When Does Squirrel Season Start in South Carolina?
When does squirrel hunting season start in South Carolina? This is a question that many hunters ask themselves. There are many techniques South Carolina hunters use to take down squirrels. Listed below are some tips for taking down squirrels. Remember that the season begins on October 1 and ends on March 1, and that bag limits apply. Use these tips to make your trip to the woods a success. You’ll be glad you did.
October 1
Regardless of your preference for hunting, when does squirrel season in South Carolina begin? The best time of the year for squirrel hunting is early to mid fall. This is when the squirrels start stockpiling food for the cold winter ahead. During this time, they are most active in the early morning hours, with a period of lull during the warmer part of the day. Then, as the days begin to cool, they become less active.
Squirrel hunting in South Carolina is legal between October 1 and March 1. You can hunt for squirrels with a handgun or a longgun as long as you obtain a permit from the state’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Squirrels are prized as trophy mounts and are often hunted without a license. In South Carolina, however, taking raccoons, opossums, and foxes is prohibited unless you have a hunting license or an appropriate permit.
Ends on March 1
A state of emergency has been declared in South Carolina as the cold snap continues. The state’s schools will remain closed until March 31, 2020. Elections in South Carolina will be postponed until after May 1, 2020. Governor McMasters has declared the condition a “state of emergency” for the state. He can declare one only once, but it is a relatively short-term measure. During the last state of emergency in South Carolina, the Governor modified the restrictions that were in place for public beaches and waters.
Techniques to take a squirrel
Squirrel hunting in the evening is similar to midday, but you can be a little more discreet. Find a secluded spot and sit while the woods settle. While looking is important, listen with your ears to be sure that you’re not disturbing your prey. Squirrels make a lot of racket while bounding through the trees. You’ll also want to look for dropping tree-nut husks and other evidence of their presence.
When hunting in late-season, be patient. Squirrels can quickly disappear into the forest canopy. You have to wait an hour or so before activity resumes. Using small rocks in your pocket can send them scurrying into hiding. To avoid stepping on their feet and breaking sticks, tread slowly and carefully. Squirrels are skittish creatures and can disappear quickly, so it’s important to use your ears rather than your eyes. They make distinct noises including chattering, scratching, and debris falling to the forest floor.
Bag limits
While you’re hunting for squirrels, don’t forget to check out the bag limits. The state regulates squirrel season with bag limits for each zone, and there are some very specific regulations you should follow. For example, during squirrel season, you’re only allowed to take one squirrel per day and a maximum of five (5) per annual season. In the southeast zone, you’re allowed to take one squirrel per day, but no more than two per season.
Squirrels are extremely smart animals and possess superior memory. In fact, some have even memorized humans. This means that they can learn to identify people as trusted sources of food. This is one of the reasons that they stare at us, either for fear or curiosity, or as a way to communicate with us. Here are some important things to remember about squirrels in South Carolina. In addition to bag limits, you need to have a valid license and any other relevant permits to hunt squirrels.
Wildlife management areas that allow squirrel hunting
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hunter, there are many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in South Carolina that allow squirrel hunting. While some of these areas are private, others are open to the public during daylight hours. You can request permission from a landowner to hunt small game, and many hunting clubs allow hunting for small game after big-game season has ended. Listed below are some of the best WMAs for hunting squirrels in South Carolina.
When hunting in these areas, you must have a valid hunting license and be at least 16 years old to do so. Youth 16 and 17 years old must also have a Junior Sportsman’s License. WMAs are open to hunters who possess a valid South Carolina license. Wildlife management areas in South Carolina allow squirrel hunting by both hunting and trapping methods. You should know that there are some specific regulations for squirrel hunting.
1.
When does squirrel season start in South Carolina?
1.
The season starts on September 1 and goes until February 28.
2.
What are the hours for squirrel hunting?
2.
Squirrel hunting is only allowed between the hours of sunrise and sunset.
3.
What is the bag limit for squirrels in South Carolina?
3.
The bag limit is six squirrels per day.
4.
Are there any areas in South Carolina that are closed to squirrel hunting?
4.
There are no areas closed to squirrel hunting in South Carolina.
5.
What kind of weapon can be used to hunt squirrels in South Carolina?
5.
Hunters can use any weapon that is legal to use for hunting in South Carolina.
6.
Can bait be used to hunt squirrels in South Carolina?
6.
Baiting is not allowed when hunting for squirrels in South Carolina.
7.
Are there any special permits required to hunt squirrels in South Carolina?
7.
A hunting license is the only permit required to hunt squirrels in South Carolina.
8.
What do I need to do with my squirrel carcass after I harvest it in South Carolina?
8.
The carcass must be kept until it is taken to a final destination to be disposed of.
9.
How long do I have to wait before I can eat my squirrel after I harvest it in South Carolina?
9.
There is no waiting period before consuming the meat of a squirrel that has been harvested in South Carolina.
10.
What are the consequences for hunting squirrels out of season in South Carolina?
10.
The consequences for hunting squirrels out of season in South Carolina can include a loss of hunting privileges and a fine.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
