S.C. Code Ann. Regs. 123-40
1.1 The regulations governing hunting including prescribed schedules and seasons, methods of hunting and taking wildlife, and bag limits for Wildlife Management Areas and special restrictions for use of WMA lands are as follows:
A. Game Zone 1
1. US Forest Service WMA lands (Sumter National Forest)
(b) Primitive Weapons Hunts for Deer
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Archery Hunts for Deer
(e) Still Gun Hunts for Bear
(f) Special Party Dog Hunt for Bear
(g) Small Game
(h) Hog Hunts with Dogs
2. Other WMAs
(a) Archery Hunts for Deer
(b) Primitive Weapons for Deer
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Bear
(e) Special Party Dog Hunt for Bear
(f) Small Game
(g) Hog Hunts with Dogs
3. Glassy Mountain Archery Only Area - Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve
(a) Archery Hunts for Deer.
(b) Small Game
4. Long Creek Tract
5. Mill Shoals WMA
(a) Archery Hunts for Deer
(b) Archery Hunts for Bear
(c) Small Game
6. South Saluda WMA
(b) Archery Hunts for Deer
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Bear
(d) Small Game
(e) Hog Hunts with Dogs
B. Game Zone 2
1. US Forest Service WMA lands (Sumter National Forest)
(b) Archery Hunts for Deer
(c) Primitive Weapons for Deer
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(e) Small Game
(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs
2. Other WMAs
(a) Archery Hunts for Deer
(b) Primitive Weapons for Deer
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Small Game
(e) Hog Hunts with Dogs
3. Keowee WMA
(c) Archery Hunts for Deer
(d) Raccoon and Opossum
(e) Other Small Game
4. Draper WMA
(b) Archery Hunts for Deer
(c) Primitive Weapons for Deer
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(e) Quail Hunts
(ii) Game Zone 2 bag limit
(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset.
(f) Rabbit Hunts
(g) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
5. Fant's Grove WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Special Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Raccoon and Opossum
(e) Other Small Game
(ii) No small game hunting during archery deer hunts except for waterfowl, designated dove field hunting, or raccoon and opossum hunting at night.
(iii) Waterfowl may be hunted Wed. and Sat. AM only.
6. Rock Hill Blackjacks HP WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Small Game
7. Belfast WMA
(d) Archery Hunts for Deer
(e) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(f) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
8. Broad River Waterfowl Management Area
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Small Game
9. McCalla WMA
(b) Deer Hunts
(c) Small Game
(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(e) Special Hunt Area for Youth and Mobility Impaired Hunters
10. Worth Mountain WMA
(b) Deer Hunts
(c) Small Game
11. Liberty Hill WMA
(d) Archery Hunts for Deer
(e) Primitive Weapons for Deer
(f) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(g) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
12. Delta North WMA
(a) Deer Hunts
(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
13. Delta South WMA
(a) Archery Hunts for Deer
(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(c) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
14. Forty Acre Rock HP WMA
(a) Archery Hunts for Deer
(b) Primitive Weapons for Deer
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
15. Indian Creek Quail Focal Area
(b) Small Game (except quail)
(c) Quail Hunts
C. Game Zone 3
1. Other WMAs
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(c) Small Game
2. Crackerneck WMA and Ecological Reserve
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts (no buckshot).
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(e) Raccoon and Opossum
(f) Still Hunts for Hogs
(g) Other Small Game (except no open season on bobcats, foxes, otters or fox squirrels).
3. Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(c) Small Game (no fox squirrels).
4. Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts.
(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels).
5. Henderson Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts.
6. Francis Marion National Forest
(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(e) Still Hog Hunts
(f) Hellhole WMA
(i) Archery Deer Hunts
(ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(1) Oct. 11 - Jan. 1 except during scheduled dog drive hunts
(iii) Deer Hunts with Dogs (shotguns only)
(1) 1st Sat. in Nov., 1st Sat. in Dec.
(iv) Youth Only Deer Hunt with Dogs
(v) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)
(g) Waterhorn WMA
(i) Archery Deer Hunts
(ii) Muzzleloader Hunts for Deer
(1) Oct. 11 - Oct. 20
(iii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(iv) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)
(h) Wambaw WMA
(i) Archery Deer Hunts
(ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(2) Still gun hunts only East of Hwy 17. No buckshot.
(iii) Deer Hunts with Dogs (shotguns only)
(1) Fri. in Sept. before the last Sat. Northampton dog hunt, Wed. and Thurs. before the 3rd Sat. in Nov. and 2nd Sat. in Oct., first 2 days excluding Sunday after Dec. 25
(2) 2nd Sat. in Dec.
