With a herd of about 730,00 deer and some of the lowest hunting pressure you’ll find in the South, hunting whitetail in South Carolina is an experience that hunters don’t want to miss. Archery and firearm season opens earlier than many states (mid-August), so you have plenty of time to tag out.
Because South Carolina is on the coast, it’s also an excellent place for hunting waterfowl. And, if you’re interested in hogs, there is no closed season for hunting feral hogs in the state. Bear hunting is also available in the state.
So, whether you live in the Palmetto State or you’ve added it to your whitetail or hog hunting plans this year, you’ll want to know the season dates, bag limits, and hunting regulations for everything you want to hunt.
We’ve put this guide together to help you start your research. So, keep reading to learn what you need to know about South Carolina hunting seasons.
Updated August 22, 2025
Why Do Hunters Hunt in South Carolina?
While you may not find the biggest bucks in the country, South Carolina has plenty of whitetail for hunters. It’s also an excellent state for hunting turkey, waterfowl, and feral hogs.
If you’re up for a true adventure of a lifetime, you can try a bear or alligator hunt.
Where Should I Hunt?
When hunting in South Carolina, you’ll enjoy mostly flat terrain, with a few hills in the north and northwestern areas of the state. However, you’ll want a good pair of boots to navigate the clay sand-like soil. Depending on what and where you hunt, you’ll also encounter some thick forests.
Once you know the general area for your hunt, you’ll need to narrow down a specific spot where your game will most likely be. Before scouting in person or heading out for opening day, use HuntWise to e-scout throughout South Carolina. Use markers to define your hunting area and mark unique features to guide your hunt.
When Can I Hunt?
Hunting within the state requires some planning to make sure you’re in the right area on the right dates for the game you’re licensed to hunt.
Below, we’ve compiled the latest South Carolina hunting information to help you get out into the field more often this year. However, keep in mind that information can change from year to year and even throughout the season.
Be sure to check official websites for hunting in South Carolina to confirm the latest details as you plan each hunt.
Note that hunting (for all species) in South Carolina takes place in four game zones. You’ll also want to pay attention to the dates based on hunting on private lands or WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas) within each Game Zone.
We've updated some available dates for the 2025-2026 seasons. As more dates become available, we'll update the information in this guide.
SC Deer Season
Season dates for each Game Zone are divided into Private Lands vs. WMAs.
Game Zone 1
Private Lands:
Primitive Weapons: October 1 – 10, 2025
Gun Hunts: October 11, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt Days: September 27, 202225 and January 3, 2026
WMAs: Note: Dates can vary based on the WMA within the Game Zone
Primitive Weapons: October 1 – 10, 2025
Archery Only: October 17 – 30, 2025
Still Gun Hunts: October 11 – 16, 2025 and October 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt Day: January 3, 2026
Game Zone 2
Private Lands:
Archery Only: September 15 – 30, 2025
Primitive Weapons: October 1 – 10, 2025
Gun Hunts: October 11 – January 1, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt Days: September 13, 2025 and January 3, 2026
WMAs: Note: Dates can vary based on the WMA within the Game Zone
Archery Only: September 15 – 30, 2025
Primitive Weapons: October 1 – 10, 2025
Still Gun Hunts: October 11, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt Days: January 3, 2026
Game Zone 3
Private Lands:
Archery and Gun Hunts: August 15, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt Days: August 9, 2025 and January 3, 2026
WMAs: Note: Dates can vary based on the WMA within the Game Zone
Archery Only: September 15 – 30, 2025
Still Gun Hunts: October 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt Days: January 3, 2026
Game Zone 4
Private Lands:
Archery Only: August 15 – 31, 2025
Gun Hunts: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt Days: August 9, 2025 and January 3, 2025
WMAs: Note: Dates can vary based on the WMA within the Game Zone
Archery Only: September 15 – October 10, 2025
Still Gun Hunts: October 11 – January 1, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt Days: January 3, 2026
South Carolina Turkey Hunting
Spring 2025
Private Lands (Statewide): April 3 – May 3
WMA Lands (Statewide): April 3 – May 3, 2025
For details about restrictions on some WMAs, check this resource for spring turkey specifics.
Bear
Game Zone 1:
Still Hunt (No Dogs): October 11 – 16, 2025
Party Dog Hunts: October 17 – 30, 2025
Game Zone 4:
Still Hunt (No Dogs): October 17 – 30, 2025
Migratory Birds and Waterfowl
Mourning Doves: September 1 – October 4, 2025, November 15 – 29, 2025, and December 22, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Early Teal: September 20 – September 28, 2025
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: November 22 – 29, 2025, and December 12, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Early Canada Geese: September 1 – 30, 2025
Canada Geese/White-fronted Geese: November 22 – 29, 2025, December 12 – January 31, 2026, and February 15 – March 1, 2026
Blue and Snow Geese: November 22 – 29, 2025, December 12 – January 31, 2026, and February 15 – March 1, 2026
Brant: January 2 – 31, 2026
Common Snipe: November 14, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Woodcock: December 18, 2025 – January 31, 2026
March Hens/Rails: September 18 – 22 and October 16 – December 19
Moorhens and Gallinules: September 8 – 12, 2025 and October 6 – December 9, 2025
Snipe: November 14, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Small Game
Hunting season dates for small game species apply to all Game Zones, except where noted otherwise.
