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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- State officials are trying to encourage more hunting in South Carolina by making it free.

The State newspaper of Columbia reports that the Department of Natural Resources is allowing two free hunting days Jan. 4-5.

Residents won't need a state hunting license or other required documents such as Wildlife Management Area permits.

It marks the first time the state agency has allowed free hunting on the first weekend of the year. Existing seasons, bag limits and methods of take still apply.

The program is available only to state residents. It applies only to state requirements, so a federal duck stamp will still be required to hunt migratory waterfowl.