Wateree

Sumter County, SC

To describe this property as a productive, turn-key 300 acres would be an understatement. Quietly situated on the east hill of the Wateree River swamp in Horatio, SC, the aptly named Wateree farm offers most of what a productive wing-shooting farm should, and has done so for decades. This is the definition of a legacy property – a venue to harvest plenty of game, to add your own touches, and to feel free. The centerpiece of the property is an irrigated, plant-and-flood duck impoundment divided into three primary ponds, two of which have been used most heavily through the years. This whole system floods with an 8-inch well and can be split and managed according to food, timing, and preference. Nearly every species of Atlantic flyway waterfowl has been seen or harvested here – some in great numbers. Green and blue winged teal, wood ducks, gadwall, mallards, black ducks, ringnecks, pintails, widgeon, redheads, and more. Additionally, the entire duck impoundment is hog-fenced. Wateree offers consistent dove hunting on an irrigated patchwork of fields inside the hog-proof fencing, and the shooting history is excellent. Depending on planting, migration, and interactions with the duck ponds, this farm can shoot dove limits from September to January. Pea-gravel soils and lots of available roost and water sources clearly boost the birds. A healthy woodcock population offers a nice late season bonus as well. Water is abundant on the property, both along the distinct run of the swamp on the western property line, and in the form of a stocked, managed 20-acre lake complete with a boat launch, gator pump (as needed for impoundment boost), and a gorgeous hill homesite overlooking it all. Very few building envelopes line up as perfectly as this on duck places with plenty of elevation, separation, and open vista – a perfect place to watch the duck show on fall and winter evenings. Notably, several swamp holes and pond corners could be further developed and used for satellite duck spots. The balance of the property is made up of rolling food plots that rise and fall along the hill of the swamp. Mature sawtooth oaks boost existing acorn mast, and “Ruthut” deer stands are in place for great family deer hunts. The bottomland edge roosts a healthy turkey flock and provides a fantastic deer funnel. Closer to the gated entrance on Claremont Rd, Loblolly pine stands and fallow fields set up nicely for expanding duck ponds, quail courses, dove fields or food plots. Wateree is 45 minutes from Columbia, 25 minutes from Sumter, 20 minutes from Camden, and just under two hours from Charleston or Charlotte.

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