(iv) Youth Only Deer Hunt with Dogs
(v) Seewee Special Use Area
(vi) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)
(i) Northampton WMA
(i) Archery Deer Hunts
(ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(1) Oct. 11 - Jan. 1 except during scheduled dog drive hunts.
(iii) Deer Hunts with Dogs (shotguns only)
(1) Last Sat. in Sept., Wed. and Thurs. before the 2nd Sat. in Oct., Fri. before the 4th Sat. in Nov., 3rd day excluding Sunday after Dec. 25
(2) 2nd Sat. in Dec.
(iv) Youth Only Deer Hunt with Dogs
(v) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)
(j) Santee WMA
(i) Archery Deer Hunts
(ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(1) Oct. 11 - Jan. 1 except during scheduled dog drive hunts
(iii) Deer Hunts with Dogs (shotguns only)
(1) 2nd Fri. and Sat. in Sept., Wed. and Thurs. before the 4th Sat. in Oct., 1st Fri. in Dec.
(2) 2nd Sat. in Dec.
(iv) Youth Only Deer Hunt with Dogs
(v) Small Game (no open season for fox hunting)
7. Moultrie
(b) Bluefield WMA
(ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(1) Sept. 15 - Jan. 1, Wed. and Sat. only
(iii) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(c) Greenfield WMA
(i) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(ii) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(d) North Dike WMA
(i) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(ii) Special Gun Hunts for youth and women
(2) 1 deer per day
(iii) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(e) Porcher and Hall WMAs
(i) Archery Deer Hunts
(ii) Small Game (no fox squirrels) shotguns only
(f) Cross Station Site
(i) Special Gun Hunts for youth and women
8. Santee Cooper WMA
(c) Archery Deer Hunts
(d) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts
(e) Special Gun Hunts for youth
(f) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
9. Webb WMA
(c) Still Hunts for Deer
(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(e) Quail Hunts
(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limit
(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset
(f) Raccoon and Opossum
(ii) On Saturdays prior to Dec. 15, no entry onto WMA until 1 hour after official sunset.
(iii) Game Zone 3 bag limits
(g) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(h) Dove Hunting
10. Bear Island WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(e) Alligator Hunts (Bear Island East and West Units only)
(f) Small Game
11. Donnelley WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(e) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
12. Hatchery WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
13. Bonneau Ferry WMA
(b) Adult/Youth Side
(i) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(c) General Use Side
(i) Archery Deer Hunts
(ii) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels or fox)
(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits
(iii) Dogs allowed during gun seasons only
(e) Bonneau Ferry Fishing Regulations
(ii) Adult/youth fishing only. Each youth (17 years and under) must be accompanied by no more than two adults 18 years of age or older.
(iii) The youth must actively fish.
14. Santee Coastal Reserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(c) Alligator Hunts
(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
15. Dungannon Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
16. Edisto River WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Raccoon and Opossum
(e) Other Small Game
17. Canal WMA
(a) Quail Hunts
18. Palachucola WMA
(c) Archery Deer Hunts
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(e) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(f) Quail Hunts
(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limit
(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset.
(g) Raccoon and Opossum
(ii) On Saturdays prior to Dec. 15, no entry onto WMA until 1 hour after official sunset.
(iii) Game Zone 3 bag limits
(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
19. St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve WMA
(b) Ashe, Beet, Warren, Otter, Big, South Williman, North Williman and Buzzard Islands Archery Deer Hunts
20. Tillman Sand Ridge Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
21. Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits
(iii) Shotguns only
22. Hamilton Ridge WMA
(c) Archery Deer Hunts
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(e) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(f) Quail Hunts
(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limit
(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset.
(g) Raccoon and Opossum
(ii) On Saturdays prior to Dec. 15, no entry onto WMA until 1 hour after official sunset.
(iii) Game Zone 3 bag limits
(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits
(iii) Dove hunting on designated public dove field only
23. Old Island Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
24. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(ii) Total 3 deer, either sex but only 1 buck
(iii) Hunters are required to have permit in possession and must sign in and sign out (Name, permit # and deer killed each day) at the designated check station. All harvested deer must be checked in at the designated check station.
(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels or foxes)
(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limits
(iii) Dogs allowed during gun seasons only
25. Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
26. Wateree River Heritage Preserve WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
27. South Fenwick Island
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
28. Turtle Island
29. Coosawhatchie WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Still Hunts for Deer
(d) Quail Hunts
(ii) Game Zone 3 bag limit
(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset
(e) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(ii) Game Zone 3 Bag Limits
(iii) Dove hunting in designated public dove field only
D. Game Zone 4
1. Other WMAs
(a) Archery Deer Hunts.
