South Carolina Hunting Seasons 2023 [Important Guide!]

Our goal was to make the most straightforward guide possible to the South Carolina hunting seasons for 2023. Want to know when the seasons are, what the rules and bag limits are, what the licensing requirements are, and where to discover useful links?

Find out more about the numerous hunting options that South Carolina’s hunting season provides. South Carolina has some of the most enjoyable small game hunts in the country, in addition to a wonderful deer season.

For certain game, hunting licenses and permits are necessary. Deer can be legally hunted between one hour before sunrise and one hour after dusk. Hunting, shooting, or shooting at deer when any portion of the animal is submerged in water are all prohibited.

Hunting permits for South Carolina can be obtained over the phone by contacting the state’s Department of Natural Resources, online at the DNR’s website, or in person at any of the state’s 500 licensing offices. The same procedures can be used to obtain licenses for non-residents, but be prepared to pay nonresident fees.

South Carolina Hunting Seasons 2023

South Carolina Hunting Seasons
South Carolina Hunting Seasons

There are four unique hunting zones in South Carolina (in the past, the state was divided into six areas). Each zone’s hunting seasons are listed in detail on the right. Details for each zone’s seasons, which may overlap, are provided below.

An undiscovered hunting treasure is South Carolina. This state is a terrific hunting destination because of the warm southern hospitality, beautiful landscape in the mountain foothills, and breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Seasons for hunting deer in South Carolina.

South Carolina Deer Hunting Seasons (Zones)Season Starting DateSeason End DateLocation
Zone 4 Archery PrivateMonday-August 15, 2022Wednesday-August 31, 2022Zone 4 private lands.
Zone 3 Archery & Gun PrivateMonday-August 15, 2022Sunday-January 1, 2023Zone 3 private lands.
Zone 4 Gun PrivateThursday-September 1, 2022Sunday-January 1, 2023Zone 4 private lands.
Zone 4 WMA ArcheryThursday-September 15, 2022Monday-October 10, 2022Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 3 WMA ArcheryThursday-September 15, 2022Friday-September 30, 2022Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 2 WMA ArcheryThursday-September 15, 2022Friday-September 30, 2022Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 2 Archery PrivateThursday-September 15, 2022Friday-September 30, 2022Zone 2 private lands.
Zone 2 Primitive PrivateSaturday-October 1, 2022Monday-October 10, 2022Zone 2 private lands.
Zone 4 WMA PrimitiveSaturday-October 1, 2022Sunday-January 1, 2023Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 2 WMA PrimitiveSaturday-October 1, 2022Monday-October 10, 2022Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 1 WMA PrimitiveSaturday-October 1, 2022Monday-October 10, 2022Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 3 WMA GunSaturday-October 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 1 Primitive PrivateSaturday-October 1, 2022Monday-October 10, 2022Personal property in Zone 1.
Zone 2 Gun PrivateTuesday-October 11, 2022Sunday-January 1, 2023Zone 2 private lands.
Zone 2 WMA GunTuesday-October 11, 2022Sunday-January 1, 2023Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 1 WMA Gun 2Tuesday-October 11, 2022Sunday-January 1, 2023Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 1 Gun PrivateTuesday-October 11, 2022Sunday-January 1, 2023Personal property in Zone 1.
Zone 4 WMA GunTuesday-October 11, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 1 WMA Gun 1Tuesday-October 11, 2022Saturday-October 15, 2022Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
Zone 1 WMA ArcheryMonday-October 17, 2022Saturday-October 29, 2022Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.
WMA Youth Hunt DaySaturday-January 7, 2023Saturday-January 7, 2023Certain WMAs may have different bag restrictions and seasons. For further information, please see the rules.

For complete details on youth Deer hunting you may read our article ‘SC Youth Day Deer Hunt‘.

Regulations for deer hunting.

  • Every deer killed in a hunting area must have a valid deer tag attached to it before being removed from the killing area. The tag has to remain on until the deer is quartered or the body is sent to a processor.
  • The authorized time to shoot deer is from 12 hours before sunrise to 12 hours after dusk (50-11-710).
  • The use of dogs to track deer is prohibited in Game Zones 1 and 2. (50-11-310).
  • No motorboat, raft, or other watercraft may be used for hunting, shooting, or killing a deer.
  • Any deer whose head has been removed while the animal is being taken from the site of the crime is illegal to possess (50-11-400).
  • Hunting deer within 300 yards of a residence with a rifle within 10 feet of the ground is banned unless permission is given by the owner and the occupants. The provisions of this section do not apply to landowners who hunt on their own property or who take deer with the authorization of a department permit.
  • Archery, muzzleloaders, crossbows, and pneumatic weapons are all fair game during gun hunts.

