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South Carolina

Hunting

Hunting

Game Zone 3 WMAs Only

  • Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, Jasper, Lexington, Orangeburg & Richland counties.
  • All deer must be tagged with a valid deer tag as prescribed by the department before the animal is moved from the point of kill. Tag must remain attached until the deer/carcass is quartered or received by a processor. Processors see Deer Rules & Regulations.
  • Statewide WMA limit for deer is two deer per day, 5 deer total, no more than two antlered deer, unless otherwise specified. Antlerless deer limit is two deer per day, unless otherwise specified.
  • Individual antlerless deer tags are valid on WMA lands in Game Zone 3 starting September 15. For all WMAs combined in Game Zone 2-4, a maximum of 5 individual antlerless deer tags may be used. Individual antlerless deer tags not valid on deer hunts with dogs unless otherwise specified.
  • Feral hogs and coyotes may be taken during all hunts. No hog hunting with dogs except during special hog hunts with dogs.

SCDNR Offices

Wildlife Offices

1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 803-734-3886

305 Black Oak Road, Bonneau, SC, 843-825-3387

585 Donnelley Drive, Highway 17, Green Pond, SC, 843-844-8957

Webb Center, 1282 Webb Avenue, Garnett SC, 803-625-3569

New Ellenton, SC, 803-725-3663

Francis Marion Hunt Unit, 843-825­-3387

Dungannon HP WMA, 843-844-8957

Law Enforcement Offices

2762 Wildlife Lane, West Columbia, SC, 803-755-1822

217 Ft. Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 843-953-9307

Area/

Methods

Seasons

Limits

Other WMAs

Youth Deer Hunt Day

Jan. 6 (see Youth & Mobility Impaired Hunts for WMAs)

2 deer total

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-30

Statewide WMA Limits

All Deer Must Be Tagged

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Oct. 2-Jan. 1

Small Game

Refer to WMA seasons in chart on Small Game Seasons.

Named WMAs

Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve WMA Aiken County

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-30

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Oct. 2-Jan. 1

  • No buckshot or dogs allowed.
  • All reptiles and amphibians are protected.

Small Game

Nov. 23-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting.

Statewide Limits

Bear Island WMA Colleton County

  • All hunters must sign in and out at the Bear Island check station
  • Hunting in designated areas only.
  • Campground closes Nov. 2 and is for Bear Island deer hunters only.

Archery

Oct. 2-10

Statewide WMA Limits

Gun Hunts (rifles only)

Still gun hunts by lottery only. See WMA Public Lottery Hunts on WMA Regulations.

Hog Hunts (with Dogs)

Mar. 7-9

Refer to Reg. 2.16 on WMA Regulations.

Gate opens at 5:00 AM

No Limit

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Feb. 8 - Mar. 1 No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Bonneau Ferry WMA Berkeley County

  • Adult/Youth side open only to youth 17 and younger who must be accompanied by only one adult 21 years of age or older. Youth hunters must carry a firearm and hunt. Adults with youth hunters may also carry a firearm and hunt. Includes all big game and small game hunts.
  • Data/use cards are required for hunters, fishermen, and all other WMA users. Completed cards must be returned daily upon leaving the WMA.
  • Hunted areas are closed to general public access during scheduled deer, turkey and waterfowl hunts.
  • Hunting access by boat is prohibited.
  • Hunters may not enter WMA before 5:00 AM.

Deer Archery (Side A)

Sept. 15-30

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Still Gun Hunts (Side A)

No open season except for hunters selected by computer lottery.

Oct. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21,26-28, Nov. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 27-29, Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20

Deer Still Gun Hunts: Adult/Youth Only (Side B)

Sept. 15 - Jan. 1

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum) (Sides A & B)

Jan. 2-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel or fox hunting.

Statewide Limits

Botany Bay Plantation HP WMA Charleston County

  • Quality Deer Management Area
  • Antlered deer must have a minimum 4 points on one side or a minimum 12" inside antler spread.
  • All hunters, fishermen and visitors must obtain a day use pass, fill out the requested information and follow all instructions on the pass.
  • Hunting access by boat is prohibited.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 10, Nov. 20-25,
Dec. 25-30

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Still gun hunts by lottery only. See WMA Public Lottery Hunts on WMA Regulations.

