Deer season: right around corner Published Sept. 7, 2006 By Ronnie June 20th Civil Engineer Squadron SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The natural resources managers at Shaw and Poinsett Electronic Combat Range use many tools to manage the diverse resources on the base and range. One popular tool, and an important quality of life initiative for base personnel and the local community, is the deer hunting program. This program helps maintain wildlife population levels to meet management goals as well as provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the Shaw community. Based on historical harvest data and the surveys of deer populations, the 2006 season has been set. This year's deer season will open Sept. 30. All hunting is conducted on Poinsett Electronic Combat Range south of Wedgefield, S.C. Bucks and does may be taken on each hunt unless instructed otherwise. Number and antler restrictions may apply. To be eligible and to participate, all hunters must comply with or possess: - A valid South Carolina hunting license including a big game permit. - Persons under 16 years of age may hunt if accompanied by a permitted adult at no additional charge. - The legal weapon for this season is rifle only and it must be greater than .243 caliber. - The permit fee for each hunt is $15 per person. All participants are required to wear a blaze orange hat or vest while hunting. - There is a zero tolerance rule for hunters who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is not safe. - A waiver of liability must be signed before participating in the hunt. - Prepare for weather conditions by bringing snacks, thermoses and drinks. Littering is not permitted and the law is enforced. - Hunt at your own risk. Hunt dates are scheduled for Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Hunts may occur in the morning or afternoon. Individual hunt dates or times are subject to change without notice. Reservations must be made the Tuesday prior to the hunt. Hunters should call the Hunt Reservation Line at 895-9996 beginning at 7:30 a.m. to make a reservation. Reservations are taken on a first come, first-served basis dependent upon the number of slots available. Additional callers are placed on a stand-by list and notified in the case of a cancellation. Cancellations must be called in by the reserved hunter by close of business the Thursday prior to the hunt or the permit fee is due. The hunt permit fee of $15 is due the Thursday prior to the hunt, or the reservation will be cancelled. On the day of the hunt, permitted hunters must meet at the Rosemary Fire Tower complex at the time specified when the reservation was taken. The meeting time for each hunt will change as appropriate during the season based on sunrise and sunset times. The Rosemary Fire Tower complex is located just south of the entrance to Poinsett State Park on Highway 261. Hunters will draw for a deer stand, receive a safety briefing and will be transported to and from their stands. The Nov. 4 hunt will be for youths only. For application information concerning the youth hunt, call the hunt reservation line or email ronnie.june@shaw.af. mil prior to Oct. 13. You will be contacted to verify your application and receive notification of your selection status. For more information, contact Ronnie June at 895-9985 or Terry Madewell at 895-5193.