South Carolina Duck Season 2026-2027: Dates, Zones & Bag Limits
South Carolina duck season for 2026-2027 offers hunters a split duck season that opens the day before Thanksgiving and carries through the end of January. The Palmetto State runs a single statewide duck season (not a zoned season), so hunters do not need to worry about which side of a zone line their hunting spot falls on. The SCDNR-approved split is November 21–28, 2026 followed by December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027, with a six‑duck daily bag. If you are planning to chase mallards in flooded timber, wood ducks over beaver ponds, or sea ducks off the Atlantic coast, here is the most up-to-date state-specific information you need to hunt legally in the Palmetto State.
South Carolina sets its duck season within the framework approved annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Final dates are voted on by the SCDNR Board and printed in the annual Hunting and Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide. This article is built from the official SCDNR pages and the eRegulations official 2026-2027 migratory bird digest, and was last researched and updated in September 2026. Migratory bird regulations, public-land rules, and emergency closures can change, so confirm the final package with SCDNR before your hunt.
For comparison with neighboring states, see Georgia duck season and North Carolina duck season planning pages.
South Carolina Duck Season 2026-2027 at a Glance
| Information | 2026-2027 Details (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| Regular Duck Season | Segment 1: Nov. 21–28, 2026; Segment 2: Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 |
| Hunting Zones | Single statewide season (no duck zones) |
| Daily Bag Limit | 6 ducks (with species sub-limits) |
| Possession Limit | Triple the daily bag limit for each species or group |
| Shooting Hours | 1 hour before sunrise until sunset |
| State Youth Day | Nov. 14, 2026 (ducks, mergansers, coots) |
| Federal Youth Days | Feb. 6 and Feb. 13, 2027 |
| Veteran / Active-Duty Military Days | Feb. 6 and Feb. 13, 2027 |
| Early Teal Season | Sept. 19–27, 2026 (blue-winged and green-winged) |
| Required License | SC Hunting License + SC Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) + SC Migratory Waterfowl Permit + Federal Duck Stamp |
South Carolina Duck Season Dates for 2026-2027
South Carolina uses a single statewide duck season with two segments. There are no North/South zones, so the same dates apply whether you are hunting in the Lowcountry, the Midlands, or the Upstate.
| Duck Season (Statewide) | 2026-2027 Dates |
|---|---|
| Segment 1 | November 21 – November 28, 2026 |
| Segment 2 | December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027 |
There is no harvest of harlequin ducks and no open season for Maryland Black Duck breeding populations, while inside the Atlantic sea-duck area additional restrictions apply. Sea ducks count toward the same 6-duck daily bag, with a not-to-exceed sublimit of 4 sea ducks.
South Carolina Duck Hunting Zones
Unlike many Midwestern and Western states, South Carolina is not divided into North/South duck zones. The season dates above apply statewide, so once you have confirmed the legal dates there is no zone map to cross-check before going afield. The state is, however, split into Game Zones for big-game seasons and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with very different waterfowl access rules (see Where Can You Hunt Ducks in South Carolina?).
The only spatial waterfowl rule that varies by location within the state is for black ducks and mottled ducks, which are split along Interstate 95:
| Black Duck / Mottled Duck Area | 2026-2027 Limit (counts toward 6-duck daily bag) |
|---|---|
| East and south of I-95 | 1 black duck OR 1 mottled duck |
| West and north of I-95 | 2 black ducks OR 1 black duck AND 1 mottled duck |
SCDNR publishes a map of Game Zones and a WMA locator that you can use to plan your locations.
