South Carolina Hunting Season 2025-2026 – Dates, Licenses & Game Zones
Welcome to the ultimate guide for outdoor enthusiasts planning their South Carolina adventures this year! Whether you’re a lifelong Palmetto State resident or traveling from out of state, this comprehensive breakdown covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 game calendar. From deer and turkey to waterfowl and small game, we’ve got the dates, permit requirements, bag limits, and zone information that’ll help you make the most of your time in the field.
The beautiful thing about hunting in South Carolina is the diversity – you’ve got coastal marshlands perfect for ducks and geese, dense forests teeming with whitetails, and mountain regions where bear roam. With over 1.1 million acres of public land available and some of the longest seasons in the Southeast, there’s something here for every type of hunter.
Let’s dive into what makes the 2025-2026 schedule special and how you can maximize your opportunities this year.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your at-a-glance overview of the biggest opportunities coming up:
Peak Opportunities:
- Deer Season: August 15 – January 1 (varies by zone)
- Turkey Season: April 3 – May 3, 2025
- Dove Season: September 1 – October 4, 2025 (first split)
- Duck Season: November 22 – January 31, 2026 (split seasons)
- Bear Season: October 11-30, 2025 (Zones 1 & 4)
Youth Hunters: Special early opportunities in August and extended days in January across all zones.
The state operates on a four-zone system, and private land often has different rules than Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), so pay close attention to where you’re planning to hunt.
Big Game Hunting: Deer, Bear, and More
Whitetail Deer Seasons by Game Zone
South Carolina’s deer population of around 730,000 offers excellent opportunities with relatively low pressure compared to neighboring states. Here’s the breakdown by zone:
| Game Zone | Private Land Dates | WMA Dates | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Oct 1-10: Primitive Weapons Oct 11-Jan 1: Firearms | Oct 1-10: Primitive Weapons Oct 17-30: Archery Only Oct 11-16 & Oct 31-Jan 1: Still Gun | All legal methods |
| Zone 2 | Sep 15-30: Archery Only Oct 1-10: Primitive Weapons Oct 11-Jan 1: Firearms | Sep 15-30: Archery Only Oct 1-10: Primitive Weapons Oct 11-Jan 1: Still Gun | Archery, Muzzleloader, Firearms |
| Zone 3 | Aug 15-Jan 1: All Methods | Sep 15-30: Archery Only Oct 1-Jan 1: Still Gun | Archery and Firearms |
| Zone 4 | Aug 15-31: Archery Only Sep 1-Jan 1: All Methods | Sep 15-Oct 10: Archery Only Oct 11-Jan 1: Still Gun | Archery and Firearms |
Bag Limits: 2 antlered deer per day (5 per season), 5 antlerless per day (no season limit)
Youth Opportunities: Special youth days on August 9 (Zones 3 & 4), September 13 (Zone 2), September 27 (Zone 1), and January 3 statewide.
Black Bear Season
The 2025 season brings exciting changes thanks to Act No. 46, which expanded bear opportunities:
| Zone | Still Hunt (No Dogs) | Party Dog Hunts |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | October 11-16, 2025 | October 17-30, 2025 |
| Zone 4 | October 17-30, 2025 | Not Available |
Important Changes: The new regulations extend still hunting on private lands to a full two weeks in Zone 1, while party dog hunts now run for two weeks on both private and WMA lands. Registration for party dog hunts is no longer required.
Bag Limit: 1 bear per individual, 5 per hunting party
Turkey Hunting Schedule
Spring gobbler season remains consistent statewide, which makes planning easier for those who want to hunt multiple areas:
| Season Type | Dates | Bag Limit | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Season | April 3 – May 3, 2025 | 2 gobblers per season | Max 1 per day, max 1 before April 10 |
Special Notes: Some WMAs have additional restrictions, so check specific property regulations before hunting. The new regulation limiting hunters to one gobbler before April 10 helps protect breeding success during peak mating activity.
Furbearer and Year-Round Opportunities
Always Open Seasons
- Feral Hogs: No closed season (special WMA rules apply)
- Coyotes: No closed season, no bag limit
Fox Hunting
| Land Type | Season Dates | Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Private Lands | Mar 2-Nov 27: Dogs only Nov 27-Mar 1: All methods Mar 2-Nov 26: Dogs only | Dogs and firearms |
| WMAs | Sep 2-Nov 26: Dogs/night only Nov 27-Feb 28: All methods/night only | Night hunting permitted |
Small Game Calendar
Upland Birds and Small Game
| Species | Private Land Season | WMA Season | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quail | Mar 2-Nov 23: Dogs only Nov 24-Mar 1: All methods | Sep 1-15: Dogs only Nov 24-Feb 28: All methods | 12 birds |
| Squirrel | Mar 2-Sep 30: Dogs only Oct 1-Mar 1: All methods | Sep 1-15: Dogs only Oct 1-Feb 28: All methods | 10 per day |
| Rabbit | Mar 2-Nov 26: Dogs only Nov 27-Mar 1: All methods | Sep 1-15: Dogs only Nov 27-Feb 28: All methods | 5 per day |
| Grouse (Zone 1 only) | Nov 27-Mar 1, 2026 | Nov 27-Feb 28, 2026 | 3 per day |
Youth Opportunities: Special youth-only days for quail (November 22), rabbit (March 7), and squirrel (September 27).