Bear hunting seasons in South Carolina.

South Carolina Bear Hunting SeasonsSeason Starting DateSeason End DateZonesLocation
BearMonday-October 17, 2022Sunday-October 30, 2022Still Hunt Zone 2Only on private property south of Game Zone 1 in Spartanburg and parts of Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens counties. Statewide limit: one bear; no sow with cubs; no bears weighing less than 100 pounds.
BearMonday-October 17, 2022Sunday-October 30, 2022Still Hunt Zone 4Game Zone 4's private property (Georgetown, Horry, Marion, and Williamsburg counties only). One bear per state, no sows with cubs, and no bears weighing less than 100 pounds.
BearMonday-October 17, 2022Sunday-October 23, 2022Still Hunt Zone 1Statewide Limit: 1 bear; no sow with cubs, no bears weighing less than 100 pounds. Private land in Game Zone 1.
BearMonday-October 24, 2022Sunday-October 30, 2022Party Dog Hunt Zone 1Statewide Limit: 1 bear; no sow with cubs, no bears weighing less than 100 pounds. Private land in Game Zone 1.

Seasons for hunting doves, ducks, and geese in South Carolina.

South Carolina Dove, Ducks and Goose Hunting SeasonsZonesSeason Starting DateSeason End DateLocation
DoveGeneral 1Saturday-September 3, 2022Saturday-October 8, 2022The daily bag limit is 15. Early in the season, only afternoon hunts are permitted.
DoveGeneral 2Saturday-November 12, 2022Saturday-November 26, 2022The daily bag limit is 15.
DoveGeneral 3Saturday-December 24, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023The daily bag limit is 15.
DuckEarly TealFriday-September 9, 2022Saturday-September 24, 2022Limit of six bags per day.
DuckPart 1Saturday-November 19, 2022Saturday-November 26, 2022Limit of six bags per day. Specific duck species have different limits. For further information, consult the rules.
DuckPart 2Monday-December 12, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Limit of six bags per day. Specific duck species have different limits. For further information, consult the rules.
GooseEarly Canada GeeseThursday-September 1, 2022Friday-September 30, 2022The daily bag limit is 15.
GooseAll Geese 1Saturday-November 19, 2022Saturday-November 26, 2022Snow, white-fronted geese, and Canada. 5 white-fronted geese per day are allowed in Canada. Two white-fronted geese are the maximum. Bag limit for snow geese is 25 per day.
GooseAll Geese 2Monday-December 12, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Snow, white-fronted geese, and Canada. 5 white-fronted geese per day are allowed in Canada. Two white-fronted geese are the maximum. Bag limit for snow geese is 25 per day.
GooseBrantTuesday-December 13, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
GooseAll Geese 3Wednesday-February 15, 2023Wednesday-March 1, 2023Snow, white-fronted geese, and Canada. 5 white-fronted geese per day are allowed in Canada. Two white-fronted geese are the maximum. Bag limit for snow geese is 25 per day.
GooseGrouseThursday-November 24, 2022Wednesday-March 1, 20233 bags maximum per day.

Seasons for Migratory Birds in South Carolina.

