SCDNR releases 2026-27 hunting and fishing regulations guide

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has released its 2026-27 South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide, the annual reference that hunters, anglers and boaters across the state rely on for season dates, bag limits and licensing requirements.

The agency announced the release July 30 and made an online version available immediately at dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/Regs2627.pdf. Physical copies are scheduled to arrive at SCDNR regional offices in early August.

SCDNR noted that its eRegulations website had not yet been updated with 2026-27 season information at the time of the announcement, so sportsmen checking dates should use the PDF version of the new guide rather than the mobile site until the update is complete.

This year’s cover features a photograph of a wild bobwhite quail calling from a honey locust. The image was taken by SCDNR biologist Hunter Bridges.
Several regulation changes enacted during the 2026 legislative session are already in effect and are reflected in the new guide. Those include revised red drum rules, a deer tag basic set change and a Wildlife Management Area raccoon dog training season, all effective July 1, along with blue catfish regulations that took effect May 15.

The guide compiles hunting season dates by game zone, deer and turkey tag requirements, migratory bird regulations, freshwater and saltwater fishing limits, Wildlife Management Area rules, trapping regulations and boating laws. It also outlines license and permit categories for residents and nonresidents, including lifetime and disability licenses.

For Upstate sportsmen, the guide covers Game Zone regulations that govern local deer and small game seasons, as well as freshwater fishing rules for area lakes, rivers and ponds. Dove season traditionally opens over Labor Day weekend, making early August a common time for hunters to review changes and purchase licenses.

SCDNR reminds the public that the information printed in the guide is a summary. The specific laws governing fish, game and watercraft are found in Title 50 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, and any discrepancy between the guide and state law is governed by the statute or regulation. The agency issues news releases to clarify regulation changes, errors or omissions that arise during the year.

Licenses may be purchased online through the SCDNR website, through the Go Outdoors SC mobile app or at license agents statewide, including sporting goods retailers and hardware stores.

Additional information, including species-specific regulations and license applications, is available at dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html.