South Carolina offers some of the most diverse hunting opportunities in the Southeast, from white-tailed deer in the upstate mountains to wild turkeys in the coastal plains. Before you head into the field, you need to understand the state’s hunting laws to stay legal and safe.
All hunters in South Carolina must follow specific licensing requirements, season dates, bag limits, and safety regulations set by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
The state takes wildlife management seriously. Breaking hunting laws can result in fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges depending on the violation.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about hunting regulations in South Carolina. You’ll learn about license requirements, when you can hunt different game species, where you’re allowed to hunt, and what safety rules you must follow.
South Carolina Hunting License And Permit Requirements
You need a hunting license to hunt legally in South Carolina. The type of license you need depends on whether you are a resident or nonresident and what you plan to hunt.
Basic License Requirements
Small game hunting requires only a basic hunting license. However, if you plan to hunt deer, bear, or turkey, you must have three things: a hunting license, a big game permit, and additional tags for each animal.
Age and Education Requirements
Youth under 16 years old do not need a license but must still obtain required tags. If you were born after June 30, 1979, you must complete a Hunter Education Course before purchasing your hunting license.
Special Permits and Tags
Different game requires different permits:
- Migratory birds need a Harvest Information Program permit
- Waterfowl require a state migratory waterfowl permit and federal waterfowl stamp
- Alligator hunting uses a lottery system with a $10 application fee
- WMA hunting may require an additional WMA permit
Additional Considerations
Nonresidents pay higher fees than residents. For example, nonresidents must pay an extra $200 fee specifically for alligator hunting on top of other required licenses and permits.
Commercial activities like fur trapping, using nongame fish devices, and shrimp baiting all require their own separate permits. You should check current regulations before your hunting trip to ensure you have all necessary documentation.
Season Dates And Game Regulations In South Carolina
South Carolina divides its hunting seasons by game type and geographic zones. The state releases its official regulations each year, with the current regulations book valid until August 15, 2025.
Deer Season runs from August through January in most areas. You can hunt with different methods during specific time periods. Archery season typically opens first in August. Firearms seasons follow in the fall and winter months.
Turkey Season splits into spring and fall periods. Spring turkey season is the most popular and usually runs from late March through early May. Fall turkey hunting occurs in October and November in designated areas.
Waterfowl and Migratory Birds follow federal frameworks set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Duck season generally runs from November through January. Goose seasons may extend longer depending on the species and zone.
Small Game like squirrel and rabbit have longer seasons. These often run from October through March. You can hunt certain species like coyote and wild hog year-round with no bag limits.
Bear hunting requires special tags and occurs during specific weeks in fall. The season is limited and closely managed. Turkey also requires tags that you must validate after harvest.
Each game species has specific bag limits. Deer limits vary by zone but typically allow several deer per season with antler restrictions in some areas. You must check the official South Carolina hunting regulations for your specific county and game zone before hunting.
Season dates can change annually based on wildlife population data and management goals.
Land Access And Hunting Zones In South Carolina
South Carolina divides its hunting areas into four distinct game zones. Each zone has different regulations for seasons, harvest methods, and bag limits that the SC General Assembly establishes.
Game Zone 1 covers portions of Oconee, Pickens, and Greenville counties in the northwestern part of the state. This zone includes all properties north of the Norfolk Southern Railroad main line.
Game Zone 2 is the largest zone. It includes all lands in Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenwood, Lancaster, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York counties. It also covers partial areas of Oconee, Pickens, and Greenville counties not in Zone 1.
Game Zone 3 encompasses the coastal and central regions. You will find Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, Jasper, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Richland counties in this zone.
Game Zone 4 covers the eastern counties including Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, and Williamsburg.
You can access public hunting land through Wildlife Management Areas statewide. WMAs may have unique rules and permit requirements beyond standard zone regulations. Some areas require special draw hunt permits or have specific hog management rules.
The SCDNR Public Lands Application helps you find properties in your game zone. You must check the specific regulations for your zone before hunting since dates and methods vary by location.
Safety Requirements And Prohibited Practices In South Carolina
South Carolina hunting laws include important safety rules that you must follow. All hunters are required to wear hunter orange when hunting big game during gun season. You need to display at least 500 square inches of hunter orange that is visible from all sides.
Key Prohibited Practices:
- You cannot hunt from a vehicle or moving boat
- Shooting across public roads is illegal
- You cannot hunt while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Loaded firearms are not allowed in vehicles unless you have a concealed weapons permit
South Carolina baiting regulations prohibit hunting game animals from elevated areas or trees within 300 feet of baited locations. Baited areas include any place where food products or substances have been exposed or scattered to attract game animals.
You must follow specific hours for hunting. Most game species can only be hunted 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Night hunting is restricted and requires special permits for certain species.
Additional Safety Rules:
- You must unload your firearm before crossing fences or obstacles
- Tree stand users should wear fall-arrest systems
- You cannot discharge firearms within 300 yards of a residence without permission
- All hunters born after June 30, 1979 must complete a hunter education course
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources enforces hunting regulations under Title 50 of state law. Violations can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges. You are responsible for knowing and following all applicable hunting laws in your area.
