Aiken
Hunting
Report

Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve protects the longleaf pine and wiregrass ecosystem along the South Edisto River sandhills — home to the northernmost known population of gopher tortoises in North America. The preserve is owned and managed by SCDNR through the Heritage Trust Program and lies within Game Zone 3.

Public access for hunting under SCDNR Wildlife Management Area regulations. WMA permit and SC hunting license required. Bicycles are allowed on hiking trails (groups of five or fewer). The gopher tortoise itself is a state-endangered species and may not be disturbed.

Crackerneck WMA and Ecological Reserve is a 10,470-acre tract along the Savannah River in southern Aiken County, owned by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by SCDNR. Access is through the check station gate off Brown Road. The area is a Quality Deer Management Area — antlered deer must have 4 points on one side or a 12-inch inside spread.

Gate hours 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. WMA permit and SC hunting license required. All hunters must check in at the gate prior to hunting. Deer season runs scheduled Fri/Sat dates Oct–Dec; waterfowl, small game, and youth hunts on posted dates. Fox squirrels, bobcats, foxes, and otters are protected and may not be harvested. Upper Three Runs Creek is closed to all access.

Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve straddles the Aiken/Barnwell county line near the White Pond community, adjacent to US-78. The preserve protects an intact Carolina bay surrounded by mature upland oak-hickory hardwood forest. The Carolina bay itself makes up roughly 25 acres of the property and supports several rare bog plant species.

Public access for hunting under SCDNR WMA regulations. Listed as a Category II Designated Waterfowl Area — waterfowl hunting follows scheduled dates and times published by SCDNR. Camping and recreational fires are prohibited.

Henderson Heritage Preserve sits three miles northwest of Aiken at 337 Croft Mill Road. The 417-acre tract was dedicated to protect a longleaf pine / scrub oak sandhills ecosystem and holds the rare bog spice bush (Lindera subcoriacea). Named in honor of Frank P. Henderson, a former Mayor of Aiken. Open to hiking trails and seasonal archery hunting.

Public access under SCDNR WMA regulations — WMA permit and SC hunting license required. Horseback riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks, and established trails (groups of 5 horses or fewer); riders must wear international orange clothing during any open hunting season.

Bear Branch Heritage Preserve is an SCDNR Heritage Trust property in the Aiken-area sandhills. Like several other ecologically sensitive Heritage Preserves, Bear Branch is closed to general public access — entry is by SCDNR-issued permit only. Treat it like a private course: not open to walk-on hunting, but accessible if you secure the proper permit through SCDNR Columbia (803-734-3886).

Public visitation is by permit only — the preserve is closed to use except by permit. Contact SCDNR Heritage Trust at 803-734-3886 to request a permit and current regulations.

Gopher Branch Heritage Preserve is an SCDNR Heritage Trust property in the Aiken-area sandhills. The preserve protects sensitive longleaf pine / sandhill habitat associated with the gopher tortoise's northern range. Like Bear Branch, it is closed to general public access — entry is by SCDNR-issued permit only. Treat it like a private course: not open to walk-on hunting, but accessible if you secure the proper permit.

Public visitation is by permit only. Contact SCDNR Heritage Trust at 803-734-3886 to request a permit and current regulations.