(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(c) Small Game
2. Marsh WMA
(b) Special Hunt Area for Youth and Mobility Impaired Hunters
(c) Archery Deer Hunts
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(e) Still Hog Hunts
(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(g) Raccoon and Opossum Hunts
(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(i) Quail Hunts
(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limit.
(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset.
3. Sand Hills State Forest WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Small Game
4. McBee WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer.
(d) Quail
(e) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
5. Pee Dee Station Site WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts
(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
6. Woodbury WMA
(d) Archery Deer Hunts
(e) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts
(f) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(g) Youth deer hunt with dogs
(ii) Only youth 17 years and younger may carry a gun and must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older.
(iii) 1 deer either sex (antler restrictions not applicable for these hunts). Shotguns with buckshot only. Hunters must use individual antlerless tags.
(h) Still Hog Hunts
(i) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(j) Raccoon and opossum
(k) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
7. Little Pee Dee Complex WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(e) Still Hog Hunts
(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(g) Raccoon and opossum
(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(i) Bear Season
8. Great Pee Dee Heritage Preserve WMA
(c) Archery Deer Hunts
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(e) Still Hog Hunts
(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(g) Raccoon and opossum
(h) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
9. Longleaf Pine Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(c) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
10. Manchester State Forest WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(c) Deer Hunts with Dogs
(d) Small Game
(e) Still Gun Hunts for Hogs
(f) Hog Hunts with Dogs
11. Lynchburg Savanna Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Small Game Only (no fox squirrels)
12. Hickory Top WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts
(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(e) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
13. Oak Lea WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(c) Small Game (except quail)
(d) Quail
(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits
(iii) Shooting hours end 30 minutes prior to official sunset
14. Santee Dam WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts
(c) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(d) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
15. Wee Tee WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(c) Still Hog Hunts
(d) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(e) Small Game (no fox squirrels, no fox hunting)
(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits
(iii) Dogs allowed during small game gun season only
(f) Bear Season
16. Santee Delta WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Hog Hunts with Dogs
17. Samworth WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts (impoundments only)
(b) Hog Hunts with Dogs
18. Cartwheel Bay Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(c) Bear Season
19. Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts
(d) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(e) Small Game (no fox squirrels).
(f) Bear Season
20. Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunts
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(d) Still Hog Hunts
(e) Hog Hunts with Dogs
(f) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(g) Bear Season
21. Liberty Hill WMA
(d) Archery Hunts for Deer
(e) Primitive Weapons for Deer
(f) Still Gun Hunts for Deer
(g) Small Game (No fox squirrels)
22. Santee Island WMA
(a) Archery Deer Hunts
(b) Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(c) Still Hunts for Hogs
23. Ramsey Grove WMA
(a) Still Hunts for Deer
24. Bobwhite Hills WMA
(b) Archery Deer Hunts
(c) Still Gun Hunts for Deer.
(d) Quail
(e) Other Small Game (no fox squirrels)
(ii) Game Zone 4 bag limits
GENERAL REGULATIONS
2.1 Except as provided in these regulations, no person may hunt or take wildlife on areas designated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) as Wildlife Management Area (WMA) lands.
2.2 Entry onto WMA land is done wholly and completely at the risk of the individual. Neither the landowners nor the State of South Carolina nor the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources accepts any responsibility for acts, omissions, or activities or conditions on these lands which cause personal injury or property damage.
2.3 Entry onto WMA land constitutes consent to an inspection and search of the person, game bag or creel.
2.4 No person may hunt or take wildlife on WMA land unless an individual is in possession of a valid South Carolina license, a valid WMA permit, and other applicable federal or state permits, stamps or licenses.
2.5 No Sunday hunting is permitted on any WMA lands unless otherwise specified.
2.6 On all WMA lands, baiting or hunting over a baited area is prohibited. As used in this section, "bait" or "baiting" means the placing, depositing, exposing, distributing, or scattering of shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain or other food stuffs to constitute an attraction, lure, or enticement to, on, or over any area. "Baited area" means an area where bait is directly or indirectly placed, deposited, exposed, distributed, or scattered and the area remains a baited area for ten (10) days following the complete removal of all bait. Salt/minerals are not considered bait.
2.7 On WMA lands, construction or use of tree stands is prohibited if the tree stand is constructed by driving nails or other devices into trees or if wire is wrapped around trees. Other tree stands are permitted provided they are not permanently affixed or embedded in the tree. Excluding deer stands erected by the Department on WMA lands for the purpose of special hunts, no deer stands or temporary climbing devices may be placed on WMA lands prior to August 10 in any given year and must be removed by January 15 of the succeeding calendar year. All deer stands and temporary climbing devices must be labeled with the DNR Customer ID number of the person responsible for the stand or climbing device in a conspicuous location using an identification tag, etching, or permanent marker.
