Regulations in this section apply to both private and public lands statewide, unless otherwise specified.

 Licenses and permits are required for hunting in South Carolina. Detailed information on the types of licenses and permits is located in the License Fees.

 All residents and nonresidents born after June 30, 1979 must successfully complete a hunter education course that is approved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before a hunting license can be obtained.

Basic Information on Hunting:
 Hunting is defined as trying to find, seek, obtain, pursue, or diligently search for game.

Game Zones & WMAs:
 South Carolina is divided into six game zones.

 DNR sets and regulates the methods of harvest, bag limits and other requirements for hunting on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) statewide.

 The SC General Assembly establishes seasons, limits and methods for private land statewide. DNR is responsible for law enforcement statewide.

Hunting Equipment and Methods.

Archery Equipment:
 Means a longbow, recurve bow, compound bow or crossbow (50-11-565). There are no restrictions on draw weight/length, arrow weight/length, or broad head weight, width, or style.

Crossbows:
 Crossbows may be used on private lands and WMA lands statewide during all archery, muzzleloader or gun seasons for deer, bear and turkey.