The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is inviting applications for participants in the next phase of its community engagement process regarding deer hunting with dogs. The agency is seeking individuals to join professionally facilitated discussions aimed at addressing conflicts associated with this hunting practice and exploring potential solutions.
Applications for participation must be submitted by Friday, August 28. The SCDNR emphasized that submitting an application does not guarantee selection. Participants will be chosen based on established criteria to ensure a representative group that reflects diverse interests, experiences, and perspectives.
Those selected for the stakeholder discussions are required to attend at least two evening meetings in Columbia during the week of September 21. Prior to these meetings, participants must review written background materials. The SCDNR clarified that this application process is specifically for those wishing to engage in the facilitated stakeholder discussions, not for general public comments.
This initiative represents the latest stage in a public engagement effort that has previously involved hundreds of South Carolinians attending meetings across the state. SCDNR Assistant Chief of Wildlife Jay Cantrell previously stated that the agency is not advocating for a specific outcome. Cantrell noted that the SCDNR’s role is to mediate discussions between different viewpoints and identify solutions to existing problems, as the agency does not pass laws.
The SCDNR began seeking public input after its board requested information on deer hunting with dogs, including areas of conflict and possible resolutions. The agency has consistently stated that there is no pending legislation and it is not proposing or recommending changes to current laws or regulations governing the practice. The SCDNR’s role is to listen, document information, and ensure a broad range of viewpoints are represented, with any changes to state law requiring action by the South Carolina General Assembly.
