DNR News
** Archived Article - please check for current information. **
August 24, 2011
DNR and partners to resume wood duck box program
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the State Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (SCDU) and the SC Department of Corrections, will resume the construction and distribution of wood duck boxes this winter. This long standing program will be resumed, applications will be accepted and approximately 1,000 boxes will be distributed in November or December. SCDU has contributed approximately 50% of the cost for construction and distribution and The Wateree Correctional Institute will assemble the predator shields and construct the boxes. Each unit will consist of a treated pole, a predator shield and assembled box.
The wood duck is the most important waterfowl species in South Carolina and is the only duck that breeding habitat can be managed effectively throughout all geographic regions of the state. This Project supplements natural production in tree cavities of forested wetlands by providing artificial nesting sites. Fewer natural cavities are available today because of the impacts of human activity upon bottomland hardwoods.
Private landowners wishing to obtain wood duck boxes can download an application.
Contact DNR waterfowl biologist James Rader for information on the State Wood Duck Box Project at (843) 844-8957 or via e-mail at wodubox@dnr.sc.gov. Up to 5 boxes per applicant will be available for distribution throughout the State. The application deadline to be considered for boxes this year is Oct. 15, 2011. All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail or phone at time of award.
The statewide project for construction and distribution of nest box units to requesting landowners began in 1982. Since 1982, over 31,000 nest box units have been issued to over 4,100 cooperators. The project provides nest boxes, poles and predator guards to landowners having suitable wood duck production and brood-rearing habitat.
More News
- DNR boating safety patrols, courtesy inspections planned for Labor Day weekend
- 23rd Annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep Set for Sept. 17
- Map modernization meeting scheduled in Orangeburg County Sept.13
- Map modernization coordination meeting scheduled for Clarendon County Sept.14
- Late-season migratory bird regulations set
- September is National Preparedness Month
- DNR and partners to resume wood duck box program
- Upstate mobility impaired deer hunts set for this fall, deadline to apply Sept. 19
- Import of deer, elk parts into S.C. still limited by state regulation
- Duke Energy funds DNR Jocassee Gorges program, Foothills Trail guidebook
- Spartanburg Water’s annual Lake Sweep set Sept. 10
- DNR youth deer hunts in Upstate have application deadline of Sept. 12
- Archery deer-hunting opportunities abound in coastal region
- Hunters must check deer taken on lower-state Wildlife Management Areas
- Freshwater fishing trends
- Saltwater fishing trends
- S.C. weekly tidetable
- DNR video
Follow DNR on the Web:
