SCDNR Press Release

The application and details for the coastal area black bear hunt are now available online at http://dnr.sc.gov/hunting/huntapp.html or by calling (803) 734-3886 and requesting that an application be mailed to you. Applicants can also complete an application and pay the application fee at any S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Regional office.

DNR has determined that the bear population in Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties has now grown to a level that can sustain a limited harvest. The season has been scheduled for Dec. 1-15, 2011. The nonrefundable application fee is $10 and those selected will have to purchase a tag at a cost of $25 for residents and $100 for nonresidents. Nonresidents must also provide evidence of purchasing a hunting license and big game permit in order to apply. Only those selected by a random drawing will be able to purchase a tag and attempt to take a bear. Ten tags will be issued for each county to applicants who are randomly selected. The tag will only be valid for one of the three counties so applicants will be asked to rank the counties in order of preference.

All applications must be postmarked by Nov. 4, 2011 to be considered for selection.  Selected hunters will be allowed to hunt on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in the county selected but must have a valid WMA permit. Bears may be taken on private lands as long as the hunter has the permission of the landowner or person holding the hunting lease.