South Carolina Hunting Calendar 2025 – Wildlife Zones & Dates
Planning your outdoor adventures in the Palmetto State requires knowing when and where you can pursue various wildlife. South Carolina offers diverse opportunities for sportsmen and women across its picturesque landscape – from the mountainous upstate to the coastal lowlands. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need about the latest hunting regulations, season dates, and licensing requirements for South Carolina’s 2025 sporting calendar.
South Carolina Hunting Seasons at a Glance
Whether you’re tracking whitetail deer through hardwood forests, calling wild turkeys in spring, or pursuing waterfowl along coastal wetlands, South Carolina offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. The state divides hunting regulations across four distinct game zones, each with specific dates and requirements to manage wildlife populations effectively.
| Species | Season Dates | Hunting Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Deer (Private Lands) | Aug 15 – Jan 1 (varies by zone) | Archery, Primitive Weapons, Firearms |
| Turkey | April 3 – May 3 | Shotgun, Bow |
| Bear (Game Zone 1 only) | Oct 17 – Oct 23 | Firearms |
| Wild Hog | Year-round | Varies by property |
| Small Game | Varies by species | Firearms, Bow |
| Waterfowl | Follows federal frameworks | Shotgun |
| Alligator | Sep 14 – Oct 12 | Restricted methods |
🦌 Big Game Hunting: Deer Season
South Carolina’s whitetail population provides excellent opportunities for hunters across all game zones. With approximately 730,000 deer and relatively low hunting pressure compared to neighboring states, your chances of success are promising.
2025 Deer Seasons by Zone and Method
Game Zone 1 (Mountain Region)
- Archery Only: September 15 – September 30
- Primitive Weapons: October 1 – October 10
- Gun Hunts: October 11 – January 1
Game Zones 2-4
- Archery: August 15 – January 1
- Gun Hunts: Various dates (earlier in coastal zones)
Important regulations include:
- Five deer tags included with hunting license (2 antlerless, 3 unrestricted)
- Optional antlerless tags available for $5 each
- Optional restricted antlered (buck) tags available for $5 each (4 points on one side or 12″ inside spread minimum)
- Sunday hunting allowed on private lands
- Youth Deer Hunt Day: September 14, 2025
Many hunters begin pursuing deer with archery equipment in mid-August, gradually transitioning to firearms as the rut intensifies in October and November. The varied terrain across game zones offers different hunting experiences – from mountain stands in the Upstate to agricultural field edges in the Midlands and swamp hunting along the coast.
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring Opportunities
Turkey hunting in South Carolina provides challenging and rewarding experiences for those who enjoy calling these wary birds within range.
Spring 2025 Turkey Season:
- Statewide (private lands): April 3 – May 3
- Wildlife Management Areas: April 3 – May 3 (some WMAs may have restrictions)
- Bag limit: 2 gobblers per season, no more than 1 per day
- Pre-season restriction: No more than 1 gobbler before April 10
- Harvest of juvenile turkeys (jakes) is prohibited
Turkey tags cost $5 for residents and are required in addition to a hunting license and big game permit. Youth hunters and Lifetime/Senior/Gratis/Disability licensees receive tags for free by requesting them annually.
Notable changes for the 2025 season include a statewide standardized season, reduced bag limits, and the prohibition on harvesting jakes to help sustain turkey populations for future generations. Additionally, “reaping” (using a turkey decoy to stalk birds) is now illegal statewide.
🐻 Bear Hunting Opportunities
Bear hunting is only permitted in Game Zone 1, which encompasses the mountain region of northwestern South Carolina, including portions of Oconee, Pickens, and Greenville counties.
2025 Bear Season:
- Still Hunt (No Dogs): October 17 – October 23
- Bear tags: $25 for adult residents
- Youth under 16: Free bear tags available at SCDNR offices
- Limit: 1 bear per hunter per season
Bear hunters must possess a valid hunting license, big game permit, and WMA permit if hunting on Wildlife Management Areas.
🦊 Furbearer and Small Game Seasons
Small game hunting remains popular in South Carolina, offering extended seasons and liberal bag limits for various species.
