32.60—South Carolina.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of marsh hen/rail only on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require each hunter to carry at all times while hunting a signed, current refuge hunt permit and a government-issued picture ID. The hunt permit is invalid until signed by the hunter.
2. We prohibit hunting on Sundays.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see §32.2(k)).
4. We prohibit discharge of weapons for any purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal game during the established hunting season.
5. Each hunter under age 16 must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must have successfully completed a State-approved hunter education course.
6. We allow use of retrieving dogs only while hunting in designated hunting areas for marsh hen/rail. Otherwise we prohibit dogs on the refuge.
7. We prohibit taking or attempting to take any wildlife from an area unless that area is officially opened for hunting/fishing.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, A4, A5, and A7 apply.
2. We allow hunting only on days designated annually by the refuge within the State season.
3. Hunters must enter and exit through the designated camping area to access any hunting areas on the refuge.
4. We prohibit crossbows, muzzleloaders, shotguns, rifles, pistols, and any other firearms or illegal means designated by the State to take while-tailed deer during the designated refuge archery hunt.
5. The refuge designates daily limits for raccoon.
6. For all raccoons harvested, hunters must check-in the raccoon tail at the refuge check station.
7. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 m) of the Walking Trail (interpretive foot trail) and Beach Road.
8. Each archery hunter must check-in at the camping site on Bulls Island before setting up camp or before starting to hunt. We require each hunter to record his or her name and address in the available register.
9. Hunters may camp in the designated camping areas on Bulls Island during the archery white-tailed deer hunts from 9 a.m. on the day preceding the hunt until 12 p.m. (noon) on the day following the hunt.
10. We restrict hunters to the camping area from 7 p.m. until 4:30 a.m.
11. We prohibit camping on the refuge except for designated archery hunters on Bulls Island and individuals obtaining a special use permit from the refuge manager.
12. We prohibit fires except designated campfires in designated areas during the archery hunt (see §27.95(a) of this chapter).
13. Except for boat motors being operated in salt water, we prohibit motorized equipment on the refuge islands or in refuge inholdings.
14. We prohibit private boats in the refuge boat basins at Garris Landing and Bulls Island. We clearly mark these areas with Closed Area signs.
15. We prohibit overnight parking at Garris Landing except for archery hunters during the designated refuge archery white-tailed deer season and individuals obtaining a special use permit from the refuge manager.
16. Hunters must hunt from a tree stand or the ground. We prohibit stalking, driving, corralling, or any other cooperative form of hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, A4, A5, A7, B2 through B4, and B7 through B16 apply.
2. The refuge designates daily limits for white-tailed deer.
3. Hunters much check all white-tailed deer at the refuge check station prior to removal from Bulls Island.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow the possession, taking, and transportation of: fish, crabs, shellfish, shrimp, and other saltwater species on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A7 and B10 through B14 apply.
2. We prohibit fishing inside the refuge boat basins at Garris Landing and Bulls Island.
3. We prohibit cast nets on the pier at Garris Landing.
4. We prohibit fishing, crabbing, shell fishing, and the taking of other saltwater species on Bulls Island ponds and managed wetlands (Jacks Creek, Lower and Upper Summerhouse Ponds).
5. We close Marsh Island, White Banks, and Sandy Point to public entry from February 15 through September 15 to protect nesting birds. This closed area extends from the low mean water mark to the highest elevation on these islands.
6. We prohibit entering into any area “Closed to Public Entry” due to turtle/bird nesting areas.
7. All refuge islands are “Closed to Public Entry” or occupancy from 1 hour after legal sunset to 1 hour before legal sunrise, except during a scheduled refuge big game hunt.
8. We prohibit anglers or visitors taking, possessing, or transporting more than one 3-quart plastic bag of sea shells per person per day from the refuge.
9. We prohibit anglers or visitors taking, possessing, or transporting any sea shells containing living organisms from the refuge, except those shellfish allowed by the State according to a recreational or commercial saltwater fishing license and permit.
10. We prohibit the taking of sea shells from the refuge for commercial purposes or monetary gain.
11. We prohibit the commercial transport of passengers to any refuge island for any purpose without a Special Use Permit from the refuge manager.
12. We prohibit feeding or harassing porpoises in any manner.
13. We prohibit mooring or anchoring of boats more than 72 hours within the refuge boundary.
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. All hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge General Hunt Permit and a government-issued picture ID.
2. All hunters must complete a Small Game Check Sheet attached to the refuge General Hunt Permit. You must turn each check sheet in daily at one of the small game check sheet drop boxes.
