Hunters averaged 4.7 ducks per person during the 2003-04 season. This average has fallen by a full duck per hunter, from 3.9 ducks per hunter in 2004-05 to 3.7 ducks per person last season. Parcels of some other WMAs are now shooting as well as parcels of Santee Coastal Reserve WMA, most notably the Springfield/The Cut section of Bear Island WMA.

Hunts on Santee Coastal Reserve WMA are held on three parcels, the Cape and Murphy and Cedar islands. For the last two seasons, the Cape has been the best parcel, closely followed by Murphy Island, and lastly Cedar Island.

The top species on the Cape has been blue- and green-winged teal followed by gadwalls and usually ring-necked ducks or widgeon. Shovelers have been the top bird on Murphy Island the last two seasons followed by gadwalls or green-winged teal. Gadwalls were the top species on Cedar Island two seasons ago, whereas widgeon were tops last season.

The Santee Coastal Reserve WMA is also your best bet for shooting a variety of species. During the 2005-06 season, 16 different species of waterfowl were harvested. Green-winged teal, gadwalls, shovelers, widgeon and blue-winged teal, in that order, were the top five species harvested. Hunters did harvest a respectable number of pintails, mottled ducks and ring-necked ducks, and even seven snow geese.

Hunters draw for pre-constructed blinds on the morning of their hunt. SCDNR staff provides transportation to blinds. Because of this, the number of decoys permitted per hunter is limited. Hunters should wear chest waders and be mindful of alligators if they plan to use a retriever.

More information can be provided by SCDNR by calling (843) 546-8665.

SANTEE DELTA WMA
Located upriver of Santee Coastal Reserve WMA and about 10 percent its size, Santee Delta WMA is the little brother. But don't let its small size fool you. This WMA hosts over 150 hunters and the harvest averages two to three ducks per person.

Santee Delta WMA is located about halfway between McClellanville and Georgetown and is bisected by Highway 17. The two halves of the WMA are in stark contrast to each other.

The West side is more wooded. This is the mallard side that has made the WMA famous. It is usually the top species harvested on the West side, but last season, green-winged teal swarmed the timber and took the top spot. As can be expected, wood ducks are consistently in the bag on the West side. For the 2005-06 season, hunters averaged 4.0 ducks per person, up from 2.35 the previous season.

The East side is open marsh. Unlike the West side, where hunters must provide their own boats and blinds, blinds, paddleboats and decoys (you can bring your own) are provided on the East side. Green-winged teal are routinely the top bird on the East side with shovelers coming in at No. 2. Hunters on this side can expect to get a crack at mottled ducks, pintails and blue-winged teal as well. Ninety-one hunters harvested 269 ducks last season on the East side, an increase of almost a duck per man from the 2004-05 season.

Chest waders are recommended on this WMA as well. For more information about hunting at Santee Delta WMA you can contact SCDNR at (843) 546-8119.