State DNR reminds hunters, anglers to renew licenses

S.C. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

It’s time for South Carolina hunters and anglers to purchase their 2009-2010 hunting and fishing licenses. Last season’s licenses expire June 30.

All hunting and fishing license prices remain the same for the 2009-2010 season.

DNR offers discounted licenses for senior South Carolina residents.

State residents born before July 1, 1940, are eligible for the Gratis Hunting and Fishing license. South Carolina residents born after July 1, 1940, are eligible for the $9 Senior License.

You can buy your South Carolina hunting and fishing licenses multiple ways:

* At DNR offices in Charleston (843-953-9301), Clemson (864-654-1671), Columbia (803-734-3838) and Florence (843-661-4766);
* At one of the 800 license agents across the state;
* By calling 1-866-714-3611 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week);
* Online at www.dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html.
Licenses for the 2009-2010 season went on sale June 8 and are valid immediately after purchase.
South Carolina hunters and anglers contribute funding to South Carolina’s wildlife and sport fish restoration projects when they purchase a license or buy hunting and fishing equipment. Without these dollars, fish and wildlife conservation projects would be very limited.
Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older must purchase the required licenses to hunt and fish in South Carolina.

Those born after June 30, 1979, must have successfully completed a hunter education course offered by one of the 50 states, a province in Canada or other nation. Licenses issued in violation of this requirement are invalid. Licenses obtained by fraud are a violation of the law.

Senior lifetime licenses, for residents age 64 and above, include privileges that cover hunting, freshwater and saltwater fishing, big game permit, Wildlife Management Area permit (a $30.50 annual permit), and the state duck stamp (a $5.50 annual stamp).

Applications for Lifetime, Gratis and Disability licenses will be printed in the 2009-2010 “Rules and Regulations” booklet available in August.

Those eligible may also call (803) 734-3833 in Columbia to obtain an application or download an application from the DNR Web site.

Hunters and Anglers need to reference the new Rules and Regulations in August to familiarize themselves with Game Zones and any changes.

There are some tags/licenses/permits required for specific privileges not covered under the senior license. DNR encourages people to pick up the new regulations locally from license sales agents at retail stores and DNR field offices statewide in August. For questions regarding hunting and fishing licenses call (803) 734-3833 in Columbia.

Hunting and fishing license fees for the 2009-2010 season are as follows:

Resident combination licenses

Combination Hunting and Fishing License (includes hunting, big game, freshwater fishing), $25;
Sportsman’s License (includes WMA, big game, hunting and freshwater fishing), $50;
Junior Sportsman’s License (residents age 16-17 only, Sportsman’s License privileges), $16;
Senior License (for residents age 64 and older), $9.

Resident fishing licenses

State Freshwater Fishing License, $10;
Lakes and Reservoirs Permit (for non-manufactured tackle in 14 reservoirs), $3;
14-Day Freshwater Fishing License (valid for 14 consecutive days only), $5;
14-Day Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, $5;
Annual Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, $10;
14-Day Resident Saltwater Fishing License, $5;
Shrimp Baiting Permit (to take shrimp by cast net over bait during set season), $25.

Resident hunting licenses and permits

State Hunting License (small game only), $12;
County Hunting License (good only in county of residence), $5;
Big Game Permit (required statewide for hunting deer, turkey and bear), $6;
Wildlife Management Area Permit (to hunt on all WMA lands, not required for fishing), $30.50;
Individual Antlerless Deer Tags (for use on buck only hunts statewide), $5;
Turkey Tags (required of all ages to hunt turkeys), FREE (available March 2010);
Migratory Bird Permit, FREE.
State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp (State Duck Stamp), $5.50.
Commercial Fur Harvest License (valid S.C. Hunting license required), $25;
Shooting Preserve Permit $8.50.

Non-game fishing tags and permits

Freshwater Trap Tag, $5 each;
Freshwater Trotline Tag, $2.50 each;
Freshwater Eel Pot Tag, $5 each;
Freshwater Gill Net Tag, $5 each;
Freshwater Hoop Net Tag, $10 each;
Freshwater Set Hook Permit (3 to 50 hooks, one per licensee), $5;
Freshwater Jug Permit (3 to 50 jugs, one per licensee), $5;
Freshwater Commercial Fishing license, $50;
Replacement Tag or Permit, $1.

Non-resident fees, hunting and fishing

Non-resident Annual Hunting License (small game only), $125;
Nonresident 10-Day Hunting License (small game only), $75;
Non-resident 3-Day Hunting License (small game only), $40;
Non-resident Big Game Permit (required statewide for hunting deer, turkey and bear), $100;
Non-resident Wildlife Management Area Permit, $76;
Individual Antlerless Deer Tags (for use on buck only hunts statewide), $5;
Turkey Tags (required of all ages to hunt turkeys), FREE;
Migratory Bird Permit, FREE;
State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp (State Duck Stamp), $5.50;
Shooting Preserve Permit, $8.50;
Non-resident Commercial Fur Harvest Permit, $200;
Non-resident Annual Freshwater Fishing License, $35;
Non-resident 7-Day Freshwater Fishing License, $11;
Nonresident Annual Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, $35;
Non-resident 14-Day Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, $11;
Nonresident Shrimp Baiting License, $500.

Lifetime licenses (S.C. residents only)

Lifetime Freshwater Fishing (any age), $300;
Lifetime Hunting (small game only), $300;
Lifetime Combination, (Under 2 years of age), $300;
Lifetime Combination (2 to 15 years of age), $400;
Lifetime Combination (16 to 63 years of age), $500;
Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License, $300.

Commercial Saltwater Licenses are available from Charleston, Columbia, Florence DNR offices and select sales agents in coastal counties. Call (843) 953-9301 for more information.