Six Animals to Hunt in the Spring

Springtime in South Carolina ushers in the hunting season devoted to the quest of small game and several species of birds. Depending upon the prey that they choose to seek, enthusiastic hunters can use archery, firearms, and dogs. Among the hunted birds are wild turkeys, pheasants, quail, mourning doves, marsh hens (rails), ruffled grouse, crows, woodcock, and common snipe.

Here are six animals that can be hunted in the spring:

Turkeys

On game management areas, there is a limit on turkeys of two gobblers and a season limit of five, although some counties limit the seasonal bag to two. With a current South Carolina hunting license and a purchased turkey tag, hunters may shoot on Sundays if they are on private land only. Hunters may use shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows and bow and arrow. However, dogs on not permitted, nor are any electronic calling devices or bait.

Quail

Quail may be hunted starting in early March. Using dogs on the hunt is permitted, and hunters may bag as many as 12 birds each day. Quail hunting is allowed in all of South Carolina’s game zones. There are also hunting lodges in the state that have preserves where quail, along with other birds, can be pursued.

Raccoon and Opossum

Raccoons and opossums may be hunted beginning in early March, with various starting dates during this month in different hunting zones. For all zones, there is no limit on opossums, but there is a bag limit of three raccoons per day for each hunting party. One exception is in the third and sixth game zones where there is no daily limit for either animal.

Fox

Starting in early March, on private lands, and in all game zones, hunters may pursue foxes with dogs only and shoot them with no daily bag limit.

Pheasants

Although pheasants are not indigenous to America, they are raised in the United States. In South Carolina, there is any number of hunting preserves, such as one in the Piedmont area of the state where these birds and others can be hunted. Guides are provided for those who desire them, as are the hunting dogs. The coveys of birds reside in lush milo and broom straw fields. On the hunt, well-trained dogs flush them, creating the opportunity for the hunters to have a dazzling site and an exciting experience.

“Now then, get your equipment- your quiver and bow- and go to the open country to hunt some wild game for me.” (Genesis 27:3)

This blog was originally published on Mark Smith CIU's website.