SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Hunters are invited to take advantage of the turkey hunting program at Poinsett Electronic Combat Range (PECR), South Carolina, beginning April 4, 2026.
Hunting is open to all base personnel and the public. This program helps maintain wildlife population at proper levels to meet management goals as well as provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the Shaw Air Force Base and surrounding communities.
The 2026 turkey hunt program at PECR is currently scheduled for the dates of April 4, April 11, April 25, and May 2. The April 4 start date has been set based on historical harvest data and the surveys of turkey populations. All hunting is conducted at the PECR, located south of Wedgefield, South Carolina.
To be eligible and to participate, all hunters must comply with the following guidelines:
· Hunters must be in possession of a valid South Carolina hunting license and Turkey Tags. Tags may be purchased on-line, by phone or at licensed vendors and will be mailed beginning in late-February. Tags will also be available over the counter at South Carolina Department of Natural Resources regional offices starting in mid-March.
· The hunt limit for turkey hunts is one gobbler per hunt area per day, and two gobblers for the season. Bearded hens are not legal.
· Legal weapons: shotguns, muzzleloading shotguns, bows and crossbows. All other weapons or methods, including rifles, pistols, slugs, and buckshot, are prohibited.
· The permit fee for each hunt is $30 per hunter, made payable by check or money order to ‘US Treasury’ or by cash payment on the day of the hunt.
· Hunters must not be under the influence of drugs and alcohol or use drugs and alcohol during this event. There is zero tolerance for violators.
· Hunters must sign a waiver of liability before participating on the hunt. All hunters participate in this program at their own risk.
· Hunters must remain at their assigned areas during the hunt. All instructions, directions, and rules must be followed to ensure the safety of all participants.
· Hunters should be prepared for all possible weather conditions, bring their own food and drinks, and must not litter.
Individual hunt dates or times are subject to change without notice as operational mission needs dictate. Reservations for hunts on PECR are made by calling 803-895-5325 beginning Tuesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. prior to that Saturday's hunt. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis dependent upon the number of slots available. A background check will be run on all participants. After all available slots are filled, additional callers will be placed on a stand-by list and will be notified if a slot becomes available. Cancellations must be made by 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to the hunt or the permit fee is due. The hunt permit fee of $30 may be paid on the day of the hunt. A hunter with a reservation who does not show up for the hunt and has not cancelled by 5 p.m. the Thursday before the hunt still owes the $30 and will be required to pre-pay prior to any subsequent hunts.
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 turkey area, and be transported to and from their hunting zones
If you have any questions, please contact the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron natural resources office by calling 803- 895-5325 or by sending an email to laura.junge.3@us.af.mil.