2.8 On WMA lands, any hunter younger than sixteen (16) years of age must be accompanied by an adult (21 years or older). Sight and voice contact must be maintained.
2.9 Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, the Department may permit special hunts on any day during the regular hunting season.
2.10 No person may release or attempt to release any animal onto WMA lands without approval from the Department. This regulation does not apply on designated Public Bird Dog Training Areas where pen raised quail and pigeons may be released.
2.11 While participating in a hunt on WMAs, no person may possess, consume or be under the influence of intoxicants, including beer, wine, liquor or drugs.
2.12 On WMA lands, during the designated statewide youth deer hunt day, only still hunting is allowed. The limit is two deer total, either sex. Tags are not required.
2.13 Taking or destroying timber, other forest products or cutting firewood on WMA lands without written permission from the landowner or his agent is prohibited. Users of WMA lands are prohibited from planting, attempting to plant, burning or otherwise attempting to manipulate crops, natural vegetation or openings without written permission from the landowner or his agent.
2.14 On WMA lands, hunting armadillos and coyotes at night is prohibited. Armadillos and coyotes may be hunted during any open season for game during daylight hours with no bag limit. Weapon(s) used to hunt armadillos and coyotes are limited to the weapon(s) that are allowed for the current open season on WMA.
2.15 On WMA lands during special designated hunts, a WMA may be closed to other public access.
2.16 Still hunting for hogs is permitted on WMAs during any open season for game during daylight hours with only the weapons allowed during the hunting season in progress unless otherwise prohibited. No hog may be transported alive from a WMA. Hogs may not be hunted at night. There is no bag limit on hogs. Hunters must wear a hat, coat, or vest of solid international orange while hog hunting. Buckshot is prohibited. During hog hunts with dogs, no still or stalk hunting is allowed and only handguns are permitted. No hog hunting with dogs is allowed except during special designated seasons. During firearms seasons for deer, hog hunters possessing big game weapons must possess licenses, permits, and tags applicable to deer hunting. Big game weapons include centerfire weapons, archery equipment with broad heads, shot larger than No. 2, and muzzle loading shotguns (larger than 20 gauge) and rifles/muskets (.36 caliber or greater).
2.17 Unless otherwise specified, small game hunting seasons and bag limits on WMA lands are the same as Game Zone seasons and bag limits except no hunting before Sept. 1 or after Mar. 1. The season for hunting beavers on WMA lands shall be October 1 through March 1.
WEAPONS
3.1 On WMA lands hunters may use any shotgun, rifle, bow and arrow, crossbow or hand gun except that specific weapons may be prohibited on certain hunts. Blow guns, dart guns, drugged arrows or arrows with exploding tips are not permitted. Small game hunters may possess or use shotguns with shot no larger than No. 2 or .22 rimfire or smaller rifles/handguns or primitive muzzle loading rifles/muskets of .40 caliber or smaller. Small game hunters may not possess or use buckshot, slugs or shot larger than No. 2. Small game hunters using archery equipment may use small game tips or broadheads on the arrows.
3.2 For Special Primitive Weapons Seasons, primitive weapons include bow and arrow, crossbow and muzzle loading shotguns (20 gauge or larger) and rifles/muskets (.36 caliber or larger) with open or peep sights or scopes, which use black powder or a black powder substitute. There are no restrictions on ignition systems. During primitive weapons season, no revolving rifles are permitted.
3.3 On WMA lands big game hunters are not allowed to use armor piercing, tracer, incendiary, or full metal jacket bullets or .22 or smaller rimfire. Buckshot is prohibited during still gun hunts for deer on WMA lands in Game Zones 3 & 4.
3.4 On WMAs all firearms transported in vehicles must be unloaded and secured in a weapons case, or in the trunk of a vehicle or in a locked toolbox. On the Francis Marion Hunt Unit during deer hunts with dogs, loaded shotguns may be transported in vehicles. Any shotgun, centerfire rifle, rimfire rifle or pistol with a shell in the chamber or magazine, or a muzzleloader with a cap on the nipple or a flintlock with powder in the flash pan is considered loaded.
3.5 No target practice is permitted on WMA lands except in specifically designated areas.
3.6 On WMA lands during gun hunts for deer or hogs there shall be no hunting or shooting from, on or across any road open to vehicle traffic. During any deer or hog hunt there shall be no open season for hunting on any designated recreational trail on U.S. Forest Service or S.C. Public Service Authority property.
