I wrote the commissioners of SCDNR.
I am not an eloquent writer, but here it is:
SCDNR Commissioners,
Greetings,
Over the past six years I have made an annual trek to Estill, SC to hunt a place called Wild Things near Cohen’s Bluff along the Savannah River. Andrew Harper was the owner and proprietor of the hunting location. The primary draw to Wild Things was the opportunity to hunt feral hogs with a bow and arrow. All who hunted Andrew’s land couldn’t help but to fall in love with the low country swamps and timber lands of South Carolina. Sadly, Andrew drowned at Hilton Head in August of 2017 in a rip tide current. Hunting at Wild Things for now continues but its distant future is uncertain. Hopefully Wild Things hunting will continue with Andrew’s strong and supportive family.
Andrew’s death prompted me to investigate other opportunities for feral hog hunting in SC. I am an avid supporter of public lands and began to investigate the hunting of feral hogs on SC’s vast Wildlife Management Areas. I learned that while the hunting of feral hog (and coyote) are allowed on WMAs during SC’s small game season, I was truly disappointed to learn that the use of broadheads during this season was not allowed. Only small game heads can be used. To quote the regulation, “Small game hunters using archery equipment must use small game tips on the arrows (judo points, bludgeon points, etc.).” I find this puzzling. I also find that if SCDNR wants hunters to use “judo points, bludgeon points, etc.” the expectation is quite unethical. A quick and humane kill is the goal of all ethical bowhunters. A sharp well placed broadhead is how this is achieved.
I realize that the primary purpose of this stipulation in the law may be to deter poachers from shooting deer, but, if the allowance of the use of a .22 long rifle cartridge or .22 magnum rimfire cartridge is legal during small game season, would not a person prone to poaching use this weapon (rifle or pistol) to poach as well? I believe this particular restriction within the law greatly reduces the number of bowhunters that may otherwise come to SC to hunt feral hogs. Bowhunters equate to license sales, gasoline purchases, food purchases, motel stays, and so on.
My purpose of writing this letter is to prompt discussion among your group. I trust you have received this with an open mind and with the willingness to ask questions to each other and to hunters, particularly bowhunters, in your own state. I know many out of state bowhunters would love to see this law changed so that we may cross your borders, enjoy the beautiful landscape of South Carolina, and help eradicate, hopefully, an invasive species of animal. Our revenue awaits this change. Allowing broadheads for hogs during small game season will open the door for more hunters to SC and promote an inviting atmosphere to us legal and ethical bowhunters.
Most respectfully,
Charles T. Blaylock, Jr.
Asheboro, NC
If any of you are so inclined to write-
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected]
Topic: South Carolina and Georgia WMA Hunters (Read 1902 times)
