South Carolina Hunting Guide
South Carolina has fewer hunting opportunities than many Southern states. Although the state’s diverse habitats support several different types of game, there is very little public land and hunting is prohibited on Sundays. These regulations aside, hunters can find enjoyable game in the state.
What to Hunt
South Carolina boasts an incredibly diverse range of habitats, from wetlands and swamps, to the mountainous piedmont area. These habitats support many different popular game species.
Deer
South Carolina has fairly dense deer populations, and less hunt pressure than many neighboring states. Although the state lacks trophy buck hunting opportunities, South Carolina has fairly liberal bag limits and long seasons. Hunters in South Carolina can generally expect a high success rate.
Turkey
Eastern turkeys present a very challenging hunt, but experienced turkey hunters will enjoy the state’s offerings. There is a statewide bag limit of three gobblers per season for residents and two gobblers per season for nonresidents, with no more than one per day for either. Sunday hunting is permitted on private lands (with written permission), but not on state lands. It is not permitted to use bait, use dogs, or use live decoys or electronic calls.
Alligator
South Carolina offers a brief alligator hunting season. Tags are by permit only, and strict regulations are in place. Regardless, South Carolina reports an annual alligator harvest between 300 and 400. Hunters may take one alligator per permit, and alligators must be at least four feet in length. Interested hunters may apply to a drawing, which is a random automated process. Hunters can generally apply in May, with notifications sent out in July for a September-October season.
Waterfowl
Wood ducks are the dominant waterfowl hunting species in South Carolina. The state’s wetlands provide ample hunting opportunity, and annual harvests are generally significant. As hunters move towards the state’s coastal regions, waterfowl hunting opportunities are much more diverse. South Carolina does not permit the possession of lead shot, and all waterfowl hunting must be done with nontoxic shot. Nontoxic shot includes steel, bismuth, or another Federally approved shot.
Other South Caronlina game species include: Bear, Coyote, Crow, Quail, Raccoon and Opossum, Grouse, Mourning Dove, Rails, Early Teal, Woodcock, Common Snipe, Gallinules, Early Canada Geese, Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Geese, Blue and Snow Geese, Brant, Rabbit, Squirrel, Beaver, Grouse, Raccoon & Opossum, etc. found in the "Hunting Seasons" section at bottom of the page.
Where to Hunt
Over 90% of the land in South Carolina is privately owned. Although this leaves little area for hunters, South Carolina does maintain some land for outdoors recreation.
Wildlife Management Areas
Most of South Carolina’s huntable land is found in Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). These areas are found throughout the state and are maintained by the state government. South Carolina WMAs present a wide variety of hunting and outdoor recreation activities.
Public Access Lands
Because much of South Carolina’s land is privately owned, the state has made efforts to allow public hunting access on private lands. There are over 180,000 areas that allow hunting and fishing through this program.
State Forests
The State Forest Service maintains the Sand Hills, Manchester, Harbison, Poe Creek, and Wee Tee forests. All hunting on these areas is regulated under the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Management Area Program. Be sure to check with the appropriate office before hunting in any South Carolina State Forests.
Licensing Fees
All hunters age 16 or older must have a hunting license in South Carolina. Additional licenses and fees may be required depending on the species being hunted.
| License | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| State Hunting License | $36.00 (3 year) | $125.00 (Annual) |
| $12.00 (Annual) | $75.00 (10 day) | |
| $40.00 (3 day) | ||
| Apprentice License (Small Game Only) | $33.00 | $125.00 |
| Big Game Permit | $6.00 (Annual) | $100.00 (Annual) |
| Wildlife Management Area | $30.50 (Annual) | $76.00 (Annual) |
Hunter Education
Anyone born after June 30, 1979 must complete a hunter education course before obtaining a hunting license in South Carolina. This course may be taken online, or in a traditional classroom setting.
Youth Hunting
Youth under age 17 may participate in any of South Carolina’s youth hunting events. A hunter’s education certificate is required to participate. Youth who are 16 or 17 years of age must have a Junior Sportsman's License.
Trapping
The following species are designated as furbearers and may be taken by hunting or trapping: beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, red fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, raccoon, spotted skunk, striped skunk, and weasel. A Commercial Fur Harvest License is required for anyone taking these species for recreation or commercial purposes.
Trappers must also possess a valid South Carolina hunting license. A Fur Buyer’s License is required for anyone who purchases a whole animal, raw or green furs, pelts, or hides. Trappers may use foothold traps, enclosed foothold traps, body gripping traps, live traps, and small snap or box traps. Snares may only be used in water sets.
Hunting Seasons
| Game | Season Begins | Season Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Alligator | Sep 19 2023 | Oct 14 2024 |
| Bear* | Oct 17 2023 | Oct 30 2023 |
| Coyote | no closed season | no closed season |
| Deer* | Aug 15 2023 | Jan 1 2024 |
| Crow | Nov 1 2023 | Mar 1 2024 |
| Quail | Nov 20 2023 | Mar 1 2024 |
| Raccoon and Opossum | Sep 15 2023 | Mar 1 2024 |
| Grouse | Nov 23 2023 | Mar 1 2024 |
| Mourning Dove | Sep 2 2023 | Jan 31 2023 |
| Marsh Hens/Rails | Sep 1 2023 | Dec 1 2023 |
| Early Teal | Sep 15 2023 | Sep 30 2023 |
| Woodcock | Dec 18 2023 | Jan 31 2024 |
| Common Snipe | Nov 12 2023 | Feb 26 2024 |
| Moorhens & Purple Gallinules | Sep 1 2023 | Dec 1 2023 |
| Early Canada Geese | Sep 1 2023 | Sep 30 2023 |
| Ducks | Nov 18 2023 | Jan 31 2024 |
| Mergansers | Nov 18 2023 | Jan 31 2024 |
| Coots | Nov 18 2023 | Jan 31 2024 |
| Canada Geese/White Fronted Geese | Nov 18 2023 | Mar 1 2024 |
| Blue and Snow Geese | Nov 18 2023 | Mar 1 2024 |
| Brant | Jan 2 2023 | Jan 31 2024 |
| Rabbit* | Sep 1 2023 | Mar 1 2024 |
| Squirrel-gray & Fox* | Sep 1 2023 | Mar 1 2024 |
| Fox* | Sep 1 2023 | Mar 1 2024 |
| Turkey* | Apr 1 2024 | Apr 30 2024 |
*Hunting dates for this species may vary by zone, method of take, or subspecies of animal. Visit the state’s website hereto find out more.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice or acted upon as if it is legal advice: it is provided for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date content, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information.