Small Game Seasons (approximate dates):
| Species | Season | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | October 1 – March 1 | 10 per day |
| Rabbit | November 26 – March 1 | 5 per day |
| Quail | November 22 – March 1 | 12 per day |
| Raccoon & Opossum | Year-round on private land | No limit on private land |
| Fox | December 1 – January 1 | No limit |
| Beaver | Year-round | No limit |
| Coyote | Year-round | No limit |
Trapping season for furbearers typically runs from December 1 through March 1. A commercial fur harvester’s license ($25) is required for anyone who traps or sells furs.
🦆 Waterfowl Hunting
South Carolina’s coastal regions and inland waterways provide prime habitat for migrating waterfowl, making it a destination for duck and goose hunters.
Waterfowl Season (follows federal frameworks):
- Early teal: Mid-September
- Regular duck season: Late November – Late January (split seasons)
- Canada goose: September and regular seasons
- Snow goose: October – March
Requirements include:
- Hunting license
- State Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) – No cost
- State Migratory Waterfowl Permit (Duck Stamp) – $15.50
- Federal Duck Stamp – $28.00
Hunters should consult the complete SCDNR regulations for specific season dates, shooting hours, and bag limits before heading afield.
🐊 Additional Game Species
Alligator Hunting:
- Season: September 14 – October 12, 2025
- Requires special application and permit
- Limited quotas by management units
Dove Hunting:
- Early Season: September 2 – October 7
- Late Seasons: November 23 – November 30 and December 21 – January 31
- Daily bag limit: 15 birds
Wild Hog:
- No closed season on private lands
- Specific regulations apply on Wildlife Management Areas
- No bag limits on private land
🗺️ South Carolina Hunting Zones
South Carolina is divided into four game zones, each with specific regulations and seasons:
- Game Zone 1: Mountain regions of Oconee, Pickens, and Greenville counties
- Game Zone 2: Piedmont region including Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, and other upstate counties
- Game Zone 3: Midlands and coastal plain including Aiken, Allendale, Berkeley, Charleston, and other counties
- Game Zone 4: Pee Dee region including Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, and other northeastern counties
You can view detailed maps of these zones on the SCDNR website or through their mobile app.
🎟️ License Requirements and Costs
All hunters need appropriate licenses and permits before heading afield. Here’s what you need to know:
Resident License Options:
- Annual State Hunting License: $12
- Big Game Permit: $6 (required for deer, turkey, and bear)
- Wildlife Management Area Permit: $30.50 (for hunting WMA lands)
- Combination License (hunting, big game, freshwater fishing): $25
- Sportsman License (includes WMA permit): $50
Non-Resident License Fees:
- Annual Hunting License: $125
- 10-Day Hunting License: $75
- Big Game Permit: $100
- Wildlife Management Area Permit: $76
Youth Licenses:
- Junior Sportsman License (16-17 years): $16
- Children under 16: No license required when accompanied by a licensed adult
Special Licenses:
- Senior Lifetime License (64+): $9
- Disability Licenses: Available at no cost with proper documentation
Licenses can be purchased online through the SC DNR Go Outdoors portal, at authorized license agents, or by calling 1-866-714-3611.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need hunter education certification?
A: Yes, if you were born after June 30, 1979, you must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays in South Carolina?
A: Yes, Sunday hunting is allowed on private lands. Some WMAs may have restrictions.
Q: Are there special seasons for youth hunters?
A: Yes, South Carolina offers Youth Hunting Days for deer, turkey, and waterfowl. These provide opportunities for young hunters under adult supervision before the regular seasons.
Q: Is night hunting allowed in South Carolina?
A: Night hunting is prohibited for most game species. However, raccoons, opossums, foxes, mink, and skunk may be hunted at night. Coyotes and hogs may be hunted at night on private lands with certain restrictions.
Q: Can I bait deer in South Carolina?
A: Yes, baiting is legal on private lands in all game zones.
Related Resources
Looking for more information? Check out these related resources:
- Deer Hunting Guides
- Georgia Hunting Seasons
- North Carolina Hunting Seasons
Plan Your South Carolina Hunting Adventure Today
From the challenging mountain terrain in the northwest to the sprawling coastal marshes in the east, South Carolina offers diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife for hunters of all experience levels. Remember to always check the latest regulations, obtain appropriate permits, and scout your hunting areas well in advance.
Whether you’re pursuing whitetails in October, calling spring turkeys, or wading for waterfowl, the Palmetto State provides memorable outdoor experiences throughout the year. Get your gear ready, purchase your licenses, and experience the sporting traditions that make South Carolina such a special destination for hunters.
