Resident deer tags are issued through the resident tag set; non-residents buy deer tags separately on top of the hunting license and big game permit
SC
Deer Hunting in South Carolina: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in South Carolina starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag See notes Resident deer tags are issued through the resident tag set; non-residents buy deer tags separately on top of the hunting license and big game permit
Non-Resident Tag $50 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Aug 9 or Sep 13 – 1 day + Jan 3 Youth Deer Day
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
South Carolina Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for South Carolina deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Youth Deer Day; also check Archery Only (Zones 2 & 4).
For South Carolina deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Resident deer tags are issued through the resident tag set; non-residents buy deer tags separately on top of the hunting license and big game permit. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. South Carolina does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in South Carolina
South Carolina deer cost depends heavily on residency. Residents receive their initial deer tag set through the resident licensing structure, while non-residents buy deer tags separately after purchasing the hunting license and big game permit. That is why a flat '$0 included' deer entry is misleading for visiting hunters. South Carolina still markets one of the earlier deer openers in the Southeast, but season timing and dog-hunting rules change by game zone. SCDNR has not listed a confirmed in-state CWD detection in the current planning layer used here, yet carcass-import rules still matter for hunters traveling from affected states.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
South Carolina Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
South Carolina offers 6 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
South Carolina Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
See notes
Resident deer tags are issued through the resident tag set; non-residents buy deer tags separately on top of the hunting license and big game permit
Non-Resident
$50
Over-the-counter tag available
Resident deer tags are issued through the resident tag set; non-residents buy deer tags separately on top of the hunting license and big game permit
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right South Carolina deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full South Carolina license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in South Carolina
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Not Detected
CWD Testing / Transport
No in-state detection listed
South Carolina limits importation of whole deer carcasses and other high-risk cervid parts from affected areas; confirm the current SCDNR allowed-parts guidance before travel.
Bag Limit
Daily: 2 · Season: Up to 5 total (res tags); NR up to 4 antlered + 4 antlerless
Game zone-specific antler point restrictions; 4-pt minimum on 1 side for some additional antlered tags
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in South Carolina — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in South Carolina?
No mandatory hunter testing is listed in this data set. South Carolina's current planning issue is prevention and carcass import compliance rather than a statewide testing program.
What are the antler restrictions for optional tags?
South Carolina's deer-tag rules use a tiered structure. Base resident buck tags are different from the optional additional tags, and some additional tags use antler-restriction rules. Check the current SCDNR deer-tag instructions before assuming the same antler rule applies to every tag.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in South Carolina?
No, South Carolina offers over-the-counter (OTC) deer tags that can be purchased without a draw. Some special hunts or antlerless permits may require a separate lottery.
What deer species can I hunt in South Carolina?
South Carolina is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in South Carolina?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in South Carolina, but deer is not free or automatically covered by the non-resident hunting license. The first non-resident antlered buck tag is $50, additional antlered tags are $20 each, and antlerless tags are $10 each after the hunting license and big game permit.