Public Hunting Land in South Carolina
South Carolina offers a wide range of public hunting opportunities across over 1 million acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), national forests, and cooperative lands. Hunters in the Palmetto State can pursue whitetail deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, hogs, and small game in diverse habitats — from coastal marshes to Piedmont hardwoods.
Types of Public Land Available in South Carolina:
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Operated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), many of these areas are free to access with a valid hunting license and WMA permit.
National Forest Lands: Sumter National Forest and Francis Marion National Forest offer big game and small game opportunities with general regulations.
Public-Private Cooperative Lands: Managed under WMA rules, including timberlands and agricultural leases.
Special Draw Hunt Areas: High-quality, limited-access hunts for deer, turkey, and waterfowl through SCDNR’s lottery system.
Seasons & Access Info
South Carolina hunting seasons are divided by game zone. WMAs and national forests may have unique rules and permit requirements, especially for draw hunts or hog management areas.
Key Resources:
Pro Tip: South Carolina has an early archery deer season in many zones and excellent public land hog hunting in low-country WMAs.
Explore South Carolina Hunting Areas
Use these tools and maps to find access points and understand WMA regulations:
From flooded timber duck hunts to big woods deer, South Carolina’s public lands deliver strong, well-managed hunting options across a variety of ecosystems.