If you’re planning a hunt in the Palmetto State, you need to know when is deer hunting season in South Carolina. The dates aren’t the same everywhere, as they vary by game zone and the type of weapon you’re using.
This guide gives you the exact dates, explains the zones, and covers the rules you need to follow. We’ll make sure you have all the information for a successful and legal hunt this year.
When Is Deer Hunting Season In South Carolina
South Carolina’s deer season is long compared to many states, often stretching from mid-August into January. However, the specific opening and closing dates depend entirely on where you hunt. The state is divided into Game Zones, and each zone has its own calendar for archery, primitive weapons, and firearms.
Here’s the general structure for the 2024-2025 seasons. Always verify with official SCDNR regulations before you go, as dates can shift slightly.
Game Zone 1 (Mountain Region)
This zone includes Oconee, Pickens, and parts of Greenville counties.
- Archery: Oct. 1 – Jan. 1
- Primitive Weapons (Guns): Oct. 1 – Jan. 1
- Private Land Firearms: Oct. 11 – Jan. 1
- WMA Firearms: Check specific WMA rules, as they differ.
Game Zone 2 (Piedmont Region)
This covers much of the upstate, like Abbeville, Anderson, and Spartanburg counties.
- Archery: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
- Primitive Weapons: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
- Private Land Firearms: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
Game Zone 3 (Central Region)
Includes areas around Columbia such as Fairfield, Lexington, and Richland counties.
- Archery: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
- Primitive Weapons: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
- Private Land Firearms: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
Game Zone 4 (Coastal Region)
This is the lower coastal area, including Beaufort, Charleston, and Georgetown counties.
- Archery: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
- Primitive Weapons: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
- Private Land Firearms: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
Game Zone 5 (Reserved for Future Use)
This zone is not currently in use for deer season regulations.
Game Zone 6 (Southern Coastal Region)
Includes Allendale, Hampton, and Jasper counties.
- Archery: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
- Primitive Weapons: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
- Private Land Firearms: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1
Understanding Weapon-Specific Seasons
South Carolina defines seasons by weapon type. You must hunt with the legal weapon for that season. Here’s what each category means.
Archery Season
This is for bows and crossbows. During this season, only these weapons are legal. You cannot carry a firearm while archery hunting, unless you have a concealed weapon permit for personal protection and follow those laws. Broadheads must have at least two sharp edges.
Primitive Weapons Season
Often called “muzzleloader” season, this period is for specific firearms. Legal weapons include muzzleloading rifles, muzzleloading shotguns, and black powder handguns of .36 caliber or larger. Modern breech-loading centerfire guns are not allowed. You can also use archery equipment during this season.
Firearms Season
This is the general gun season. You can use modern rifles, shotguns, and handguns that meet state requirements. You may also use archery or primitive weapons during the firearms season. This is the most flexible time to hunt.
Bag Limits and Tagging Rules
Knowing the season dates is only half the battle. You must also understand how many deer you can take and how to tag them properly.
Statewide Bag Limits
South Carolina has a daily and seasonal bag limit. The rules are for all hunters, regardless of age.
- Season Limit: No more than 5 antlerless deer (does) per season.
- Season Limit: No more than 4 antlered bucks (with visible antlers) per season.
- Daily Limit: 2 antlered bucks per day. For antlerless deer, the daily limit depends on the date and game zone, so check the table in the official guide.
- Bonus Antlerless Tags: Hunters can purchase additional antlerless deer tags for use in certain areas. These are in addition to the base season limit.
Tagging and Checking Your Deer
This is a critical step. You must follow this process immediately after harvesting a deer.
- Tag it: Before moving the deer, fill out your temporary tag from your hunting license. Attach it securely to the deer’s leg or ear.
- Transport it: The tag must remain on the deer during transport.
- Check it: You must report your harvest to the SCDNR. This is done electronically through the SC Game Check system. You have to do this before midnight on the day of harvest. You can use the SC DNR mobile app, their website, or a toll-free phone number. You will get a confirmation number—write this on your temporary tag.
Key Regulations Every Hunter Must Know
Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Here are some of the most important regulations to keep you out of trouble.
Hunter Orange Requirements
During primitive weapons and firearms seasons, all hunters must wear a hat, jacket, or vest of solid blaze orange. This is required on WMA lands and is a very good idea on private land too. Camo patterns with orange are not sufficient—it must be solid.
Legal Shooting Hours
You can only hunt deer from one hour before official sunrise until one hour after official sunset. It is illegal to shoot at, or use a light to spot, deer outside these hours.
License and Permit Requirements
Every hunter needs a valid South Carolina hunting license and a big game permit. If you’re hunting on a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), you likely need a WMA permit as well. You can buy these online, at retailers, or at SCDNR offices.
