The S.C. Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Enoree District of the U.S. Forest Service, will host a special youth dove hunt in Union County on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Young sportsmen and sportswomen who are interested in a quality dove hunt are encouraged to attend the youth hunt at the Forest Service’s Herbert Field near Carlisle on Sept. 5.

If you have questions or for further information you may contact: Union DNR office at telephone (864) 427-5140 or the U.S. Forest Service Enoree office at (803) 276-4810.Dove

The youth dove hunt will be at the Forest Service’s Herbert Field about 5.6 miles southeast of the town of Carlisle. Only youth will be allowed to shoot, and youth must be accompanied by an adult 21 or more years of age. Hunting for the public and adults will begin on the second Saturday of the season, Sept. 12.

The Forest Service’s Herbert Field is large with about 40 acres planted in sunflowers, browntop millet and corn. The dove field plantings have done well this summer, and abundant food is available. Prospects are good for quality dove hunting when the season opens in September. The field can safely accommodate a large number of hunters, and young hunters are encouraged to come to the Herbert Field near Carlisle on Sept. 5.

There is no cost, pre-registration or drawing required to attend this youth hunt or any hunt at a DNR public dove field this year. Just plan to bring sunscreen, insect repellent and water and enjoy a Saturday afternoon dove hunt. The same special regulations as in the past apply to all youth hunts and at all other DNR public dove fields this year.

These are as follows:

• Dove hunting on all public fields is “Afternoons Only.” No entry onto fields before noon.

• No shooting after 6 p.m. during the first segment of the season (Sept. 5 – Oct. 17).

• Hunters are limited to 50 shells per hunt.

Specific directions to the Forest Service’s Herbert Field from the town of Carlisle (the intersection of SC 215 and SC 72 and Pinckney Street) are to go south on Pinckney Street, which turns into Herbert Road (Secondary Road 37) for 5.6 miles; then turn right at the intersection of St. Luke’s Road (Secondary Road 359); parking area is under the power line off St. Luke’s Road.