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Input sought on Savannah Wildlife Refuge hunting
alligator
An alligator suns himself on the banks at the Savannah Wildlife Refuge earlier this month .

Hunting on national wildlife refuges is a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. Today, more than 370 refuges are open to the public for hunting across the country. Here in the southeast, national wildlife refuges are a huge part of this tradition. 

The refuges welcome sportswomen and men of all backgrounds and abilities to experience challenging hunting in amazing places.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is proposing to update the refuge’s hunt program and is seeking public comment on the changes. 

The last update to the Savannah NWR hunt program was in September 2016.  

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, Service) coordinated with the states of Georgia and South Carolina to better align hunts on Savannah NWR with the Georgia and South Carolina hunts, resulting in the proposed Draft Hunt Plan; Draft Hunting of American Alligator, Armadillo, Beaver, Opossum, and Raccoon Compatibility Determination; Environmental Assessment; and related regulation changes.  

The proposal would add American alligator hunting on 11,648 acres of Savannah NWR in Georgia and South Carolina.  The proposal would also add incidental hunting of armadillo, beaver, opossum, and raccoon on 15,066 acres only in the Georgia portion of Savannah NWR. 

These acres are already open to hunting.

The public is invited to review the documents related to these changes. The documents are available for review and comment until April 24.

 Documents are available at the refuge’s visitor center and on the refuge’s website (http://www.fws.gov/refuge/savannah).  You may also contact the refuge at (843) 784-9911 or savannahcoastal@fws.gov to request either printed or electronic copies.  

Documents are also available in an alternative format. 

To ensure consideration of your comments in the development of final decisions, please submit comments to the refuge by mail [694 Beech Hill Lane, Hardeeville, SC  29927] or email [savannahcoastal@fws.gov] by April 30, 2020.

Across the country, national wildlife refuges work closely with state agencies, tribes, and private partners to expand access to hunting and fishing where it is compatible with refuge purposes. Hunting and fishing provide opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors, create memories, and pass on family traditions.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. 

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws/gov.

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