South Carolina Hunting
As Land Pro experts, we're not only passionate about buying and selling rural real estate, but also about all the activities that go hand in hand with the great outdoors.
Hunting in South Carolina offers a rich and diverse array of opportunities for both residents and non-residents throughout the year. The state's wildlife management practices and hunting seasons are carefully designed to ensure conservation, safety, and sustainable hunting. Here's an overview of the hunting seasons in South Carolina and what you can hunt during each season:
1. Deer Season:
Archery Season: Typically begins in mid-September and runs through mid-January.
Primitive Weapons Season: Opens in early October and extends through mid-January.
Gun Season: Generally starts in mid-August with special youth hunts and then continues through January.
Still Gun Season: Occurs for a few days in early January.
2. Turkey Season:
Spring Turkey Season: Usually runs from early April to early May. This is the prime time to hunt wild turkeys in South Carolina.
Fall Turkey Season: Limited opportunities are available with specific dates set by the Department of Natural Resources.
3. Small Game Season:
Includes a variety of species such as squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, and more.
Generally spans from October to February, with variations in specific species and hunting methods.
4. Waterfowl Season:
South Carolina provides excellent opportunities for waterfowl hunters.
Duck and goose hunting seasons usually run from late November to late January.
Special youth waterfowl hunting days are often scheduled in late January.
5. Dove Season:
Opens in early September, providing great dove hunting opportunities.
6. Alligator Season:
Controlled by lottery permits, this season typically runs from early September to early October.
7. Hog Season:
Feral hogs can be hunted year-round on private land, but specific dates may apply for public lands.
8. Other Game Species:
Bobwhite quail, woodcock, and various non-game species also have specific hunting seasons.
It's important to note that the dates for hunting seasons in South Carolina may vary slightly from year to year, so hunters should always consult the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) website or their official publications for the most up-to-date information and regulations. Additionally, specific rules and bag limits may apply to different regions of the state, so hunters should be familiar with the regulations for their particular hunting area.
Hunting in South Carolina is not only a popular outdoor tradition but also a vital tool for wildlife management and conservation. Hunters play a crucial role in maintaining healthy wildlife populations and supporting the state's rich biodiversity. However, responsible and ethical hunting practices are essential to ensure the sustainability of South Carolina's wildlife resources. Always remember to obtain the necessary licenses and permits, follow safety guidelines, and adhere to hunting regulations to contribute to the preservation and enjoyment of the state's natural resources.
For more information, give our team of experts a call at (803) 549-5322.