The agency says concerns raised focused on property rights and landowner-hunter relations rather than wildlife management, and it is leaving further action to state lawmakers.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has wrapped up its public hearings and information-gathering effort on hunting deer with dogs, according to the agency.
SCDNR said it launched the process to better understand concerns about the practice and to collect data for its board and the General Assembly.
According to the department, the input it received centered on private property rights, hunting traditions, enforcement issues, changing land use, and the relationship between landowners and hunters, rather than concerns tied to wildlife biology or natural resource management.
Because addressing those concerns would require action by lawmakers, SCDNR said it is leaving further consideration of the issue to the General Assembly and is ending its meetings, inquiries and surveys on the topic effective immediately.
The agency said it will keep a summary of the information gathered, and once its board approves a final report, that report will be submitted to the General Assembly.
SCDNR said the current statutory framework governing deer hunting with dogs remains unchanged, and the department will continue enforcing existing laws within its authority.
The department thanked hunters, landowners, conservationists and other residents who took part in the process.
SCDNR also noted that a recent board meeting had audio technical difficulties during portions of the proceedings, and a recording of the meeting is available for reference.
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources.
