South Carolina Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
Explore the vast hunting opportunities that the South Carolina hunting season offers. From a fantastic deer season to some of the most fun small game hunts in the U.S., South Carolina offers some memorable hunting.
Hunting licenses and permits are required for particular game. Legal hunting time for deer is between 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset. It’s unlawful to hunt or shoot at deer from any water conveyance or shoot at deer while any part of the deer is in water.
South Carolina hunting licenses can be purchased over the phone by calling the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, online at DNR’s website, or at any of the 500 licensing agents in the state. For nonresidents, licenses can be purchased through the same methods, but expect to pay nonresident fees.
South Carolina is divided up into four distinct hunting zones (in the past, the state was divided into six areas). The hunting seasons for each zone are detailed out to the right. Seasons in each zone may overlap and details for each can be found below.
South Carolina is a hidden gem of hunting ground. The southern hospitality, scenery around the foothills of the mountains, and fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean make this state a great destination for any hunter.
South Carolina Deer Seasons for Private Lands
| Youth Hunt | Aug. 12** Sept. 9** Sept. 30** |
| Primitive Weapons | Oct. 1-10 |
| Archery | Aug. 15-Sept. 30** |
| Gun Hunts | Aug. 15-Jan. 1** |
**Hunting dates may further differ in specific wildlife management areas (WMAs) within a zone. Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for more information.
South Carolina Bear Hunts for Public Lands
| Still Hunt (No Dogs) | Oct. 17-23** |
| Party Dog Hunt | Oct. 24-30** |
Bear hunting is heavily regulated in South Carolina, and hunters must obtain specific bear tags/permits to harvest a bear — while most permits have a fee, youth bear hunters can obtain a tag for free. Nonresidents should expect to pay higher bear permit fees than South Carolina residents.
South Carolina Turkey Seasons for Public Lands
| Spring General Season | April 1-May 10** |
| Spring Youth Hunt | March 16-17 |
South Carolina turkey bag limites vary by region and hunter age. Residents are generally able to harvest more turkey than nonresidents.
South Carolina Small Game Seasons for Public Lands
| Crow | Nov. 1-March 1 |
| Quail | Sept. 1-15 Nov. 20-March 1 |
| Rabbit | Sept. 1-15 Nov. 23-March 1 |
| Squirrel | Sept. 1-15 Oct. 1-March 1 |
| Fox | Sept. 1-Nov. 23 Nov. 23-March 1 |
| Beaver | Year-round on private land Oct. 2-March 1 |
| Grouse | Nov. 23-March 1 |
| Raccoon and Opossum | Sept. 1-March 1 |
**Season dates vary by location and hunting with or without dogs. For more information, be sure to check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for South Carolina hunting seasons vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.