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DNR proposes expanded WMA seasons; panel approves changes including raccoon dog training window and new WMAs
Summary
The subcommittee approved a DNR rule package amending wildlife management area seasons and methods, expanding a raccoon dog training season to about nine months (non‑taking), opening Sandy Run WMA, expanding hog seasons on 14 WMAs and national forest lands, and setting a turkey season on Coosahechee WMA.
Billy Dukes, chief of wildlife at the Department of Natural Resources, told the subcommittee the department proposed a straightforward package of changes to wildlife management area regulations covering seasons, bag limits and methods of take.
Dukes said the substantive changes include extending the raccoon dog training season from roughly five and a half months to about nine months; the training season would be non‑taking and prohibit firearms. "It's essentially a mock hunt," Dukes said, describing training as trailing and treeing raccoons and then attempting to verify their presence.
The package also expands hog hunting seasons on 14 WMAs and national forest lands, renames and combines two proximate WMAs in Jasper County because they share regulations, establishes seasons on two new WMAs including Sandy Run WMA in Orangeburg County, and sets a turkey season on Coosahechee WMA in Jasper County.
Committee members asked questions and indicated they had no additional concerns. The subcommittee approved Document 5441 and will send it to the full committee.
Dukes said the changes are intended to clarify seasons and open opportunities on newly established WMAs; the item drew limited questioning and no recorded opposition at the subcommittee level.
