Black Bear Hunting In S.C.

More black bears can be killed in S.C.

By Sammy Fretwell
The (Columbia) State

Posted: Saturday, Jul. 24, 2010

The sometimes contentious sport of bear-hunting will operate under looser rules this fall in South Carolina.

A new law increases the bag limit from three to five bears for hunting parties, which typically are large groups of sportsmen who use dogs to stalk bears.

Despite some concern about increased hunting pressure on black bears, state wildlife officials say the higher bag limit is justified because South Carolina’s bear population can withstand it.

The number of black bears in South Carolina has grown to the point where the animals are getting increasingly bold, they say. Some have shown up in people’s backyards looking for food.

South Carolina has at least 1,100 black bears, most of which live in the mountains, the only place in the state where hunting is legal. The DNR revised its estimate of bears in South Carolina several years ago from several hundred to 1,125 in the mountains and along the state’s north coast, the other major spot for bears.

Consequently, the bear population should be able to withstand the increased bag limit, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The bear-hunting season starts in late October.

“All our indicators are that we have a very healthy bear population,’’ said Tom Swayngham, a supervisor with the Department of Natural Resources.

During last October’s two-week hunting season, sportsmen killed 92 bears, the highest number recorded by DNR. The previous record was 58 bears killed in 2007, agency statistics show.

At the same time, 98 hunting parties registered with the state, reflecting a general increase in large groups of bear hunters this decade, according to DNR.

Black bears, which are native to South Carolina, can weigh up to 600 pounds. They feed largely on nuts and berries and have been documented recently in all but one county.

The new law increasing the bag limit applies only to hunting groups, not those who hunt bears individually. The bag limit remains at one for individuals. The new law also makes it possible for DNR to expand the hunting season outside of South Carolina’s three mountain counties of Greenville, Pickens and Oconee — the only places it is now legal.

Oconee County resident Buzz Williams, who heads the Chattooga Conservancy environmental group, said the increased bag limit might work because it’s become evident the bear population is on the rise in the southern Appalachians.

But Williams said he remains leery of bear-hunting parties that use dogs. These groups rely on dogs with radio collars to locate bears and corner them so hunters can shoot them. He questioned why state officials didn’t raise the bag limit for hunts without dogs, instead of those with dogs.

South Carolina’s October bear hunting season last for two weeks: one week for hunting with dogs and one for “still hunting,” or stalking bears without dogs.

“I have a lot of problems with hunting bears with dogs and radio collars,” Williams said. “I’d much rather see them increase the season for people who ‘still’ hunt. That is the kind of hunting they ought to be promoting.’’

Bear-hunting in South Carolina attracts people from across the state and from other states. Large hunting parties are common, and hunters say participating is an annual tradition. But some residents say it can be disruptive for them and for others who visit the mountains to see the turning leaves.

Hunter Robert Chapman said the bill will help control the bear population. He also said conflicts with landowners have calmed down.

Chapman, of Pickens, has been active with the S.C. Bear Hunters Association and has been hunting the animals for much of his life.

“This is a good thing,’’ he said. “From all the data that DNR has, and the nuisance bear reports, our bear population has grown to where it will support that.”