Deer and turkey hunting are good on the refuge, particularly on upland areas surrounded by swamps. Squirrel and rabbit hunting are allowed in refuge hunt units in both South Carolina and Georgia; however, raccoon and opossum may be hunted only on refuge hunt units in Georgia. Migratory bird hunting, specifically for waterfowl and dove, is also allowed, as is alligator hunting, in specific refuge hunt units, with a state-issued alligator harvest permit. A feral hog hunt held each winter helps control the numbers of this destructive, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species and draws hunters from far and wide. Hog and coyote both may be taken during that hunt, as well as incidentally, during other refuge hunts in both states. Beaver and armadillo also may be taken incidentally during other hunts, but only on refuge hunt units in Georgia.
Scouting is critical to a successful hunt, regardless of species. The most successful hunters bring boats and hunt various islands, ranging from 1/10 of an acre to 400 acres, on the Savannah River. Georgia hunters must use a boat to access all refuge hunting areas in that state as those areas are surrounded either by water or private land. The South Carolina side of the refuge provides several places where hunters can park and walk in to hunt.
There are non-quota, youth-only hunting opportunities at the refuge's Solomon Tract unit, located on the Georgia side of the refuge. A quota youth waterfowl hunt and two quota youth "Hunt & Learn" events (waterfowl and turkey) are also held annually. Separate information packets and applications for these hunts can be downloaded below (Youth Turkey Hunt & Learn information/application will be available in January).
All 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.
All hunters 16 and older must purchase a $25 Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Hunt Permit in order to participate in any scheduled refuge hunt (excluding 17 and under youth-only hunts). This permit is good for all scheduled hunts during the 2023-24 season on all five of the Savannah Coastal Refuges (Blackbeard Island, Harris Neck, Pinckney Island, Savannah, and Wassaw NWRs.)
