South Carolina Bird Hunting

Seasons Span November 28 – March 1, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Season Dates: Typically November 28, 2025 – March 1, 2026 (guns and dogs).
    • Note: Exact dates for 2025-26 must be confirmed with SCDNR, as they follow a typical annual cycle.
  • Pheasant, Grouse, and Other Upland Birds:
    • South Carolina has limited populations of pheasant and grouse, and specific seasons or regulations may not be widely established. Hunters should check SCDNR for any updates on these species.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 12
    • Possession Limit: Not specified (typically three times the daily bag limit; confirm with SCDNR).

Required Licenses and Costs

  • General Requirements:
    • Anyone 16 or older needs a valid South Carolina hunting license to hunt upland birds, except resident landowners hunting on their own property (though tags may still be required for certain species).
    • Hunters born after June 30, 1979, must complete a state-approved hunter education course. Certifications from other states are accepted.
    • For Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), a WMA permit is required in addition to a hunting license.
    • For migratory birds like mourning doves, a Migratory Bird Permit and possibly a Federal Waterfowl Stamp are required.
  • License Costs (based on 2024-25, effective July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026; verify for 2025-26):
    • Resident Hunting License:
      • Annual: $12
      • 3-Year: $36
      • Lifetime: $300 (ages 16-63), $100 (ages 64+), free (under 16 with parental consent).
    • Non-Resident Hunting License:
      • Annual: $125
      • 10-Day: $75
      • 3-Day: $40
    • WMA Permit:
      • Resident: $30.50 (annual)
      • Non-Resident: $76 (annual)
    • Migratory Bird Permit:
      • Resident and Non-Resident: $12
    • Federal Waterfowl Stamp (if hunting migratory birds like doves):
      • $25 (required for hunters 16 and older).
    • Note: Costs are subject to change; verify with SCDNR at https://www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting.html or through the Go Outdoors South Carolina app.

Additional Regulations

  • Hunter Orange: Required during any gun or muzzleloader season for deer, bear, or hogs on WMA lands (solid international orange hat, coat, or vest). Exemptions apply for archery-only seasons and certain migratory bird hunters.
  • Dog Training: On Public Dog Training Areas, hunters with a valid hunting license and WMA permit can train dogs from September 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026 (excluding Sundays). Pen-raised quail and pigeons can be used, with handguns (blanks) or shotguns (#8 shot or smaller). Blaze orange is required.
  • Hunting Hours: Generally one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, except for mourning doves (30 minutes before sunrise to sunset) and early teal (sunrise to sunset).
  • Verification: Always check the SCDNR website for confirmed 2025-26 dates, as some dates are based on typical cycles and proposed legislation.

This summary provides a general guide for upland bird hunting in South Carolina for the 2025-26 season. For precise dates, limits, and license requirements, consult the SCDNR or the Go Outdoors South Carolina app before hunting.