South Carolina Duck Season Bag Limits
The federal framework sets a baseline of 6 ducks per day, and SCDNR adopts that framework with the species-specific sub-limits below. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit for each group and each individual species.
| Duck Species | Daily Limit (South Carolina, 2026-2027) | Important Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Total ducks | 6 | Includes only ducks listed below |
| Black-bellied Whistling Duck | No more than 5 | Counts toward 6-duck total |
| Mallard | No more than 4 | No more than 2 hen mallards |
| Wood Duck | No more than 3 | Counts toward 6-duck total |
| Northern Pintail | No more than 3 | Counts toward 6-duck total |
| Redhead | No more than 2 | Counts toward 6-duck total |
| Canvasback | No more than 2 | Counts toward 6-duck total |
| Scaup | 2/day on Nov. 14; Nov. 21–28; Dec. 12–22; Feb. 6; Feb. 13. 1/day Dec. 23 – Jan. 31 | Date-specific limit rolls back to 1 in the back end of season |
| Black Duck (east/south of I-95) | 1 | Limit area rule (see Zones section) |
| Black Duck (west/north of I-95) | 2 | Limit area rule (see Zones section) |
| Mottled Duck (east/south of I-95) | 1 | Limit area rule |
| Mottled Duck (west/north of I-95) | 1 (paired with a black duck) | Limit area rule |
| Fulvous Whistling Duck | No more than 1 | Counts toward 6-duck total |
| Sea Ducks (Atlantic sea-duck area) | No more than 4 total | No more than 3 each: eiders (only 1 hen), scoters, long-tailed ducks |
| Other ducks (rail, wigeon, gadwall, teal, shoveler, bufflehead, etc.) | Fill up to 6 | Standard 6-total cap applies |
Possession Limits
SCDNR sets duck possession at 3× the daily bag limit for each species or species group — for example, up to 18 wood ducks, 12 mallards (with no more than 6 hens), and 18 canvasbacks, provided each individual day’s take was within the legal daily limits. There is no possession limit on snow geese.
What License Do You Need to Hunt Ducks in South Carolina?
Hunting waterfowl in South Carolina requires a stack of four documents plus, on most WMAs, the WMA permit. Here is the complete checklist for waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older.
SC Hunting License
Every resident and nonresident waterfowl hunter needs a valid South Carolina hunting license. Annual, 3-year, lifetime, and short-term options are available.
- Resident: Annual $12; 3-Year Sportsman $150 (includes WMA permit); Lifetime State Hunting $300 (ages 16–63).
- Nonresident: Annual $125; 10-Day $75; 3-Day $40; 3-Day Apprentice (small game only, no hunter education required) $50.
- Youth under 16 do NOT need a license. Hunters 16 and 17 can purchase a Junior Sportsman license ($16) once they reach age 16.
You can purchase any license directly through the official Go Outdoors South Carolina portal.
SC Migratory Waterfowl Permit (State Duck Stamp)
A South Carolina Migratory Waterfowl Permit ($15.50) is required for every waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older. The permit acts as the state’s “duck stamp” and is also required on federal and state WMAs. A lifetime Migratory Waterfowl Permit endorsement on a resident lifetime license serves in place of the annual $15.50 fee.
SC Migratory Bird Permit (HIP Registration)
By federal rule, every hunter 16 years of age or older must be certified under the Harvest Information Program (HIP) in each state where they hunt migratory game birds. South Carolina administers HIP as a no-cost Migratory Bird Permit, completed as part of the license sales process for any license/privilege package that includes hunting. A HIP from another state is not valid in South Carolina.
Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp)
Waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older must also carry a valid Federal Duck Stamp. The current price is $30 ($25 stamp, $4 USFWS fulfillment fee, $1 vendor fee). South Carolina allows the E-Stamp endorsement purchased through SCDNR license vendors, regional offices, the Go Outdoors SC app, or online — valid through June 30, 2027. The physical stamp is mailed after March 10, 2027. Physical stamps must be signed across the face and in the licensee’s possession while hunting.
