Hunting Season in S.C. starts today

[Pro-Storm]

The crazy thing about hunting in South Carolina is....these hunters are usually from out of state. Sure, they bring money into our communities but, alot of these hunt parties are lined up along some of the major highways....standing there beside the road.....12 guage shotgun in hand...waiting for a deer to jump out of the woods attempting to cross the road. Ok, so now a big buck comes flying out of the trees and makes the 20 foot leap across the ditch to the road.....I think you all see where I'm going with this.

My family and I travel along these roads every day. The hunters that line the roads have spent alot of money, and have been waiting a long time to put that "trophy" on the wall. I tend to blow the horn in my truck for minutes at a time as I pass along these wildlife warriors

[Stormsfury]

The thing is ... it's illegal to kill a deer by a highway, at least according to other hunters that I know (at least the lawful ones.) Deer hunting is supposed to be done well away from a highway.

SF

[coriolis]

First things first: There's a name for those people: Slob Hunters. They are the nemesis of real sportsmen and women. Here in Pennsylvania, deer hunting is big. Many schools even have a vacation at the beginning of deer season (usually right after Thanksgiving) There's a lot of sporting people who take the tradition and the sport seriously and follow the rules. Yes, there are rogues that feed the PETA feeding frenzy, but by and large it's a well regulated event.

I don't know if this thread is going to turn into a debate, but deer management is a necessity. All of the natural predators are gone, and their population would be controlled only by the available food. The amount of crop damage is presently substantial, and their excessive browsing distorts the forest ecosystem. Without some control, the population would boom with a series of undesirable consequences. Don't even start about contraceptives for the deer. They should do that for some people.

Having a hunt is an effective way to meet the needs. The revenue from license fees pays for the game wardens and other game commission personnel.

The vast majority of hunters (at least here) treat hunting with respect and almost a reverence. The vast majority also use the meat, and for some families, it's an important supplement to their food stock.

In case you are wondering, I don't hunt. I never got started with it with my dad. For me and my situation, I prefer to not keep a gun in the house with kids. But I support hunting, and someday might just take it up.

But anyway guys, be careful driving and if you see someone breaking the law report them after you are out of range.