Other Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Jan. 3-Mar. 1 (Wed. thru Sat. only)

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Dove

Designated fields on certain days. See Public Dove Fields List.

Canal WMA Berkeley County

Dove

Designated fields on certain days. See Public Dove Fields List.

Quail Only

See WMA Seasons in chart on Small Game Seasons.

Statewide Limits

Crackerneck WMA Aiken County

  • Quality Deer Management Area
  • Antlered deer must have at least 4 points on one side or a minimum 12-inch inside antler spread.

Deer Archery

Oct. 6-7

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Primitive Weapons

Oct. 13-14

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Oct. 20-21, 27-28, Nov. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30

Statewide WMA Limits

Gun hunts on Fri. & Sat. only during this period. Oct. 20-Jan. 1. Closed on Dec. 25.

  • All individuals must sign in and out at gate.
  • No buckshot or dogs allowed.
  • Scouting days (no firearms or archery equipment) on Saturdays only during Sept., Mar. and May. Gate opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM.
  • On deer hunt days, gate opens as follows: Oct., 4:30 AM-8:30 PM; Nov.-Dec., 4:30 AM-7:30 PM.

Small Game except raccoon and opossum

Fri. & Sat. ONLY during regular Game Zone 3 seasons. No small game hunting before Oct. 20. Game Zone 3 limits.

  • All individuals must sign in and out at gate.
  • Bobcats, foxes, otters and fox squirrels may not be hunted.
  • During hunts, gate hours will be as follows: Oct., 4:30 AM-8:30 PM; Nov. - Dec., 4:30 AM­-7:30 PM; Jan. - Feb., 5:30 AM-7:00 PM.

Raccoon & Opossum

Oct. 28-Dec. 16 Sat. nights only;

Jan. 5-Feb. 24 Fri. & Sat. nights only

Raccoons - 3 per party per night. Opossum no limit.

  • All individuals must sign in and out at gate.
  • Hunt hours are as follows: 1 hour after official sunset to midnight. Hunters must exit gate by 1:00 AM.

Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve WMA Aiken/Barnwell County

Deer Archery Only

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Nov. 23-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Donnelley WMA Colleton County

  • Hunters must sign in and out at the check station.
  • Hunting in designated areas only.
  • Gates will open at 4:00 AM for deer hunts.
  • All hogs harvested must be checked at the check station.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-30

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Still gun hunts by lottery only. See WMA Public Lottery Hunts on WMA Regulations.

Hog Hunts (with Dogs)

Mar. 7-9

Refer to Reg. 2.16 on WMA Regulations.

Gate opens at 5:00 AM

No Limit

Dove

Designated fields on certain days. See Public Dove Fields List.

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Nov. 23-Mar. 1

Gates will open at 6:00 am.

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Dungannon Heritage Preserve WMA Charleston County

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Nov. 23-Jan. 31

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Edisto River WMA Dorchester County

  • Hunting is allowed on Sundays Oct. 15- Jan. 31 for species that are in season and listed below.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Oct. 11-Jan. 1

Raccoon & Opossum

Refer to chart on Small Game Seasons.

Statewide Limits

Other Small Game

Nov. 23-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Francis Marion Hunt Unit, Berkeley & Charleston Counties

Tibwin special use area (in Wambaw) is closed to hunting except for special hunts.

  • Hunting is allowed on Sundays Oct. 15- Jan. 31 for species that are in season and listed below.
  • No deer hunting with dogs on Sunday.

** All deer harvested must be checked in. See WMA map #9 for a list of check stations. If check station is closed, deer may be checked in by calling 843-825-3387. On December 9, all deer harvested during the dog hunt must be checked in at listed locations only.

  • During still gun hunts for deer, there shall be no hunting or shooting from, on, or across any road open to vehicle traffic.
  • No buckshot is allowed on still gun hunts.
  • Shotguns and buckshot only during dog drive hunts.
  • On all deer hunts, all deer must be checked in by 1 hour after legal sunset.
  • No still gun or archery hunting during deer dog drive hunts.
  • On youth deer hunts, only youths 17 and younger may carry a gun and must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older.