DEER
4.1 On WMA lands with designated check stations, all deer bagged must be checked at a check station as required.
4.2 Unless otherwise specified by the Department, only antlered deer may be taken on all WMA lands. Deer with visible antlers of less than two (2) inches above the hairline are considered antlerless deer and must be tagged with an antlerless deer tag issued by the Department. A point is any projection at least one inch long and longer than wide at some location at least one inch from the tip of the projection.
4.3 On WMA lands, man drives for deer are permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. only. A man drive is defined as an organized hunting technique involving two (2) or more individuals whereby an attempt is made to drive game animals from cover or habitat for the purpose of shooting, killing, or moving such animals toward other hunters. On WMA lands, drivers participating in man drives are prohibited from carrying or using weapons.
4.4 For all WMAs combined statewide, the limit for all seasons and methods combined is two deer per day, 5 deer total, no more than two antlered bucks, unless otherwise specified. For WMAs in Game Zone 1, the limit for antlerless deer for all seasons and methods combined is 3. Antlerless deer limit is two deer per day, unless otherwise specified. On special mobility impaired and youth deer hunts sanctioned by the Department and during the statewide youth deer hunt day prescribed by the Department, participants may take two deer total, either sex.
4.5 Individual Antlerless Deer Tags are valid in Game Zone 1 beginning Oct. 1 and in Game Zones 2, 3 & 4 beginning Sept. 15. For all WMAs combined, a maximum of 5 individual antlerless deer tags may be used during primitive weapons or still gun deer seasons in all Game Zones except three individual antlerless deer tags may used in Game Zone 1. Tags do not alter the daily (2 per day) or seasonal limit or change the type of weapons that can be used during special weapons seasons.
4.6 All deer must be tagged immediately after harvest as prescribed by the Department and before being moved from the point of kill and the tag must be validated as prescribed by the Department. A valid tag must remain attached until the deer or carcass is quartered or received by a processor.
4.7 For WMAs designated as Quality Deer Management Areas, all antlered bucks must have a minimum 4 points on one side or a minimum 12 inch inside antler spread except during designated special youth hunts. Inside antler spread is measured at a right angle to centerline of the skull at its widest point between the main beams.
4.8 On WMA lands, deer, hogs, or bear may not be hunted with a firearm within 300 yards of a residence.
DOGS
5.1 On all WMA lands, dogs may be used for small game hunting unless otherwise specified.
5.2 Dogs may be trained for quail, rabbit and squirrel hunting from Sept. 1-14 (no guns), except on designated Public Bird Dog Training Areas where bird dog training is allowed from September 15 to March 15 (Sundays excluded).
5.3 On WMA lands, dogs may be used for hunting foxes, raccoons, bobcats or opossums only between thirty (30) minutes after official sunset and 30 minutes before official sunrise.
5.4 Unless otherwise specified, deer hunting with dogs on WMA lands is prohibited. The Department may permit deer hunting with dogs on WMA lands not located in Game Zones 1 and 2. For the purposes of tracking a wounded deer, a hunter may use one dog which is kept on a leash.
5.5 Dogs may be used to hunt bear on WMA lands in Game Zone 1 during the special party dog bear season.
5.6 On WMA lands, dogs may be used to hunt hogs only during special designated hog hunts with dogs.
VEHICLES
6.1 On all WMA lands, no hunter may shoot from a vehicle unless permitted by the Department.
6.2 On WMA lands, motor driven land conveyances must be operated only on designated roads or trails. Unless otherwise specified, roads or trails which are closed by barricades and/or signs, either permanently or temporarily, are off limits to motor driven land conveyances.
6.3 A person may not obstruct or cause to be obstructed travel routes on WMA lands.
VISIBLE COLOR CLOTHING
7.1 On all WMA lands during any gun and muzzleloader hunting seasons for deer, bear and hogs, all hunters including small game hunters must wear either a hat, coat, or vest of solid visible international orange. Archery hunters during archery only deer seasons and hunters for dove, turkey, ducks, geese and other hunted migratory birds including crows are exempt from this requirement while hunting for those species.
CAMPING
8.1 Camping is not permitted on WMA lands except in designated camp sites.
TRAPPING
9.1 Trapping on WMA lands is not permitted.
WATERFOWL & DOVE REGULATIONS
10.1 Unless specially designated by the Department as a Wildlife Management Area for Waterfowl or a Wildlife Management Area for Dove, all Wildlife Management Areas are open during the regular season for hunting and taking of migratory birds except where restricted.
