The S.C. Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Enoree District of the U.S. Forest Service, will host a special youth dove hunt in Union County on Saturday, Sept. 5th.

Young sportsmen and sportswomen who are interested in a quality dove hunt are encouraged to attend. The youth hunt will be held at the Forest Service’s Herbert Field which is about 5.6 miles southeast of the town of Carlisle. Only youth will be allowed to shoot, and they must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. Hunting season for the public and adults will begin on the second Saturday of the season, Sept. 12.

Herbert Field is large with about 40 acres planted in sunflowers, browntop millet and corn. The dove field plantings have done well this summer, and abundant food is available. Prospects are good for excellent dove hunting for the young hunters.

There is no cost, pre-registration or drawing required to attend this youth hunt or any hunt at a DNR public dove field this year. Just plan to bring sunscreen, insect repellant and water and enjoy a Saturday afternoon dove hunt. The following regulations apply to all youth hunts and hunting at all other DNR public dove fields this year. These are as follows:

1. Dove hunting on all public fields is “Afternoons Only”. No entry onto fields before noon.

2. No shooting after 6 p.m. during the first segment of the season (Sept. 5 - Oct. 17).

3. Hunters are limited to 50 shells per hunt.

Specific directions to the Forest Service’s Herbert Field from the town of Carlisle (the intersection of SC 215 and SC 72 and Pinckney Street) are to go south on Pinckney Street, which turns into Herbert Road (Secondary Road 37) for 5.6 miles; then turn right at the intersection of St. Luke’s Road (Secondary Road 359); parking area is under the power line off St. Luke’s Road.

If you have questions or for further information you may contact: Union DNR office at telephone (864) 427-5140 or the U.S. Forest Service Enoree office at (803) 276-4810.