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 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 youth-only hunting opportunities at the refuge's Solomon Tract unit, located on the Georgia side of the refuge.
Please read the current hunting regulations below for details on how to participate in refuge hunts. If you still have questions please call the refuge hunt coordinator at 843-226-5738.
All hunters 16 and older must purchase a $25 Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Hunt Permit in order to hunt the refuge. Click here to purchase your permit.
Youth hunters using the youth-only Solomon Tract are required to obtain a free youth hunt permit from the refuge hunt coordinator. To request this permit, please email savannahcoastal@fws.gov and provide the name of the youth hunter and the name of the supervising adult.
