ARCHERY-CROSSBOW DEER HUNTS SCHEDULED FOR SANTEE STATE PARK

Six archery-crossbow deer hunts will be held this year at Santee State Park in an effort to improve overall herd health and reduce significant deer damage to vegetation inside the park.

Plans call for six archery-crossbow hunts covering 12 days: Sept. 23-24, Oct. 14-15, Nov. 4-5, Nov. 18-19, Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 16-17. Hunters are required to apply in advance by sending their applications to Santee State Park, 251 State Park Road, Santee, SC 29142. Applications are now available, and the application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1.

Santee State Park covers 2,495 acres of mixed pine-hardwood forests with gently rolling terrain that hosts a burgeoning population of white-tailed deer. Park officials feel the deer problem stems in part from crowded conditions caused by surrounding urban growth. Concerns of poor herd health and damage by deer to the native flora on the park have led to the decision to have these hunts.

Detailed application packets, including hunt information, special rules and regulations, licensing and permit requirements and a map will be available at the following locations:

Santee State Park, 251 State Park Road, Santee, SC 29142 (803-854-2408); DNR Wildlife Regional Office, PO Drawer 190, Bonneau, SC 29431 (843-825-3387); and the DNR Columbia office, PO Box 167, 1000 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29202 (803-734-3886).

Notification to successful applicants should be mailed by Aug. 21. On the opening day of each hunt period, selected hunters must report to a check station to exchange their hunting license for a daily permit.

Camping is available at Santee State Park and reservations can be made in advance by calling the State Park at (803) 854-2408.

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