Hog Hunts with dogs: Francis Marion National Forest

All Hunt Units

Mar. 18-23, May 20-25

Refer to Reg. 2.16 on WMA Regulations.

No Limit

Still hog hunts no dogs: Francis Marion National Forest

All Hunt Units

Mar. 4-9, Refer to reg. 2.16
on WMA Regulations. No Buckshot.

No Limit

Hellhole WMA Francis Marion National Forest

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Statewide WMA Limits

All Deer Must Be Tagged

** All deer must be checked in.

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Oct. 11-Jan. 1

No still hunting during scheduled dog drive hunts.

Deer Dog Drive Hunt

Nov. 4, Dec. 2 buck only

No still hunting and no rifles.

Youth Only Dog Hunt

Nov. 11 buck only

Northampton WMA Francis Marion National Forest

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Statewide WMA Limits

All Deer Must Be Tagged

** All deer must be checked in.

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Oct. 11-Jan. 1 (No still hunting during scheduled dog drive hunts).

Deer Dog Drive Hunt

Sept. 30, Oct. 11-12, Nov. 24, Dec. 28 buck only

Dec. 9 either sex. Hunters may use one (1) Individual Antlerless Deer Tag.

On Dec. 9 only, all deer must be checked at Huger, Handy Mart in Macedonia, Honey Hill Lookout Tower, Kangaroo in Jamestown, or Alvin One Stop.

Youth Only Dog Hunt

Nov. 25 buck only

Santee WMA Francis Marion National Forest

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Statewide WMA Limits

All Deer Must Be Tagged

** All deer must be checked in.

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Oct. 11-Jan. 1 (No still hunting during scheduled dog drive hunts.)

Deer Dog Drive Hunt

Sept. 8-9, Oct. 25-26,
Dec. 1 buck only

Dec. 9 either sex. Hunters may use one (1) Individual Antlerless Deer Tag.

On Dec. 9 only, all deer must be checked at Alvin One Stop, Huger, Handy Mart in Macedonia, Honey Hill Lookout Tower, or Kangaroo in Jamestown.

Youth Only Dog Hunt

Oct. 21 buck only

Wambaw WMA Francis Marion National Forest

Seewee Special Use Area (no dogs)

Archery Only

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

All Deer Must Be Tagged

** All deer must be checked in.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Oct. 11-Jan. 1 (No still hunting during scheduled dog drive hunts.) No buckshot.

Deer Dog Drive Hunt

Sept. 29, Oct. 14, Nov. 15-16, Dec. 26-27 buck only

Dec. 9 either sex. Hunters may use one (1) Individual Antlerless Deer Tag.

  • No deer hunting with dogs east of HWY 17.
  • On Dec. 9 only, all deer must be checked at Handy Mart in Macedonia, Huger, Kangaroo in Jamestown, Alvin One Stop or Honey Hill Lookout Tower.

Youth Only Dog Hunt

Nov. 18 buck only

Waterhorn WMA Francis Marion National Forest

Deer Archery Only

Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Statewide WMA Limits

All Deer Must Be Tagged

** All deer must be checked in.

Deer Primitive Weapons

Oct. 11-20

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Nov. 3-Dec. 30 (Fridays and Saturdays only)

Small Game: Francis Marion Hunt Unit

  • Refer to WMA seasons in chart on Small Game Seasons.
  • Dogs are allowed during small game gun season only.
  • Closed during scheduled deer hunt­ing periods on Waterhorn and when dogs are used for deer on Wambaw, Northampton, Hellhole and Santee WMAs.
  • No fox or coyote hunting with dogs on the Francis Marion NF.

