South Carolina Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in South Carolina

South Carolina is one of the states in the United States that offers a diverse range of hunting opportunities, from deer to turkeys and other small game species. Both resident and non-resident hunters enjoy hunting in the state.

Hunting regulations in South Carolina

South Carolina hunting rules are laws and restrictions that must be followed by all hunters. Some of the most important ones are as follows:

Baiting in South Carolina

Anyone who kills, shoots, or attempts to shoot, inures, hunts, takes or attempts to take, or has hunting weapons and firearms to take wildlife and games from any form of elevated place or tree within at least 300 feet of baited areas is prohibited.

Baited areas, according to South Carolina hunting regulations, are areas where food or any other item meant to entice game animals has been exposed or distributed.

Farmland areas for crop harvesting, on the other hand, are not baited regions, regardless of whether they contain any food products commonly used to attract birds or game animals.

In South Carolina, there is an exception to the baiting ban for deer hunting. Hunters are permitted to take deer from trees and elevated elevations within baited zones, regardless of the legal distance.

Regulations Concerning Trespassing

Before taking game on private lands, hunters must seek a permit from the landowners. An exception is only permitted if the hunter owns the land. Hunters will also be held accountable for any damage to private property. Regardless of whether they issue a permit to hunt on their property, landowners will not be held liable for the injuries of hunters.

In South Carolina, the use of bows and arrows is prohibited.

The following are some of the illegal uses of bows, arrows, and archeries in South Carolina:

The use of arrows with poisoned or explosive points is prohibited. It is also illegal to have such an arrow in your possession when hunting.
It is illegal to use an edged head arrow to hunt down game birds while they are in flight.
Regardless of the hunting season, it is illegal to hunt game with a bow within an hour and 30 minutes after nightfall and an hour before sunrise.
It is illegal to take game animals with a bow and arrow from cars in the state, whether they are moving or not.
When hunting in South Carolina, it is illegal to carry weapons or archery in your possession.
It is illegal to transport your crossbow in a cocked position while in a vehicle.

Closed-Season Hunting in South Carolina

Some games in South Carolina do not have specific hunting and trapping regulations. Bobcats, sandhill cranes, grouses, mourning doves, and fishermen are among the games on this list.

Regulations for Hunting Dogs in South Carolina

It is illegal to allow your hunting dog to go loose when hunting. Hunters are permitted to train their hunting dogs during the day, but not with guns. However, training dogs is prohibited during South Carolina hunting seasons.

In addition, no hunter should train dogs to hunt opossums and raccoons in Wildlife Management Areas. However, exceptions are permitted during certain times of the year, such as between the 1st of September and the 1st of October and between the 1st of March and the 1st of May. Training hours will be between an hour after dusk and an hour before sunrise during these times.

It is illegal to use hunting dogs to capture or pursue animals such as deer and black bears. It is also illegal to track these injured dogs. However, hunters in South Carolina with a valid permit may use the services of qualified dog handlers to track and recover injured game in the state only during the game’s specific hunting season.

Regulations for Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

It is illegal to use drones or any sort of remotely controlled unmanned aircraft to trap, take, hunt, track, harass, recover, or scout wildlife and game animals unless allowed by the government in charge.

Regulations for Falconry Hunting

It is illegal to utilize a raptor to hunt without a South Carolina Falconry permit or a state hunting license. It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 14 to hunt any game with the help of raptors. Sunday hunting of migratory game birds with raptors is likewise prohibited under South Carolina hunting restrictions.

In South Carolina, only hunters who pass the required examination and demonstrate that they have the necessary facilities to house raptors will be awarded a falconry permit. Only experienced falconers can sponsor apprentices or beginning falconers.

It is illegal in South Carolina to hold guns while hunting raptors.

While hunting, open carry is permitted.

While hunting in the state, you may open carry. During archery season, however, you are not permitted to openly carry or possess guns.

The following are the provisions of South Carolina’s weapon harassment law:

Nobody must obstruct or attempt to obstruct the movement of anyone engaged in legitimate weapon hunting.
Nobody shall erect a barrier to prevent admission and exit from any area of wildlife where hunting activities are permitted.
Nobody shall attempt to make any illegal physical contact with a licensed hunter.
Nobody shall take part in any attempt to rob or destroy any hunting property in the state.
Nobody is permitted to disturb or attempt to alter the natural surroundings of a property licensed for legitimate hunting activities.
Nobody shall trespass on any public or private land or water intended for hunting without first obtaining permission from the owner or the authorized authority.
Nobody shall provoke a commotion by making gestures that annoy or impede others from engaging in authorized hunting activities.
During legitimate hunting sessions, no one shall place themselves in the path of a fire.

You cannot use your weaponry to play during the primitive seasons. This season, the only weapons available for hunting are archery equipment and muzzleloaders.

South Carolina has hunter harassment laws that make it illegal for anyone to intentionally prevent another person from participating in licensed hunting or associated activities such as fishing or trapping.

Hunting licenses, permits, and tags in South Carolina

South Carolina hunting permits are provided based on where you live, your age, and the sort of weapon you need to take wildlife. For specialized games, permits, badges, and stamps are available. As a result, hunting some games will necessitate both a hunting license and a hunting permit.

