Regular season begins March 20
South Carolina’s state-wide turkey hunting season opens next Wednesday, March 20 on private land. But kids get a head start. The youth season is this weekend, March 16 and 17.
During the youth hunting days, no hunting license or tags are required for the youth hunters, or for adults who accompany them. For the purpose of this special season, youth hunters are described as those 17-years-old and younger. They must be accompanied by an adult that is a minimum of 21-years-old if they have not completed the hunter education program.
While adults may call for the youth hunters, they may not shoot at a turkey themselves during the youth-only days.
This youth season is for private land only. The WMA youth season will take place on March 30, a day before the WMA season begins for all other hunters.
WMA youth season is March 30
Once the full season begins on March 20, all hunters must have their hunting license and turkey tags in their possession while hunting. This includes youth hunters and anyone who is calling but does not carry a gun.
On private land, the season limit is three gobblers, and bearded hens are not legal. Each hunter can kill no more than two gobblers per day. WMA limits vary by property.
Hunters must tag their turkeys at the site of kill before moving the carcass. For hunters who kill their limit of turkeys before the season ends, they may call or guide other hunters, however, they must carry their tag form with them.
It is illegal to hunt turkeys with dogs, live decoys, or electronic calls. It is also illegal to shoot a turkey between 30 minutes after official sunset and 30 minutes before official sunrise. Shooting a turkey from a vehicle on a public road, or from a watercraft is also against the law.
