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2020-2021 Youth Only Waterfowl Lottery Hunt Information

Due to concerns for the potential of COVID-19 transmission, SCDNR will implement some changes in procedure at Public Waterfowl Lottery Hunt site locations. All participants will be required to wear a mask at all times when interacting with SCDNR staff, without exception. Participants must bring their own mask, and will be subject to temperature screening prior to being allowed to hunt. These hunts typically host numerous people coming from many locations, both in and out of state, and present opportunities for rapid transmission not only to other hunters but to SCDNR staff. Social distancing will be encouraged and SCDNR staff will make every attempt to employ safety precautions. However, participants may be in close proximity to other hunters and SCDNR staff during transportation to and from the hunt site. Additionally, temperatures of participants will be checked on arrival and hunters whose temperatures exceed CDC guidelines will not be permitted to hunt. You must follow all instructions and signage at your hunt site and remain in your vehicle until told to exit. Participants may need to report to the hunt site earlier than normal and experience delayed pick up to facilitate social distancing. SCDNR staff will not be allowed to carry your hunt items, so plan to travel light and bring only what you can carry. Only one bag of decoys and one dog will be allowed per party.

*Masks are not required while actually hunting, only when interacting with SCDNR staff.

Application Instructions (PDF)

Apply for Youth Waterfowl Hunts

Public Waterfowl
Lottery Hunt Information

Hunt Sites

  1. For all hunt sites, bring only what you can carry.
  2. Transportation and decoys are furnished on Bear Island, Broad River, Donnelley, Sandy Beach, Beaverdam and Bonneau Ferry WMAs. Trasportation only is furnished at Santee Coastal - The Cape. Hunters are limited to one bag of decoys per party. Marsh stools are highly recommended.
  3. Hunting from banks or dikes is not allowed.
  4. Chest waders and flashlights are necessary on all sites.
  5. Hunters must report to the check station by 5:00 a.m. E.S.T. on all sites except Beaverdam WMA where the check-in time is 5:30 a.m. E.S.T.
  6. Shooting hours are one-half hour before official sunrise to 11:00 a.m.
  7. The use of retrievers is strongly recommended. All dogs must be kept on a leash when not hunting. While hunting, retrievers must remain in close proximity to the hunter except during actual retrieving. Hunters are limited to one dog per party.
  8. Nontoxic shot (steel, bismuth or other Federally approved shot) is required on all areas. Each hunter will be limited to 25 shells; 10 gauge or larger guns are not allowed.
  9. Alcohol is prohibited. Participation in the hunt constitutes consent to search of persons and their belongings. Any violation of any law or WMA regulation may result in immediate dismissal from the hunt.
  10. Geese can be taken at all sites on those dates that fall within the established goose season for that area of the state where your selected hunt site is located.

County: Colleton

Hunt Dates: 2/6

  • Report to the check station no later than 5:00 a.m. for mandatory orientation. Blinds, decoys and transportation will be provided.

Directions: Proceed on US Hwy 17 in Colleton County to the intersection of State Secondary Road S-15-26 (Bennett's Point Road) located 3 miles east of Green Pond and 8 miles west of Jacksonboro. Continue approximately 13 miles on S-15-26. After crossing the Ashepoo River, proceed approximately 2 miles and turn left into the Bear Island WMA entrance (TiTi Road). Follow this dirt road to the check station.

County: Anderson

Hunt Dates: 12/12, 2/6

  • Report to the check station no later than 5:30 a.m. for mandatory orientation.

Directions: Located in Anderson County, SC two miles southwest of Townville on McAdams Rd.

County: Berkeley

Hunt Dates: 11/28, 12/12, 12/19, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30

  • Report to the check station no later than 5:00 a.m. for mandatory orientation. Blinds, decoys and transportation will be provided.

Directions: From Hwy 52 in Moncks Corner, take Hwy 402 South towards Cordesville for approximately 9 miles until you cross the railroad tracks in Cordesville; the main entrance to Bonneau Ferry WMA will be on the right (about a mile past the railroad tracks). After turning right at the main entrance onto Bonneau Ferry Rd. (dirt road) continue 3.5 miles to its end, continue through a gate, and meet at the picnic shelter.

County: Fairfield

Hunt Dates: 2/6

  • Report to the check station no later than 5:00 a.m. for mandatory orientation. Blinds, decoys and transportation will be provided.

County: Colleton

Hunt Dates: 12/12, 12/19, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6

  • Report to the check station no later than 5:00 a.m. for mandatory orientation. Blinds, decoys and transportation will be provided.

Directions: Donnelley is located in Colleton County approximately 40 miles south of Charleston and 15 miles east of Walterboro, SC near Hwy 17. To reach the check station from Hwy 17, turn onto Bennett’s Point Road (SC-26) and proceed approximately 4 miles to the marked entrance of the gravel road to the area. The check station is located 2 miles from the intersection.

County: Berkeley

Hunt Dates: 2/6

  • Report to the check station no later than 5:00 a.m. for mandatory orientation. Blinds, decoys and transportation will be provided.

Directions: From St. Stephen, take Hwy 45 West – travel about 8.75 miles. Turn left onto Sandy Beach Road, which is just across from a fire tower. Continue down Sandy Beach Road for 3.75 miles until you get to the equipment shed (along the way you’ll cross the dike at a large power-line right-of-way where the road will jog right then left).

If you are coming from the Cross area, heading East on Hwy 45 toward St. Stephen, your turn-off for Sandy Beach Road will be on your right, about 6.75 miles after you cross the Diversion Canal. Continue down Sandy Beach Road for 3.75 miles until you get to the equipment shed (along the way you’ll cross the dike at a large power-line right-of-way where the road will jog right then left).

County: Charleston

Hunt Dates: 2/6

  • Report to the check station no later than 5:00 a.m. for mandatory orientation. Hunters must furnish decoys. Transportation will be provided. Marsh stools encouraged.

Directions: Proceed on US Hwy 17 south from Georgetown. After crossing the South Santee River Bridge, turn left on the first paved road (South Santee Road). Travel 1.3 miles and turn left on Santee Gun Club Road (dirt road) at the sign indicating Santee Coastal Reserve WMA. Do not turn off of this road. Follow the signs to the check station, a distance of 3.2 miles.

County: Charleston

Hunt Dates: 2/6

  • Report to the check station no later than 4:30 a.m. for mandatory orientation. Hunters must furnish decoys. Transportation will be provided. Marsh stools encouraged.

Directions: Proceed on US Hwy 17 south from Georgetown. After crossing the South Santee River Bridge, turn left on the first paved road (South Santee Road). Travel 1.3 miles and turn left on Santee Gun Club Road (dirt road) at the sign indicating Santee Coastal Reserve WMA. Do not turn off of this road. Follow the signs to the check station, a distance of 3.2 miles.

The above Hunt Site Information is also available as a downloadable PDF document.


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