Summary Table
| Requirement | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC Hunting License | $12 annual; $150 3-Year Sportsman | $125 annual; $75 10-Day; $40 3-Day | Under 16: license not required |
| HIP (SC Migratory Bird Permit) | No Cost | No Cost | Required for hunters 16+ in each state where you hunt |
| SC Migratory Waterfowl Permit | $15.50 season | $15.50 season | Required to hunt ducks, geese, coots |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30 season | $30 season | Required for hunters 16+; E-Stamp valid through June 30, 2027 |
| SC WMA Permit | $30.50 annual (or $91.50 3-yr) | $76 annual | Required to hunt waterfowl on Wildlife Management Areas |
| Hunter Education | Required for anyone born after June 30, 1979 | Required if not purchasing Apprentice license | Course available at SCDNR |
South Carolina Duck Hunting License Costs for 2026-2027
| License or Permit | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (annual) | $12.00 | $125.00 |
| Hunting License (3-year / 10-day) | $150.00 (3-Year Sportsman) | $75.00 (10-Day), $40.00 (3-Day) |
| Junior Sportsman License (ages 16–17) | $16.00 | n/a (nonresident small-game options vary) |
| Lifetime Hunting License (ages 16–63) | $300.00 (Hunt) / $500.00 (Combo) | Not Available |
| Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) | No Cost | No Cost |
| Migratory Waterfowl Permit (State Duck Stamp) | $15.50 season | $15.50 season |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.00 ($25 + fees) | $30.00 ($25 + fees) |
| WMA Permit (annual, separate) | $30.50 annual; $91.50 3-year | $76.00 annual |
| Apprentice License (no hunter-ed required) | n/a | $50.00, 3-Day, small-game only |
Prices vary by license package (a Resident 3-Year Sportsman License at $150 already includes the WMA permit), age, and residency status. Always verify the latest pricing on the official SCDNR license pricing pages before purchasing.
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days in South Carolina
South Carolina recognizes one State Youth Day in the fall and two Federal Youth Days in early February that land on the same dates as the season’s veteran/military day.
November 14, 2026 — South Carolina State Youth Day
- Eligible ages: Hunters 17 years of age or younger.
- Adult supervision: Must be accompanied by a fully licensed adult who is at least 21 years of age.
- Legal species: Ducks, mergansers, coots.
- Bag limits: Same daily and possession limits as the regular duck season, except the scaup limit is 2.
- Notes for 16- and 17-year-olds: They must possess a SC Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) and a valid Federal Duck Stamp.
February 6 & February 13, 2027 — Federal Youth Days
- Eligible ages: Hunters 17 years of age or younger.
- Adult supervision: Must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age.
- Legal species: Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, gallinules.
- Bag limits: Same as the regular season, except the scaup limit is 2.
- Note for 16- and 17-year-olds: Required items are: a SC Hunting License, SC Migratory Bird Permit, SC Migratory Waterfowl Permit, and a Federal Duck Stamp.
Veteran and Active-Duty Military Waterfowl Hunting Days
- 2026-2027 dates: February 6 and February 13, 2027 (same days as Federal Youth Days).
- Legal species: Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, gallinules.
- Who qualifies: Veterans and active-duty U.S. military personnel in any branch.
- Required licenses: Valid SC Hunting License, SC Migratory Bird Permit, SC Migratory Waterfowl Permit, and a valid Federal Duck Stamp. Many SCDNR offices and the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs can help verify service-related documentation if asked.
- Bag limits: Same as the regular season, except the scaup limit is two.
Early Teal Season in South Carolina
South Carolina continues to offer a September early-teal season under the federal framework.
| Early Teal Season | 2026-2027 Dates / Limits |
|---|---|
| Season dates | September 19 – September 27, 2026 |
| Legal species | Blue-winged Teal and Green-winged Teal only |
| Daily bag limit | 6 (blue-winged and green-winged teal combined) |
| Possession limit | 18 |
| Shooting hours | Sunrise until sunset (more restrictive than the regular duck season) |
| Required licenses | SC Hunting License, SC Migratory Bird Permit, SC Migratory Waterfowl Permit, Federal Duck Stamp |
Other duck species may not be taken during the early-teal season. Shooting hours — sunrise to sunset, versus “one hour before” for the regular season — are stricter, and your shotgun must be plugged to a 3-shell capacity (1 in the chamber, 2 in the magazine).
