South Carolina prides itself on being one of the elite spots for dove hunting along the Atlantic Coast. It’s jam-packed with doves and a variety of terrains, giving hunters of any level an exhilarating journey in the Palmetto State.
Here’s a simple, all-inclusive guide for South Carolina dove games in 2024. It covers season schedules, rules, license fees, and the best dove seeking spots.
Highlights for Doves in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) meticulously manages the dove hunting season to ensure sustainability and a healthy dove population. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming season:
The state typically has three dove hunting seasons:
- First Segment: Begins in early September and often includes weekends only.
- Second Segment: Typically occurs in late November and early December.
- Third Segment: Dates vary by region and may have restrictions.
South Carolina WMA Dove Seasons
Abbeville
- Power of Partnerships Field: Sept 14 (1st season Saturdays only), Opens Mon-Sat Nov 2
Aiken
- US Dept of Energy – Crackerneck WMA: Sept 7, 14, 21
Anderson
- Clemson University – Fant’s Grove WMA: Saturdays only starting Sept 7 (Closed Oct 5), Opens Saturdays only Nov 16 (2nd & 3rd season)
Berkeley
- US Army Corps of Engineers – Canal WMA: Sept 7, 28; Oct 5; Nov 16, Jan 18 (Closed Sept 14)
Charleston
- Botany Bay Plantation WMA: Sept 7, 14; Oct 5; Nov 16, Jan 11, 25 (Adult/Youth only)
Cherokee
- Duke Energy – London Creek WMA: Saturdays only starting Sept 7
Chester
- US Forest Service – Worthy Bottoms: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
- SCDNR Landsford Canal Forest Legacy Area: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
Chesterfield
- SC Forestry Commission – Sand Hills State Forest – Wilkes Chapel Field: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
- SC Forestry Commission – Sand Hills State Forest – Davis Field: Wednesdays only starting Sept 18, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
Clarendon
- Santee Cooper – Santee Dam WMA: Sept 7, 14, 28; Nov 16; Dec 28; Jan 11
- SC Forestry Commission – Oak Lea WMA: Sept 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec 28; Jan 22
Colleton
- SCDNR – Donnelley WMA: Sept 7, 14; Oct 2; Nov 20; Jan 8, 22
Florence
- Santee Cooper – Pee Dee Station Site WMA: Sept 7, 21; Oct 5; Nov 23; Dec 28; Jan 11, 25
Georgetown
- SCDNR – Samworth WMA: Sept 7, 21; Oct 5; Nov 23; Jan 11, 25
Greenville
- SCDNR – Tall Pines WMA: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Saturdays only Nov 16
Hampton
- SCDNR – Webb Wildlife Center: Sept 7, 21; Oct 5; Nov 23; Dec 28; Jan 11, 25
- SCDNR – Palachucola WMA: Sept 7, 21; Oct 5; Nov 23; Dec 28; Jan 1, 25
Jasper
- SCDNR – Coosawhatchie WMA: Sept 7, 21; Oct 5, Nov 23, Dec 28, Jan 11, 25
Laurens
- SCDNR – Cliff Pitts: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
- SCDNR – Gray Court Field: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
Lexington
- Hallman Field: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Saturdays only Nov 16
Marlboro
- SCDNR – Lake Wallace WMA: Sept 7, 21; Oct 5; Nov 23; Dec 28; Jan 11, 25
McCormick
- US Army Corps of Engineers – Bordeaux Field: Sept 7, 18; Oct 2; Nov 27; Jan 15, 22
- US Army Corps of Engineers – Parksville Field: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
- US Army Corps of Engineers – Plum Branch Fields: Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
Newberry
- SCDOT McCullough Field: Saturdays only starting Sept 7
- SCDNR – Belfast WMA: Sept 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov 30, Opens Mon-Sat Dec 2 (3rd season)
Oconee
- US Forest Service – Long Creek Tract: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Open Nov 16, 23, 30 (2nd season), Closed (3rd season)
- US Forest Service – Ross Mountain Field: Saturdays only starting Sept 7 (all seasons)
Orangeburg
- Santee Cooper – Santee Cooper WMA: Sept 7 (Adult/Youth only), Sept 14, 21; Nov 16; Jan 18
Pickens
- SCDNR – Rifle Range: Saturdays only starting Sept 7 (all seasons)
- Clemson University – Gravely WMA – Causey Tract: Saturdays only starting Sept 7 (all seasons)
Richland
- SCDNR – Love Farm WMA: Sept 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5 (Access open during scheduled hunts, sign-in required)
Spartanburg
- Santee Cooper: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
Sumter
- SC Forestry Commission – Manchester State Forest – Bland Field 1: Sept 7 (Adult/Youth only), Saturdays only starting Sept 14, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
- SC Forestry Commission – Manchester State Forest – Tuomey Field A: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
Union
- SCDNR – Thurmond Tract: Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
- Sedalia (US Forest Service): Sept 7 (Adult/Youth only), Saturdays only starting Sept 14, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
- Herbert (US Forest Service): Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Opens Mon-Sat Nov 16
York
- SCDNR – Draper Tract: Sept 7, 21; Oct 5; Nov 23; Dec 28; Jan 11, 25
- York County – Worth Mountain WMA: Sept 7, 21; Oct 5; Nov 23; Dec 28; Jan 11, 25
Special Adult/Youth Dove Hunts
- Charleston County: Botany Bay Plantation WMA – Sept 7, 14, Oct 5, Nov 16, Jan 11, 25
- Oconee County: Long Creek WMA – Saturdays only starting Sept 7, Open Nov 16, 23, 30 (2nd season)
- Orangeburg County: Santee Cooper – Santee Cooper WMA – Sept 7
- Sumter County: Manchester State Forest near Wedgefield Bland Tract – Sept 7
- Union County: Sedalia (US Forest Service) – Sept 7
- York County: SCDNR – Draper WMA – Sept 7
Legal and Illegal Dove Hunting Practices
One of the most critical aspects of dove hunting in South Carolina revolves around understanding what constitutes legal hunting and what is prohibited.
