South Carolina Temporarily Bans Hunting
Due to the recent flooding in South Carolina, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has placed a temporary ban on hunting within five different coastal plain drainage areas. Flooding statewide has caused many issues, including pushing many people out of their homes due to high floodwaters.
“The Department has received contacts from numerous concerned sportsmen. The flooding has created potential for exploitation of game species that are deprived of their normal escape routes and confined to small areas of high ground,” the DNR said in a statement.
The hunting closures officially went into effect at midnight on Oct. 7 and are expected to be in place until midnight on October 11. The four-day closure bans hunters from hunting any animals other than alligator, dove, hogs, and coyotes. They will continue to monitor the affected areas to adjust the areas that are closed and the length of the ban.
“At this time, our thoughts are with the victims of the flooding and those rebuilding their homes and communities,” says Paul Kabalin, President, Engel Coolers. “In light of this devastating flooding, it only makes sense to enforce a temporary ban on hunting and we support this move. Many species are in distress, and the environment needs the time to recover. This will only benefit South Carolina’s hunting season.”
The DNR statement broke down the different areas that are closed to the public, outlining specific plots of land. The areas affected are the Wateree-Congaree Drainage area (Calhoun County, Kershaw County, Lexington County, Richland County, Sumter County), the Santee Drainage area (Berkeley County, Charleston County, Georgetown County, Williamsburg County, Clarendon County), the Waccamaw Drainage area (Horry County, Georgetown County), the Black River Drainage area (Williamsburg County, Georgetown County, and the southside boundary), and the Edisto Drainage area (Orangeburg County, Bamberg County, Colleton County, Dorchester County, Charleston County, and the west side boundary).
South Carolina’s flooding drove numerous people out of their homes last week, and has sparked numerous health concerns throughout the state. The hunting ban is just the latest in an effort by state officials to keep their residents safe from any harm.