Migratory Bird SeasonsNoteStart DatesEnd Date
Mourning DovesSaturday-September 3, 2022Saturday-October 8, 2022
Saturday-November 12, 2022Saturday-November 26, 2022
Saturday-December 24, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Early Teal(Blue & Green Winged)Friday-September 9, 2022Saturday-September 24, 2022
Ducks (Including Sea Ducks),Saturday-November 19, 2022Saturday-November 26, 2022
American Coots(There is no Open Season on Harlequin Ducks)Monday-December 12, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Canada GeeseSee Migratory Bird General Regulations for Restrictions.Thursday-September 1, 2022Friday-September 30, 2022
Saturday-November 19, 2022Saturday-November 26, 2022
Monday-December 12, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Wednesday-February 15, 2023Wednesday-March 1, 2023
White-fronted Geese & Snow GeeseSaturday-November 19, 2022Saturday-November 26, 2022
Monday-December 12, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Wednesday-February 15, 2023Wednesday-March 1, 2023
Marsh Hens/Rails, Common Moorhens & Purple GallinulesFriday-September 9, 2022Wednesday-September 14, 2022
Friday-October 7, 2022Friday-December 9, 2022
Common SnipeMonday-November 14, 2022Tuesday-February 28, 2023
WoodcockSunday-December 18, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
BrantTuesday-December 13, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
SwansNo Open SeasonNo Open Season
Scaup (Greater & Lesser)2/day1/day
• November 19, 2022 - November 26, 2022
• December 12, 2022 - December 22, 2022
• December 23, 2022 - January 31, 2023

Seasons for hunting quail in South Carolina.

South Carolina Quail Hunting SeasonsSeason Starting DateSeason End DateLocation
Private Land Dogs OnlyWednesday-March 2, 2022Sunday-November 20, 2022All zones have private property.
WMA Dogs OnlyThursday-September 1, 2022Thursday-September 15, 2022All zones WMA.
Private Land Guns & DogsMonday-November 21, 2022Wednesday-March 1, 2023All zones have private property. 12 bags maximum per day.
WMA Guns & DogsMonday-November 21, 2022Wednesday-March 1, 2023All zones WMA. 12 bags maximum per day.

Seasons for hunting rabbits in South Carolina.

South Carolina Rabbit Hunting SeasonsSeason Starting DateSeason End DateLocation
Private Land Dogs OnlyWednesday-March 2, 2022Tuesday-November 22, 2022All zones have private property.
WMA Dogs OnlyThursday-September 1, 2022Thursday-September 15, 2022All zones WMA.
WMA Guns & DogsThursday-November 24, 2022Wednesday-March 1, 2023All zones WMA. 5 bags are allowed per day.
Private Land Guns & DogsThursday-November 24, 2022Wednesday-March 1, 2023All zones have private property. 5 bags are allowed per day.

Seasons for hunting turkeys in South Carolina.

South Carolina Turkey Hunting SeasonsSeason Starting DateSeason End DateLocation
Spring Private 2Wednesday-March 22, 2023Sunday-April 30, 2023Residents may only harvest three gobblers per season and no more than one per day on private property in Game Zones 3 and 4.
Spring WMASaturday-April 1, 2023Saturday-April 29, 2023Statewide WMA lands. Residents are only allowed to take three gobblers every season and one per day.
Spring Private 1Saturday-April 1, 2023Wednesday-May 10, 2023Residents are only allowed to take one gobbler per day and three gobblers per season on private property in Game Zones 1 and 2.

Other Hunting Seasons

South Carolina Hunting SeasonsStart DateEnd DateLocation
AlligatorSaturday-September 10, 2022Saturday-October 8, 2022Southern Coastal, Middle Coast, Midlands, and Pee Dee are the management units.
BobcatThursday-November 24, 2022Wednesday-March 1, 2023There is no restriction.
Coyote – (Statewide Private Lands)Saturday-January 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022No season is off-limits on private property. There is no restriction. Coyote hunting is permitted in WMA during open hunting seasons.

Often Asked Questions on South Carolina Hunting Seasons

Q) What can I do if I purchased my license online but didn’t print my payment receipt?

A: 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.

Q) In South Carolina, is Sunday allowed for hunting?

A: Yes, but only on Sundays on private property in South Carolina.

Q) ON PRIVATE LAND, IS THERE A CALIBER OR MAGAZINE RESTRICTION WHEN HUNTING DEER, HOGS, OR COYOTES?

A: No, there are no restrictions on the caliber or number of magazines for weapons used to hunt deer, pigs, or coyotes on private property.

Q) DO DEER, HOGS, OR COYOTES HAVE A CALIBER OR MAGAZINE RESTRICTION WHEN HUNTING ON WMA LAND?

A: On WMA properties, there are no magazine limitations. For information on the WMA restrictions relating to firearms, see Weapons beginning.

Also Read :

Texas Hunting Season 2022-2023: What’s Open, When & Rules?

Tennessee Hunting Seasons [Important Guide & Regulations]

Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons [Updated Schedule]

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