New night-hunting regs for problem animals take effect Feb. 28

Bait, electronic calls, night-vision equipment, lights become legal for coyotes, hogs, armadillos

Beginning on Feb. 28 and lasting through July 1, hunters can use bait, electronic calls, night-vision equipment and artificial lights to hunt coyotes, armadillos and hogs.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources has taken these steps to prevent these animals from doing damage to crops, and populations of big-game animals such as deer and small-game animals such as quail.

This year, hunters can legally use centerfire rifles, as well as other legal firearms, bows and crossbows during this 4-month season.

Some restrictions are still in place that potential hunters need to be aware of before heading to the woods after dark.

Landowners must give notice to the SCDNR at least 48 hours before any night-hunting, and they must furnish names, dates of birth, and hunting license numbers of all people engaging in night-hunting.

Hunters using centerfire rifles must use an elevated stand that is a minimum of 10 feet off the ground, and some hunters may be ineligible if they have been found guilty of certain offenses within the past five.

For more information and to register your land for night-hunting, call the SCDNR Dispatch Center at 800-955-4000 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. More information can also be found at www.dnr.sc.gov/nighthunt/index.html.