The S.C. Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the United States Air Force Shaw Air Force Base Environmental Flight will conduct a special youth deer hunt at the Poinsett Electronic Combat Range in Sumter County. This hunt is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1.

Fifteen youth will be selected by random drawing to participate in this special hunt, and there is no application fee or hunting license required for those youth 15 and younger. However, a hunting license is required for those youth who are 16 and 17. 

For an application, contact the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the following numbers: (803) 734-3886 or (803) 734-3898. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10.

Immediately after check-in and a brief refresher course on hunter safety, all participants are required to shoot their firearms at the rifle range before going on the hunt. Firearms for this hunt will be restricted to high-powered center fire rifles. Rifles with telescopic sights are recommended.

Hunting will be from elevated stands and a parent or an adult from a cooperating organization will accompany each youth in the deer stand. Before the hunt DNR and Shaw Air Force Base Environmental Flight will provide lunch for the participants.

To be eligible for the special youth deer hunt, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 17 inclusive at the time of the hunt.

Applicants must have a hunter education certificate.

A parent or legal guardian must provide written permission for their child to participate.

A parent, or legal guardian or other responsible adult must provide transportation for each youth to and from the event.

Preference is given to applicants with limited hunting experience and limited opportunities for participating in hunting.

Please return application and questionnaire to: SCDNR/USAF Youth Deer Hunt, Attn: Willie Simmons, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202

DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.