Welcome to your ultimate guide to the 2025–2026 South Carolina hunting seasons. Whether you’re an archery enthusiast, rifle hunter, waterfowl chaser, or a youth looking to experience your first hunt, the Palmetto State offers a rich tapestry of game, methods, and regulations to suit every sportsman and woman. Below, you’ll find detailed breakdowns by game type, region, and season to help you plan your year in the wild.
🦌 White-Tailed Deer Hunting in South Carolina
White-tailed deer are South Carolina’s most iconic big game species. With one of the longest seasons in the country, hunters can enjoy various methods across different Game Zones. Be sure to check the regulations for your specific zone before heading out.
📍 Game Zone 1 (Mountain Region)
- Primitive Weapons: October 1–10, 2025
- Gun Season: October 11, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Youth Days: September 28, 2025 (antlered only) & January 4, 2026
📍 Game Zone 2 (Piedmont)
- Archery Only: September 15–30, 2025
- Primitive Weapons: October 1–10, 2025
- Gun Season: October 11, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Youth Days: September 14, 2025 & January 4, 2026
📍 Game Zone 3 (Midlands)
- Combined Archery & Gun: August 15, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Youth Days: August 10, 2025 & January 4, 2026
📍 Game Zone 4 (Coastal Plain)
- Archery Only: August 15–31, 2025
- Gun Season: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Youth Days: August 10, 2025 & January 4, 2026
🎯 Bag Limits & Tags
| Category | Limit per Day | Seasonal Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residents | 2 antlered | 5 total | Applies across all methods |
| Non-Residents | 2 antlered | 4 total | Applies across all methods |
| Antlerless | — | — | Requires individual antlerless tags 🎟️ |
🐻 Black Bear Hunting
Black bear hunting is limited to specific zones and dates with strict regulations. Always confirm permit requirements.
Game Zone 1
- Still Hunt (No Dogs): October 17–23, 2025
- Party Dog Hunts: October 24–30, 2025
- 📝 Registration required by September 1
Game Zones 2 & 4
- Still Hunt Only: October 17–30, 2025
- Zone 4 Quota: 30 bears total
Bear Tags & Permits are mandatory. Rules vary by zone and hunting method.
🦃 Spring & Fall Turkey Seasons
South Carolina’s Spring Gobbler season remains a cherished tradition, now with new ethical hunting regulations.
🦃 Spring Gobbler (Private & WMA)
- Season: April 3 – May 3, 2025
- Bag Limit: 2 gobblers/year, 1 per day, only 1 before April 10
🧒 Youth Turkey Weekends
- Dates: March 29–30 & May 10–11, 2025
- Eligibility: Ages 17 and under
- Bag Limit: 1 gobbler (total across both weekends)
- No license required on youth days
⚠️ New Turkey Rules
- No jake harvesting (beards <6 inches)
- No “reaping” or stalking behind decoys or tail fans on private land
🦫 Furbearer & Trapping Seasons
A wide range of furbearers are available throughout South Carolina with varying seasons by species.
| Species | Dates (All Zones) |
|---|---|
| Bobcat, Otter, Mink, Skunk, etc. | Nov 28, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026 |
| Fox | Mar 2 – Nov 26 (dogs only), Nov 28 – Mar 1 (guns & dogs) |
| Beaver | Year-round on private land, Oct 1 – Mar 1 on WMAs |
| Raccoon & Opossum | Mar 16 – Sept 14 (dogs), Sept 15 – Mar 15 (guns & dogs) |
🐦 Upland Birds & Game
🐦 Bobwhite Quail
- Private Land: Dogs only (Mar 2–Nov 23), Guns & dogs (Nov 25–Mar 1)
- WMA: Sept 1–15 (dogs only), Nov 25–Mar 1
- Daily Limit: 12
- Youth Day: November 23, 2025
🐦 Grouse (Zone 1 Only)
- Season: November 28, 2025 – March 1, 2026
- Limit: 3 per day
🐿️ Squirrels, Rabbits & Small Game
🐿️ Squirrels
- Private Lands: Dogs only (Mar 2 – Sept 30), Guns & dogs (Oct 1 – Mar 1)
- WMA: Dogs only (Sept 1–15), Guns & dogs (Oct 1–Mar 1)
- Limit: 10 per day
- Youth Day: September 28, 2025
🐰 Cottontail Rabbits
- Private Land: Dogs only (Mar 2–Nov 26), Guns & dogs (Nov 28–Mar 1)
- WMA: Dogs only (Sept 1–15), Guns & dogs (Nov 28–Mar 1)
- Limit: 5 per day
- Youth Day: March 8, 2025
🕊️ Migratory Birds & Waterfowl
🦆 Early Teal Season
- Dates: September 20–28, 2025
- Limit: 6 teal/day, 18 in possession
🕊️ Mourning Dove (Split Season)
- Sept 1–Oct 4, Nov 15–29, Dec 22–Jan 31
- Limit: 15/day, 45 possession
🦆 Ducks, Geese & More
| Waterfowl Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Nov 22–29, Dec 12–Jan 31 | 6 (species limits apply) | |
| Scaup | Various dates (Nov–Feb) | 1–2 depending on dates | |
| Mergansers | Same as ducks | 5 (1 Hooded max) | 15 possession |
| Canada Geese (Late) | Nov 22–29, Dec 12–Jan 31 | 5 (2 white-fronted max) | |
| Snow & Blue Geese | Same as Canada geese | 25/day, 45 possession | |
| Coots | Nov 22–29, Dec 12–Jan 31 | 15/day | |
| Woodcock | Dec 18 – Jan 31 | 3/day | |
| Snipe | Nov 14 – Feb 28 | 8/day | |
| Rails & Gallinules | Sept 8–12, Oct 6 – Dec 9 | 15 (King/Clapper), 25 (Sora/Virginia) | |
| Brant | Jan 2–31, Feb 15 – Mar 1 | 1/day |
🐊 Alligator Hunting
South Carolina’s Alligator Hunting Lottery is a highly anticipated event.
- Application Window: June 1 – July 15, 2025
- Draw Results: August 2025
- Season: September 13 – October 12, 2025 (Noon to Noon)
- Fees: $10 application (non-refundable), $100 permit ($200 for non-residents)
- Limit: 1 alligator per successful applicant
- Units: Southern Coastal, Middle Coast, Midlands, Pee Dee
🦅 Falconry Season
Special opportunities are available for falconers statewide:
- Season: November 3–21 & December 1–11, 2025
- Limit: 3 birds daily, 9 possession (includes ducks, coots, mergansers)
🎯 Youth Hunting Days Overview
South Carolina offers numerous special hunting days for youth under age 17.
| Species | Youth Hunting Dates |
|---|---|
| Deer | By Game Zone |
| Turkey | March 29–30, May 10–11, 2025 |
| Small Game | Various by species |
| Waterfowl | November 15, 2025; February 7 & 14, 2026 |
Final Thoughts
The 2025–2026 South Carolina hunting season promises action-packed adventures, abundant opportunities, and a variety of game for every skill level. From the towering Appalachian foothills to the lowcountry marshes, this state offers something special for hunters of all stripes. Be sure to consult the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for licensing, updates, and area-specific guidelines before heading out.
Respect the land. Honor the wildlife. Enjoy the hunt.
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