COLUMBIA, S.C.–Free hunting days allow all South Carolina residents, who do not currently have a valid state hunting license, to hunt without a state hunting license or other required permits, to include Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit, or Migratory Waterfowl Permit (formerly State Duck Stamp).
This is a special opportunity that IS ONLY VALID FOR RESIDENTS OF SC THAT DO NOT HAVE A CURRENT STATE HUNTING LICENSE. If you have a hunting license that is valid on these dates you are required to have any other required permits or tags and utilize them as required on these days.
Take advantage of this great opportunity to go hunting or take a friend, family member or neighbor that you would like to introduce to hunting. The holidays are an ideal time to get outdoors and this is a fantastic chance to acquaint or reacquaint someone with the hunting tradition.
It is important to note that Free Hunting Days are offered by the State of South Carolina and do not waive any Federal requirements for a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) to hunt migratory waterfowl. If you plan on hunting ducks or other migratory waterfowl on these days you must obtain a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp). These can be obtained at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/legallicense.html or https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp/buy-duck-stamp.php by phone at 1-800-STAMP-24 or select U.S. Post Offices.
If you plan on Deer Hunting on these days and you do not have a valid State Hunting License, you should complete the Free Hunting Days Deer Tag RegistrationForm. After completing the form you will be able to print a set of deer tags to use on those 2 days. Be advised that deer processors will be reluctant or may refuse to take an untagged deer for processing.
These are not bonus tags for hunters who already have a set of deer tags. This is only for non-licensed SC residents. Individuals who have a valid Hunting License/Big Game Permit & Deer Tags must use their deer tags on these days and may not utilize these Free Hunting Days Tags.
Deer hunters who have personal deer tags or utilize Deer Quota Program tags ARE NOT EXEMPT from the requirement to tag deer on these 2 days. All laws and regulations are still in place for licensed hunters.
Additionally, individuals who have a valid Hunting License but no Big Game Permit cannot utilize the Free Hunting Days Deer Tags, they must obtain a Big Game Permit and Deer Tags to legally deer hunt.
Free hunting days apply to all lands in which hunting is allowed, to include private lands and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the state that are not otherwise closed to hunting. Many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) may be closed to deer hunting, waterfowl hunting or other types of hunting or have special restrictions on these days.Please refer to the SC Hunting & Fishing Regulations Guide beginning on page 94 for information on specific WMAs or visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/regs1718.pdf. Please note that all existing seasons, bag limits and methods of take still apply.
Free Hunting Days Deer Tag Registration
–South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
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