3. We prohibit discharge of weapons (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within, into, or across a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area”. We prohibit entering or crossing a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area” to access areas open to hunting. We require consent from refuge personnel to enter a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area” for the purpose of tracking and/or retrieving legally taken game animals.
4. Each youth hunter (age 16 or younger) must remain within sight and normal voice contact and under supervision of an adult age 21 or older with a valid license and applicable permit. Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters. Each youth hunter must possess and carry evidence of successful completion of a State-approved hunter education course.
5. We prohibit loaded firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within 100 feet (30 m) of maintained refuge roads or within 500 feet (150 m) of the paved visitor's drive. We prohibit discharge of any weapon on or across any part of the refuge road system. We define a “loaded firearm” as a firearm with shells in the magazine or chamber, or, for muzzleloaders, a gun with the percussion caps put in place.
6. Hunters must possess shotguns with shot no larger than No. 5.
7. Legal shooting hours for September dove hunts are 12 p.m. (noon) to 6:30 p.m.
8. We prohibit discharge of weapons for any purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal game animals during established hunting seasons.
9. We prohibit the possession or use of more than 50 shotgun shells.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A5 and A8 apply.
2. We require dogs for hunting raccoon and opossum. All dogs must wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and phone number.
3. Upland game hunters may possess shotguns with shot no larger than No. 4 or .22 caliber rimfire rifles or primitive muzzleloading rifles of .40 caliber or smaller. We prohibit possession of buckshot or slugs.
4. Upland game hunters using archery equipment must use small game tips on the arrows.
5. All persons participating in refuge firearms hunts must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material above the waist as an outer garment that is visible from all sides while hunting and while en route to and from hunting areas. This does not apply to raccoon hunters.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A3 through A5, and A8 apply (with the following exception for condition A4: Each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter).
2. All deer, feral hog, and turkey taken on the refuge must be checked in on the date of take prior to removing the animal from the refuge.
3. During deer and turkey hunts, we prohibit hunters from entering the refuge earlier than 4 a.m. Deer hunters must leave the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset. Turkey hunts will end each day at 1 p.m. Hunters must unload and encase or dismantle all firearms after 1 p.m.
4. All persons participating in refuge firearms deer hunts must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material above the waist as an outer garment that is visible from all sides while hunting and while en route to and from hunting areas.
5. During the primitive weapons hunt, you may use bow and arrow, muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge or larger), or muzzleloading rifles (.40 caliber or larger). We prohibit revolving rifles and black-powder handguns.
6. During modern gun hunts, you may use shotguns, rifles (centerfire and larger than .22 caliber), handguns (.357 caliber or larger and barrel length no less than 6 inches [15 cm]), or any weapon allowed during the primitive weapons hunt. We prohibit military, hard-jacketed bullets, and .22 caliber rimfire rifles during the modern gun hunts.
7. We prohibit man driving for deer. We define a “man drive” as an organized hunting technique involving two or more individuals where hunters attempt to drive game animals from cover or habitat for the purpose of shooting or killing the animals or moving them toward other hunters.
8. We prohibit the use of dogs for any big game hunting.
9. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging.
10. Youth hunts are for hunters under age 16. We prohibit adults from possessing or discharging firearms during youth deer or turkey hunts.
11. We prohibit the use of ATVs, except by mobility-impaired hunters with a Special Use Permit during big game hunts. Mobility-impaired hunters must have a State Disabled Hunting license, be wheelchair dependent, need mechanical aids to walk, or have complete single- or double-leg amputations.
12. We prohibit turkey hunters from calling a turkey for another hunter unless both hunters have Refuge Quota Turkey Hunt Permits.
13. We prohibit turkey hunting in the area defined as east of Hwy. 145, south of Rt. 9, and north of Hwy. 1.
14. We prohibit discharge of weapons (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter) for any purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal game animals during established hunting seasons.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on all areas of the refuge, except Martins Lake and those areas closed for management purposes, in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset.
2. We allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors. We allow boats with permanently mounted gas motors as long as you lock the propeller out of the water. You must hand load and unload boats except at designated boat ramps. We prohibit skidding boats up or down dams or on water control structures. We provide boat ramps at Pool D, Pool L, Honkers Lake, and Mays Lake.
3. We allow bank fishing on all designated waters.
4. We prohibit bow fishing, fish baskets, nets, set hooks, trotlines, or snagging devices.
5. We prohibit snagging of fish by pulling or jerking any device equipped with one or more hooks through the water for the purpose of impaling fish.
