This South Carolina waterfowl guide covers the season dates, bag limits, and license costs for the 2026–2027 season.
Early teal and September Canada goose seasons have closed. The guide is written for residents and non-residents alike. It also points to Hunting Locator’s hunting land marketplace, where hunters connect with landowners who lease or sell, so you can arrange access before the birds arrive.
Inside:
- Every 2026–2027 season date and bag limit, including the scaup and I-95 rules hunters miss most.
- A license and stamp checklist with exact resident and non-resident costs.
- Where to hunt: public WMAs, private leases, land for sale, and guided options.
2026 South Carolina Waterfowl Season at a Glance
This table is a quick reference for the season. Check it before each trip.
| Species/Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Teal (blue- & green-winged) | Sept. 19–27, 2026 | 6 teal | Closed – plan for 2027 |
| Early Canada Goose | Sept. 1–30, 2026 | 15 (verify current limits) | Closed |
| Ducks (incl. sea ducks) & American Coots | Nov. 21–28, 2026; Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | 6 ducks total | Species sub-limits apply; sea ducks 4 aggregate; coots traditionally up to 15 (check current regulations) |
| Canada & White-fronted Geese | Sept. 1–30, 2026; Nov. 21–28, 2026; Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027; Feb. 15 – Mar. 1, 2027 | Canada geese 5 in later segments; white-fronted see note (verify current limits) | Late segment runs into March |
| Blue & Snow Geese | Nov. 21–28, 2026; Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027; Feb. 15 – Mar. 1, 2027 | Snow geese 25 (verify current limits) | White-fronted/snow: 5 total, no more than 2 white-fronted (verify current limits) |
| State Youth Waterfowl Day | Nov. 14, 2026 | Regular duck limits apply | Ducks, mergansers, coots |
| Federal Youth & Veteran/Active Duty Military Days | Feb. 6 & Feb. 13, 2027 | Regular limits apply | Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, gallinules |
Possession limit is twice the daily bag unless specified otherwise.
What to carry and follow in the field:
- Hunters 16 and older need an SC hunting license, the free Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) endorsed on the license, the State Duck Stamp ($15.50), and the Federal Duck Stamp ($30).
- A WMA permit is needed only when you hunt public WMA land.
- Hunter education is required for anyone born after June 30, 1979. Out-of-state certifications are accepted.
- Shooting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Non-toxic shot is required.
- Shotguns must be plugged to 3 shells total.
Commonly Missed Rules
- The scaup limit drops from 2 to 1 on Dec. 23.
- East/south of I-95, you get 1 black or mottled duck total.
- Mallards: 4 max, no more than 2 hens.
- Sea ducks have their own 4-bird aggregate.
- Possession limit is 2× the daily bag.
Regulations can change, so confirm details with SCDNR before you hunt.
Drawing a WMA permit isn’t guaranteed. Browse South Carolina hunting leases before the opener if you want a backup.
South Carolina Waterfowl Hunting Seasons
South Carolina’s 2026–2027 duck season opens November 21 and runs as a split season: November 21–28, 2026, then December 12, 2026 through January 31, 2027. Hunters may take 6 ducks per day, with species sub-limits for mallards, scaup, wood ducks, black ducks, and others.
A split season means two hunting segments with a closed gap between them. South Carolina sits in the Atlantic Flyway, which shapes federal season frameworks and bird timing. For more on dates and regulations, see our South Carolina waterfowl hunting season page. If you also hunt woodcock, snipe, gallinules, or dove, use our South Carolina migratory bird season guide.
Season 1: Early Teal and Early Canada Goose (Closed for 2026)
Both early seasons have ended, but the dates are worth noting for next year:
- Early teal: Sept. 19–27, 2026, with a 6-bird daily limit, blue- and green-winged teal only.
- Early Canada goose: Sept. 1–30, 2026, with a 15-bird daily limit (verify current limits).
Falconers also have an extended season for ducks, coots, and mergansers, Oct. 28 – Nov. 20, 2026.
Season 2: Regular Duck Season, Coots, and Sea Ducks
The regular season runs Nov. 21–28, 2026, and Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027. The overall limit is 6 ducks per day, and the sub-limits below sit inside that total.
| Species | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Total ducks | 6 | 12 |
| Black-bellied whistling duck | 5 | 10 |
| Mallard | 4 (no more than 2 hens) | 8 (4 hens) |
| Pintail | 3 | 6 |
| Wood duck | 3 | 6 |
| Redhead | 2 | 4 |
| Canvasback | 2 | 4 |
| Scaup | 2 (Nov. 14, Nov. 21–28, Dec. 12–22, Feb. 6, Feb. 13); 1 (Dec. 23 – Jan. 31) | 2× daily |
| Fulvous whistling duck | 1 | 2 |
| Black/mottled duck | East/south of I-95: 1 black or mottled. West/north of I-95: 2 black, or 1 black + 1 mottled | 2× daily |
| Sea ducks (aggregate) | 4 (no more than 3 eiders [only 1 hen], 3 scoters, or 3 long-tailed ducks) | 8 |
| American coot | Traditionally up to 15 (check current regulations) | 2× daily |
A few examples of legal bags:
- Mallards: A legal 6-bird bag could be 4 mallards (2 of them hens) plus 2 wood ducks. A third wood duck puts you over the total.