South Carolina Duck Hunting Shooting Hours
| Species Group | 2026-2027 Shooting Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular duck season (ducks, geese, coots, mergansers, marsh hens, snipe, woodcock, brant) | 1 hour before sunrise until sunset |
| Early Teal Season | Sunrise until sunset |
| Extended Falconry | 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset |
| Common Snipe | 1 hour before sunrise until sunset |
Hunter orange, time-of-day restrictions, and additional area-specific limits apply on many South Carolina WMAs. Always read the posted area regulations in addition to the statewide package.
Where Can You Hunt Ducks in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers a very diverse mix of public-land duck opportunities. Private land offers the most flexibility but requires landowner permission and strict adherence to trespass law.
Public Land
South Carolina manages 22 Category II Designated Waterfowl Areas open on specific days and times during open waterfowl seasons, and a small number of Category I Designated Waterfowl Areas that require an annual lottery permit. Public waterfowl destinations include:
- Region 1: Beaverdam Creek WMA, Clemson Waterfowl WMA
- Region 3: Broad River WMA
- Region 4: Bear Island WMA, Donnelley WMA, Samworth WMA, Sandy Beach WMA, Santee Coastal Reserve WMA, Santee Delta WMA
- Other notable Category II areas: Russell Creek WMA, Enoree River WMA, Hickory Top WMA, Crackerneck WMA (DOE Savannah River Site), Hatchery WMA (Lake Moultrie), Lake Cunningham WMA, Parr Reservoir WMA, Monticello Reservoir WMA.
Each site has its own access rules. Some (e.g., Donnelley, Duncan Creek, Enoree River, Lake Blalock, Russell Creek, Santee Cooper, Tyger River) require sign-in and sign-out stations; some prohibit entry before 5:00 a.m.; some are closed during the late (Feb.–Mar.) goose season except for Parr and Monticello. State regulations also cap each hunter at 25 federally approved non-toxic shells per hunt on all state, US Forest Service, and other federally owned Category I and II WMAs.
Private Land
South Carolina is a “stand your ground” state and requires written or verbal permission to hunt any posted or fenced land. Trespassing violations can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on intent. Always carry written landowner permission when hunting private land — many SCDNR officers and landowners expect it.
Public Hunting Draws and Reservations
South Carolina uses a computer-drawn lottery for Category I hunts. Important timelines:
- Application window: September 1 – October 15, 2026 for the 2026-2027 waterfowl season.
- Selection happens in mid-to-late October.
- Sites in the draw: Bear Island, Broad River, Sandy Beach, Samworth, Coosawhatchie, Hickory Top, and select other Category I WMAs.
- Application fee: A modest per-application processing fee is listed by SCDNR; in-fee costs vary by location.
- How to apply: Submit an application through the SCDNR Public Lottery Hunts page online, by mail to SCDNR Public Lottery Hunts, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, or at a regional SCDNR office.
Category II WMAs generally do not require a draw but are open only on scheduled dates; check the current year chart for each area’s specific dates.
For more on planning a hunt in neighboring states, see Virginia duck season.
