#05-227 October 31, 2005

Purchase Hunting, Fishing Licenses By Phone, Internet

Renewing or purchasing a South Carolina fishing and hunting license is now easier than ever, because you can do so over the phone and on the Internet.

Licenses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-714-3611 or on the Internet by visiting http://www.dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html. (A convenience fee of $3.95 will apply.) Licenses for the 2005-2006 season may also be purchased from about 1,000 retail stores in South Carolina or from most S.C. Department of Natural Resources offices.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sells hunting and fishing licenses at its Columbia headquarters in the Rembert Dennis Building at 1000 Assembly St., DNR field offices in Charleston, Florence and Clemson and through many retail businesses across the state. Licenses for the 2005-2006 season are on sale now.

The prices of most hunting and fishing licenses for the 2005-2006 South Carolina hunting season remain the same as last season. Perhaps of greatest interest among the public are the changes in hunting and fishing licenses for senior residents. Residents born on or before July 1, 1940 will still be able to obtain the gratis license, free of charge. State residents born after July 1, 1940 will need to purchase the new $9 Senior Statewide Hunting and Fishing Lifetime License. The new senior lifetime license, for residents age 64 and above, includes privileges that cover not only hunting and fishing licenses and Big Game Permit, but also the Wildlife Management Area permit (a $30.50 annual permit), the state duck stamp (a $5.50 annual stamp), and the Saltwater Marine Recreational Fisheries License (a $10 annual license).

Federal funds for wildlife and sport fisheries restoration earmarked for South Carolina are based in part on the number of hunting and fishing licenses sold. The funds are generated by excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment.

Sportsmen and sportswomen can access the rules and regulations on the Internet by visiting the DNR Web site at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html. If copies of the booklet are not available from other sources write to: Regulations, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202; or call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia.

"If you plan to participate in specialized nongame fishing activities, tag and permits are available only through the DNR office in Columbia," said Sandra Hartley, DNR license sales administrator. "Call (803) 734-3838 for an application. Don't wait to purchase the required permits at the last minute before a fishing trip."
 

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