- Scaup: On Dec. 20 the limit is 2 scaup; on Dec. 27 it is 1.
- I-95 rule: East of I-95 in the Lowcountry, the limit is one black or mottled duck total. The official South Carolina migratory bird regulations spell out both sides of the line.
Mergansers are legal during duck season, so check current merganser limits before you hunt. Sea ducks count toward their own 4-bird aggregate and tend to draw traveling coastal hunters.
Season 3: Goose Seasons and Special Days
Goose hunters get the longest season in the state. Canada and white-fronted geese run in four segments: Sept. 1–30, 2026; Nov. 21–28, 2026; Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027; and the late season, Feb. 15 – Mar. 1, 2027. Blue and snow geese run in three segments, including that same Feb. 15 – Mar. 1 window.
Goose limits (verify current limits):
- Canada geese: 5 per day in the later segments.
- White-fronted and snow geese: 5 total, no more than 2 white-fronted.
- Snow geese: 25 per day.
The late season offers a February trip after duck season closes, with lighter crowds and open-field options.
Special Days: Youth and Veteran/Military Hunts
- State Youth Waterfowl Day, Nov. 14, 2026: ducks, mergansers, and coots. Youth ages 16–17 must hold the Migratory Bird Permit and Federal stamp.
- Federal Youth & Veteran/Active Duty Military Days, Feb. 6 and 13, 2027: ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules.
Check SCDNR for age eligibility and adult supervision rules. Parents and club organizers should plan ahead, since these days fill up fast.
South Carolina Waterfowl Licenses and Permits
For the full picture beyond waterfowl, see our full South Carolina hunting season overview. WMA is short for Wildlife Management Area, a state-managed property open to hunting under special rules.
South Carolina Hunting Licenses
| License/Permit | Resident | Non-Resident | Who Needs It | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC Hunting License | $12/year (or up to $30/$125 depending on tier) | 3-day $40; 10-day $75; annual $125 | Hunters 16+ | SCDNR |
| Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) | Free | Free | All migratory bird hunters 16+; endorsed on license | SCDNR |
| Migratory Waterfowl Permit (State Duck Stamp) | $16 | $16 | Waterfowl hunters 16+ | SCDNR |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30 | $30 | Waterfowl hunters 16+ | USPS or Duck Stamp Online |
| WMA Permit | Varies, around $30–$76 | Higher than resident | Only when hunting public WMA land | SCDNR |
Current fees are listed on the SCDNR non-resident license pricing page.
Non-Resident Cost Stack
- 3-day license $40 + State Duck Stamp $15.50 + Federal Duck Stamp $30 + HIP $0 = $85.50.
- Add a WMA permit if you hunt public land.
Resident license costs vary by tier. Hunter education is required for anyone born after June 30, 1979, and out-of-state cards are accepted.
South Carolina Hunting Permits
HIP stands for the Harvest Information Program, a free endorsement required for migratory bird hunters. More is in our migratory bird permit details.
Buy everything in this order:
- Buy your SC hunting license.
- Add the free HIP endorsement.
- Add the State Duck Stamp ($15.50).
- Buy the Federal Duck Stamp ($30) through USPS or Duck Stamp Online.
- Add a WMA permit if you plan to hunt public land.
Public waterfowl areas fall into two categories. Category I designated waterfowl areas are hunted by annual lottery permit only. Category II areas are open only on set days and times. Check SCDNR for application windows.
Where to Hunt Waterfowl in South Carolina
There are three main routes to birds in South Carolina: public WMAs, private land you lease or own, and guided hunts. Each suits a different budget, schedule, and level of local knowledge.
Best Public Lands
The state has roughly 40 designated waterfowl areas. Places and systems worth knowing:
- Santee Coastal Reserve WMA: brackish marsh with wigeon grass and saltmarsh bulrush.
- Bear Island WMA: a well-known Lowcountry public waterfowl destination.
- Category I lottery areas: draw-only access through the annual lottery.
- Category II areas: limited days and times, so plan trips around the posted schedule.
Check SCDNR WMA listings for draw schedules and area rules. Some state-managed properties close to waterfowl hunting on Sundays. If crowding and draw odds are a problem, private access is the next option.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
A lease grants you hunting rights on a defined tract for set term dates. This state library guide to hunting leases covers acreage, term dates, and the rights granted. Leasing means less pressure, consistent access, and the freedom to scout your own ground. Some lowland leases also bundle hog rights; see our South Carolina hog hunting guide.
Buying land is a longer commitment, and it gives you control over impoundments and habitat for years. Browse South Carolina duck hunting land to see current offerings, including a duck impoundment on a 1,600-acre tract in Cheraw, SC, and properties offered for annual and short-term lease. Listings change, so check current availability.
