Hunting

This coastal, back-barrier island, adjacent to Hilton Head, has a moderate deer population that is kept in check by an annual, one-day shotgun hunt, typically held in October or November. Deer can be found all over the hunting area, which includes 1,000 acres of uplands. 

All hunters 16 and older must purchase a $25 Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Hunt Permit in order to participate in any scheduled refuge hunt. This permit is good for all scheduled hunts during the 2026-27 season on all five of the Savannah Coastal Refuges (Blackbeard Island, Harris Neck, Pinckney Island, Savannah, and Wassaw NWRs.)

Click here to purchase your hunt permit from Recreation.gov 
Due to the potential for tropical storm and hurricane activity in our area that could shut down our coastal refuges, we advise hunters not to purchase hunt permits any earlier than one week before you plan to hunt. There is no limit to the number of permits we will issue in a season, and therefore no benefit to purchasing it early.

Hunters are required to read the hunting regulations document posted below which contains refuge-specific regulations as well as important information on participating in refuge hunts.