Hunters who hunt the Francis Marion National Forest can exclusively
archery hunt the Hellhole WMA on certain days during September, October,
November and December. Along with being able to harvest two deer per day
comes the opportunity to harvest hogs as well. Due to budget constraints
many wildlife openings on the Hellhole WMA will not be planted this fall. On
the Seewee Special Use Area located in the Wambaw WMA, only archers may hunt
deer throughout the entire specified season. Bowhunting-only opportunities
exist on the Waterhorn WMA in October, and this area also offers the
opportunity to harvest hogs. Due to the inclement weather and budget
constraints, only certain wildlife openings on the Waterhorn WMA have been
planted in various crops including sorghum, soybeans, and corn with limited
wheat being scheduled to be planted in the fall. Bowhunting may also be
conducted any time deer hunting is allowed (except on days scheduled for
deer hunting with dogs) on any of the Francis Marion National Forest WMAs.
   Exclusive archery-only areas exist on other WMAs throughout the
region. The Hall WMA (1,900 acres), Hatchery WMA (islands in the Hatchery
itself), and Porcher WMA (1,126 acres), are archery only for the entire deer
season. These areas are located along the Lake Moultrie shoreline, the
Diversion Canal and include some of the nearby islands located in Lake
Marion. Several wildlife openings exist to enhance hunter success. Another
archery-only area is the 600-acre Dungannon WMA, located in Charleston
County off of SC 162.
   Other areas within the region also offer bowhunting opportunities.
In Clarendon County, the 2,000-acre Oak Lea WMA, which is owned by the S.C.
Forestry Commission, is open for archery hunting in September. About 820
acres of the area is planted in corn, soybeans, and wheat rotation. Hunters
are encouraged to harvest deer from the area to help decrease crop
depredation. Hickory Top WMA (1,836 acres) located along the shore of Lake
Marion, is comprised of mast-producing hardwoods and is open to archery
hunting only during specified dates in September, October, November,
December and January.  The Santee Cooper-owned Santee Dam WMA located below
Santee Dam is open to bowhunting in September. The 136-acre dove field is
used extensively by deer and hogs. The only way to access the property is by
boat via the Santee River on the Berkeley County side or the borrow pit
landing on the Clarendon County side. The 3,144-acre Santee Cooper WMA, in
Orangeburg county, is a quality deer management area in which bucks must
have four or more points on one side or be spikes in order to be legally
harvested. Archery hunts occur on the area in October and November.
   The 1,375-acre Edisto River WMA in Dorchester County is open for
archery hunting during specified days in September. This property also
offers the chance to harvest a hog. To reach the Edisto River WMA, take US
17-A out of Summerville towards Walterboro. Just before crossing the Edisto
River, turn right onto Sandpit Road and continue for 2 1/2 miles and the WMA
begins on the left of the road. Look for the yellow WMA signs posted along
the boundary.  
   Also new this year are the draw archery/crossbow deer hunts at
Santee State Park in Santee. Due to the heavy deer population, several two
day hunts were scheduled throughout the season. The deadline for
applications has already past for this upcoming season.
   Bowhunting may also be conducted on any of the above listed areas as
well as other WMAs during specified gun hunts unless otherwise stated.
Specific season dates and bag limits for these wildlife management areas can
be found in "2003-2004 South Carolina Rules and Regulations for Hunting,
Fishing and Wildlife Management Areas" on the Internet at
www.dnr.state.sc.us/etc/rulesregs/rulesregs.html. Copies of the free booklet
are also available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Note that
all deer harvested from these WMAs must be checked in at a deer check
station and that Wildlife Management Area regulations apply.
                            Hunters needing more
information can call DNR at (843) 825-3387 in Bonneau.