10.2 The Department may designate sections of Wildlife Management Areas and other lands and waters under the control of the Department as Waterfowl Management Areas or Public Dove Fields. All laws and regulations governing Wildlife Management Areas apply to these special areas. In addition, the following regulations apply to all designated Public Dove Fields: (1) Entry by hunters is prohibited before 12:00 pm on scheduled hunt dates unless otherwise specified by the Department; (2) Hunters are limited to possession of and use of a maximum of 50 shells; and, (3) Shooting hours end at 6:00 pm during the first segment of the statewide dove season. All State and Federal migratory bird laws and regulations apply. A list of Public Dove Fields including locations, hunt dates, and shooting hours will be published annually by the Department.
10.3 On areas where blinds are not provided, only portable blinds which are removed at the conclusion of the hunt or temporary blinds of native vegetation may be used. Temporary blinds once vacated may be used by other hunters.
10.4 On Waterfowl Management Areas, no species other than waterfowl may be taken during waterfowl hunts. On Public Dove Fields no species other than doves and pigeons may be taken during dove hunts. No species other than doves and pigeons may be hunted at Lake Wallace at any time.
10.5 No fishing is permitted in any Category I Designated Waterfowl Area during scheduled waterfowl hunts.
10.6 The Bordeaux Work Center Area is closed to hunting except for special hunts as designated by the SCDNR.
10.7 Impoundments on Bear Island, Beaverdam Creek, Bonneau Ferry, Broad River, Clemson, Coosawhatchie, Donnelley, Samworth, Sandy Beach, Santee Coastal Reserve, Santee Cooper, Wateree River, and Santee Delta WMAs are closed to all public access during the period Nov. 1 - Feb. 8 except during special hunts designated by the Department. All public access during the period Feb. 9 - Oct. 31 is limited to designated areas. On Bear Island WMA, Mathews' Canal is closed to all hunting from Nov. 1 - Feb. 15 beyond a point 0.8 mile from the confluence of Mathews' Canal with the South Edisto River.
10.8 Potato Creek Hatchery Waterfowl Area is closed to hunting access and fishing during the period one week prior to and two weeks after the Federal waterfowl season except for scheduled waterfowl hunts. All hunters must enter and leave the Potato Creek Hatchery Waterfowl Area through the designated public landing on secondary road 260 and complete a data card and deposit card in receptacle prior to leaving the area No airboats are allowed for hunting or fishing and no hunting from secondary road 260.
10.9 On Hatchery WMA, hunters must leave the area by 1 PM, except on the last Saturday of the waterfowl season when hunters may hunt until sunset. Each hunter is limited to twenty five Federally approved nontoxic shot shells per hunt. No airboats are allowed in the Hatchery WMA for hunting or fishing during the period Nov. 15 - Jan. 31. No fishing allowed during scheduled waterfowl hunts.
10.10 On Crackerneck WMA, waterfowl may be hunted only on Fri., Sat. and Thanksgiving Day within the regular migratory bird seasons and no hunting on Dec. 25; Fant's Grove WMA is open AM only on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the regular migratory bird seasons; Palachucola WMA, Tillman Sand Ridge WMA, Hamilton Ridge WMA and Webb WMA are open AM only for waterfowl hunting during the regular migratory bird seasons only on days when small game hunting is allowed and the entire week of Thanksgiving, Sundays excluded.
10.11 Category I Designated Waterfowl Areas include Beaverdam, Bonneau Ferry, Broad River, Clemson, Sandy Beach, Samworth, Santee Coastal Reserve, Ramsey Grove, Santee Delta, Tibwin, Bear Island, Wateree River Heritage Preserve, portions of Coosawhatchie and portions of Donnelley Wildlife Management Areas. Hunting in Category I Designated Waterfowl Areas is by special permit obtained through annual computer drawing.
10.12 Category II Designated Waterfowl Areas include Biedler Impoundment, Carr Creek (bounded by Samworth WMA), Little Carr Creek (bounded by Samworth WMA), Lake Cunningham, Russell Creek, Monticello Reservoir, Parr Reservoir, Duncan Creek, Dunaway, Dungannon, Enoree River, Moultrie, Hatchery, Hickory Top, Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir, Lancaster Reservoir, Turtle Island, Little Pee Dee River Complex (including Ervin Dargan, Horace Tilghman), Great Pee Dee River, Potato Creek Hatchery, Sampson Island Unit (Bear Island), Tyger River, Marsh, Wee Tee, Woodbury, Ditch Pond, Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve, Francis Marion National Forest, Sumter National Forest, Santee Cooper, Santee Island, portions of Coosawhatchie, portions of Donnelley, and 40 Acre Rock Waterfowl Management Areas. Hunting on Category II Waterfowl Management Areas is in accordance with scheduled dates and times.
