South Carolina Hunters Harvest More Than 11,000 Cormorants

by
posted on April 8, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ahwire_ah2015_fs.jpg (8)

The numbers are in. In 2013, South Carolina held it's first-ever double-crested cormorant season, and more than 11,000 birds were harvested, according to the state's Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The season was opened to combat a skyrocketing population among the fish-eating cormorants.

In order to hunt the birds on Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, 1,225 hunters attended special training sessions and received permits from SCDNR. The average number of cormorants taken per person was 23.5, according to SouthCarolinaSportsman.com.

"The agency has to look at what about the first season worked well, and what didn't," said Derrell Shipes, Chief of Statewide Wildlife Projects for SCDNR. "How significant is that number of birds killed, and what will be its impact."

According to Shipes, Oregon and Texas (which also play home to large cormorant populations) have considered similar seasons, and have contacted SCDNR for details.

Latest

Grizzly Bear In The Water
Grizzly Bear In The Water

Will Grizzly Bear Management be Returned to the States?

When the grizzly bear in the Lower 48 was given Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection as a threatened species in 1975, it was supposed to be a temporary protection that would be lifted once populations met or exceeded specific goals. Now more than a half century later and with grizzly populations that have spread and met or far surpassed the goals set in 1975.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Member's Best 2026

I am heartened by this year’s entries. In addition to fabulous photographs, almost all of you delivered exceptional narratives of your hunts. We used your very words wherever possible because it’s an honor to see you all rise to such an occasion as sharing a special moment with your fellow hunters. You now know a little bit about what drives an outdoor writer. —J. Scott Olmsted, Editor in Chief

New for 2026: Vortex Crossfire II

Available with either a red or green dot, the Vortex Crossfire II Red Dot lineup brings added function to the Crossfire series.

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.