about Strawberry swamp??????The Lumber River in Horry county rocked too. I know numbers are down but, my experience has been that ducks start moving further up into the swamps with hunting pressure. Thats when alot of folks give up , if there not finding ducks in there traditional spots. You are right about the cool weather . We just haven’t had it in the past few years. I’m sure thats stopping a lot of waterfowl from heading south. Locals blame it on DU planting crops up north to stop the ducks from comming down. Of course these are non DU that want to Poo Poo on anything or any org. they don’t understand.Hope you keep posting enjoy the reading. =*(^)< Posted By: PJ-Perea Guest SC DU Banquets Sponsor Events October 1-15 10-05-2005 11:38 - - - Western South Carolina Ducks Unlimited 2005 Banquet Date: October 6, 2005 Location: Lancaster Oyster Contact: Don Deas Phone: 803-285-6073 Columbia Sponsor Dinner Date: October 6, 2005 Location: Columbia Contact: Bill Short Phone: 803-540-7823 Lexington Sponsor Dinner Date: October 6, 2005 Location: Lexington Contact: G.A. Weathersby Phone: 803-238-1758 Manning Membership Banquet Date: October 6, 2005 Location: Manning Contact: Ben Jordan Phone: 803-720-4023 Orangeburg Sponsor Dinner Date: October 11, 2005 Location: Orangeburg Contact: Ken Daniels Phone: 803-536-1711 Western South Carolina Ducks Unlimited 2005 Banquet Date: October 13, 2005 Location: Rock Hill Contact: Drew Winn Phone: 803-242-9255 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Fall Soiree/Banquet Date: October 14, 2005 Location: Charleston Contact: Mark Hartley Phone: 843-224-5142 Santee Membership Banquet Date: October 15, 2005 Location: Santee Contact: Andy Brown Phone: 843-560-2017 Berkeley Fall Harvest Banquet Date: October 15, 2005 Location: Moncks Corner Contact: Shea McMakin Phone: 843-810-9653 [Edited By PJ-Perea on 2005-10-05 11:39] Posted By: PJ-Perea Guest SC Ducks and Geese 10-05-2005 11:31 - - - Seems like it at times. We had a terrible season last year. I killed more local geese and local wood ducks than anything else. Unless we get a harsh winter, we see no migrants down here. I used to live in Illinois and it is becoming that way in Illinois too. Plus the Mid-Atlantic migration is way down for some reason (probably habitat loss and mild winters) Posted By: Puddleskipper Guest HOOCHie 10-02-2005 16:32 - - - P J are you the only duck hunted left in S.C. ???? Growing up in Horry county, Berkley county and Charleston I use to have a ball duck hunting. Called a supposed fishing/duck hunting guide at Blacks fish camp on lake Marion ,last year ,he said there are no ducks. Whats the story????? Posted By: PJ-Perea Guest 09-30-2005 12:31 - Posted By: PJ-Perea Guest SC Wingshooting Forecast: Quail 09-30-2005 12:29 - - - Courtesy of Quail Forever South Carolina: Bird numbers should be similar to, or slightly down from, last year. This is based upon preliminary brood survey data which indicate a reduced juvenile:adult ratio from last year and a high percentage of adult quail seen without chicks. This apparent decrease in reproduction is likely due to a cool, wet month of June, and a very wet July. South Carolina is one of only a few states which have allocated all of their CP-33 acres (5,000 acres). Many landowners are reporting sightings of quail and other wildlife utilizing the CP-33 buffers. Upper Coastal Plain counties tend to be the best areas of the state for quail hunting. These areas still have significant acreage of row crops, and are the focal counties for CP-33. 2004-05 saw South Carolina’s 6,600 hunters harvest 97,000 wild quail. That number is down from 1980s’ harvests of nearly 1.1 million birds. Posted By: PJ-Perea Guest SC Waterfowl Regulations PDF 09-28-2005 09:44 - - - http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/MigratoryBirdRegs.pdf

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SC Coastal News 09-28-2005 09:31
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Invasive Phragmites Weed Tackled In Coastal Areas

The battle to control an invasive plant species with the potential to drastically alter marsh ecosystems shifted into high gear this summer along the South Carolina coast in the Santee Delta area.

The plant is common reed, also known by its genus name of Phragmites (pronounced frag-MITE-tease). Although this species is native to North America, an invasive variety from Europe has taken hold in coastal waters of the state where it forms very dense stands that displace native vegetation and harm waterfowl use.

“We have been battling Phragmites for almost 20 years with limited success,” said Chris Page, aquatic nuisance species coordinator for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), “but the release of a new and more effective herbicide has encouraged us to expand our control efforts.” A total of 1,944 acres were treated at the Yawkey Wildlife Center, Santee Coastal Reserve, Samworth Wildlife Management Area and Santee Delta at a cost of $342,577. Additionally, private landowners treated more than 800 acres in the same area.

Plans are also underway to initiate a pilot project that will assist the general public in controlling Phragmites on private property. The Georgetown County Soil and Water Conservation District has agreed to administer a cost-share program that compensates private landowners for treating Phragmites on their property. Funding will come from Natural Resources Conservation Service Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program funds, The Nature Conservancy, a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant through the Historic Ricefields Association, and DNR. The Georgetown County Soil and Water Conservation District will act as the single point of contact for landowners for all funds. The program should begin this fall.

Phragmites is also being treated in the ACE Basin, where about five acres was treated along rice fields and riverbanks in Colleton County.

Phragmites control in the ACE Basin area is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the DNR’s Land, Water and Conservation Division and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

“Phragmites is only a recent invader in our coastal marshes below Charleston, and we wanted to jump on it before the problem got way out of hand,” said Dean Harrigal, ACE Basin coordinator for the DNR based at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area in Colleton County.