1. Biedler Impoundment
2. Bear Island
3. Beaverdam
4. Bonneau Ferry
5. Broad River
6. Carr Creek (bounded by Samworth WMA, no hunting in impoundments)
7. Little Carr Creek (bounded by Samworth WMA, no hunting in impoundments)
8. Clemson
9. Ditch Pond
10. Donnelley
11. Dunaway
12. Duncan Creek
13. Dungannon
14. Enoree River
15. Hatchery
16. Hickory Top
17. Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir
18. Lake Cunningham
19. Lancaster Reservoir
20. Marsh
21. Monticello Reservoir
22. Moultrie
23. Parr Reservoir
24. Potato Creek Hatchery
25. Russell Creek
26. Sampson Island Unit (Bear Island)
27. Samworth
28. Sandy Beach
29. Santee Coastal Reserve
30. Santee Cooper
31. Santee Delta
32. Tibwin
33. Turtle Island
34. Tyger River
35. Wee Tee
36. Woodbury
37. Great Pee Dee
38. Little Pee Dee River Complex
39. Waccamaw River HP
40. 40 acre Rock
41. Wateree River HP
42. Sumter National Forest
43. Ramsey Grove WMA
44. Francis Marion National Forest
45. Coosawhatchie WMA
46. Santee Island
(b) State bag limits
10.13 On Hickory Top WMA public waterfowl hunting without a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit is allowed on all land and water below 76.8'. Waterfowl hunting at or above elevation 76.8' requires a WMA permit. A WMA permit is required for waterfowl hunting in the Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir.
10.14 Public Dove Fields include all areas as published by the Department in the annual Laws and Regulations Guide or succeeding similar publications.
10.15 Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir is closed to hunting access November 1 until March 1, except for special hunts designated by SCDNR. All hunters must accurately complete a data card and deposit card in receptacle prior to leaving the area. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 11:00 am. Hunters may not enter the area prior to 5:00 am on hunt days. No open season on roads and dikes. Hunters may only use electric motors on boats.
10.16 On all State owned, US Forest Service and other Federally owned Category I and II Waterfowl Management Areas each hunter is limited to 25 Federally approved non toxic shells per hunt.
10.17 On Enoree River, Dunaway, Duncan Creek, Russell Creek and Tyger River Waterfowl Areas data cards are required for hunter access during scheduled waterfowl hunts. Completed data cards must be returned daily upon leaving each of these areas.
10.18 Woodbury Waterfowl Management Area includes all SCDNR owned property south of US Hwy 378 and bounded on the west by the Great Pee Dee River and Bluff Road and to the east by the Little Pee Dee River except no waterfowl hunting allowed in the area known as Hass Pond that is bounded on all sides by Hass Pond Road.
10.19 Donnelley Wildlife Management Area Category II Waterfowl Area is open Wednesday mornings only during the November thru January regular waterfowl season. The Category II area is defined as all wetlands east of Donnelley Drive and Blocker Run Road except those areas south of Blocker Run Road between Stocks Creek Road and the intersection of Mary's Island Road and the property boundary. No trailered boats and no electric or gas motors allowed. No entry before 5:00 AM and all users must sign in and sign out at designated check stations. No hunting is allowed from the dikes.
10.20 Coosawhatchie Category I waterfowl area is marked with signage prohibiting public access Nov 1 - Feb 8. Hunting is by special permit only obtained by annual computer drawing. Remainder of the property is considered Category II and is open on specified dates.
AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
11.1 Taking of any amphibian or reptile, except the bullfrog, is prohibited on any Department owned Wildlife Management Areas without written permission of the Department.
PUBLIC BIRD DOG TRAINING AREAS
12.1 The Department may establish Public Bird Dog Training Areas on Wildlife Management Area lands. A valid hunting license and WMA permit is required to train bird dogs on these lands.
12.2 It shall be unlawful to take game by any means while training bird dogs, except during the lawful open seasons for such game; provided, however, that pen raised quail or pigeons may be taken at any time on designated Public Bird Dog Training Areas for training bird dogs.
12.3 It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession any firearms or other equipment for taking game while training bird dogs, provided that handguns with blank ammunition or shot cartridges may be used for training bird dogs, and shotguns with number eight shot or smaller shot may be used while training bird dogs using pen raised quail and pigeons.
12.4 All participants in bird dog training must wear either a hat, coat, or vest of solid visible international orange.
1So in original.
