South Carolina Hunting Seasons 2023 New Dates & Laws!

You will get an email with your license details when you buy your license online. You are free to hunt or fish with this email. You may use this license when hunting or fishing if you chose to get a copy of it by mail. Download our mobile app, Go Outdoors South Carolina, load your customer profile, and sync your licenses to the app. This serves as a valid hunting and/or fishing license if you have already purchased a license in any other way.

The hunting season in South Carolina runs from August through February, depending on the species. Archery and rifle deer hunting seasons run from September through January. From September through November, elk and bear hunting has archery and gun seasons. Waterfowl hunting for ducks, geese, and other waterfowl occurs from September to January, while small game hunting for rabbits, squirrels, and more is from October to February.

White-tailed deer, feral pigs (invasive), black bears (especially in the mountains), waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.), and small game like rabbits and squirrels are the most popular game species hunted in South Carolina during the hunting season. Each species brings distinct hunting problems and possibilities. Turkeys, quail, and doves are other common South Carolina game species. The state’s species richness offers for diverse hunting experiences dependent on availability and laws.

You must be 16 and have a South Carolina driver’s license or identity card to get a hunting license for the season. Hunter education is required for anyone born after June 30, 1979. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website has the course. You may buy a hunting license online, via mail, or through a licensing agent. The license type and species you hunt determine the fee. Resident, nonresident, elderly, handicapped, and lifelong permits are available. The hunting license must be shown when hunting on public property.

The South Carolina hunting season allows non-residents, although there are rules. Non-resident hunting permits cost extra and may not be available for all animals. Additionally, non-residents frequently have lesser tag limitations than citizens. Non-residents may be disadvantaged when drawing for hunting licenses. For current non-resident hunting rules, see the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

South Carolina hunting season allows different tactics based on species and area. Archery, shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader, handgun, and crossbow are common tactics. Hunting dogs are permitted with limits. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources offers accurate and updated information on hunting tactics, which differ per game.

Yes, the South Carolina hunting season offers various youth-specific hunting opportunities to introduce kids to hunting safely and enjoyably. Youth Deer, Turkey, and Waterfowl Hunts are available for 16- and 15-year-olds. For youth 12 and younger, the Youth Hunting Mentoring Program matches them with seasoned hunters. Young hunters must fulfill qualifying standards, have a juvenile hunting license, and be accompanied by a licensed adult mentor.

Through the SC Game Check app to report your harvested game in South Carolina during hunting season. When ready to report, input species, date and time of harvest, location, tag number (if relevant), sex, animal age (if known), and harvest technique into your personal account. You may also report to SC Game Check by mail or by phoning 1-833-4SC-GAME. You must report the kill within 24 hours with your hunting license, tags, and documentation of the kill (picture or tag). Reporting promptly and accurately helps preserve game populations.

The severity of hunting offences in South Carolina determines the penalty. Hunting without a license, hunting out of season, using illegal weapons, killing an animal without permission, and messing with animals are common offenses. Class 1 through Class 3 offenses carry 30-day prison sentences and $1,000 fines. Violators risk hunting license suspension or revocation. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or wildlife officers may provide current hunting restrictions and fines. Following these guidelines preserves safe and responsible hunting in the state.