A Phragmites invasion alters the structure and function of diverse marsh ecosystems by changing species composition, nutrient cycles, and hydrological regimes. Dense stands of Phragmites decrease native biodiversity and quality of wetland habitat, particularly for migrating wading birds and waterfowl species.

Phragmites can grow 10-12 feet high in dense stands and is long-lived. It is capable of reproduction by seed, but spreads primarily by underground stems called rhizomes. The native and introduced species of Phragmites are very similar in appearance.

The herbicide used by DNR to treat Phragmites, imazapyr (under the trade name Habitat), is environmentally safe and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in aquatic areas. The toxic effects to fish and aquatic invertebrates have been found to be insignificant based on tests using standardized EPA protocols.

For more information on this and other invasive aquatic nuisance species, visit the DNR Web site at: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/water/envaff/aquatic/index.html.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SC Savannah River 09-27-2005 10:39
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – Over 70 Degrees
9/22 Hunted w/boatblind and took two geese early and one GW teal late-morning. Geese came into light calling and small spread (4 floaters)

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SC Savannah River 09-27-2005 10:36
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Hunted 9/17. Lots of activity from other hunters and heard a lot of shooting. Saw one group scratch three geese and a few teal. Motored up to their spot after they left and noted they were using a mix of steel and lead shells (maybe reloaded steel?) in their empties.

Missed on the only group of geese that worked the spread. Boondock (another group up river) reported they took six geese and four teal.

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SC Savannah River Goose Opener 09-27-2005 10:23
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Sorry about the late report. Just got reinstated as Field Editor.

My buddies hunted the SC 9/16 opener along the Savannah River downstream of Lake Thurmond.

They took four blackfeet

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SC 2005 Waterfowl Report 08-11-2005 09:26
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Wterfowl Project Report available online at

http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/wild/waterfowl/WaterfowlProject2005.pdf

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

Columbia 08-11-2005 09:17
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WATERFOWL ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL MEET AUGUST 11 IN COLUMBIA

The Waterfowl Advisory Committee to the S.C. Natural Resources Board will meet 10 a.m. Thursday, August 11 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. South Carolina Natural Resources board member Stephen L. Davis of Greenwood is chairman of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee.

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

* Advisory committee member comments

* Constituent comments

* National Waterfowl Hunter Survey

* S.C. Waterfowl Hunter Survey results

* 2005-06 waterfowl season staff recommendations (including youth day)

* Youth license sales trends

* Team DNR program

* DNR draw hunts framework and schedule (additional hunts at Santee Coastal Reserve WMA in Charleston County and Samworth WMA in Georgetown County)

* Waterfowl stamp budget

* Phragmites treatment update

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SC Geese SW/Savannah River 08-11-2005 09:16
– – –
Looks like a good year for local goose production on the river and local ponds and sloughs. Anybod else seeing much?

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

SCDU May Events 05-04-2005 12:25
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Laurens Chapter Banquet
Date: May 5, 2005
Location: The Clinton House
Contact: Roby Adair
Phone: 864-683-6024

Columbia Golf Tournament
Date: May 11, 2005
Location: WoodCreek Country Club
Event Type:
Golf
Contact: Bill Short
Phone: 540-7823
In years past this event has been a sellout and we anticipate the same happeing this year.
“The Bag” is back! This year we will be bringing back our cloth “goodie bag” bigger and better than ever.

Our traditional cookout following the tournament will continue this year as will the lunch from Chick-fil-A. We invite you to attend the cookout prepared by Damon’s featuring their famous ribs and chicken with all the trimmings. If you do not golf but are a conservation supporter and like to have fun please join us for beverages at 5:00pm prior to the cookout. Again this year we will have door prizes and the awards presentation followed by a Silent and Oral Auction.

Call Bill Short to obtain an entry form.

As a supporter of our conservation efforts we would also request individuals and companies to consider sponsoring a sign to be displayed on the course during the event. Sign sponsorship is $100.00 and is tax deductible.

Additional contacts:
Ken Hoover – Golf Chairman 803-647-7077
Mark Coker – Golf Co-Chairman 803-782-2898
Wally Allen – Golf Co-Chairman 803-365-144

Clemson Chapter Banquet
Date: May 12, 2005
Location: Clemson University Outdoor Lab
Contact: Oscar McCurry
Phone: 864-225-8704

Southern Berkeley Banquet
Date: May 14, 2005
Contact: James Meadows
Phone: 843-870-0635

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

April SCWA Event 04-20-2005 08:03
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4/30/05 Four Holes-Edisto Conservation Dinner
Contact: Kevin Weatherford (803) 492-8280

Posted By:
PJ-Perea
Guest

April SC DU Events 04-20-2005 07:53
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Abbeville Oyster Roast
Date: April 21, 2005
Contact: Matt Cox
Phone: 864-378-1365
Ticket Price is $25

USC Beaufort
Date: April 21, 2005
Location: Pepper’s Porch, Blufton
Contact: Brent Gresham
Phone: 843-908-9915
Dinner includes an oyster roast, barbeque, rice and hash, green beans and slaw, and an open bar. There will be a live auction, silent auction, and raffles. Ticket prices are $35 per single and $55 per couple (Ticket includes annual membership to Ducks Unlimited). This is USC Beaufort’s first annual banquet, so come out and enjoy the fun and festivities, while supporting the local college chapter!

College of Charleston
Date: April 27, 2005
Location: Charleston Yacht Club
Contact: Taylor Kemp
Phone: 803-325-5527

Citadel Chapter
Date: April 30, 2005
Location: Tucker’s Pond on John’s Island
Contact: Todd McElveen
Phone: 843-863-1001
Additional contact: William Rhodes 843-860-3045