Baiting and Hunting Over Feed
South Carolina allows hunting over bait on private land. However, there are restrictions on WMAs. On most WMAs, baiting is strictly prohibited. Always check the rules for the specific piece of land you’re hunting.
Choosing the Best Time to Hunt in South Carolina
The long season offers different opportunities depending on when you go.
Early Season (August – September)
Hunting in the early season can be hot and buggy. Focus on food sources like agricultural fields, persimmon trees, or early-dropping acorns. Use archery or get in on the early firearms season in Zones 2-6. Deer patterns are still in a summer routine.
The Rut (Peak Breeding)
This is the most exciting time for many hunters. In South Carolina, the rut timing varies:
- Upstate (Zones 1 & 2): Peak rut is typically in mid to late October.
- Midlands (Zone 3 & parts of 2): Peak occurs from late October to early November.
- Coastal Plain (Zones 4 & 6): The rut is later, usually from late November through December.
During the rut, bucks are more active during daylight hours as they search for does.
Late Season (December – January)
After the rut, deer are focused on recovering energy. They return to heavy feeding. Find the primary winter food sources, like remaining acorn mast or winter wheat fields. Cold weather makes deer move more during the day. This is a great time for patient still-hunting or stand hunting over reliable food.
Public Land Hunting Opportunities
South Carolina has excellent public hunting land through the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system.
Popular WMAs for Deer
- Manchester State Forest (Sumter County)
- Francis Marion National Forest (Berkeley & Charleston Counties)
- Hamilton Ridge WMA (Jasper County)
- Parson’s Mountain WMA (Abbeville County)
- Webb WMA (Hampton County)
WMA-Specific Rules
WMAs have their own set of rules that can be more restrictive than general state laws. These can include:
- Strict check-in/check-out procedures.
- Specific antler point restrictions (e.g., must have at least 4 points on one side).
- Prohibition of baiting.
- Limited access days (some are only open certain days of the week).
Always get the WMA regulations brochure from the SCDNR website before you go. It’s your responsibility to know them.
Preparing for Your South Carolina Deer Hunt
A little preparation makes your hunt safer and more enjoyable.
Scouting Your Area
Use maps, both digital and paper, to understand the terrain. Look for funnels, saddles, creek crossings, and edges between different types of forest. If possible, scout in person before the season to find signs like rubs, scrapes, and trails.
Gear Checklist
- Valid hunting license, big game permit, and WMA permit (if needed).
- Hunter orange clothing (vest and hat).
- Weapon (bow, muzzleloader, or firearm) and appropriate ammunition/arrows.
- Sharp knife and game bags for processing.
- Cooler with ice for meat care.
- Compass or GPS and a physical map as backup.
- Water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit.
Ethics and Safety
Always identify your target and what is beyond it. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Be respectful of other hunters and landowners. If you hunt private land, get written permission and leave the land as you found it. Properly care for the meat—it’s the hunter’s duty to not let it go to waste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the deer hunting dates in South Carolina for this year?
The core seasons run from mid-August to January 1st, but you must check the dates for your specific Game Zone (1-6) as they vary, especially for the start of firearms season.
How many deer can I kill in SC?
Statewide, you can take up to 4 antlered bucks and 5 antlerless deer per season. There are also daily limits. Additional bonus tags for antlerless deer are available for purchase.
Can I hunt deer with a rifle in South Carolina?
Yes, during the designated firearms season for your game zone. Some counties have specific restrictions on caliber or ammunition type, so it’s wise to check the local rules.
Do I have to wear orange while deer hunting in SC?
Yes, during primitive weapons and firearms seasons, a solid blaze orange hat and outer garment are required by law on WMAs and highly recommended everywhere else.
Is baiting legal for deer hunting in South Carolina?
Baiting is legal on private land. However, it is illegal on most public Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Always verify the regulations for the exact location you plan to hunt.
When does deer season end in South Carolina?
For most of the state, the last day is January 1st. This is true for archery, primitive weapons, and firearms seasons in Game Zones 2, 3, 4, and 6. Zone 1 ends on January 1st for all weapons as well.
What is the South Carolina deer rut map?
The SCDNR provides general timelines for peak breeding activity across the state. The rut occurs earliest in the Upstate (October), in the Midlands (late Oct-early Nov), and latest in the Coastal Plain (late Nov-Dec).
Final thoughts: South Carolina offers a long and productive deer season. The key to a great hunt is planning. Know your game zone dates, understand the weapon seasons, follow the tagging rules, and respect the land. With this knowledge, you’re ready to have a safe and succesful season in the woods. Always double-check the official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources regulations for the most current information before heading out.