Shaw's deer season is approaching Published Sept. 16, 2008 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 is the deer hunting program. Hunting is open to all base personnel and the public. The program helps maintain wildlife population at proper levels to meet management goals as well as provides outdoor recreation opportunities for the Shaw community. Based on historical harvest data and the surveys of deer populations, the 2008 season has been set. The 2008 deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 27. All hunting is conducted at PECR 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 with an adult with no additional charge while accompanied by a permitted adult and only one rifle used. · The legal weapon for this season is rifle only of no less than .243 caliber. · The permit fee for each hunt is $15 per person made payable by check or money order to "DDO DSSN 3801 Shaw AFB SC". · All participants are required to wear a blaze orange hat or vest while hunting. · Not be under the influence of drugs/alcohol, or use drugs/alcohol during this event. There is a zero tolerance policy for violators. · Sign a waiver of liability before participating on the hunt. · Prepared for weather conditions, bring own snacks, thermoses, drinks and do not litter. · Hunt at own risk. Hunt dates are scheduled for Sep 27; Oct 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov, 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec 6, 13, 20. Hunts may occur in the morning or afternoon. Individual hunt dates or times are subject to change without notice, if mission needs dictate. Reservations must be made on the Tuesday prior to a hunt. Hunters should call the Hunt Reservation Line at (803) 895-9996 beginning at 8:30 a.m. to make a reservation. Reservations are taken on a first come, first serve 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 COB on the Thursday prior to the hunt or the permit fee is due. The hunt permit fee of $15 is due by COB on the Thursday before the hunt, or the reservation will be cancelled. A youth only hunt is conducted on Nov. 1 in cooperation with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. For application information concerning the youth hunt, contact SCDNR or call Shaw's hunt reservation line (803) 895-9996 prior to Oct. 1. You will be contacted to verify your application and notified of your selection status. On the day of the hunt, permitted hunters must meet at the Rosemary Fire Tower complex before the "Gate Lock" 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 State Highway 261. Hunters will receive a safety briefing, draw for a deer stand, and be transported to and from their stands. If you have any questions, contact Ronnie June at (803) 895-9985 or e-mail ronnie.june@shaw.af.mil; at the Natural and Cultural Resources Office at Shaw.