Quail:
Private Lands: March 2 – November 23, 2025 (dogs only), November 24, 2025 – March 1, 2026 (guns & dogs), and March 2 – November 22, 2026 (dogs only)
WMAs: September 1 – 15, 2025 (dogs only) and November 24, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (guns & dogs)
Youth Only: November 22, 2025
Rabbit:
Private Lands: March 2 – November 26, 2025 (dogs only), November 27, 2-25 – March 1, 2026 (guns and dogs) and March 2 – November 25, 2026 (dogs only)
WMAs: September 1 – 15, 2025 (dogs only) and November 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (guns and dogs)
Youth Only: March 7, 2026
Squirrels:
Private Lands: March 2 – September 30, 2025 (dogs only), October 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026 (guns and dogs) and March 2 – September 30, 2026 (dogs only)
WMAs: September 1 – 15, 2025 (dogs only) and October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (guns and dogs)
Youth Only: September 27, 2025
Fox:
Private Lands: March 2 – November 27, 2025 (dogs only), November 27 – March 1, 2025 (guns and dogs) and March 2, 2025 – November 26, 2026 (dogs only)
WMAs: September 2 – November 26, 2025 (dogs and night only) and November 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (guns and dogs, night only)
Grouse (Game Zone 1 Only):
Private Lands: November 27, 2025 – March 1, 2026
WMAs: November 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Alligator
By lottery only.
Feral Hogs
Hunting is open on WMAs during any open season for game (unless other restrictions apply).
Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) website for more information and the latest dates for the species noted above and others. You can also visit the eRegulations pages for South Carolina hunting information.
What Do I Need to Know About South Carolina Hunting Rules and Licenses?
All hunters over the age of 16 need a license to hunt in South Carolina. Choose from resident, nonresident, and military licenses. However, there are some exemptions from the license requirements.
For some species, like bears and alligators, you’ll need a Big Game hunting permit. Hunters can purchase licenses online or in person from an official agent location.
What Are the Bag Limits for the South Carolina Hunting Seasons?
How many deer, alligators, or bears can you bring home this season? To comply with regulations for legal hunting in South Carolina, follow the bag limits for each animal you hunt throughout the year.
Deer
2 antlered (5 for the season) 5 antlerless per day (5 for the season)
Early Teal
6 per day
Turkey
2 gobblers per season (no more than 1 per day and no more than 1 before April 10. Some WMAs may have more restrictions, so be sure to confirm before your hunt.
Quail
12 per day
Bear
1 per individual (5 per party)
Grouse
3 per day
Alligator
1 per permit
Snipe
8 total
Mourning Doves
15 per day
Woodcock
3 total
Ducks
6 per day
Mergansers
5 per day
Coots
15 per day
Squirrel (Gray & Fox)
10 per day
Canada Goose
15 per day (September 1 – 15)
Rabbit
5 per day
Canada and White-Fronted Goose
5 per day (remainder of season)
Fox
No limit
Brant
1 total
Marsh Hens & Rails
15 total (King and Clapper)
25 total (Sora and Virginia)
Moorhens & Gallinules
15 total
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
All hunters (residents and non-residents) born after June 30, 1979, must pass a state-approved hunter education course before getting a hunting license in South Carolina. If you’ve passed a course in another state, the state does accept these certifications to get your license.
You’ll also want the best gear for your hunts, whether you’re after a whitetail, a bear, or a turkey this season. HuntWise subscribers can gear-up for hunting with discounts on gear through our partners. You can save hundreds on gear like calls, spotting scopes, clothing, hunting knives, a good set of binoculars, and more.
Tag Out for the South Carolina Hunting Season with HuntWise
Are you ready to hunt in South Carolina this year? We hope this information helps you plan your next hunt (or hunts)! In addition to the details in this guide, be sure to check back here or reference the official South Carolina websites for the latest dates and regulations.
Your HuntWise app also gives you access to the latest hunting information for South Carolina or any state you plan to hunt. It’s the ultimate hunting tool for scouting, planning, sharing information with friends, and keeping current with season dates and regulations.
The app delivers multiple map layers for scouting hunt areas (including SCDNR Wildlife Management Areas and county boundaries), idealwind and weather forecasting, real-time animal behavior predictors, and privatelandowner boundaries and contact information.
If you haven’t hunted with HuntWise yet, put it to the test this season! Download the app and enjoy access to explore free for a week!
We know hunters are ready to get out into the field for the upcoming Arizona hunting seasons. Whether you hunt turkey, deer, antelope, bison, elk, coyote, or bear, you need to know when the seasons start, where to hunt, and how to get your license so...Read More
The potential for a record big game trophy — or a gray wolf — is reason enough to hunt in Idaho this year. But you might also be drawn to this state for the ample upland bird hunting opportunities.Read More
Oregon allows hunters to hunt Roosevelt elk — a rare opportunity to pursue this animal if big game trophies and adventure hunts are on your list of hunts to conquer. Read More
We know hunters are ready to get out into the field for the upcoming Arizona hunting seasons. Whether you hunt turkey, deer, antelope, bison, elk, coyote, or bear, you need to know when the seasons start, where to hunt, and how to get your license so...Read More
The potential for a record big game trophy — or a gray wolf — is reason enough to hunt in Idaho this year. But you might also be drawn to this state for the ample upland bird hunting opportunities.Read More
Oregon allows hunters to hunt Roosevelt elk — a rare opportunity to pursue this animal if big game trophies and adventure hunts are on your list of hunts to conquer. Read More