The Belfast Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a 4,664-acre tract located ten miles northwest of Newberry on Highway 56 near the Kinards community. The property is situated on the Newberry/ Laurens County line, with most of the land area in Newberry County. Col. John Simpson of Belfast, Ireland, settled the land in 1786. The historic Belfast Plantation house, located in Laurens County, was built by Col. Simpson in the early 1800's.
Champion Paper Company formerly owned this property, followed by International Paper Company. Champion Paper Company maintained the area for recreation and forest products production for many years and their regional headquarters was located here.
Upland pine forests and hardwood drains are found throughout the property. Wildlife plantings are located along power lines and road edge openings within the tract. Wildlife management practices include pine thinning and prescribed burns. All land management activities are conducted according to Best Management Practices as prescribed by the SC Forestry Commission. Forest management emphasis is on wildlife habitat improvement.
Wildlife game species present include deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, dove, quail and raccoon. Other furbearer species found here include fox, bobcat and coyote. Many songbirds, raptors, reptiles and amphibians occur on the area. Plants in hardwood drains include most species common to the piedmont. Plant and animal diversity in the pine stands will be increased through timber thinning and prescribed fire.
Public visitation is not allowed during scheduled deer or turkey hunts. Still gun hunts for deer and turkey hunting is by drawing only, with some special hunts for youth and mobility-impaired participants. Applications are available by calling 803-734-3886 or by visiting our web site at www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/drawhunts.html. Data cards are required for hunter access. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving Belfast WMA. All hunters must sign in and sign out upon entering or leaving Belfast WMA. Regulations for other hunting activities can be found in the SCDNR Rules and Regulation brochure. All adult hunters must have a valid hunting license and a WMA permit.
Fishing is by special event permit only.
During periods when hunting is not taking place, horseback riding is allowed on roads that are only open to vehicular traffic. This area is closed to ATVs.