South Carolina hunting licenses include the following:

Licenses for firearms

The following are included in South Carolina weapons licenses:

Resident Firearms Hunting Permit

This license is available to South Carolina residents between the ages of 16 and 64. It will set you back $27.5.

Apprentice Firearms Permit

This license is given to apprentice hunters who are South Carolina residents and have not completed the mandatory hunting course. The minimum age to obtain this license is between the ages of 18 and 64. It will set you back $27.5.

Firearm Hunting Licenses for Senior Residents

This license is exclusively accessible to South Carolina senior citizens aged 65 and up. It will set you back $15.5.

Senior Residents Apprentice Firearm License

This license is only accessible to South Carolina apprentice senior residents 65 and older who have not completed the hunter training course. It will set you back $15.5.

Non-resident Firearms Hunting Permit

Non-residents who desire to participate in South Carolina hunting seasons can obtain this license. It is $135.5.

Apprentice License for Non-Residents

This license is given to non-resident apprentice hunters who have not completed the mandatory hunting training. The minimum age to obtain this license is between the ages of 18 and 64. It is $135.5.

Non-resident Small Game Firearm Hunting License for Two Days

Non-residents can hunt small game for two days in a row with this license. Holders are permitted to go waterfowl hunting in South Carolina, but not turkey hunting.

A Special Hunting License for One Day

This license is only valid for one day of hunting in South Carolina commercial preserves. It is $12.5.

License for a Bow and Arrow

South Carolina bow-and-arrow permits include the following:

Residents’ Bow and Arrow Hunting Permit

This license is available to South Carolina residents between the ages of 16 and 64. It will set you back $31.5.

License to Hunt with a Bow and Arrow as an Apprentice

This license is given to apprentice hunters who are South Carolina residents and have not completed the mandatory hunting course. The age limit for purchasing this license is between 14 and 64 years old. It will set you back $31.5.

Bow and Arrow Hunting Licenses for Senior Residents

This license is exclusively accessible to South Carolina senior citizens aged 65 and up. It will set you back $16.5.

Bow and Arrow Hunting License for Apprentice Senior Residents

This license is only accessible to South Carolina apprentice senior residents 65 and older who have not completed the hunter training course. It will set you back $16.5.

Bow and Arrow Hunting License for Non-Residents

Non-residents who desire to participate in South Carolina hunting seasons can obtain this license. It is $135.5.

Apprentice Bow and Arrow Hunting License for Non-Residents

This license is given to non-resident apprentice hunters who have not completed the mandatory hunting training. The minimum age to obtain this license is between the ages of 18 and 64. It is $135.5.

Hunting with a Bow and Arrow for Children

This license is available to young people between the ages of 10 and 15. It is completely free.

South Carolina hunting licenses

South Carolina hunting permits include the following:

Permits for Hunting Deer

These permits are granted for the taking of deer with any form of weapon. It is priced at $28.

Permit for Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting

This permission is only available to young people between the ages of 10 and 15. It is priced at $12.

Permit for the Turkey Season

A turkey season permit is required to hunt turkeys during their hunting season. It will set you back $21.

Permit to Carry a Rifle

To hunt with rifles, you must first obtain rifle permission. This permit is good from July 1 to June 30. To apply for permission, you must be at least 16 years old. It costs $10.5 USD.

Permit for a Youth Rifle

Youths must first receive this permit in order to hunt with firearms from July 1st to June 30th. It is offered only to people under the age of 16, and it costs $6.

Permits for Coyotes and Foxes

A hunting permit is required to hunt coyotes and foxes in South Carolina. It is $2.00.

Stamps for Hunting in South Carolina

The following hunting stamps are available in South Carolina:

Hunting Stamp for Pheasants and Quail

The cost of this stamp is $40.

Stamp for Waterfowl Hunting

This permit is only good from July 1 to June 30. It is offered for $5 and $10 to locals and non-residents, respectively.

Trapping Permits

Trapping licenses in South Carolina include the following:

Resident Trapping Permit

Residents of South Carolina will be able to set traps for game animals with this license. It will set you back $32.5.

Non-Resident Trapping Permit

Non-residents who want to set traps for games in South Carolina must obtain this license. It is priced at $200.5.

Trapping Permit for Minors

This license is available to young people between the ages of 12 and 15. It enables them to set loose traps.

Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags in South Carolina

South Carolina fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Combination License for Sportsmen

This is a fishing and hunting license for South Carolina. It allows holders to engage in weapons and bowhunting in addition to fishing. It is $72.25.

Residents’ Fishing Permit

This license is only available to South Carolina residents between the ages of 16 and 64. It will set you back $22.5.

Fishing License for Senior Citizens

This license is accessible to senior citizens of South Carolina between the ages of 65 and 69. It is $12.50.

Stamps for Resident Trout

Residents of South Carolina who want to catch trout must obtain this license. It costs $10.5 USD.

