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South Carolina

Hunting

Hunting

Deer Seasons on Private Lands

Deer Seasons on Private Lands

  • All harvested deer must be tagged at the point of kill prior to being transported. Tag must remain attached until the deer/carcass is quartered or received by a processor. Processors see Deer Rules & Regulations.
  • Antlered deer statewide limit:
    • Residents - 2 per day, 5 total all seasons and methods combined.
    • Nonresidents - 2 per day, 4 total all seasons and methods combined.
  • Antlerless deer - limit 2 per day. Must be tagged with Individual Antlerless Deer Tag. Only three (3) Individual Antlerless Deer Tags may be used in Game Zone 1. Tags are valid in Game Zones 2, 3, and 4 beginning Sept. 15 and in Game Zone 1 beginning Oct. 1. Individual tags are not valid on properties enrolled for antlerless deer in the Deer Quota Program. Individual tags do not alter the daily (2 per day) or seasonal limit or change the type of weapon that can be used during special weapons seasons.
  • Limits listed include deer taken on private & WMA lands.
  • Limits listed do not apply to quota deer taken on properties enrolled in the Deer Quota Program.
  • Sunday hunting allowed on private lands.
  • Archery and crossbows allowed during all seasons.
  • Crossbows are considered archery equipment.
  • In Game Zones 1 and 2 it is unlawful to pursue deer with dogs.
  • Baiting or hunting deer over bait is permitted on private lands statewide.
Pre-season Deer Hunting Checklist
Pre-season Deer Hunting Checklist

Statewide Youth Day - Private Lands

Listed by Game Zone. For youth 17 years old and younger. Youth hunters who have not completed the hunter education program must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age. No license or tag requirements for youth or adult. Adult may guide, however, only the youth may take or attempt to take.

South Carolina Game Zone map.

Game Zone 1 (Private Lands)

Antlered Deer Limit: Statewide limits apply.

Antlerless Limit: 2 per day, 3 total all seasons and methods combined.

Primitive Weapons: Oct. 1-10

Gun Hunts: Oct. 11-Jan. 1

Youth Deer Hunt Days: September 30, Antlered deer only, limit 1. January 6, Either-sex, limit 2. Tags not required.

Game Zone 2 (Private Lands)

Antlered Deer Limit: Statewide limits apply.

Antlerless Limit: 2 per day, 5 total all seasons and methods combined.

Archery Only: Sept. 15-30

Primitive Weapons: Oct. 1-10

Gun Hunts: Oct. 11-Jan. 1

Youth Deer Hunt Days: September 9, Antlered deer only, limit 1. January 6 Either-sex, limit 2. Tags not required

Game Zone 3 (Private Lands)

Antlered Deer Limit: Statewide limits apply.

Antlerless Limit: 2 per day. 8 total all seasons and methods combined.

Archery & Gun Hunts: Aug. 15-Jan. 1

Youth Deer Hunt Days: August 12, Antlered deer only, limit 1. January 6, Either-sex, limit 2. Tags not required.

Game Zone 4 (Private Lands)

Antlered Deer Limit: Statewide limits apply.

Antlerless limit: 2 per day. 8 total all seasons and methods combined.

Archery Only: Aug. 15-31

Gun Hunts: Sept. 1-Jan. 1

Youth Deer Hunt Days: August 12, Antlered deer only, limit 1. January 6 Either-sex, limit 2. Tags not required.