Important South Carolina Duck Hunting Regulations
| Topic | South Carolina Rule (2026-2027) |
|---|---|
| Non-toxic shot | Required for waterfowl hunting federally; applies in all of SC |
| Plugged shotgun | Required — shotgun may not hold more than 3 shells (1 in chamber + 2 in magazine) |
| Non-toxic shell cap on WMAs | 25 shells per hunter per hunt on state/federal Category I and II waterfowl areas |
| Baiting | Federal baiting regulations prohibit hunting over baited water or agricultural fields |
| Wanton waste | All downed waterfowl must be retrieved and kept (counted toward bag) when possible |
| Electronic calls | Allowed statewide for crows; recreational use of e-calls for crows is permitted on private land and WMAs during the open season |
| Species ID | Hunters must positively identify ducks before shooting — be careful with similar teal, hen mallards, and mottled/black ducks |
| Sunday hunting for migratory birds | Prohibited. No Sunday hunting for migratory game birds (waterfowl, woodcock, doves) in 2026-2027 |
| Sea-duck area | Defined as Atlantic Ocean water at least 1 mile from shore; crippled-bird retrieval from a motored vessel is allowed |
| Boating | All boating safety requirements apply on waters within WMAs |
| Inspection | Entry onto WMA lands constitutes consent to inspection of person, vessel, game bag, or creel |
Best Ducks to Hunt in South Carolina
South Carolina sits at the intersection of the Atlantic Flyway, the Lower Coastal Plain, and the southern Appalachian foothills, which means hunters see a wide mix of species. Here are the most commonly encountered ducks, in roughly the state-wide order of relative abundance:
| Species | Where It Shows Up | Habitat Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Duck | Nearly every beaver swamp, beaver pond, and cypress slough in the state | Year-round resident; peaks during the early November migration |
| Mallard | Farm impoundments, urban wetlands, flooded corn/hickory flats | Strongly tied to managed wetlands and agricultural areas |
| Mottled Duck | Coastal brackish marshes in the Lowcountry | Resident in the ACE Basin, Santee Delta, Bear Island, Donnelley |
| Black Duck | Coastal brackish impoundments, Pawleys/Litchfield area | Overlaps with mottled ducks in salt marsh |
| Green-winged & Blue-winged Teal | Shallow seasonal wetlands, rice fields, flooded impoundments, coastal impoundments | Active in the September early teal season and again in mid-December migration |
| Northern Pintail | Coastal impoundments (Bear Island, Santee Cooper, Donnelley) | Strongly associated with managed coastal wetland impoundments |
| Northern Shoveler | Coastal and agricultural impoundments during winter | Broad-bill specialist; prefers soft, shallow water |
| Gadwall | Coastal impoundments and mid-state reservoirs | Mid-to-late season migrant |
| American Wigeon | Coastal impoundments, flooded ag fields | Same habitats as pintail and gadwall |
| American Black-bellied Whistling Duck | Coastal SC, especially near impoundments around Georgetown and Ace Basin | SCDNR permits no more than 5 per day in the 6-duck bag |
| Canvasback | Santee Cooper and other large reservoirs | Open-water diver; more common in cold winters |
| Redhead | Coastal bays and impoundments | Open-water-tolerant diver |
| Scaup | Coastal bays, Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie | Open-water diver; lake habitat in mid-state |
| Sea Ducks (scoters, eiders, long-tailed ducks) | Atlantic Ocean at least 1 mile offshore | Sea duck area only; species sub-limits apply |
Tips for Hunting During the South Carolina Duck Season
- Scout the night before or at first light. South Carolina wood ducks and dabblers respond strongly to scouting in the final hours of scouting light — listen for birds moving from one roost to another pond.
- Match decoys to habitat. In flooded timber and beaver ponds, set 6–12 wood duck blocks on the edge of the opening with one or two mallard decoys nearby. In coastal impoundments, spread larger flocks of 24+ decoys with a “landing zone” of open water.
- Wind direction matters. Duck impoundments along the coast typically have wind from the southwest during fall cold fronts. Set your blind on the upwind side and spread decoys downwind.
- Hunt weather fronts. The best South Carolina duck hunting often comes 24–48 hours after a strong north wind, especially in November and December.
- Check water levels and access. Many Category II areas depend on the most recent drawdown schedule. SCDNR manages water levels to congregate ducks — reading posted WMA notices is critical.
- Learn to identify ducks before shooting. With mottled and black ducks both legal but with limits split by I-95, a five-second identification pause saves a wasted bird or a violation.
- Use non-toxic shot. Lead shot is illegal for waterfowl nationwide; bring #2 steel, #3 or #4 bismuth, or #3 or #4 tungsten for clean kills on South Carolina ducks.
- Carry physical or electronic stamps. A typed-out photo of your E-Stamp on your phone is typically accepted at check stations, SCDNR offices, and most WMA kiosks; for physical stamps, the signed front must be on your person.
