South Carolina Hunting – 2024 Seasons, Licenses & Maps

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on hunting in South Carolina for the 2024 season. This guide provides vital information on hunting seasons, licensing requirements, and maps to ensure your hunting experience in this beautiful state is safe, legal, and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner seeking your first adventure, we’ve got you covered with all the essential details you need.

Hunting seasons in South Carolina for 2024

Hunting seasons in South Carolina for 2024 include the following:

1. Deer hunting season:
   • Archery: August 15 – 31, 2024 and September 15 – 30, 2024
   • Primitive Weapons: October 1 – 10, 2024
   • Gun hunts: October 11, 2024 – January 1, 2025
2. Turkey hunting season:
   • Spring turkey season: April 1 – May 1, 2024
3. Small game hunting season:
   • Mourning Doves: September 1 – 24, 2024 (guns & dogs) and September 24, 2024 (dogs only)
   • Rabbit: October 1, 2024 – March 5, 2025 (guns & dogs)
4. Waterfowl hunting season:
   • Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules: November 4, 2023 – January 29, 2024 (only hunters 17 years of age or younger may hunt)

Please note that these dates are subject to change, and it is important to refer to the official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) website or the hunting regulations for the most up-to-date information.

Licenses and permits required for hunting in South Carolina

When hunting in South Carolina, some certain licenses and permits are required. Here is some information about the licenses and permits needed for hunting in South Carolina:

1. Hunting License: All South Carolina hunters age 16 or older must have a resident hunting license. This license is required for both residents and non-residents.
2. Big Game Permit: If you are hunting deer, bear, or turkey, in addition to the hunting license, you will need a big game permit. This permit is required for both residents and non-residents.
3. Additional Tags: Depending on the species being hunted, additional tags may be required. These tags are specific to certain game animals and are necessary to legally harvest them.

It is important to note that small game hunting, which includes species like rabbits and mourning doves, only requires a hunting license.

Maps and resources for hunting in South Carolina

When it comes to finding maps and resources for hunting in South Carolina, there are several options available. Here are some sources you can explore:

1. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) – Wildlife Management Area Maps: The SCDNR provides detailed maps of the Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in South Carolina. These maps are created using geospatial information and can be found on the SCDNR website.
2. Gaia GPS: Gaia GPS offers a hunting map source that includes coverage for all 102 WMAs and public lands open for hunting in South Carolina. This resource can help you navigate and explore hunting opportunities in the state.
3. onX Hunt: onX Hunt is a popular hunting GPS map app that provides access to public and private hunting land boundaries in South Carolina. It offers WMA and game zone maps, enabling hunters to plan their hunting trips effectively.
4. South Carolina Game Zones: The onX Hunt interactive map provides information about South Carolina’s game zones, including private land boundaries and ownership details. This resource can help understand the different hunting areas in the state.
5. Digital Collections – Game Management Areas of South Carolina: The Digital Collections website offers a map that shows the game management areas in South Carolina. This map provides an overview of the areas and can be a useful reference for hunters.
6. HuntingLocator.com: HuntingLocator.com allows you to search for public hunting land in South Carolina. You can sort properties by species, state, and specific features to find the best hunting locations.

These sources can provide valuable information and maps for hunting in South Carolina. Remember to check the official websites and regulations for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding hunting areas and regulations in the state.

Conclusion

South Carolina’s diverse ecosystems and abundance of wildlife make it an excellent destination for hunting enthusiasts. Whether you’re targeting big game like deer and turkey or small game species, understanding the hunting seasons, licensing requirements, and available resources is crucial. The maps and resources mentioned in this guide offer valuable tools to plan ahead and ensure a successful hunting experience. With proper preparation and adherence to rules, hunting in South Carolina can be a rewarding and enjoyable venture. Remember, conservation is a vital part of hunting. Respect the game, the land, and the laws, and help preserve this rich tradition for future generations. Happy hunting in 2024!