PUBLIC LAND

[fowlmood77]

I was wondering where I could find (in writing) the regulations on hunting public land as far as rivers and lakes are concerned. I have always "heard" it was legal without a WMA permit, but have never seen this written. I have also "heard" that you needed a WMA permit to hunt on lake Keowee. Hopefully you all can help me find this information. Also before anyone goes off on me for being a "newbie" let me defend myself beforehand.
-I am an ethical hunter, I won't set up on top of you, I get up early to get to my spot if someone is there I go somewhere else. I hunt by myself just me and my dog. That is why I hunt ducks, for the pure satisfaction of seeing my dogs work for me. As a matter of fact I have offered to go with others just so my dogs can work and me not hunt, but holes are so secretive around here it is pitiful. I understand I won't tell you where I hunt either I just want to stay legal and have a good time.

[HuntinCosta]

Go to the DNR website and check out the migratory bird regulations for 2006-2007. Most answers you need will be on the website. If you have any other questions call the Columbia office and they will get a local DNR officer to give you a call. Good Luck! [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

[tradorion]

Off the top of my head i do not know the Keowee Answer...

if you need (or needed in the early 90's) a WMA Permit to hunt there then i was legal (but only b/c i bought mine for deer hunting i had NO CLUE about ducks...)

As for "public" vs. WMA--- most WMA's are designated or marked... places on the Santee Lakes or one the coast that are public water but not marked do not require a WMA permit.

The simplest way is to call DNR and ask for a local GW to give you the heads-up on the areas in question.

T