The National Deer Association (NDA) is proud to announce its full support for South Carolina House Bill 3872 (HB3872), commonly referred to as the “Hunting Heritage Protection Act” bill. This proactive piece of legislation is critical in preserving hunting access and opportunities for generations to come. As a leading advocate for wild deer conservation and hunting rights, the NDA recognizes the importance of ensuring that hunters in South Carolina have consistent and reliable access to public lands for hunting, as well as maintaining the state’s commitment to managing wildlife resources.
Why This Matters
HB 3872 is a forward-thinking bill designed to protect hunting access in South Carolina by setting a minimum acreage of publicly owned lands that must remain open to hunters. Specifically, it addresses lands managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), private lands leased or managed by the SCDNR, and lands managed by the State Forestry Commission that are enrolled in the SCDNR’s Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Program. These provisions ensure that hunting remains a viable and sustainable activity on public and managed lands throughout the state.
One of the key aspects of the bill is its effort to prevent a net loss of acreage available for hunting. By January 1, 2026, any land management decisions made by the SCDNR, or decisions made by private landowners to close SCDNR-managed lands to hunting, must be accompanied by an expedited plan to find replacement acreage. This ensures that South Carolina hunters are not left with fewer opportunities, and that any loss of hunting land is swiftly compensated for by the opening of new acreage for hunting.
Transparency and Accountability
The bill requires the SCDNR to submit an annual report to the Senate Fish, Game, and Forestry Committee, as well as the House Agricultural, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee. This report will detail the acreage closed to hunting during the previous fiscal year, along with the reasons for such closures, and will also provide information on the acreage opened to compensate for these losses. This transparency holds the SCDNR accountable and ensures that hunting opportunities are protected and expanded in South Carolina.
NDA believes that HB3872 is an important step in safeguarding the future of hunting in South Carolina. It mirrors similar protections already implemented in other states, which have recognized the need to balance wildlife conservation with the public’s right to access and enjoy hunting on public lands. With this legislation, South Carolina is joining a growing list of states that prioritize hunting access and recognize its crucial role in wildlife management and conservation.
Join Us in Supporting HB3872
Hunters, now is the time to make your voice heard! Contact your local legislators today and encourage them to support SC HB3872. Let’s work together to protect our hunting heritage and ensure that future generations of hunters have the access and opportunities they deserve.