- Mind Sunday hunting rules. No Sunday hunting is allowed for migratory game birds in South Carolina for 2026-2027 — plan hunts accordingly.
- Report your hunt. South Carolina’s Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) survey at license purchase helps SCDNR and the USFWS set future seasons; accurate reporting keeps waterfowl populations well managed.
For more state-by-state context, see Florida duck season along South Carolina’s southern flyway.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Duck Season
When does the 2026-2027 duck season open in South Carolina?
The first split opens November 21, 2026 and runs through November 28, 2026. The second split runs December 12, 2026 through January 31, 2027.
Does South Carolina have multiple duck hunting zones?
No. South Carolina runs a single statewide duck season — there are no North/South zones. The only spatial rule is for black and mottled ducks, split by Interstate 95.
What is the daily duck bag limit in South Carolina?
6 ducks per day, with species-specific sub-limits such as no more than 4 mallards (2 of which may be hens), 3 wood ducks, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, and 2 redhead. Scaup is 2/day during most of the season and 1/day from December 23 through January 31.
Can nonresidents hunt ducks in South Carolina?
Yes. Nonresidents need a South Carolina Hunting License ($125 annual, $75 for 10 days, or $40 for 3 days), the SC Migratory Waterfowl Permit ($15.50), the SC Migratory Bird Permit (HIP, free), and a Federal Duck Stamp ($30). They also need the $76 nonresident annual WMA permit to hunt on Wildlife Management Areas.
Is HIP registration required for South Carolina duck hunting?
Yes, for any hunter 16 years of age or older. In South Carolina, you complete HIP by selecting the Migratory Bird Permit (free) during your license purchase rather than registering on a separate website.
Does South Carolina offer an early teal season?
Yes. The 2026 South Carolina early teal season runs September 19–27, 2026 with a 6-duck daily bag (blue-winged and green-winged teal only). Shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.
Are there youth waterfowl hunt days in South Carolina?
Yes. State Youth Day is November 14, 2026, and Federal Youth Days are February 6 and February 13, 2027. In both cases, hunters 17 and under may participate with adult supervision.
Do veterans and active-duty military get special waterfowl days in South Carolina?
Yes. February 6 and February 13, 2027 are designated as Veteran and Active-Duty Military Waterfowl Days, with regular-season bag limits and the same licensing requirements.
Can I hunt migratory birds on Sundays in South Carolina?
No. There is no Sunday hunting for migratory game birds, including waterfowl, woodcock, and mourning doves, in South Carolina for 2026-2027.
How do I apply for the South Carolina waterfowl lottery?
Submit applications for Category I Waterfowl Areas between September 1 and October 15, 2026 through the SCDNR Public Lottery Hunts page, by mail, or at any SCDNR office. The lottery drawing happens in mid-fall and selected hunters receive a date-specific permit.
Before You Hunt: Check the Latest South Carolina Regulations
Migratory bird frameworks are set annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. South Carolina adopts the framework and prints it in the annual Hunting and Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide (the 2026-2027 edition is available in PDF from SCDNR). Before every hunt, please verify:
- Today’s season dates and species-specific bag limits on the official SCDNR migratory bird page.
- Any emergency closures, public-land rule changes, or wildlife alerts.
- The current Federal Duck Stamp status (E-Stamp or physical).
- The latest lottery results if you’re hunting a Category I area.
Regulations can and do change between the date this article was researched and your actual hunt day. When in doubt, contact SCDNR at 803-734-3833 or your regional office.
Conclusion
Plan your trips around the splits (Nov 21–28, 2026 and Dec 12, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027), apply for the SCDNR Public Lottery Hunts by October 15, 2026 if you want Category I access, and make sure your stack of licenses and stamps is current before your first hunt. South Carolina offers excellent wintering duck hunting across the state — between the early September teal opener and the last day in January, there is truly something for every South Carolina duck hunter.