Two managed deer hunts are conducted on the refuge each year. The first is a three-day archery hunt in October; the second, in November, is a one-day shotgun hunt. Feral hog, coyote, and armadillo also may be taken during both of these hunts. Bag limit for deer is five, no more than two antlered.
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 THE 2024-25 SEASON
1. 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.