4-year-old bags Aiken County velvet buck

“He’s hooked now,” says youth hunter’s dad

Aybel Napier, 4-years-old, killed a buck in full velvet during a hunt with his dad in Aiken County on Aug. 15, 2021. It was a proud moment for both father and son.

“This is what it’s about, when you can enjoy the excitement of a little one. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a big one or a small one. He’s hooked now,” said the young hunter’s dad.

South Carolina’s 2021 deer hunting season began in Game Zones 3 & 4 on Aug. 15, with youth day taking place in both game zones on Aug. 14. In Game Zone 3, hunters can use any legal weapon beginning on the first day of the season. Game Zone 4 is currently archery only until Sept. 1. South Carolina’s other two game zones open later this fall.