Blackbeard Island NWR offers two, three-day archery deer hunts each year. These hunts are the oldest managed archery hunts of any within the entire National Wildlife Refuge System. Hunters may take up to five deer, no more than two antlered, as well as an unlimited number of feral hogs. The refuge is accessible only by boat, and hunters must make their own transportation arrangements. Boaters should pay close attention to tide tables. Camping is permitted, in designated area on the refuge, throughout the hunt.
Hunters are required to read the hunting regulations document posted below which contains refuge-specific regulations as well as important information on participating in refuge hunts.
NEW FOR 2024-25 SEASON
1. Hunters will be responsible for providing their own means of transport between their anchored boats and the refuge dock. It is against USFWS policy for non-DOI trained individuals to operate a government-owned watercraft, and we would be subject to unacceptable liability should we allow the practice of providing a boat for hunters to use to continue.
2. State bonus tags will not be issued for any harvested deer. All deer taken will go against the hunter's State limit.
All hunters 16 and older must purchase a $25 Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex Hunt Permit in order to participate in any scheduled refuge hunt. This permit is good for all scheduled hunts during the 2024-25 season on all five of the Savannah Coastal Refuges (Blackbeard Island, Harris Neck, Pinckney Island (cancelled for 2024), Savannah, and Wassaw NWRs.)
Due to the potential for tropical storm and hurricane activity in our area that could shut down our barrier islands, we advise hunters not to purchase hunt permits any earlier than one week before you plan to hunt. There is no limit to the number of permits we will issue in a season, and therefore no benefit to purchasing it early.
