Committee approves new turkey hunting regulations reducing limit to two birds statewide

Changes to Turkey Hunting Regulations Approved by South Carolina Committee

In a significant move for wildlife management, the South Carolina Legislature's House Regulations, Admin. Proc., AI and Cybersecurity Committee approved new turkey hunting regulations during their meeting on April 2, 2025. The updated rules, which affect multiple wildlife management areas across the state, aim to implement provisions from Act 224 of 2024.

Key changes include a reduction in the turkey bag limit from three to two, with hunters now allowed to take only one turkey before April 10. The statewide turkey hunting season has been established from April 3 to May 3, with designated youth hunting weekends before and after the regular season. Additional regulations set specific seasons for the South Saluda Wildlife Management Area and increase the bear quota in game zone 4.

Billy Dukes, Chief of Wildlife with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), explained that these changes are designed to protect mature gobblers, which are crucial for breeding. The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of these regulations in sustaining turkey populations, with Dukes noting that the adjustments align with legislative efforts to enhance wildlife management.

The committee unanimously approved the regulations, with members expressing their support for the changes. The motion for approval was passed with a vote of 10 to 0, signaling a strong commitment to responsible wildlife management in South Carolina.