SCDNR Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I purchased my license online but didn’t print my payment receipt, what can I do?
A: When you purchase your license online you will receive an email containing your license information. You may use this email to hunt or fish. If you opted to receive a copy of your license by mail, you may carry this license while hunting or fishing. If you purchase a hunting or fishing license by any means, you may download our mobile app, Go Outdoors SC, load your customer profile and sync your licenses to the app, this is also a valid hunting and/or fishing license.
Q: How do I change my address?
A: You may change your address online by logging in to your customer profile at
Q: If I am fishing from the shore in saltwater, do I need a saltwater license?
A: YES, you must possess a current saltwater license if you fish from shore or in a boat in salt water. Refer to General Information for the saltwater/ freshwater diving line.
Q: How many fishing rods may I use with a saltwater fishing license in a boat?
A: A licensed angler may use as many fishing rods as he/she wishes in a boat in saltwater. No unlicensed angler may use any of those fishing rods.
Q: Are mussels considered clams or oysters?
A: Mussels are considered oysters with applicable regulations. This does not apply to freshwater.
Q: Is there a crabbing season?
A: No, you can crab any time of year. Please see regulations for size limits and license requirements.
Q: Can you keep red drum caught in federal waters (beyond 3 miles)?
A: No, red drum may not be harvested from federal waters.
Q: If I am a recreational angler can I harvest crabs using a line with multiple hooks (similar to a trotline)?
A: YES. This would be considered a trotline and recreational anglers must have a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License and a Trotline Equipment License.
Q: I have a nuisance wildlife problem (such as a snake in the yard, squirrel in the attic, etc.). Who do I call?
A: SCDNR does not provide nuisance wildlife control services, but can refer you to private individuals and companies that do. For a directory, see:
Q: Is there a caliber restriction or magazine restriction when hunting deer, hogs or coyotes on private land?
A: NO, there is no caliber or magazine restriction for firearms used to hunt deer, hogs or coyotes on private land.
Q: Is there a caliber restriction or magazine restriction when hunting deer, hogs or coyotes on WMA land?
A: There is no magazine restrictions on WMA lands. See Weapons in WMA Regulations for weapons related regulations on WMAs.
Q: May I carry a handgun with me when hunting on an archery only WMA if I possess a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)?
A: YES, persons who have a CWP pursuant to SC-31-205 may possess a handgun while on any WMA. During a primitive weapons season (archery or muzzleloader), a handgun may not be used to take or attempt to take game.
Q: How long can I sit in the stand to hunt deer?
A: It is legal to hunt deer in South Carolina from one hour prior to official sunrise until one hour after official sunset.
Q: If I have used all of my turkey tags for the season, can I take someone else hunting and call for them?
A: YES, hunters who have used all of their tags may call or guide for other hunters provided they possess their tag form and a valid hunting license.
Q: How old does my child need to be before they are required purchase a hunting or fishing license?
A: Any person age 16 or older must possess a valid hunting or fishing license while hunting or fishing in South Carolina.
Q: Is my child who is under age 16 required to have tags to hunt deer, turkey or bear?
A: YES, anyone who hunts for turkey, deer or bear must have a set of tags no matter their age, except on designated youth days. Tags are available at each of the six regional SCDNR offices. See Directory of South Carolina DNR for office locations, online or through the mobile app.
Q: Can I camp on WMA properties?
A: YES, but only in designated camping areas and several properties require a permit for camping. Check our website at
