The Guide to South Carolina Hunting Seasons 2026

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 March 17, 2026

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. 

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. 

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). HuntWise also delivers ideal wind and weather forecasting, real-time animal behavior predictors, and private landowner 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 Pro and Elite features free for a week!

Content reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details March 17, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about the South Carolina hunting seasons!

Q: Can you hunt on Sunday in SC for deer?

A: Yes. In South Carolina, Sunday hunting is allowed on private land statewide. On public land, it depends on specific WMA (Wildlife Management Area) rules.

Q: Can you hunt deer out of season on your own property?

A: No, in general, you can't hunt deer out of season on your own property. Deer must be hunted during established seasons. However, special depredation permits may allow taking deer outside the season if they are causing property damage.

Q: Can you shoot 2 bucks in a day in SC?

A: Yes, it's possible. South Carolina has a statewide limit of 2 bucks per day, but you must stay within your season limit (typically 3–5 bucks total depending on tags/zone). So yes, you can shoot two bucks in a day if you have tags available, but not beyond your total allowed harvest.

Q: Can you bait deer on public land in SC?

A: No. Baiting is illegal on public land. It is allowed on private land in many areas, but regulations can vary by county/zone.

Q: What is the best county in South Carolina for deer hunting?

A: In South Carolina, top counties often mentioned include Orangeburg County, Bamberg County, and Fairfield County. These areas are known for high deer density and strong harvest numbers, though “best” depends on access, land quality, and hunting pressure.