Trey Allen SC Land Man SC Land/Property Consultant/Realtor

South Carolina’s Top 10 Counties for Deer

By Total Harvest

County Bucks Does Total Harvest

1. Orangeburg 6,972 6,523 13,495

2. Williamsburg 4,562 4,799 9,361

3. Colleton 5,146 4,169 9,315

4. Bamberg 3,567 4,798 8,365

5. Laurens 3,448 3,624 7,072

6. Florence 3,341 3,679 7,020

7. Fairfield 3,440 3,485 6,925

8. Hampton 3,193 3,480 6,673

9. Aiken 3,657 2,905 6,562

10. Spartanburg 3,122 3,262 6,384

*Statistics from SCDNR

According to Billy Dukes, Small Game Project Supervisor with SCDNR, bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) are considered a game bird in South Carolina but are considered a species of concern due to population declines over the past several decades statewide. Though several surveys have been conducted that show the decline rate at 4.5-5% per year over several decades, these surveys assess at a very large scale and do not detect "local" or smaller scale population changes.

Quail has declined because they lay their eggs on the ground. Most birds lay their eggs in trees and are able to use the tree's foliage as camouflage. Laying their eggs on the ground makes quail easy targets for ants, snakes, and many predatory birds. These predatory birds have made a large increase in numbers over the years. In the 1960's, there were as few as 13 breeding pairs of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) left in the state of SC when they were placed on the Endangered Species list by the federal government. I am proud to say that there are now about 300 breeding pairs, well above the 200-pair goal that was a state target in the recovery effort.

Having been out in the field for the past 5+ years, I had observed a decline in quail population/sightings as well- until recently. Within the past year several of my colleagues and I have witnessed what seemed to be more than typical quail sightings in specific areas of SC. This made me curious about the quail populations in the state and why my sightings of them have increased over the past 12 or so months.

After speaking with Mr. Dukes, he confirmed to me that while the population has decreased on a wide scale, there are some areas, especially specific properties of the state, which have a stable quail population. There are other areas where quail have actually increased over the past few years. This statement lines up with what I have observed in the field.

According to Mr. Dukes: “The best places to hunt quail in SC tend to be in the upper coastal plain in areas where row-crop agriculture is the predominate land use. For SC, that means the Pee Dee, Sumter, Florence, Marion, Dillon, Lee, and Williamsburg counties. Other upper coastal plain counties like Orangeburg, Clarendon, and Bamberg would also be better than the lower coastal plain or Piedmont. However, through intensive habitat management huntable quail population numbers can be maintained on individual properties just about anywhere in the state”.

Here are my own noted quail sightings and areas within the past year :

August/September 2010- Williamsburg County- two coveys (each containing appx.20-25 birds)

August/September 2010- near Ehrhardt, SC-Bamberg County

September 2010- one covey in Cope, SC -Orangeburg County

September 2010- two coveys in Wolfton, SC- Orangeburg County

August 31^st, 2011- just last week- I ran upon a covey in Branchville, SC- also Orangeburg County. I took a picture of a lone quail in a tree (see bottom of this blog for picture).

Recommended websites for further information are: The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (www.bringbackbobwhites.org) and information available on the DNR website http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/species/quail.html and http://www.dnr.sc.gov/cwcs/pdf/Northernbobwhite.pdf.

Thank you to Mr. Billy Dukes at SCDNR for his helpful information and insight.

*If you are ever in the area of James Island, SC, and would like to see a real eagle's nest, go to Bayview Soccer Fields at 1045 Fort Johnson Road. In the far right corner of the rear soccer field you will see a nest. In this exact location I have personally witnessed eagles soaring and also bringing food to their chicks in the nest.*

Please report any sightings you have had in my comments section of my blog.

Trey Allen holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology concentrating in Naturalism and is a certified South Carolina Master Naturalist. He is currently working on his ALC certification. Trey combines his expertise and education with his passion for the outdoors. Please visit his website at
www.SCLandMan.com, his blog at http://activerain/blogs/treyallen, or contact direct at (843) 442-1524. Big or Small, the SC Land Man has it ALL!

Listing news:

SOUTH CAROLINA
Trey Allen has an unbelievable portfolio of available properties. One of his featured listings is located in Williamsburg County, an hour from the beautiful and historic city of Charleston. Williamsburg County is one of the top hunting counties with one of the longest hunting seasons in North America. The property offers a variety of species and wildlife, including turkey, deer, and ducks and has recently been entered into the WRP (Wetlands Protection Program). This is a huge benefit for the future owner due to the vast amount of wildlife habitat preservation. For additional information about this property and many others, visit Trey's website or call him direct.

www.rliland.com

REALTORS® Land Institute

In my opinion, the current BEST long term investment is purchasing farmland or timberland. The supply is high and the prices are low. I have recently seen an increase in buyers. Consumers have realized the great deals that are available in the market and the rewarding return on investment. Call or email me so that we can discuss together why this is one of your best options in today's market!

Coldwell Banker

Trey Allen, a Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® sales associate in its Mount Pleasant office, has been selected for membership by the REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI), headquartered in Chicago.

He joins an elite group of over 1,200 land specialists throughout North America. In addition to subscribing to the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, RLI members support the high standards of conduct and experience that directly relate to their specialty as established by the REALTORS® Land Institute board of directors.

Through RLI Land University, the Institute provides specialty education for members to be current in all aspects of taxation, investment, brokerage, subdividing, and planning regarding agricultural, transitional, recreational, and timberland. This depth of knowledge translates into the highest level of service to prospective purchasers and sellers of land.

The ALC designation is recognized throughout North America as the pinnacle of achievement for land real estate specialists. RLI members become ALC Candidates upon completing their first RLI Land University course.

Reprinted with permission from Moultrie News, September 9, 2009

www.moultrienews.com