SC Hunting License
What kind of License do I need?
The type of license you need depends on the type of activities you participate in and whether you are a resident or nonresident of South Carolina. The
following questions can help determine what licenses you need.
- Am I a resident of SC? Am I a nonresident of SC?
- Am I fishing in freshwater, saltwater or both?
- Am I hunting? Small game or big game?
- Will I be hunting and fishing?
- Will I need any additional tags or permits?
- Is there a lottery for the tag I need?
- How old am I?
The answers to these questions will help you determine what licenses are required. We offer a variety of licenses, both resident and nonresident to include temporary, annual and 3 year privileges for hunting and fishing. There are SC resident combination and sportsman licenses that offer both hunting and fishing privileges together. Small game requires a hunting license only but if you are hunting deer, bear or turkey, a hunting license, big game permit and additional tags are required. Additional tags or permits are required for commercial fur trapping, nongame fish devices, shrimp baiting, migratory birds, deer, bear, turkey and alligator. A lottery is required for alligator tags. For SC residents age 64 and older we offer a lifetime license at a discounted rate. Youth under 16 years of age are not required to have a license however, all hunting and fishing tags are required. A license is required for youth who participate in commercial activity or use any nongame fish devices.
All persons born after June 30, 1979 are required to complete a Hunter Education Course to purchase a hunting license. For information concerning Hunter Education please call 800-277-4301.
| Species | Basic Licenses Needed |
|---|---|
Alligator
|
Alligator hunting is a Lottery Hunt process no open season.
Possible other license / permit needed:
|
Black Bear
|
Possible other license / permit needed:
|
Coyote
|
Possible other license / permit needed:
|
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) |
Possible other license / permit needed:
|
Dove
|
Information on Dove Species
Possible other license / permit needed:
|
Feral Hogs |
Information on Feral Hogs
Possible other license / permit needed:
|
Waterfowl (Migratory Bird)
|
Information on Waterfowl
Possible other license / permit needed:
|
Small Game |
Possible other license / permit needed:
|
Eastern Wild Turkey
|
Possible other license / permit needed:
|
License General Information
License Pricing
Customer Service
Need assistance with your license purchase? Contact customer service by email at licensing@dnr.sc.gov. Customer service is available Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, except holidays.