The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is moving into the next phase of a statewide review of deer hunting with dogs that could shape recommendations to the General Assembly, and it is asking South Carolinians who want a seat at the table to apply by Friday, August 28.
The application is for a facilitated stakeholder process — not a public-comment form. SCDNR plans to select a balanced group representing a range of hunters, landowners, and other interests, and selected participants will meet in Columbia during the week of September 21. Participants must attend at least two evening meetings and review written background materials in advance. SCDNR said submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
The stakeholder phase follows a three-meeting public-input series held earlier this summer. SCDNR hosted forums in Florence on July 22, Orangeburg on July 27, and Walterboro on August 10 at Faith Church, drawing hundreds of hunters, landowners, and community members from across South Carolina at each site. Attendees at the Walterboro session came from counties including York, Dillon, Horry, Jasper, and Aiken among others across the state, filling two parking lots and standing along the walls.
SCDNR Assistant Chief of Wildlife Jay Cantrell has said the agency does not pass laws, has no predetermined agenda, and is working to mediate both sides of the debate and identify solutions to problems both hunters and landowners have raised. SCDNR has also said its role is to listen, document viewpoints, and ensure a broad range of perspectives is represented — and that any changes to state law would ultimately require action by the South Carolina General Assembly.
Comments gathered from the three public meetings, from online submissions, and from the upcoming facilitated stakeholder discussions will be compiled for the DNR advisory committee, which may recommend legislation. SCDNR has emphasized that no legislation has been introduced or recommended at this time.
South Carolinians interested in applying for the facilitated stakeholder process should visit SCDNR for application materials and instructions before the Friday, August 28 deadline.