Coastal area black bear hunt applications now available

The application and details for the coastal area black bear hunt
are now available online or by calling (803) 734-3886 and
requesting that an application be mailed to you. Applicants can
also complete an application and pay the application fee at any
S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Regional office.

DNR has determined that the bear population in Horry, Georgetown
and Williamsburg counties has now grown to a level that can sustain
a limited harvest. The season has been scheduled for Dec. 1-15,
2011. The nonrefundable application fee is $10 and those selected
will have to purchase a tag at a cost of $25 for residents and $100
for nonresidents. Nonresidents must also provide evidence of
purchasing a hunting license and big game permit in order to apply.
Only those selected by a random drawing will be able to purchase a
tag and attempt to take a bear. Ten tags will be issued for each
county to applicants who are randomly selected. The tag will only
be valid for one of the three counties so applicants will be asked
to rank the counties in order of preference.

All applications must be postmarked by Nov. 4, 2011 to be
considered for selection. Selected hunters will be allowed to hunt
on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in the county selected but must
have a valid WMA permit. Bears may be taken on private lands as
long as the hunter has the permission of the landowner or person
holding the hunting lease.