One of my sons now lives in Charleston SC. My oldest son and I were thinking of heading down to hunt with him. Is there adequate public land w/in 2-3 hrs of Charleston? maybe Georgia?
Any suggestions would be appreciated..thanks alot Fred

Fort Stewart.RC

I go to The College of Charleston and lived here the past two years. Francis Marion national forest is within 45 minutes just north on hwy 17.

I believe the A.C.E. Basin has a WMA or two. The A.C.E. Basin is between Charleston and Beaufort.  Next to Hilton Head Island is Victoria Bluff WMA. I hunted that a lot 20 years ago. It is limited to 2 or 3 weekends but is archery only.

you might want to check out the DNR website an see what WMA are in the area

Francis Marion National Forrest in between Charleston and Georgetown on hwy 17. I think it's around 250 thousand acres with hunting zones that divide it up. I've killed deer and turkeys there. Haven't hunt there in years. Mike

Ditto on the Francis Marion National Forest. Believe the deer season comes in on Aug. 15 and goes out in January. The limit use to be 1 per day. They split up the hunting areas so all areas are not open for hunting all the time.They rotate on a regular pattern. Check with the state wildlife commission for details. Be sure to ask about any special bow hunting opportunities.

my baby sister lives in Charleston, SC. I'll keep up with this post to see how things go and hey, might just have a better reason to visit. LOL

I live in Charleston.  I wouldn't recommend Francis Marion as your best bet.  I'd get the reg book and look at all the special archery hunts at different WMAs.  Your enjoyment and chance of success will go way up.  Once you do that, I'd be glad to answer any specific questions about specific hunts you have.  If I haven't tried them, I probably can find someone who has.  Hope you enjoy your time with us.

dnr.sc.gov

Rusty

Within 1.5 to 2 hours of Charleston you have alot to choose from. Your within 2 hrs or less of several "premier" WMA's. ie: Donnely WMA, Bear Island WMA, Hamilton Ridge just to name a few.Recommend going to dnr.sc.gov and concentrate on Game Zone 6, as this zone is closest to Charleston. This will also give you the dates of the archery hunts. Good Luck. You'll enjoy it.

QuoteOriginally posted by Duckbutt:
I live in Charleston.  I wouldn't recommend Francis Marion as your best bet.  I'd get the reg book and look at all the special archery hunts at different WMAs.  Your enjoyment and chance of success will go way up.  Once you do that, I'd be glad to answer any specific questions about specific hunts you have.  If I haven't tried them, I probably can find someone who has.  Hope you enjoy your time with us.

I used to live in Chas and would have to agree. Francis Marion is tough hunting. There are deer there but you can find better hunting away from the coast some. Although I had some success up around Lake Moultrie. I had a lease near Hampton right before I moved and the quality of deer was night and day almost. I would look into Hamilton Ridge and James A. Webb WMA's.

You guys are awesome. thanks for your help/tips. i'll start doing some homework and let you know what I come up with...The best part is I get to hunt with both my sons at the same time. Fred