SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Hunters are invited to take advantage of the deer hunting program at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range beginning August 16th.
The natural resources managers at Shaw Air Force Base and PECR use many tools to manage the diverse resources on the base and range.
One popular tool, and an important quality of life initiative for base personnel, is the deer hunting program. Hunting is open to all base personnel and the public. This program helps maintain wildlife population at proper levels to meet management goals as well as provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the Shaw community.
Based on historical harvest data and the surveys of deer populations, the hunting season has been set to begin August 16th with bow hunting. Rifle hunting will begin September 20th. All hunting is conducted on PECR south of Wedgefield, S.C. Bucks and does may be taken on each hunt unless instructed otherwise, and number and antler restrictions may apply.
To be eligible and to participate, all hunters must comply with or possess:
- A valid South Carolina hunting license, including a big game permit.
- Persons under 16 years of age may hunt with an adult with no additional charge while accompanied by a permitted adult and only one rifle is used.
- The legal weapon for this season is rifle only of no less than .243-caliber.
- The permit fee for each hunt is $30 per person made payable by check or money order to " US Treasury,” or cash.
- All participants are required to wear a blaze orange hat or vest while hunting.
- Not be under the influence of drugs/alcohol, or use drugs/alcohol during this event. Zero tolerance for violators.
- Sign a waiver of liability before participating on the hunt.
- Prepared for weather conditions, bring own snacks, thermoses, drinks and not litter.
- Hunt at own risk.
- Hunters must remain at their assigned stands until truck returns to pick them up. All instructions, directions, and rules must be followed to insure the safe return of all participants.
Hunt Schedule:
Aug. 23, 30 (Bow hunting only)
Sept. 6, 13 (Bow hunting only)
Sept. 20, 27
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov. 1, 8, 22, 29
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27
Individual hunt dates or times are subject to change without notice as mission needs dictate. Reservations for hunts on PECR are made by calling 803-895-5325 beginning Tuesday mornings at 8:30 prior to that Saturday's hunt. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis dependent upon the number of slots available. A background check will be run on all participants.
Additional callers are placed on a stand-by list and notified in the case of a cancellation. Cancellations must be called in by the reserved hunter by 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to the hunt or the permit fee is due. The hunt permit fee of $30 may be paid on the day of the hunt.
A hunter with a reservation who does not show up for the hunt and has not cancelled by 5 p.m. the Thursday before the hunt still owes the $30 and will be required to pre-pay prior to any subsequent hunts.
On the day of the hunt, permitted hunters must meet at the Rosemary Fire Tower complex before the "Gate Lock" time specified when the reservation was taken. The meeting time for each hunt will change as appropriate during the season based on sunrise and sunset times.
The Rosemary Fire Tower complex is located just south of the entrance to Poinsett State Park on State Highway 261. Hunters will receive a safety briefing, draw for a deer stand and be transported to and from their stands.
A YOUTH ONLY HUNT will be conducted on Saturday, Nov. 15, in cooperation with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. For application information concerning the youth hunt, please contact SCDNR or call Shaw's hunt reservation line at 803-895-5325 prior to Oct. 1. You will be contacted to verify your application and notified of your selection status.
Limited weekday hunting opportunities exist for Shaw AD and Civilians only. Please contact the Natural Resources office at Shaw AFB at 803- 895-5325 or email 20ces.ceiea.pecrhuntprogram@us.af.mil for more information about weekday hunting.
If you have any questions, please contact the Natural Resources office at Shaw AFB at 803-895-5325 or email 20ces.ceiea.pecrhuntprogram@us.af.mil.