Saint Charles Sportsman’s Club
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Hunting
Approved - August 2014
Revised – August 2017
Policy Governing - Hunting
on SCSC Leased and Owned Property

Table of Contents

Document Title

Authority

Rules and Regulations for SCSC Hunting Property -

General Rules and Regulations -

Game Species Harvest Limits -

Sign-In Sheet - ………………………………………………………………………………….... 4

Cutting Trails / Clearing Brush / Scouting / ATV Usage -

Specific Hunting Regulations for Game Species -

Awareness and Reporting Violations -

Document Title

Hunting Rules and Regulations - Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Authority

All Federal, State, and Local hunting rules and regulations apply to members and permit holders while hunting on property owned or leased by SCSC. However, in some cases SCSC may modify rules and regulations such as reduced game limits to better manage the game population. In no case will the rules and regulations be modified that violate any current Federal, State and Local hunting laws. As additional properties are acquired either by lease or purchase, new rules and regulations may apply. The Huntsmasterwill be responsible for conducting a periodic review of the Hunting Rules and Regulations and updating them as deemed necessary.

Rules and Regulations for SCSC Hunting Property-

General Rules and Regulations -

  1. Members must sign and display vehicle permission tags while on SCSC property.
  2. SCSC membership cardsare your written permission to hunt SCSC property.
  3. Only SCSC members and qualifieddependents may hunt SCSC property.
  4. Guests and non-members are not allowed to hunt SCSC property.
  5. All hunters must possess a valid hunting license, a SCSC membership card, or a dependent card if a qualified family member.
  6. As defined by the standard SCSC liability release/hold harmless agreement, the club member is responsible for all family members while hunting SCSC property. In addition, hunters using personal blinds, climbers and strap-on standswhile on club property assume full responsibility for their use.
  7. Keep family and friends informed as to where you will be hunting.
  8. The outdoor Safe Shooting Area will be closed during all gun seasons (shotgun and muzzleloader). A closed sign will be posted at the Safe Shooting Area to insure closure.
  9. Hunters must review and be familiar with all Federal, State, Local and SCSC hunting regulations for the property being huntedand must stay at least 150 yrds from any occupied structure.
  10. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugswill be consumed prior to or while hunting SCSC property.
  11. Vehicles may not block roadsor ATV trails used to access the property.
  12. All deer and turkey harvested on SCSC propertymust be reported to the Huntsmaster within 24 hours to manage established game limits. Any form of contact is permitted (i.e. direct phone call/voicemail, text message or e-mail message).The Huntsmaster’s contact information will be posted on the board inside the sign-in shed.
  13. Other game animals, fish, etc. harvested on non-SCSC property may be reported to the Huntsmaster to be considered for recognition and awards.
  14. Hunters may use any weapon as permitted by Federal, State and Local hunting laws.
  15. Trapping is permitted but members must request permission from the Huntsmaster.
  16. Hunting is only allowed in designated areas as indicated on the property maps (see map for boundaries).
  17. Property boundaries are identified by blue paint on the outside of the boundary tree and yellow on the inside of the boundary tree, do not go beyond the yellow markings.
  18. Please lock gates and closecables behind you when entering or leaving the property.
  19. Hunters may not conduct ‘Deer Drives’ on SCSC property.

Game SpeciesHarvest Limits-

  1. Game species allowed to hunt:
  2. All game species as defined by the State and Local Game Laws for the property being hunted.
  3. Deer harvest limits on SCSC propertyper season -
  4. Per Hunter –State and Local Laws apply for Individual Bag Limits. Any Antlered deer taken on the property must have 4points(total) or more.
  5. Turkey harvest limitsper season -
  6. Per Hunter - 1 Gobblerper season on SCSC property.
  7. Combined harvest limit by all hunters- 5 Gobblerson SCSC property per season.

Note: Turkey season ends on SCSCproperty when a total of 5 gobblers are taken by all hunters combinedper season (may be revised depending on the turkey population and harvest numbers).

  1. No hen hunting during the special Jan season.
  1. Small Game and Waterfowl -
  2. Game limitsas defined by the State and Local Game Laws for the property being hunted.
  3. Predator, Furbearer –
  4. Game limits as defined by the State and Local Game Laws for the property being hunted.

Sign in Sheet-

  1. A maximum of 8 hunters will be allowed to hunt at any given time (this may change as hunting on the property increases).
  2. See appendix ‘A’ – “Hunter Sign-in Sheet”
  3. A sign-in sheet will be posted on the property.
  4. A map of the property will be made available so that hunters may indicate the area they plan to hunt. This will allow hunters to spread out and help avoid encroachment on another hunter’s area. Note: Placing a pin on the map is at the hunter’s discretion.
  5. The person hunting must personally sign-in on the day of hunt (no friend or prior day sign-in’s).
  6. Hunters must sign-out when leaving for the day to allow access by other hunters and to ensure no-one is assumed to be left on the property.

Cutting Trails / Clearing Brush / Scouting / ATV Usage -

  1. Clearing small brush on a ‘walk-in’ trail to a hunting location is allowed.
  2. Clearing small brush and trees around a hunting location is allowed provided the tree is no larger thantwo (2) inches in diameter at the base.
  3. Clearing small limbs from a tree used for hunting is permitted.
  4. If additional clearing is needed beyond the restrictionsimposed, it should be reported to, and managed by, the Huntsmaster.
  5. Scouting SCSC property and placing game trail cameras will be allowed. Please avoid disrupting other hunters when placing and checking trail cameras.
  6. Anyone using an ATV for that days’ hunt must so indicate on the sign-in sheet.
  7. ATV’s and other vehicles must remain on designated trails as reflected on the map. An exception will be made to recover deer using non-designated trails that run thru the property; new trails may not be cut.
  8. ATV’s may not be used for casual or joy riding on SCSC property.
  9. Special consideration will be given to handicapped hunters to allow neededaccess beyond designated trails.

Specific Hunting Regulations for Game Species-

  1. Deer season (bow, shotgun and muzzleloader) -
  1. Can use personal ground blinds, climbers and strap-on standsbut must be removed at the end of day.
  2. Food plots will be established where possible to attract game animals.
  3. Hunters may use corn and other food sources but other hunters will be allowed to hunt the same location another day. No automatic feeders or feed station’s i.e. homemadePVC feeders or that type will be allowed.
  4. Consideration will be given to placing a permanent hydraulic stand, or blind, for handicapped hunters
  5. The Safe Shooting Area will be closed and posted during all gun seasons.
  1. Turkey season -
  2. Personal ground blinds allowed but must be removed at the end of the day.
  1. Small Game and Waterfowl season -
  2. Season limits and species as defined by the State and Local Game Laws for the property being hunted.
  3. Predator/Furbearer season -
  4. Season limits and species as defined by the State and Local Game Laws for the property being hunted or trapped.

Awareness and Reporting Violations -

  1. Members are encouraged to ask ‘Unfamiliar’ hunters if they have permission to hunt the property. If a non-member encountered, ask them nicely to leave the property. If they give you a hard time terminate the discussion, walk away then call the Charles County police in La Plata(301) 932-2222.
  2. When asked by another member to show identification, that member shall comply without confrontation. An exchange of identification would be appropriate to validate membership status between both parties.
  3. Members are encouraged to report violations to the Huntsmaster as well as local authorities if deemed appropriate (DNR –1-800-628-9944 or 410-260-8888).
  4. Any member who violates these rules and regulations may be brought before the SCSC Disciplinary Board and risk loss of future hunting privileges.

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