When does whitetail season open in South Carolina in 2026?

South Carolina's 2026 whitetail archery season opens August 15 and runs through January 1. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.

What big-game species can you hunt in South Carolina?

In 2026, South Carolina has hunting seasons for whitetail.

How much is a South Carolina hunting license for nonresidents?

A hunting license (annual) in South Carolina is $125 for nonresidents and $12 for residents.

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South Carolina Hunting Seasons & Prices

2026 big-game season dates and license/tag prices.

South Carolina offers 2026 hunting seasons for whitetail across archery, firearm, and muzzleloader methods. Seasons run from August 15, 2026 through January 1, 2027. A hunting license (annual) costs $12 for residents and $125 for nonresidents.

Planning reference only — always confirm dates and prices with the state wildlife agency before applying, buying a license, or hunting.

Season dates

Whitetail

Season	Method	Opens	Closes	Notes	Track
Zones 3 & 4	Archery	Aug 15, 2026	Jan 1, 2027	Zone 4 archery-only Aug 15–31; Zone 3 archery & gun through Jan 1	🔔
Zone 3	Firearm	Aug 15, 2026	Jan 1, 2027		🔔
Zone 4	Firearm	Sep 1, 2026	Jan 1, 2027		🔔
Zones 1 & 2	Archery	Sep 15, 2026	Sep 30, 2026		🔔
Zones 1 & 2 (primitive weapons)	Muzzleloader	Oct 1, 2026	Oct 10, 2026		🔔
Zones 1 & 2	Firearm	Oct 11, 2026	Jan 1, 2027		🔔

License & tag prices

License	Resident	Nonresident
Hunting License (annual)	$12	$125
Big Game Permit (deer/bear/turkey)	$6	$100
Nonresident 10-Day Hunting License	—	$75
Nonresident 3-Day Hunting License	—	$40

Deer hunting needs a hunting license plus a Big Game Permit; nonresidents also buy deer tags (first buck $50, additional bucks $20, antlerless $10).

Source: SCDNR license & permit fee schedule (dnr.sc.gov)

South Carolina hunt units

Explore harvest history, success rates, and draw odds by unit.

Aiken Alligator Allendale Alligator Barnwell Alligator Beaufort Alligator Berkeley Alligator Calhoun Alligator Charleston Alligator Clarendon Alligator Colleton Alligator Dorchester Alligator Florence Alligator Georgetown Alligator

Browse all South Carolina harvest data →

South Carolina hunting FAQ

When does whitetail season open in South Carolina in 2026?: South Carolina's 2026 whitetail archery season opens August 15 and runs through January 1. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.
What big-game species can you hunt in South Carolina?: In 2026, South Carolina has hunting seasons for whitetail.
How much is a South Carolina hunting license for nonresidents?: A hunting license (annual) in South Carolina is $125 for nonresidents and $12 for residents.