Non-resident fishing permits

Non-residents who desire to catch fish in South Carolina water bodies can obtain this license. The license requires a minimum age of 16 years. It is $34.00.

Stamps for Non-Resident Trout

Non-residents who want to catch trout in South Carolina must obtain this license. It is priced at $20.

Vacation Fishing License for 7 Days

This license is exclusively available to non-residents or visitors to South Carolina. It is only good for 7 days and costs $19.5.

Vacation Fishing License for Two Days

This license is exclusively available to non-residents or visitors to South Carolina. It is only active for two days and costs $9.

Seasons for hunting in South Carolina

Hunting seasons in South Carolina vary depending on the game and the sort of hunting weapon required to take it.

South Carolina’s shooting season for various wildlife in 2020–21 includes the following:

Deer Hunting Season in South Carolina

Archery Hunting Season (September 12th to October 30th)
Youth Archery Hunting Season (September 26th)
Firearms Hunting Season (December 7th to December 12th)
Youth Firearms Hunting Season (November 21st)

Seasons for Wild Turkey in South Carolina

(To Be Announced) Fall General Hunting Season
(To Be Announced) Spring General Hunting Season
Spring Youth Day (to be announced)

The dates for the several seasons of turkey hunting in South Carolina can vary depending on the hunting zone. Lotteries will be used to distribute turkey hunting permits, and interested hunters must apply between January and February. There is no fall turkey hunting season, which is unfortunate for turkey hunters.

Seasons for Small Game in South Carolina

Quail Hunting Season (March 2nd to March 1st, 2021)
Rabbit Hunting Season (March 2nd to March 1st, 2021)
Squirrel Hunting Season (March 2nd to March 1st, 2021)
Fox Hunting Season (March 2nd to March 1st, 2021)
Pheasant Hunting Season (March 2nd to March 1st, 2021)
Hunting for Beavers (All Year)
Grouse Hunting Season (November 26th to March 1st)
Raccoon Hunting Season (March 16th to September 14th)
Opossum Hunting Season (March 16th to September 14th)

Hunters should be aware that bag restrictions, hunting regulations, and legislation differ depending on the game species and the season. They should go to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for further information on the game they want to hunt, the hunting season, and the hunting zone.

Wildlife, games, and fishing in South Carolina

South Carolina’s common games and animals include the following:

Turkey hunting in South Carolina

Turkeys are one of South Carolina’s most popular big games. Permits and tags are required for turkey hunting in South Carolina.

Deer hunting in South Carolina

Mule deer and white-tailed deer are the two most prevalent deer species accessible for big-game hunting in South Carolina.

Rabbit hunting in South Carolina

Cottontail rabbits are accessible for small-game hunting in three different species in South Carolina. Mountain cottontail, desert cottontail, and eastern cottontail are among them.

Pheasant hunting in South Carolina

Pheasants live in agricultural areas of South Carolina that have extremely high humidity. Pheasant hunting is popular in South Carolina.

Squirrel hunting in South Carolina

Tree squirrels are one of the most commonly hunted small game birds in South Carolina. There are four different species and eight subspecies, and they live in the state’s forested areas.

Coyote hunting in South Carolina

Coyotes are fairly common in the state and can be found throughout the state.

Raccoon hunting in South Carolina

Raccoons are one of the few game species in South Carolina that can be captured with firearms at night.

Shooting Range in South Carolina

The following are some of the shooting ranges in South Carolina that are open to the general public:

Outdoor Activity Center
Trap Club of Rapid City
Sporting Clays in the Ghost Town
Hunters Pointed Shooting Range
Tri-State Shooters Association
Rosebud Arrowhead, Rod, and Gun Club
Trap Range in Three Counties
Mitchell Trap Association
Club Beacon Hill Rifle & Pistol
Aberdeen Rifle Club
Outfitters for archery
The Crooks Gun Club
National Guard Range at Camp Rapid
Rifle and Pistol Club of the Big Sioux
The Edgemont Trap Club

Hunting Lands in South Carolina for Sale and Lease

South Carolina hunting lands for sale Include the following items:

216.77 acres in Williston, South Carolina (Barnwell County).
74 acres in Pauline, South Carolina (Spartanburg County).
A horse, hunting, and fishing retreat is looking for a new owner. beautiful, perfectly maintained log cabin on 37 acres in Trenton, South Carolina (Edgefield County).
3248.61 +/- Acre Turnkey World-Class Lodge in Hunter’s Paradise! Legendary Whitetail and Turkey Hunting in Berkeley County, South Carolina
Don’t miss out on this 140.09-acre deer, turkey, and hog hunt on the historic Lynches River in Chesterfield County.

South Carolina hunting lands for lease include the following:

I’m looking for a seasoned or experienced still hunter with whom I can share hunting property. The land is in lower Jasper County, South Carolina. Deer are numerous, and stands for members and spouses are already set up on the 125-acre property.
Southern Cross Hunt Club, Jasper County, SC QDM, 2750 acres
Broad River deer and hog hunting on 1600 acres in Cherokee County
Ridgeland SC Hunt Club, located in Jasper County, is looking for new members.
8-acre rapid access lease in Aiken, SC