Charleston Temporarily Halts Hunting Season Due to Hurricane Aftermath

Charleston Faces Temporary Hunting Season Closure

Charleston, S.C. – In a recent development, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has announced a temporary closure of hunting for certain game in specific areas of the Lowcountry. This decision comes as a response to the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene, which has caused significant disruption in the region.

What’s the Scoop?

Starting from Wednesday, October 2 at 12:01 a.m. until Sunday, October 6 at 11:59 p.m., all game species hunting will be put on hold in select areas within the Wateree, Congaree, and Santee River drainage systems. However, hunters can still pursue alligators, doves, hogs, and coyotes during this time. It’s a crucial step to ensure safety for both the wildlife and the hunting community.

Understanding the Reason Behind the Closure

The SCDNR has emphasized that flooding from the hurricane has created abnormal conditions for wildlife. This situation makes it harder for animals to evade hunters since flooding has left them with limited escape routes, forcing them into smaller areas of relatively dry land. Because of these circumstances, the SCDNR believes that allowing hunting during this period could lead to the unnecessary exploitation of game species.

So, What Areas are Affected?

The closure primarily affects five counties: Berkeley, Charleston, Georgetown, Williamsburg, and Clarendon counties. Here’s a brief breakdown:

• Berkeley County: Bounded by Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Georgetown counties to the north, S.C. 45 to the south, the old Santee Canal to the west, and Charleston County to the east.
• Charleston County: Bounded on the west by Berkeley County, south by S.C. 45, east by U.S. 701/17, and north by Georgetown County.
• Georgetown County: Starts where the lines of Williamsburg, Berkeley, and Georgetown meet, continuing along county lines north and east to U.S. Alternate 17, and eventually to state road 24, south along U.S. 17 to the Charleston County line.
• Williamsburg County: Begins at state road 48 crossing the Clarendon County line and runs along state road 48 until it intersects with S.C. 375, then heads south along this line to the Berkeley County line.

What Should Hunters Do Next?

If you’re planning on hunting in these areas, it’s best to wait until the closure lifts to avoid getting into any trouble. The SCDNR values the input from the hunting community and is committed to safeguarding wildlife during such challenging times.

Keeping an Eye on the Future

It’s always important for all of us, whether hunters or nature enthusiasts, to be aware of how extreme weather events like hurricanes can impact the natural world. This temporary closure reflects a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, ensuring that our wildlife has the best chance to recover from such disturbances.

As the situation continues to develop, hunters and residents alike are encouraged to stay informed and engage with local resources provided by the SCDNR. If you have concerns or questions, reaching out to official channels is a great way to stay updated.

In the meantime, let’s all hope for clear skies and safe, dry ground for both wildlife and the folks who enjoy the great outdoors!