Hamilton Ridge WMA Hampton County

  • Hunting is allowed on Sundays Oct. 15- Jan. 31 for species that are in season and listed below.
  • Quality Deer Management Area
  • Antlered deer must have a minimum 4 points on one side or a minimum 12" inside antler spread.
  • Data cards/use cards are required for hunters, fishermen and all other WMA users. Completed cards must be returned daily upon leaving Hamilton Ridge WMA.
  • No ATVs allowed on area.
  • Hunters may camp at designated camp­ ground one day prior to and during deer, hog and turkey hunts.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Still gun hunts by lottery only. See WMA Public Lottery Hunts on WMA Regulations.

Hog Hunts (with Dogs)

Aug. 24-26, Mar. 7-9, May 9-11, June 27-29, July 25-27. See Reg. 2.16 on WMA Regulations.

No Limit

Quail

Nov. 25, Dec. 6, 16, 20, 27, Jan. 6, 17, 27, Feb. 14, 17.
Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset

Statewide Limits

Other Small Game

Nov. 23-26, Dec. 15-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Raccoon & Opossum

Oct. 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31, Nov. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 19-25, 28, Dec. 2, 5, 9, 12, Dec. 15-Mar. 1

  • On Saturdays prior to Dec. 15, hunters may not enter the WMA prior to 1 hour after official sunset.

Statewide Limits

Hatchery WMA Berkeley County

Deer Archery

No deer hunting with dogs. Sept. 15-Jan. 1
Hatchery is closed to fishing each Saturday morning during waterfowl season and all day the last Saturday of waterfowl season.

Statewide WMA Limits

Henderson Heritage Preserve WMA Aiken County

Deer Archery Only

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

  • No Small Game Hunting

Moultrie Hunt Unit Berkeley County

  • No hunting or shooting within 50 feet of the center of any road during gun hunts for deer except for SCDNR draw youth hunts.
  • All deer harvested must be checked in. See WMA map #9 for a list of check stations.

Bluefield WMA: Adult/Youth area only Moultrie Hunt Unit

  • Open only to youth 17 years of age or younger accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age. Youth hunters must carry a firearm and hunt. Adults may also carry a firearm and hunt.

Deer Still Gun Hunts
(no buckshot)

Sept. 16-Dec. 30 (Wed. & Sat. only)

Open only to youth 17 years of age or younger accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age. Youth hunters must carry a firearm and hunt. Adults may also carry a firearm and hunt.

Statewide WMA Limits

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Refer to chart on Small Game Seasons.

  • No fox squirrel hunting.
  • No small game hunting during scheduled deer hunts.

Statewide Limits

Greenfield WMA Moultrie Hunt Unit

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Nov. 23-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

North Dike WMA Moultrie Hunt Unit

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Sept. 15-Oct. 14

Statewide WMA Limits

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Jan. 2-Mar. 1

Statewide Limits

  • Sandy Beach Waterfowl Area open for raccoon hunting Feb. 1-Mar. 1

Porcher & Hall WMA except Cross Station Special Use Area Moultrie Hunt Unit

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Jan. 2-Mar. 1 shotguns only

  • No fox squirrel hunting.

Statewide Limits

Old Island HP WMA Beaufort County

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

Palachucola WMA Hampton & Jasper Counties

  • Hunting is allowed on Sundays Oct. 15- Jan. 31 for species that are in season and listed below.
  • Quality Deer Management Area.
  • Antlered deer must have a minimum 4 points on one side or a minimum 12" inside antler spread.
  • Data cards/use cards are required for hunters, fishermen and all other WMA users. Completed cards must be returned daily upon leaving Palachucola WMA.
  • All deer must be checked at check station.
  • Hunters may camp at Palachucola camping area one night prior to and during deer, hog and turkey hunts only.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Still gun hunts by lottery only. See WMA Public Lottery Hunt on WMA Regulations.

Dove

Designated fields on certain days. See Public Dove Fields List

Hog Hunts (with Dogs)

Aug. 24-26, Mar. 7-9, May 9-11, June 27-29, July 25-27
See Reg. 2.16 on WMA Regulations.

No Limit

Quail

Nov. 25, Dec. 6, 16, 20, 27, Jan. 6, 17, 27, Feb. 14, 17.

  • Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset

Statewide Limits

Other Small Game

Nov. 23-26, Dec. 15-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Raccoon & Opossum

Oct. 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31, Nov. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 19-25, 28, Dec. 2, 5, 9, 12, Dec. 15-Mar. 1

  • On Saturdays prior to Dec. 15, hunters may not enter the WMA prior to 1 hour after official sunset.

Statewide Limits

Santee Coastal WMA Charleston County

  • Hunting is allowed on the mainland only.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

Hog Hunts (with Dogs)

Mar. 11-16

Refer to Reg. 2.16 on WMA Regulations.

No Limit

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Nov. 23-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Santee Cooper WMA Orangeburg County

  • Quality Deer Management Area
  • Antlered deer must have minimum 4 points on one side, or a minimum 12 inch inside antler spread.
  • Campground is open during scheduled deer hunts.
  • Hunters limited to 2 deer/tree stands. No deer stand can be placed on WMA prior to Sept. 1
  • Data/Use cards are required for all users. Completed cards must be returned daily upon leaving the WMA.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 31

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Primitive Weapons

Nov. 1-20

Dove

Designated fields on certain days. See Public Dove Fields List

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Nov. 23-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

South Fenwick Island Colleton County

  • Deer Hunting by permit only.
  • Primitive camping allowed by permit, which may be obtained at McKenzie Field Station, Bennetts Point, 843-844-8822
  • No small game or waterfowl hunting.

Deer Archery

Hunters selected by lottery.

Statewide WMA Limits

St. Helena Sound HP WMA Beaufort and Colleton Counties

Hunting and camping by special permit which may be obtained at McKenzie Field Station, Bennetts Point, 843-844-8822. Camping Otter Island Only.

Ashe, Beet, Warren, Big, Otter, North & South Williman Islands and Buzzard Island

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

Tillman Sand Ridge HP WMA Jasper County

  • All reptiles and amphibians are protected.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Nov. 23-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Turtle Island WMA Jasper County

  • Waterfowl hunting is open on Wed. & Sat. during the waterfowl season.
  • Marsh hen hunting is open during the marsh hen season.
  • Other small game hunting is closed.
  • Deer hunting is closed.

Victoria Bluff HP WMA Beaufort County

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Jan. 1

Statewide WMA Limits

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Jan. 2-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting
  • Shotguns only

Statewide Limits

Wateree River HP WMA Richland County

  • Data/use cards are only required for all hunters. Completed cards must be returned daily upon leaving the WMA.
  • Quality Deer Management Area
  • Antlered deer must have a minimum 4 points on one side or a minimum 12” inside antler spread.
  • Turkey hunting by lottery only.

Deer Archery

Sept. 15-Oct. 10

Statewide WMA Limits

Deer Still Gun Hunts

Still gun hunts by lottery only. See WMA Public Lottery hunts on WMA Regulations.

Small Game (including raccoon and opossum)

Jan. 2-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Bag Limits

Webb WMA Hampton County

  • Hunting is allowed on Sundays Oct. 15- Jan. 31 for species that are in season and listed below.
  • Data/use cards are required for hunters, fishermen and all other WMA users. Completed cards must be returned daily upon leaving Webb WMA.

Deer Hunts

Still hunts by lottery only. See WMA Public Lottery Hunts on WMA Regulations.

Hog Hunts (with dogs)

Aug. 24-26, Mar. 7-9, May 9-11, June 27-29, July 25-27

See WMA Reg. 2.16 on WMA Regulations.

No Limit

Dove

Designated fields on certain days. See Public Fields list on Public Dove Fields List.

Quail

Nov. 25, Dec. 6, 16, 20, 27, Jan. 6, 17, 27, Feb. 14, 17. Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset

Statewide Limits

Other Small Game

Nov. 23-26, Dec. 15-Mar. 1

  • No fox squirrel hunting

Statewide Limits

Raccoon & Opossum

Oct. 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31, Nov. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 19-25, 28, Dec. 2, 5, 9, 12, Dec. 15-Mar. 1

  • On Saturdays prior to Dec. 15, hunters may not enter the WMA prior to 1 hour after official sunset.

Statewide Limits