NEWBERRY — The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proud to announce the first annual free hunting days Jan. 4-5. If you ever wanted to experience the thrill of hunting, the relaxation of spending time in the woods or the joy of a new adventure with family and friends, this is the time to get out there and see all South Carolina’s natural resources have to offer.

Please note that all existing seasons, bag limits and methods of take still apply so check the 2012-13 rules and regulations for more information: www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html. The free hunt days do not extend deer or any other season.

There is a youth deer hunt day on Jan. 5. Youth under 17 years may hunt deer as long as they are accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years or older. Only the youth may take or attempt to take game and license requirements are waived for the youth hunter.

Free hunting days allow all South Carolina residents to hunt without a state hunting license or other required permits, to include Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit, or Migratory Waterfowl Permit (formerly State Duck Stamp). It is important to note that Free Hunting Days are offered by the State of South Carolina and do not waive any Federal requirements for a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting & Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) to hunt migratory waterfowl. It does not open WMA’s that are not previously open for hunting.

Free hunting days are available only to S.C. residents and apply to all lands in which hunting is allowed, to include private lands and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) throughout that state that are not otherwise closed to hunting. The list of open WMAs can be found by visiting the Managed Lands tab of the DNR website at www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/lookup/.