When South Carolina's Hunting Seasons Open and Close

South Carolina's main hunting seasons at a glance

South Carolina runs separate seasons for deer, waterfowl, upland game, and small game, each with different opening and closing dates. The state's hunting calendar runs roughly from September through February, though some seasons overlap and others are staggered by region or weapon type. You'll need a valid hunting license and the appropriate tags or stamps before you hunt anything, and the specific rules—bag limits, legal weapons, legal hours—change by species and sometimes by county.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources publishes the full hunting guide each year, usually in late summer. That guide is your source for exact dates, because seasons shift slightly year to year based on wildlife surveys and population counts. This article covers the general shape of the calendar and where to find the official dates for the year you're planning to hunt.

Key Takeaways

• Deer season in South Carolina typically runs from mid-August through early January, but the exact dates and legal weapons vary by region and hunting method.
• Waterfowl seasons are shorter and more tightly regulated, usually running from November through January, with separate dates for ducks and geese.
• You must buy a hunting license and any required stamps (like the Migratory Bird Stamp for waterfowl) before you hunt, and licenses are available online and at sporting goods stores.
• Bag limits, legal hunting hours, and weapon restrictions vary by species and sometimes by county, so checking the current year's guide before you go is essential.
• The official South Carolina hunting guide, updated annually, is free and available from the Department of Natural Resources website and at license vendors.

Deer season: archery, firearms, and muzzleloader dates

Deer season in South Carolina is split into three separate periods based on the weapon you're using. Archery season typically opens in mid-August and runs through the end of the year. Firearms season (rifle and shotgun) usually begins in mid-October and closes in early January. Muzzleloader season is the shortest, typically running for two to three weeks in late December or early January, depending on the year.

The exact dates vary slightly each year and sometimes by region within the state. Some counties have slightly different opening or closing dates, so you need to check the current year's guide for your specific hunting area. The Department of Natural Resources website lists the dates by county, and most sporting goods stores that sell licenses have printed copies of the guide available for free.

Bag limits for deer are typically two per day during firearms season and one per day during archery and muzzleloader seasons, though this can vary. You're also required to wear blaze orange during firearms season in most areas. Check the guide for your county's specific rules on antler restrictions, doe days, and any special hunts that may apply to your area.

Waterfowl seasons: ducks, geese, and teal

Waterfowl seasons are more tightly regulated than deer seasons and typically run from November through January. Duck season usually opens in early November and closes in late January. Goose season is often shorter, sometimes running only from November through December. Teal season is an early, separate hunt that opens in September and closes within a few weeks.

To hunt waterfowl in South Carolina, you need a hunting license plus a Migratory Bird Stamp. The stamp is inexpensive and available wherever hunting licenses are sold. Bag limits for ducks are typically four per day, but the specific species you can take varies by week—the guide breaks this down in detail, and it changes based on federal regulations.

Waterfowl hunting is restricted to specific hours, usually from sunrise to sunset, and only certain weapons are legal (shotguns with non-toxic shot, typically). Hunting is allowed only on certain days of the week in some areas, so check your county's rules before you plan a trip.

Upland game: quail, pheasant, and grouse

Upland game seasons in South Carolina typically run from November through February. Quail season is the longest, usually opening in mid-November and closing in late February. Pheasant season is shorter, typically running from late November through early January. Grouse season is the shortest, usually just a few weeks in late fall.

Bag limits vary by species. Quail limits are typically 12 per day, pheasant limits around 3 per day, and grouse limits around 3 per day, though these numbers can shift. You can hunt upland game with a shotgun or .22 rifle in most cases, but check the guide for your specific county, as some areas have restrictions on which weapons are legal.

Upland game seasons often overlap with deer season, so if you're hunting both, make sure you understand the blaze orange requirements and weapon restrictions for each. Some areas require blaze orange even during upland game season, while others do not.

Small game: rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons

Small game seasons in South Carolina are the longest and most flexible. Squirrel season typically runs from mid-August through February. Rabbit season usually opens in November and runs through February. Raccoon season is year-round in most areas, though there are specific regulations for hunting with dogs and for night hunting.

Bag limits for squirrels are typically 10 per day, and for rabbits around 10 per day as well. Raccoon hunting is often done at night with dogs, and there are separate rules for that method—check the guide if you plan to hunt raccoons. You can hunt small game with a .22 rifle, shotgun, or air rifle in most cases, depending on the species and your county.

Small game seasons overlap heavily with deer and upland game seasons, so blaze orange requirements still apply in many areas during the fall and winter. Read your county's specific rules to avoid confusion.

Where to find the official dates and rules

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources publishes the official hunting guide each year, usually in late August or early September. The guide is available as a free PDF on the DNR website (dnr.sc.gov) and is also printed and distributed at all hunting license vendors, including sporting goods stores, Walmart, and outdoor retailers across the state.

The guide includes exact opening and closing dates for all seasons, bag limits, legal weapons, blaze orange requirements, and county-specific rules. It also covers licensing requirements, how to obtain tags, and special hunts or seasons that may apply to your area. The guide is organized by county, so you can quickly find the rules for where you plan to hunt.

You can also call the DNR directly at their main office or visit a regional office if you have questions about a specific season or county. Many license vendors can answer basic questions about seasons and bag limits as well.

Licensing and tags: what you need before you go

Before you hunt anything in South Carolina, you must have a valid hunting license. Licenses are available online through the DNR website, at sporting goods stores, Walmart, and other retailers. A resident hunting license typically costs less than $20 for a year, and non-resident licenses are higher. You can also buy short-term licenses (3-day or 7-day) if you're visiting.

Some hunts require additional stamps or tags beyond the basic license. Waterfowl hunting requires a Migratory Bird Stamp. Deer hunting may require a deer tag, depending on the season and your county. Some special hunts or seasons require additional permits. Check the current year's guide or ask at the license vendor to make sure you have everything you need.

Licenses and stamps are inexpensive and can be purchased online or in person. If you buy online, print your license and carry it with you when you hunt. If you buy in person, the vendor will give you a physical license or stamp to carry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does deer season start in South Carolina?

Archery season typically opens in mid-August, firearms season in mid-October, and muzzleloader season in late December. The exact dates vary by year and sometimes by county, so check the current year's hunting guide from the Department of Natural Resources for your specific area.

Do I need a license to hunt on private land?

Yes, you need a valid hunting license to hunt anywhere in South Carolina, including private land you own or have permission to hunt. The license is inexpensive and available online or at most sporting goods stores.

What's the bag limit for deer in South Carolina?

Bag limits vary by season and sometimes by county. During firearms season, the limit is typically two per day. During archery and muzzleloader seasons, it's usually one per day. Check your county's specific rules in the official hunting guide, as some areas have different limits or antler restrictions.

Can I hunt waterfowl without a Migratory Bird Stamp?

No, you need both a hunting license and a Migratory Bird Stamp to hunt ducks, geese, or other migratory birds in South Carolina. The stamp is inexpensive and available wherever hunting licenses are sold.

Where can I find the exact dates for this year's seasons?

The official South Carolina hunting guide, published by the Department of Natural Resources, lists all opening and closing dates by season and county. It's available as a free PDF on the DNR website (dnr.sc.gov) and in print at sporting goods stores, Walmart, and other license vendors.