SALUDA — Members of the Saluda County Historical Society will hold a benefit hunter’s choice deer hunt (half-day or full-day) on Saturday, Nov. 4 and a morning duck hunt on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2018.

Both hunts will be hosted by the Windy Hill Rod & Gun Club and the Randy Barnes Family at Padgett Pond in Saluda County, S.C.

Proceeds from the hunts will be used to fund the further preservation of the historic Marsh-Johnson House and/or Bonham House, properties of the society.

One of the major goals of the Society is the preservation of the history of Saluda County. The Marsh-Johnson house is an excellent example of an “upland plantation home” and the Bonham House is the only birthplace of an Alamo Hero still standing, the society said.

A limited number of spots are available for the deer hunt (20, with previous participants given priority) which will be held on over 700 acres at Windy Hill Farms. Padgett Pond, and the lands of the Randy Barnes Family which is adjacent to this property.

Guides; assistance with deer harvested; refrigerated storage (three days) or pick-up by a local deer processor who will clean, refrigerate and process for a reasonable fee; a light breakfast before the hunt/a full brunch after the hunt; and transportation to/from stands will be provided for both the morning and afternoon hunts.

Interested hunters are invited to contact the address below. The cost of the morning and evening deer hunt is a donation of $100 or $50 for a half-day hunt. Both hunt clubs participate in a trophy hunting program with adjacent landowners and certain restrictions apply to deer harvested (information will be provided upon request).

The January duck hunt will be held on beaver ponds owned by the Randy Barnes Family and the Head waters of Padgett Pond in Saluda County. The number of hunters will be limited depending upon hunting conditions and duck availability. A morning hunt will be held with breakfast before and after the hunt. Guides and transportation will be provided from Padgett Pond. The cost of the hunt is $100.

Both the deer and duck hunts were very successful this past year. Hunters spotted a large number of deer and the number harvested was excellent (hunters are encouraged to harvest large does). A variety of ducks were harvested during the duck hunt. A free youth duck hunt will be held two weeks after the Jan. 21 hunt.

Participants in each of the three above hunts must abide by all the rules of the hunt clubs, the State of South Carolina and the U.S. Government. Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted during the hunts.

Anyone interested in participating in either or both hunts can call 803-685-5020 or email cebpadgettpd@pbtcomm.net for more information.

Because SCDNRP has enacted changes in deer hunting regulations, hunters are reminded to obtain the necessary deer tags.

Staff Report