South Carolina Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for South Carolina including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
South Carolina Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for South Carolina including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in South Carolina
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 1 - May 1, 2026
Opens in 29 days
Complete Season Calendar
All South Carolina hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 3 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 15 - Sep 30, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Archery only in some areas | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Oct 1, 2025 - Jan 1, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Gun season - varies by zone | |
| Muzzleloader | Sep 1-30, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Primitive weapons | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 1 - May 1, 2026 | Statewide | Opens in 29d | Spring gobbler | |
Waterfowl 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Nov 22, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Duck season | |
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South Carolina Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Deer
- Turkey
- Waterfowl
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Rifle/Firearm
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Shotgun
- Wildlife Agency
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for South Carolina
South Carolina has four deer hunting zones with different dates.
Hunting Method Legend
South Carolina Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in South Carolina
What are the hunting season dates for South Carolina?
South Carolina offers hunting seasons for Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl. The license year runs from Jul 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in South Carolina?
Deer season in South Carolina typically begins with archery season starting Aug 15, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Oct 1, 2025.
Does South Carolina require a draw for hunting?
South Carolina offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in South Carolina?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 1, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in South Carolina?
South Carolina has four deer hunting zones with different dates.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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