Complete Waterfowl Season Schedule
South Carolina’s coastal location makes it a prime destination for waterfowl hunters. Here’s the complete federal and state framework:
Ducks, Geese, and Other Waterfowl
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sep 1-Oct 4, 2025 Nov 15-29, 2025 Dec 22, 2025-Jan 31, 2026 | 15 birds |
| Early Teal | September 20-28, 2025 | 6 birds |
| Ducks/Coots/Mergansers | Nov 22-29, 2025 Dec 12, 2025-Jan 31, 2026 | 6 ducks, 15 coots, 5 mergansers |
| Canada Geese | Sep 1-30: 15 per day Nov 22-29, Dec 12-Jan 31, Feb 15-Mar 1: 5 per day | Variable |
| Snow/Blue Geese | Nov 22-29, 2025 Dec 12-Jan 31, 2026 Feb 15-Mar 1, 2026 | No federal limit |
| Woodcock | December 18, 2025-January 31, 2026 | 3 birds |
| Common Snipe | November 14, 2025-February 28, 2026 | 8 birds |
Required Permits: Federal Duck Stamp and South Carolina Migratory Bird Permit required for all waterfowl hunting.
Specialty Game and Unique Opportunities
Alligator Hunting
Available by lottery only. New for 2025: Slot tags allow harvest of alligators between 4-8 feet in length, with restricted methods (no harpoons or bows). Traditional tags still available for larger alligators.
Application Period: Typically opens in spring for fall hunts
Bag Limit: 1 per permit
Marsh Game
| Species | Season | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Marsh Hens/Rails | Sep 18-22 & Oct 16-Dec 19 | 15 King/Clapper, 25 Sora/Virginia |
| Moorhens/Gallinules | Sep 8-12 & Oct 6-Dec 9 | 15 total |
Understanding South Carolina’s Hunting Zones
The state divides into four distinct game zones, each with different terrain and regulations:
Zone 1: Northwestern counties including Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville (northern portion), and Spartanburg. Mountainous terrain, bear habitat.
Zone 2: Pickens, Oconee, and southern Greenville County. Rolling hills and mixed forests.
Zone 3: Central counties including Richland, Lexington, and the Columbia area. Mixed pine and hardwood forests.
Zone 4: Eastern coastal plain counties. Flat terrain, agricultural areas, excellent waterfowl habitat.
Find Your Zone: Use the SCDNR Public Lands Application or WMA maps to confirm which zone covers your hunting area.
Licenses, Tags, and Permit Requirements
Basic License Structure
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Youth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting | $12.00 | $125.00 | $6.00 |
| 3-Day Non-Resident | N/A | $50.00 | N/A |
| WMA Permit | $30.50 | $91.50 | $15.25 |
| Big Game Permit | $6.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 |
Required Add-Ons and Stamps
- Migratory Bird Permit: Required for all waterfowl hunting
- Federal Duck Stamp: Required for waterfowl (ages 16+)
- Bear Tag: Required for bear hunting in Zones 1 & 4
- Turkey Tag: Included with hunting license
Military Discounts: Active duty military receive reduced rates on resident licenses.
Where to Buy: Purchase online at GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com or at any licensed agent location.
Hunter Education: Required for all hunters born after June 30, 1979. Out-of-state certifications accepted.
South Carolina Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: Can I hunt on private land without a WMA permit?
A: Yes, WMA permits are only required for hunting on designated Wildlife Management Areas and Heritage Preserves.
Q: What’s the difference between “still gun” and regular gun hunting?
A: Still gun hunting prohibits the use of dogs and typically involves stand hunting or still hunting methods.
Q: Do I need permission to hunt within 300 yards of a residence?
A: Yes, you must have permission from both the owner and occupant when hunting with firearms within 300 yards of a residence while less than 10 feet above ground.
Q: Can I use crossbows during archery-only seasons?
A: Crossbows are legal during all archery seasons for all hunters, regardless of age or physical condition.
Q: Are there Sunday hunting restrictions?
A: Sunday hunting is legal on private property and most WMAs, but check specific WMA regulations as some may have restrictions.
Q: What’s the penalty for hunting without a license?
A: Fines start at $200-500 for first offenses, plus court costs and potential license suspension.
Q: Can I transport loaded firearms in my vehicle?
A: Loaded firearms must be unloaded when transported in or on a motor vehicle, except for certain exemptions on private property.
Essential Resources and Related Information
Official Sources:
Planning Your Multi-State Adventure:
If you’re considering expanding your hunting horizons, check out hunting opportunities in Georgia for additional waterfowl opportunities, or explore the diverse terrain and extended seasons available in North Carolina for mountain and coastal hunting experiences.
WMA Information:
- Public Lands Application
- Specific WMA regulations vary – always check individual property rules
Wrapping Up Your 2025-2026 Game Plan
South Carolina offers one of the most diverse and accessible hunting experiences in the Southeast. With seasons running from August through March for various species, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to fill your freezer and create lasting memories.
The key to success is planning ahead – especially for popular WMAs that fill up quickly, and specialty hunts like bear and alligator that require advance applications. Don’t forget that youth hunters get some of the best opportunities with special seasons and extended dates.
Remember to double-check all dates and regulations before heading afield, as emergency regulations can sometimes modify published seasons. Purchase your licenses early, scout your areas thoroughly, and always prioritize safety in the field.
Whether you’re chasing your first South Carolina deer, trying to call in a Lowcountry gobbler, or working the marshes for ducks, the Palmetto State has something special waiting for you this season. Bookmark this guide and check back for updates throughout the year – tight lines and straight shooting!