Hunting Locator lets you contact landowners directly who want to lease or sell. You can filter by county, acreage, and game type. To get started, browse current South Carolina leases and create your Hunting Locator account to contact landowners.
Guided Hunts
Non-residents choosing between hunt types may find a guided trip saves scouting time and removes guesswork. The options compare as follows:
For short-term or seasonal access, check the South Carolina lease listings.
Questions to ask before booking a guided hunt:
- Is the guide licensed?
- What is included (blinds, decoys, retrievers, boat)?
- What is the policy on tides and weather cancellations?
- What species do you target, and on which dates?
- Who handles the birds after the hunt?
- Which licenses must I bring?
Waterfowl Hunting Tips for South Carolina
For gear, the Hunting Locator store carries waterfowl equipment.
- Time the tides: In tidal marsh, the tide controls bird movement and boat access. Plan around the tide chart.
- Match the habitat: Impoundments, tidal marsh, and flooded timber each call for different setups.
- Hunt woodies inland: Wood ducks dominate the inland harvest. Remember the 3-bird limit.
- Spread realistic decoys: Match your decoys to local species such as mallards, gadwall, ringnecks, and green-winged teal. Browse decoys in the Hunting Locator store.
- Stay dry: Waders and layers matter in cold water, so check the waders selection in the store.
- Shoot legal shells: Non-toxic shot only, with a gun plugged to 3 shells. Ammo and calls are available in the store.
- Know your bag before the shot: Watch the scaup, mallard hen, and black duck counts.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
These pages cover waterfowl rules and other seasons you can hunt on the same ground.
Waterfowl & migratory birds
- South Carolina waterfowl hunting season: dates, limits, and rules in one place.
- South Carolina migratory bird hunting season: woodcock, snipe, gallinules, and dove.
Statewide
- South Carolina hunting season: the full statewide overview.
- South Carolina hunting leases: current private land listings.
Other South Carolina seasons
- SC deer hunting: a crossover for leased timber or impoundment ground that also holds deer.
- South Carolina turkey season: the spring follow-up after the late goose season ends March 1.
- South Carolina hog hunting: year-round opportunity on many lowland tracts.
- South Carolina coyote hunting season: another option on leased ground.
- South Carolina small game hunting season: squirrel, rabbit, and more.
- South Carolina alligator hunting season: a draw-based hunt.
- South Carolina bear hunting season: rules for the state’s bear hunt.
Gear
- Hunting Locator store: waterfowl gear for the blind.
FAQ
When does South Carolina duck season open in 2026?
Duck season opens November 21, 2026. It runs as a split season: Nov. 21–28, then Dec. 12, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2027. The daily limit is 6 ducks total, with species sub-limits. Regulations can change, so confirm details with SCDNR before you hunt.
What licenses do I need to hunt waterfowl in South Carolina?
Hunters 16 and older need an SC hunting license, the free Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) endorsed on the license, the State Duck Stamp ($15.50), and the Federal Duck Stamp ($30). Add a WMA permit if you hunt public WMA land.
How much does a non-resident license cost?
A non-resident license costs $40 for 3 days, $75 for 10 days, or $125 for the year. With the State Duck Stamp ($15.50), Federal Duck Stamp ($30), and free HIP, a 3-day waterfowl hunter’s total is $85.50, plus a WMA permit if needed.
What is the scaup limit in South Carolina?
The scaup limit is 2 per day on Nov. 14, Nov. 21–28, Dec. 12–22, Feb. 6, and Feb. 13. From Dec. 23 through Jan. 31, the limit drops to 1 per day. Plan your bag around the date you hunt.
What is the I-95 black duck rule?
East and south of I-95, you may take 1 black or mottled duck total. West and north of I-95, you may take up to 2 black ducks, or 1 black duck and 1 mottled duck. Know which side of the highway you hunt.
When is Youth Waterfowl Day?
State Youth Waterfowl Day is November 14, 2026, for ducks, mergansers, and coots. Federal Youth and Veteran/Active Duty Military Days fall on February 6 and 13, 2027. Check SCDNR for age eligibility and adult supervision rules.
Can I hunt geese in February?
Yes. Canada, white-fronted, blue, and snow geese are all open Feb. 15 – Mar. 1, 2027. That late segment is an option after duck season closes. Verify current goose limits with SCDNR before you go.
Do I need a WMA permit on private land?
No. A WMA permit is required only when you hunt on a Wildlife Management Area. Private land you lease or own doesn’t need one, though you still need your license, HIP endorsement, and both duck stamps.
How do I find a private duck lease in South Carolina?
Start with Hunting Locator’s South Carolina lease listings. Browse by county, acreage, and game type, then contact landowners directly. Listings change, so check current availability.
The Final Shot
The sections above cover the dates, limits, license costs, and access options for the 2026–2027 season. The main decision left is how you’ll get access: a WMA draw, a guided trip, or ground of your own.
Youth Day is November 14 and the regular season opens November 21, so lining up access now leaves the most options open. Find your South Carolina waterfowl lease to secure a place to hunt for the season.
