Carolina Hunting

As we enter August, early archery seasons are around the corner in many areas.  With that in mind, my thoughts always shift from fishing to bowhunting. It’s time to prepare for the season, and what you do now will likely determine the outcome. 

On the afternoon of Aug. 15, with the temperature pushing 90 degrees, Zachary Dinkins of Gilbert, S.C., opened South Carolina’s deer season by killing a Lexington County buck that had been nicknamed “Swamp Donkey” — a 9-point, 22-inch wide, 224-pound brute.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the N.C. Wildlife Federation will offer eight free deer hunting and processing seminars in Raleigh and Fayetteville in September and October.

Every living thing likes ice cream, even deer! Growing “ice cream” for wildlife may sound a little far-fetched and impossible, but it’s not impossible, because Dwarf Essix rape is just like ice cream to deer. 

Deer are suckers for lush food plots, especially oats and clovers, but these choice forages don’t grow well without a little tender-loving-care on into the season. Few food-plot varieties can be labeled as plant-it-and-forget-it seeds. Stands of oats and clover can be strategically mowed to reduce competition and encourage vigorous growth. 

With deer season approaching, hunters are running out of time to make preparations to put themselves in the right spot for a big buck. 

Selecting the right handgun for hunting whitetail deer can be daunting, in part because there are so many excellent options. This list of five only scratches the surface, but these are some of the finest handguns available for whitetail hunters. 

Jay Garner killed a nice 8-point buck last Sept. 17, 2017, but he didn’t really think he was anything special. 

Turned out, he was wrong. 

South Carolinians planning out-of-state trips to hunt big game this fall should be aware of restrictions on importing deer and elk parts into the Palmetto State.

Importation of whole carcasses from any member of the family Cervidae (e.g., deer, elk, moose, or reindeer/caribou) from any state, Canadian province, or foreign country outside of North Carolina is prohibited.