The application period for turkey lottery hunts on public lands has been extended through March 2 at 5 p.m.
Those applying after Feb. 28 will notice a completely different licensing and lottery hunt application system that will go live the morning of March 1. Because the current system will be shut down on the afternoon of Feb. 28 to convert to the new system, the normal application closing has been extended by one day.
Hunters will not be able to access the lottery system from approximately 5:30 pm on Feb. 28 until about 8:30 am on March 1 while this changeover occurs.
A non-refundable fee of $5 is required of all applicants for the Multi-site Turkey Lottery Hunt and $5 for the youth applicant on the Youth Multi-site Turkey Hunt.
After the selection process occurs, anyone applying that has a current email in the system will receive notification of the drawing's completion. Others will be able to log on to their accounts in the new system to view their results.
WMA Multi-Site turkey hunt locations and dates for turkey lottery hunts: Belfast WMA—April 6, 13, 20 and 27; Bonneau Ferry WMA—April 6, 13, 20 and 27; Donnelley WMA—April 6, 13, 20 and 27; Santee Cooper WMA—April 6, 13, 20 and 27; Wateree River Heritage Preserve—April 6, 13, 20 and 27. YOUTH Multi-Site hunts: Belfast WMA—April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Bonneau Ferry WMA—April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Donnelley WMA—April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Santee Cooper WMA—April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Wateree River Heritage Preserve—April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
In addition to the required hunting license, big game permit and WMA permit, all turkey hunters, including youth, are required to have turkey tags in possession while hunting. Tags may be purchased online, by phone or at license vendors. Tags will also be available over the counter at SCDNR regional offices.
Youth under sixteen and Lifetime/Senior/Gratis/Disability licensees may receive a free set of tags by request annually.
For lottery information or questions contact Emily Kearse at (803)734-3887 or email kearsee@dnr.sc.gov; and Trista Bishop at (803)734-3892 or email bishopt@dnr.sc.gov.