Legal Dove Hunting
- Harvested Crop Fields: Hunting over fields where crops like corn, soybeans, or other grains have been harvested is generally permitted, as long as the grain distribution is a result of normal agricultural practices.
- Managed Wildlife Fields: Fields specifically planted and managed for wildlife, including doves, are legal to hunt as long as they adhere to specific guidelines.
- Newly Planted Wheat: Top-sowing wheat under certain conditions (planted between October 1 and November 30, evenly spread on a well-prepared seedbed) is considered a legal agricultural practice.
Illegal Dove Hunting (Baiting)
- Baiting: The intentional placement of grain, salt, or other feed to attract doves is strictly prohibited.
- Baited Areas: Any area where bait has been placed remains a baited area for 10 days after removal. Hunting on a baited area is illegal.
Understanding the Law
Federal regulations outline both legal and illegal dove hunting practices. Key points include:
- Hunter Responsibility: Hunters are responsible for determining if a field is legal before hunting.
- Penalties: Severe penalties exist for hunting over baited fields or engaging in baiting activities.
- Purpose of Regulations: To ensure fair hunting practices, protect the dove population, and encourage sound wildlife management.
Public Dove Fields:
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) manages several public dove fields located on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). These fields often have specific regulations, including:
- Limited Hunting Days: Many fields are open only on certain days of the week.
- Sign-In Requirements: Some WMAs require hunters to sign in and out.
- Shell Limits: Restrictions on the number of shells allowed per hunt may apply.
Special Youth Hunts:
Many WMAs offer special youth dove hunts, providing opportunities for young hunters to experience the sport under adult supervision.
Understanding Dove Regulations
Before heading afield, familiarizing yourself with South Carolina’s dove hunting regulations is crucial. Here are some key points to remember:
- Shooting Hours: Generally, half an hour before sunrise until sunset. However, there may be variations during specific seasons or on designated youth hunts.
- Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit for doves is 15, with a possession limit of 30.
- Legal Hunting Methods: Hunting doves is permitted only with shotguns no larger than 10 gauge. Shot size should be #7 or #8. Baiting doves is strictly prohibited.
Securing Your Hunting License
To legally hunt doves in South Carolina, you’ll need a valid hunting license. Here’s a quick rundown of the license types and their estimated costs:
| License Type | Resident Cost (USD) | Non-Resident Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (Annual) | $25 | $100 |
| Small Game Hunting License (Annual) | $10 | $25 |
| HIP Permit (Free) | Free | Free |
Migratory Bird Permit (Federal): ~$10 (required for all dove hunters 16 years of age or older)
Licenses can be conveniently purchased online through the SCDNR website or at authorized license vendors across the state.
Top Dove Hunting Locations in South Carolina
South Carolina offers a diverse range of dove opportunities, from sprawling agricultural fields to managed Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Here are a few prime locations to consider:
- Congaree National Park (Richland County): This national park provides ample dove opportunities within its designated hunting zones.
- Santee Coastal Reserve (multiple counties): Spanning several counties along the coast, this vast reserve offers excellent dove games in its agricultural fields and natural habitats.
- Webb Wildlife Management Area (Hampton County): Managed by the SCDNR, Webb WMA boasts strategically planted dove fields and provides a well-maintained hunting experience.
- Ninety Six National Historic Site (Greenwood County): This historic site offers some dove opportunities within designated areas. Be sure to consult the park regulations for specific details.
- Private Lands: With proper permission from landowners, hunting doves on private agricultural fields can be a productive option.