This regulation was amended by Document No. 4411, approved May 14, 2014 and Document No. 4443, approved June 11, 2014. Document No. 4443 supersedes Document 4411 with respect to this regulation, as it was approved later in time.
See SCSR 43-9 Doc. No. 4896, effective August 29, 2019, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing the dove seasons and dove limits statewide and establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas, starting with the beginning of dove season on September 2.
See SCSR 43-12 Doc. No. 4955, effective November 26, 2019, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing the dove seasons and dove limits statewide and establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas through January 30, 2020.
See SCSR 44-9 Doc. No. 4990, effective August 27, 2020 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing the dove seasons and dove limits statewide and establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas, starting with the beginning of dove season on September 5.
See SCSR 44-10 Doc. No. 4998, effective September 24, 2020 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing the dove seasons and dove limits statewide and establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas through October 1, 2020.
See SCSR 45-1 Doc. No. 5031, effective December 17, 2020 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing the dove seasons and dove limits statewide and establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas through January 31, 2021.
See SCSR 45-9 Doc. No. 5059, effective September 10, 2021 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas with dove season beginning on September 4, 2021.
See SCSR 45-12 Doc. No. 5102, effective December 8, 2021 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas through January 31, 2022.
See SCSR 46-9 Doc. No. 5123, effective August 31, 2022 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas with dove season beginning on September 3, 2022.
See SCSR 46-12 Doc. No. 5173, effective November 29, 2022 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas through January 31, 2023.
See SCSR 47-9 Doc. No. 5230, effective August 30, 2023, for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas with dove season beginning on September 2, 2023.
See SCSR 47-10 Doc. No. 5239, effective October 5, 2023, for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, setting open and closed seasons, bag limits, and methods of taking wildlife, and defining special use restrictions related to hunting and methods for taking wildlife on Wildlife Management Areas, with the hunting seasons on many of those areas beginning immediately.
See SCSR 47-12 Doc. No. 5268, effective November 28, 2023 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas through January 31, 2024.
See SCSR 48-9 Doc. No. 5299, effective August 30, 2024 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas with dove season beginning on September 2, 2024.
See SCSR 49-1 Doc. No. 5367, effective December 18, 2024 for 90 days, which promulgated an emergency amendment to SC ADC 123-40, establishing seasons, limits, and special restrictions for dove hunting on Dove Management Areas with dove season beginning on December 22, 2024.
HISTORY: Amended by State Register Volume 17, Issue No. 5, Part 3, eff May 28, 1993; State Register Volume 19, Issue No. 5, eff May 26, 1995; State Register Volume 20, Issue No. 4, eff April 26, 1996; State Register Volume 21, Issue No. 3, eff March 28, 1997; State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 5, eff May 22, 1998; State Register Volume 22, Issue 6, Part 3, eff June 26, 1998; State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 4, eff April 23, 1999; State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 5, eff May 28, 1999; State Register Volume 24, Issue No. 3, eff March 24, 2000; State Register Volume 25, Issue No. 3, eff March 23, 2001; State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 2, eff February 22, 2002; State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 4, eff April 26, 2002; State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 5, Part 2, eff May 24, 2002; State Register Volume 27, Issue No. 6, Part 2, eff June 27, 2003; State Register Volume 28, Issue No. 5, eff May 28, 2004; State Register Volume 29, Issue No. 5, eff May 27, 2005; State Register Volume 30, Issue No. 4, eff April 28, 2006; State Register Volume 30, Issue No. 7, eff July 28, 2006; State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2007; State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 7, eff July 27, 2007; State Register Volume 32, Issue No. 5, eff May 23, 2008; State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 6, eff June 26, 2009; State Register Volume 34, Issue No. 4, eff April 23, 2010; State Register Volume 35, Issue No. 5, eff May 27, 2011; State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 5, eff May 25, 2012; State Register Volume 37, Issue No. 6, eff June 28, 2013; State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4443, eff June 27, 2014; State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4546, eff June 26, 2015; State Register Volume 41, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4741, eff June 23, 2017; SCSR 42-5 Doc. No. 4799, eff May 25, 2018; SCSR 43-5 Doc. No. 4834, eff May 24, 2019; SCSR 44-6 Doc. No. 4915, eff June 26, 2020; SCSR 45-5 Doc. No. 5011, eff May 28, 2021; SCSR 46-5 Doc. No. 5072, eff May 27, 2022; SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5165, eff May 26, 2023; SCSR 48-5 Doc. No. 5251, eff May 24, 2024; SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5332, eff May 23, 2025.