The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters, landowners and other residents to weigh in on one of the state's most debated hunting traditions during a series of public meetings this summer, including one in nearby Florence.
The meetings will gather public input on deer hunting with dogs, a practice long associated with South Carolina's Coastal Plain, particularly Game Zones 3 and 4. SCDNR said it has received feedback from hunters, landowners and others expressing a wide range of opinions about the practice.
The closest meeting for Clarendon County residents will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at the Clemson Pee Dee Recreation Auditorium, 2200 Pocket Road in Florence. Additional meetings are scheduled for July 27 in Orangeburg and Aug. 10 in Walterboro.
Issues raised by the public include trespassing, property rights, road safety, conflicts between dog hunters and still-hunters, and animal welfare.
SCDNR emphasized the meetings are intended only to gather information. Any changes to laws governing deer hunting with dogs would require action by the South Carolina General Assembly, and no legislation has been introduced or recommended.
The agency said it hopes to hear from people representing all viewpoints to better understand the issue should lawmakers consider changes in the future.
As development continues across rural South Carolina, conflicts have increased in some areas. Property owners have reported hunting dogs crossing onto private land, while still-hunters say dogs can push deer from properties where they have permission to hunt. Others have raised concerns about hunters gathering along public roads while waiting for deer to be driven by dogs.
Supporters say dog hunting remains an important South Carolina tradition and helps reduce the number of wounded deer that are never recovered. An SCDNR study found trained tracking dogs increased successful deer recovery by an estimated 15% to 20% by locating animals that otherwise likely would not have been recovered.
Wildlife officials have identified several practices that could reduce conflicts, including GPS tracking collars, clearly identifying dogs with owner contact information, better communication between neighboring landowners and hunting clubs, and encouraging hunting clubs to operate on larger, contiguous tracts.
Residents who cannot attend a meeting will be able to submit comments online. SCDNR said details, including a link to the online comment form, will be posted on its website and social media channels before the meetings begin.
