For generations, hunting deer with dogs has been more than just a sport in South Carolina—it has been a way of life. It is a tradition deeply rooted in our communities, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors while teaching values that cannot be learned in a classroom.

Many of us grew up riding beside our parents and grandparents before we were old enough to carry a firearm. We learned respect for the land, respect for wildlife, and the importance of following the law and hunting ethically. We learned responsibility by caring for our dogs every single day—not just during hunting season. These dogs depend on us for food, shelter, training, veterinary care, and companionship. In return, they give us their loyalty, their hard work, and their heart. Hunting with dogs teaches a simple but powerful lesson: when you take care of your animals, they will take care of you.

This tradition also preserves a unique part of South Carolina’s heritage. Countless families have memories of early mornings at the clubhouse, listening for the hounds, sharing meals after the hunt, and passing down stories from one generation to the next. These experiences strengthen family bonds and keep our rural culture alive.

A ban on deer hunting with dogs would not simply change a hunting method—it would erase a longstanding tradition that has shaped generations of South Carolinians. It would affect families who have invested years into breeding, training, and caring for their dogs, and it would take away opportunities for young people to learn responsibility, patience, teamwork, and respect for nature.

We understand the importance of responsible wildlife management and believe that hunters should always be held accountable for following laws and respecting property rights. However, responsible hunters should not lose a tradition because of the actions of a few who fail to hunt ethically.

We ask our elected leaders to protect South Carolina’s hunting heritage. Preserve a tradition that has united families for generations, teaches responsibility and stewardship, and reflects the values of hard work, respect, and community that define our state. Once a tradition like this is lost, it may never be recovered. Let us protect it so future generations can experience the same lessons, memories, and way of life that so many of us were fortunate enough to inherit