Columbia SC - Pigs & Turkeys?

[Bob Palmer]

I'm staying at my Uncle's place on Lake Murray with my 12 year son over Spring Break (April 6 to 13th). He loves turkey hunting and I'd love to find a pig! How's the hunting? Any "decent" public land? Any help would be most appreciated    

[Blaino]

I grew up in Lexington and have fished and hunted the lake all my life.... The lake has a good bit of WMA land that I deer hunt.  I have seen a few turkey here and there but I don't hunt them.... spring time = rockfish for me!  I would imagin that if you put some time in the woods you could find a thunder chicken at the top end of the lake.  If you are looking for some pork you will have better luck in the lower part of the state.  Also, it will have to be on private land because you can only hunt hogs on public land during deer season    

send me a PM if you want more info.

[Bob Palmer]

Thanks Blaine...PM sent!

[Looper]

Blaine, in some game zones, you can hunt hogs on WMA lands during any hunt, not just deer. The only caveat is that you are restricted to using the weapons allowed during those seasons. So, during small game season, if you want to use a bow, you have to use blunts or judos (don't try it). There are several specifically designated hog hunts on various WMAs, though, and on some, you can hunt them during turkey season and be able to use broadheads.

Here's a link to the specifics:  http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/HogHunting.pdf

[Bob Palmer]

Looper, Any of those areas near Lake Murray?

[Blaino]

Bob, those counties are what we call the "low country." That going towards the cost.... Lake Murray is in the "midlands" which is the middle of the state.  The closest one would be Manchester State Forest. It’s only during deer season but it’s loaded with hogs.... most of the other places would be a 2hour drive (+ or -) from Murray.

[Blaino]

Looper, I'm sure you found that list from our DNR's website because it's clear as mud to me.  Can point me in the right direction to finding more specific information?  Do I need to look up the particular WMA to find out the specifics?

[Bob Palmer]

Might have to only chase turkeys   :D

[Bob Palmer]

TTT

[Looper]

Originally posted by Bob Palmer:
Looper, Any of those areas near Lake Murray?

Blaine has it right. If you want to hunt hogs, you'll need to drive a couple of hours.There are some spectacular spots for turkey and hog in the Francis Marion. I'll be going down there myself the first week in April.

If you just want to go after turkey, there are plenty of spots close to Lake Murray. Newberry county has loads of turkeys and a lot of WMA land.

Blaine, I don't know of another reference other than talking to a Game Warden. You're right it is confusing.

[Benjy]

I am kinda confused by the regulations (imagine that    ) I'm not sure if you can shoot hogs on WMA land while turkey hunting. I'll call the DNR on Monday to get the scoop. The closest hogs that I am aware of on public land are around 1 1/2 hours from here and unless you can shoot them while turkey hunting, it dosn't appear that any of the WMA land is open
.
Bob, where are you going to be staying? I am right out of Irmo about 5 minutes from the lake.

[Looper]

On some of the WMAs, like Hellhole, for instance, allow hogs to be taken "during any scheduled hunts", which means you can hunt hogs during turkey season.

Others, like Manchester, allow hogs to only be taken "during deer hunts", meaning no hog hunting during turkey season.

Game Zones 1 & 2 allow hog hunting "during open season for game (Game Zn 1 - Sept. 1 - Mar. 1)". Again, that rules out hog hunting during turkey season.

[Benjy]

Now I've got it! Thank's Looper!

Where are you located in SC?

Thanks,
Benjy

[Looper]

I'm in the northern part if Greenville county.

[Bob Palmer]

Benjy, All I know is I'll be on Lake Murray    :rolleyes:    My Uncle will be up this week and I'll get more details then!   :cool:

[Benjy]

I live out of the little town of "White Rock", he should know where it is in relation to where he is on the lake.

[Blaino]

Benjy - we live way too close not to get together and do a little shootin!  

[Benjy]

Yep, we are close! It looks like we may have to show Bob around when he gets down here. I bet he would love to try some shrimp and grits!    (yep! I had to go there!)

I'll shoot you a pm.

[Bob Palmer]

Shrimp and grits sound good....count me in