Permit-Hunting opportunities mark some of SC’S best WMAs
Webb Complex WMA
Charles Ruth, the big-game project leader for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, said one of the top WMAs in South Carolina is the Webb Center Complex in Hampton County. The Webb Complex consists of a trio of terrific areas managed as a unit, including the Webb Center WMA as well as Hamilton Ridge and Palachuacola WMAs. Ruth said these three WMAs constitute some of the best deer hunting in the area. Hunters must be drawn for all still gun-hunting on these WMAs. Information is on the SCDNR website, www.dnr.sc.gov.
“All Webb Center Complex areas offer quality hunting. But the gun hunts at the Webb Center property in specific are unique in that hunters are taken out to the stands and picked up after the hunt. It’s very similar to a quality commercial hunt,” Ruth said. “Deer harvested will also be picked up for them. This is an extremely popular and highly productive hunt.”
Bowhunting within a specific season guideline is open at Hamilton Ridge and Palachuacola. But antlered deer must have a minimum of 4 points on one side or a minimum 12-inch inside spread.
Other hunting opportunities at the Webb Complex include outstanding quail hunting, along with spring turkey hunting opportunities. Check regulations for specific quail hunting opportunities.
Prescribed fire is employed as a management tool, creating excellent turkey and quail habitat. Hog hunting, especially near the Savannah River and larger swamps, is excellent. And rabbit hunting is very good in areas with the proper habitat. Find the larger, old-age timber stands, and you’ll find excellent squired hunting.
Ruth said the Webb Complex offer public waterfowl hunting as a Class II Waterfowl WMA, with good hunting near the Savannah River and backwater swamps.
Crackerneck WMA
The 10,600-acre Crackerneck WMA in Aiken County is owned by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by SCDNR. It is open only during designated dates and times. And public access is tightly controlled.
“The Crackerneck area is another WMA with antler restrictions. So it offers a good age structure of bucks,” Charles Ruth said. “The limited access in terms of hunting only on designated days does reduce pressure on all species, including deer. This tends to make the hunting more productive. The site is also a Class II waterfowl area and has a 60-acre dove field.”
Ruth said the small-game hunting is very good in areas where habitat is correct for the species being pursued.
Everyone utilizing Crackerneck WMA must sign in at the check station before entering the property and sign out before leaving. In addition to entering through the check station gate, individuals are also allowed to access Crackerneck from the Savannah River, but they must register before entering the river and return to sign out before leaving. SCDNR personnel will be present at all times to assist with registration, answer questions and provide maps.
Wateree River Heritage Preserve WMA
Biologist Charles Ruth said one WMA he’s very high on is the Wateree River Heritage Preserve WMA, recently added to the WMA program. It is a 3,674-acre tract of land 17 miles east of Columbia on US 378 near the Eastover community in Richland County, borderded by the Wateree River. The property entrance is Goodwill Road on US 378, between Columbia and Sumter, just after you cross US 601 heading east.
“The geography of the area is unique in that it changes from the river bottom habitat along the Wateree River to a fairly high elevation,” Ruth said. “The size of the property is very good, with 3,600 acres of land offering hunting for several game species.”
Like the Webb Center Complex, the only gun-hunting for deer is by draw, but it’s generally open for archery hunting, Ruth said.
Turkey hunting and waterfowl hunting opportunities are good, but they, too, are only available by draw, he said.
Small-game hunting opportunities are excellent, but check the regulations for specifics dates for small-game species.
For information on all the draw hunts check out the lottery hunting info at www.dnr.sc.gov.