6. We prohibit swimming or wading in any areas of the refuge.
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require each hunter to carry at all times while hunting a signed, current refuge hunting regulations brochure containing a refuge hunt permit. The hunt permit is invalid until signed by the hunter.
2. Each youth hunter (age 15 and under) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must have successfully completed a State-approved hunter education course.
3. We only allow hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) each day during the State waterfowl season.
4. We prohibit hunting on Corps of Engineer dredge spoil sites located on refuge property on Jehossee Island.
5. We prohibit permanent blinds. You must remove portable blinds and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
6. We only allow use of retrieving dogs while hunting.
7. We allow scouting all year from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
8. Access to the hunt areas is by boat only. We prohibit boat launching on the refuge.
9. We do not require hunter check-in and check out. There is no quota on the number of hunters.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A2 apply.
2. We only allow hunting on days designated annually by the refuge within the State season. We only allow hunting on designated refuge areas within the Edisto Unit and the Combahee Unit.
3. Except for the special quota permit hunts, we allow only archery or muzzleloader hunting, and there is no quota on the number of hunters allowed to participate. During special quota permit hunts, we allow use of centerfire rifles or shotguns.
4. Access into all refuge hunt areas for hunting and scouting is by foot or bicycle. We may open some refuge roads on hunt days.
5. We allow scouting all year from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
6. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 5 a.m. on hunt days and must leave the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal sunset.
7. We do not require hunter check-in and check out. However, you must check all deer taken during any hunt at the designated refuge check station before removal from the refuge. In addition, you must tag all antlerless deer with an antlerless tag provided by the refuge.
8. The refuge daily bag limit is two antlerless deer and one antlered buck that must have at least three antler points on one side. We define a “point” as an antler projection of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more in length.
9. You may take feral hogs during refuge deer hunts. There is no size or bag limit on hogs. We may offer special hog hunts during and after deer season to further control this invasive species. You must dispatch all feral hogs before removing them from the refuge.
10. You must hunt deer and feral hogs from an elevated deer stand. We prohibit shooting big game from a boat.
11. We prohibit hunting on or within 100 feet (30 m) of all routes marked as roads or trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) on the hunt brochure map.
12. All permanently fixed ground blinds are for the mobility-impaired hunt only.
13. We prohibit crossbows on the archery hunts. We only allow muzzleloading rifles using a single projectile on the muzzleloader hunts. We prohibit buckshot.
14. You may use flagging to mark the site of hunter entry from roads or trails and again at the stand site. You may use clothes pins with reflective tape between these sites to mark the route to the stand. Hunters must label all such markers with their full name and remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the hunt.
15. We require hunters to wear an outer garment visible above the waist that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of solid, florescent-orange material at all times during the muzzleloader and mobility-impaired hunts.
16. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must have a signed refuge permit on your person at all times. We require payment of a fee for the quota gun hunt. You may obtain information about the quota hunt drawing at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. Hunters must check-in at the designated check station between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. and park in the designated area prior to hunting. We require personal identification at check-in.
3. Any movement within the refuge must be by foot or bicycle. We limit entry and exit points for authorized motor vehicles to designated check stations or other specified areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit entry by boat, and we prohibit hunters to leave by boat to reach other parts of the island.
4. We require hunters to wear an outer garment that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of hunter-orange material above the waistline.
5. We prohibit participating in organized drives for deer.
6. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week preceding the hunt. You must remove your stand at the end of the hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit camping on the refuge.
8. We only allow shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, with slugs.
9. If you are a hunter on the refuge, you must be in your stand from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 9 a.m. and from 2 hours before legal sunset until legal sunset.
10. We prohibit hunting closer than 100 yards (90 m) to U.S. Highway 278 or the check station area, or closer than 200 yards (180 m) to the residence area.
11. We prohibit flagging, blazing, or using other trail-marking devices to locate stands or for any other purpose.
12. Refuge personnel must check deer harvested during a scheduled hunt before hunters leave the refuge.
13. You may take five deer (no more than four antlerless).
14. We close the refuge to the public on hunt days.
15. Hunters age 15 and younger must possess and carry a valid hunter education card in order to hunt.
16. Youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Fishing is permitted year-round.
2. Fishing is only permitted from boats, into the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
Santee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove on designated areas of the Cuddo Unit of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. All hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge hunting permit and a government-issued picture ID. The hunt permit is invalid until signed by the hunter.
2. We require all hunters to sign in and out at the check station located at the Cuddo entrance gate and report all game taken.
