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Hunt Brochure/Permit

Since Waccamaw NWR is a new refuge, many of the informational documents have yet to be developed. As brochures and regulations are published, we will provide links on this page to download them as well.

Waccamaw NWR was established in 1997to protect and manage diverse habitat components within an important coastal river ecosystem for the benefit of endangered and threatened species, freshwater and anadromous fish, migratory birds, and forest wildlife, including a wide array of plants and animals associated with bottomland hardwood habitats. The refuge has a total approved acreage of 49,732 but currently consists of 6,000 acres. Refuge headquarters are presently located in Georgetown, South Carolina. Waccamaw NWR includes portions of Georgetown, Horry and Marion counties along the Great and Little Pee Dee rivers and the Waccamaw River.

Natural History

The refuge includes portions of the Great Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers. Habitats range from black water forested wetlands to tidal forested and emergent wetlands which were once the mainstay of the lucrative Georgetown rice culture. These river systems and associated wetlands comprise a large portion of the Winyah Bay drainage basin and are an important component of the Winyah Bay ecosystem.

Over 400 species of animals are supported by the variety of habitats on the refuge, including 4 endangered species. Large concentrations of wintering waterfowl, wading birds and neo-tropical migratory songbirds utilize the refuge area which is also the northern most nesting area for swallow tailed kites.

Refuge Objectives

Refuge Objectives include providing habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, neo-tropical migratory birds, and resident species. Environmental education and interpretation, pportunities for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation are also Refuge Objectives.

Management tools used include habitat management which could include timber management, water management, prescribed burning, removal of noxious non-native species, and protected sanctuary where appropriate and partnerships as well as environmental education and interpretation.

There are no foot or canoe trails developed at this time, but planning for these and other wildlife facilities is under way. Presently, the best opportunites for wildlife observation and photography can be found by boating through Big and Little Bull Creeks. During the spring and summer months, American swallow-tailed kites frequently soar over these two creeks.

The refuge also provides for compatible wildlife dependent recreational activities including hunting and fishing. Freshwater fishing opportunities are available year-round and a newly approved refuge hunt plan affords teh public many hunting opportunities. The refuge has plans to offer deer, waterfowl, squirrel, snipe, hog, and turkey hunting. Refuge hunt brochures will profide hunt regulations, dates and areas open to hunt. The hunt brochures also serve as the permit required for all hunts.

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