3. We prohibit discharge of weapons (see §27.42 of this chapter) within, into, or across a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area.” We prohibit entering or crossing a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area” to access areas open to hunting. We require consent from refuge personnel to enter a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area” for the purpose of tracking and/or retrieving legally taken game animals.
4. Each youth hunter (age 16 or younger) must remain within sight and normal voice contact and under the direct supervision of an adult age 21 or older with a valid license and applicable permit. Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters. Each youth hunter must possess and carry evidence of successful completion of a State-approved hunter education course.
5. Legal shooting hours for designated refuge dove hunts are in accordance with State law and the times the refuge is open for general public access.
6. We allow scouting for dove 1 week prior to the designated refuge hunting season. Anyone scouting may be on the refuge only during the times the refuge is open for general public access.
7. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k) while in the field if hunting with a shotgun or muzzleloader using shot as a delivery device to take mourning doves.
8. Hunters must possess shotguns with shot no larger than No. 5.
9. We allow use of dogs for the retrieving of mourning doves while hunting. The dog must wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and phone number.
10. We prohibit discharge of weapons for any purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal game animals during established hunting seasons.
11. We prohibit entering any area posted as “Closed” or “No Hunting Zone.” We prohibit hunting any species not listed in the introductory paragraphs A, B, or C on any unit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A4, A10, and A11 apply.
2. We allow hunting only on areas, days, and times designated annually by the refuge within the State season.
3. We require dogs for hunting raccoon and opossum. All dogs must wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and phone number.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)) while in the field if hunting with a shotgun using shot as a delivery device to take game.
5. We prohibit crossbows.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A4, A10, and A11 apply.
2. We allow hunting for white-tailed deer only as described in the refuge hunt brochure.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing year-round, 24 hours a day, except in areas posted as “Closed Areas” or in areas seasonally closed for migratory bird management in Cantey Bay, Black Bottom, Savannah Branch, and refuge ponds and impoundments.
2. We allow fishing only in Cantey Bay, Black Bottom, Savannah Branch, and refuge ponds and impoundments from March 1 through October 31.
3. We prohibit fishing or boating within 100 feet (30 m) of any nesting birds or bird rookeries within the refuge boundaries.
4. We allow fishing on the inland ponds only during the times the refuge units are open for general public access or as posted.
5. You must possess and carry a signed refuge fishing permit at all times while fishing on the refuge.
6. We prohibit the use of air-thrust boats, hovercraft, airboats, and personal watercraft.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot on designated areas north of South Carolina Highway 170 of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times while hunting on the refuge. Permits and general hunting information are available at the refuge headquarters in Savanna, Georgia.
2. We only allow temporary blinds. You must remove decoys and other personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge daily.
3. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of South Carolina Highway 170.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel November 1 through November 30 on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times while hunting on the refuge. Permits and hunt information are available at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. We only allow .22 caliber rimfire rifles or shotguns with #2 shot or smaller for squirrel hunting.
3. We prohibit handguns.
4. We prohibit dogs.
5. You may take feral hog with weapons legal for this hunt (no bag limit).
6. We require a big game license.
7. We require hunters to wear a visible outer garment that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of hunter-orange material above the waistline (except during the archery-only deer hunt, the turkey hunt, and the waterfowl hunt.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times. We require payment of a fee for the wheelchair-dependent hunters' quota gun hunt for deer. Permits, quota hunt applications, and information about the quota hunt drawing are available at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. We allow archery hunting for deer and hog from October 1 through October 31 on designated areas.
3. We authorize bows only for deer/hog hunting during the archery hunt. We prohibit crossbows (see §27.43 of this chapter).
4. We allow gun hunting for deer and hog during the archery hunt.
5. You may take five deer, no more than three antlerless and two antlered. There is no bag limit on feral hogs.
6. You must remove hunt stands daily (see §27.93 of this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing in refuge impoundments and canals from March 1 through November 30 annually.
2. We allow fishing in Kingfisher Pond year-round.
3. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
4. We allow fishing year-round in the canals adjacent to the wildlife drive.
5. Anglers may only use nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors within impounded water.
Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must possess and carry at all times while hunting a signed, current refuge hunting regulations brochure containing a refuge hunt permit. The hunt permit is invalid until signed by the hunter.
2. An adult at least age 21 must supervise all youth hunters age 15 and under. Youth hunters must have successfully completed a State-approved hunter education course.
3. We only allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) each Saturday during the State waterfowl season. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier that 5 a.m. on hunt days and must be off the refuge by 2 p.m.
4. We allow scouting Monday through Friday during the waterfowl season. Anyone scouting may not use a firearm and must be off the refuge by 2 p.m.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting all species of migratory birds on the refuge.
6. We prohibit permanent blinds (see §27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must remove portable blinds and decoys at the end of each day's hunt.
7. We only allow use of retrieving dogs while hunting.
8. We do not require hunter check-in and check out. There is no quota on the number of hunters.
9. We prohibit discharge of weapons (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter) for any purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal game animals during established hunting seasons.
10. We prohibit hunting on any unit for wildlife species not officially opened to hunting or entering any areas posted as “Closed” or “No Hunting Zones.”
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of gray squirrel, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, A9, and A10 apply.
2. We allow hunting only on days designated annually by the refuge within the State season. We allow upland game hunting only on designated refuge areas within Refuge Unit 1.
3. We require nontoxic shot in shotguns when hunting. We allow .22-caliber rimfire rifles.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, A9, and A10 apply.
2. We only allow hunting on days designated annually by the refuge within the State season.
3. We close refuge hunting areas to the general public during big game hunts.
4. We allow archery, muzzleloading (black powder) and centerfire rifles, and shotguns.
5. We prohibit crossbows, blow guns, and drugged arrows (see § 32.2(g)). We only allow muzzleloading rifles using a single projectile on the muzzleloader hunts. We prohibit buckshot, .22 caliber rimfire, and full-metal jacketed military ammunition.
6. Access into all refuge hunt areas for hunting and scouting is by foot or boat. We may open some refuge roads on hunt days. We prohibit ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter) and air boats on the refuge.
7. We allow scouting all year during daylight hours except during the State waterfowl season. During the waterfowl season, the same regulations that apply to scouting for waterfowl (A4), apply to scouting for big game species.
8. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 5 a.m. on hunt days and must leave the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal sunset.
9. We do not require hunter check-in and check out.
10. The refuge limit on deer is one antlered buck per refuge hunt. Hunters can harvest an additional two antlerless deer per hunt during coinciding State doe days.
11. You may take feral hogs during refuge deer hunts. There is no size or bag limit on hog. We may offer special hog hunts during and after deer season to further control this invasive species. You must dispatch all feral hogs before removing them from the refuge.
12. We prohibit hunting on or within 100 feet (30 m) of all routes marked as roads or trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) on the hunt brochure map.
13. You must hunt deer and feral hog from an elevated deer stand. We prohibit shooting a hog from a boat.
14. We only allow one portable tree stand per hunter and only during the actual days of each hunt. You must remove deer stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge no later than 3 days after each refuge big game hunt.
15. We allow hunters to use flagging to mark the site of hunter entry from roads or trails and again at the stand site. We allow hunters to use clothes pins with reflective tape between entry and stand sites to mark the route to the stand. Hunters must label all such markers with their full name and remove them at the end of the hunt.
16. We require hunters to wear an outer garment visible above the waist that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of solid, fluorescent-orange material at all times during big game hunts except for wild turkey.
17. We prohibit the use of organized drives, including the use of boats, as an aid in the taking or attempting to take big game species.
18. We prohibit distribution of bait or hunting over a baited area (see § 32.2(h)).
19. We limit turkey hunts to annual quota hunts. We will select hunters by a random drawing. The selected hunters must possess signed Refuge Turkey Hunt Permits at all times during the hunt.
20. We prohibit turkey hunters from calling a turkey for another hunter unless both hunters have Refuge Turkey Hunt Permits.
21. We prohibit turkey hunting in Refuge Units 2 and 3.
22. Turkey hunts begin each day at legal sunrise and end each day at 1 p.m., and you must unload and case or dismantle all weapons (see § 27.42 of this chapter) after 1 p.m.
23. During turkey hunts we only allow one weapon per hunter.
24. The bag limit for the entire hunt is one bearded turkey.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in accordance with State regulations.
[58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 29076, May 18, 1993; 58 FR 29085, May 18, 1993; 59 FR 6698, Feb. 11, 1994; 59 FR 55188, Nov. 3, 1994; 60 FR 62047, Dec. 4, 1995; 63 FR 46921, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30791, May 12, 2000; 65 FR 56408, Sept. 18, 2000; 66 FR 46361, Sept. 4, 2001; 67 FR 58949, Sept. 18, 2002; 69 FR 54362, 54449, Sept. 8, 2004; 70 FR 54190, Sept. 13, 2005; 73 FR 33196, June 11, 2008; 74 FR 45696, Sept. 3, 2009; 75 FR 18426, Apr. 12, 2010]