--- title: "Aiken Hunting" url: https://www.hereaiken.com/hunting-aiken-sc/ date: 2026-05-28T21:35:12-04:00 modified: 2026-05-28T21:35:12-04:00 author: "" site: "HERE Aiken" attribution: "HERE Aiken" --- # Aiken Hunting *Source: [HERE Aiken](https://www.hereaiken.com/hunting-aiken-sc/) — May 28, 2026 by * HEREAiken # Aiken Hunting Report Live conditions, season status, solunar ratings, WMA profiles, and community hunting coverage for Aiken and Game Zone 3. Hog: Open Year-Round Turkey: Closed Dove: Closed Deer: Closed Game Zone 3 **6** WMAs Profiled **Live** Hunt Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season Guide First Look • Hunt Conditions 🌔 Waxing Gibbous Illumination: 63% Sunrise 6:16 am Sunset 8:42 pm Temp 70°F Wind 7 mph Weather as of 4:40 AM ET Fair — bright nights keep deer nocturnal. Hunt midday movement. 69 GOOD Good conditions. Plan your approach and be patient. Game Zone 3 • Aiken ## Aiken Hunting Season Status Whitetail Deer CLOSED **Season Dates**Archery & Gun Hunts: Aug 15 – Jan 1 (private lands, Game Zone 3). Youth: Aug 9 (antlered, limit 1) and Jan 3 (either-sex, limit 2). **Bag Limit:**Antlered: statewide limits. Antlerless: 2 per day, 8 total all seasons combined (Game Zone 3 private lands). All harvests must be reported via SC Game Check by midnight day-of. Next Game Zone 3 private-land deer season opens August 15 (archery + gun combined). WMA dates differ — see SCDNR. SC hunting license + Big Game Permit required. WMA permit required on public lands (WMA dates differ). Mandatory harvest reporting via SC Game Check. per [SCDNR](https://www.eregulations.com/southcarolina/hunting/deer-seasons-on-private-lands) · verified 2026-05-31 Feral Hog OPEN YEAR-ROUND **Season Dates**No closed season on private land. WMA hunts allowed during any open game season (specific WMA dates apply). **Bag Limit:**No bag limit on private land. No season limit. Feral hogs are unprotected in SC — open year-round on private land with a valid hunting license. SCDNR encourages year-round harvest to control population. SC hunting license required. Night hunting allowed only on properties registered annually with SCDNR (dnr.sc.gov/nighthunt). No live transport. No closed season per SCDNR. per [SCDNR](https://www.eregulations.com/southcarolina/hunting/feral-hog-coyote-armadillo-regulations) · verified 2026-05-31 Spring Turkey CLOSED **Season Dates**Spring gobbler private lands statewide: April 3 – May 3. WMA lands statewide: April 3 – May 2. Youth weekends: March 28-29 and May 9-10. **Bag Limit:**2 gobblers per season statewide. No more than 1 per day. No more than 1 prior to April 10. Jakes prohibited. Tag fees: $25 resident / $125 non-resident. Next spring season opens April 3. Fall season varies — check SCDNR. Youth weekends precede the regular opener. SC hunting license + Turkey Tags required. Harvest must be reported via SC Game Check. Fanning/reaping prohibited on private lands statewide. per [SCDNR](https://www.eregulations.com/southcarolina/hunting/turkey-regulations) · verified 2026-05-31 Mourning Dove CLOSED **Season Dates**Segment 1: Sept 1 – Oct 4 | Segment 2: Nov 15 – Nov 29 | Segment 3: Dec 22 – Jan 31 (statewide, SCDNR migratory bird seasons). **Bag Limit:**Daily bag: 15 doves. Possession limit: 45 doves. Next dove segment posted on the SCDNR migratory bird calendar. Scout planted fields and sunflower plots before opener. SC hunting license + Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) required. Federal Migratory Bird stamp required age 16+ for waterfowl (not required for doves). Public dove fields: afternoon-only, no entry before noon. No shooting after 6 PM during Segment 1. per [SCDNR](https://www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/SCMigratoryBirdSeasons.pdf) · verified 2026-05-31 Season dates shown are for Game Zone 3 private lands. WMA dates, license requirements, and antlerless regulations may differ. Always verify current regulations with SCDNR before hunting. [Report a Season Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-season-update) Hunting Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/hunting) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/hunting) [Cabelas](https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/hunting) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/hunting) First Look ## Aiken Hunting Weather Now 70F Mostly Cloudy Feels like 70°F as of 4:40 AM ET Wind 7 mph N Humidity 73% Pressure 1018 hPa Moon Waxing Gibbous Location Aiken, SC Field Scout Tips - Hog season is open — focus today's hunt on hog. - Calm winds — hogs will smell you a long way. Play the wind religiously. Solunar Index ## Aiken Hunt Conditions Today Temperature 70°F Warm Wind Speed 7 mph Ideal — Calm Barometric 1018 hPa High — Active Moon Phase 🌔 Fair GOOD Good conditions. Plan your approach and be patient. Extended Outlook ## Aiken Hunt Forecast — 5 Days TONIGHT Mostly Clear 78° / 68° 8 mph wind • 0% humidity FAIR WED Mostly Sunny 90° / 69° 5 mph wind • 0% humidity FAIR THU Partly Sunny 93° / 72° 5 mph wind • 0% humidity FAIR FRI Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 95° / 75° 6 mph wind • 0% humidity STAY IN SAT Sunny 97° / 76° 9 mph wind • 0% humidity SLOW Public Hunting Lands ## Aiken South Carolina Wildlife Management Areas Six public hunting areas within reach of Aiken — from in-county dove fields to mountain bear country an hour west. Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve / WMA 1,395 acres SCDNR HERITAGE PRESERVE Aiken County • In County Whitetail Deer Wild Turkey Dove Small Game Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve protects the longleaf pine and wiregrass ecosystem along the South Edisto River sandhills — home to the northernmost known population of gopher tortoises in North America. The preserve is owned and managed by SCDNR through the Heritage Trust Program and lies within Game Zone 3. Public access for hunting under SCDNR Wildlife Management Area regulations. WMA permit and SC hunting license required. Bicycles are allowed on hiking trails (groups of five or fewer). The gopher tortoise itself is a state-endangered species and may not be disturbed. Field Tip Scout the longleaf pine flats early — the same xeric sandhill habitat that supports the tortoise also holds deer bedding ridges and turkey dust bowls. Stay on existing roads and trails; off-trail travel can collapse tortoise burrows. Game Zone 3 Field Guide Coming Soon Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve 10,470 acres STATE WMA Aiken County • South of Jackson on SC-125 Whitetail Deer Wild Turkey Feral Hog Waterfowl Small Game Dove Crackerneck WMA and Ecological Reserve is a 10,470-acre tract along the Savannah River in southern Aiken County, owned by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by SCDNR. Access is through the check station gate off Brown Road. The area is a Quality Deer Management Area — antlered deer must have 4 points on one side or a 12-inch inside spread. Gate hours 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. WMA permit and SC hunting license required. All hunters must check in at the gate prior to hunting. Deer season runs scheduled Fri/Sat dates Oct–Dec; waterfowl, small game, and youth hunts on posted dates. Fox squirrels, bobcats, foxes, and otters are protected and may not be harvested. Upper Three Runs Creek is closed to all access. Field Tip Hunt the Quality Deer rule to your advantage — pass on small bucks early in the season and key on hardwood drainages near food plots. Hogs may be taken any open season with weapon restrictions and no bag limit; concentrate near Skinface Pond and the swamp lake edges at dawn. Game Zone 3 Field Guide Coming Soon Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve / WMA 301 acres SCDNR HERITAGE PRESERVE Aiken / Barnwell Counties • ~25 miles southeast of Aiken on US-78 Whitetail Deer Wild Turkey Bobwhite Quail Waterfowl Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve straddles the Aiken/Barnwell county line near the White Pond community, adjacent to US-78. The preserve protects an intact Carolina bay surrounded by mature upland oak-hickory hardwood forest. The Carolina bay itself makes up roughly 25 acres of the property and supports several rare bog plant species. Public access for hunting under SCDNR WMA regulations. Listed as a Category II Designated Waterfowl Area — waterfowl hunting follows scheduled dates and times published by SCDNR. Camping and recreational fires are prohibited. Field Tip The Carolina bay edge is the property's signature feature — deer water and bed within sight of it. Hunt the transition between the bay's wetland edge and the surrounding hardwoods. Waterfowl access is by scheduled hunt only, so check current SCDNR dates before planning a trip. Game Zone 3 Field Guide Coming Soon Henderson Heritage Preserve / WMA 417 acres SCDNR HERITAGE PRESERVE Aiken County • 3 miles northwest of Aiken Whitetail Deer Wild Turkey Small Game Henderson Heritage Preserve sits three miles northwest of Aiken at 337 Croft Mill Road. The 417-acre tract was dedicated to protect a longleaf pine / scrub oak sandhills ecosystem and holds the rare bog spice bush (Lindera subcoriacea). Named in honor of Frank P. Henderson, a former Mayor of Aiken. Open to hiking trails and seasonal archery hunting. Public access under SCDNR WMA regulations — WMA permit and SC hunting license required. Horseback riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks, and established trails (groups of 5 horses or fewer); riders must wear international orange clothing during any open hunting season. Field Tip The sandhills ridges and trail system make scouting easy — walk the firebreaks pre-season to mark deer crossings and turkey dust patches. Archery hunters do well here in early season before gun pressure pushes deer off neighboring tracts. Game Zone 3 Field Guide Coming Soon Bear Branch Heritage Preserve UNK acres SCDNR — BY PERMIT ONLY Aiken County • Aiken-area sandhills Whitetail Deer Wild Turkey Bear Branch Heritage Preserve is an SCDNR Heritage Trust property in the Aiken-area sandhills. Like several other ecologically sensitive Heritage Preserves, Bear Branch is closed to general public access — entry is by SCDNR-issued permit only. Treat it like a private course: not open to walk-on hunting, but accessible if you secure the proper permit through SCDNR Columbia (803-734-3886). Public visitation is by permit only — the preserve is closed to use except by permit. Contact SCDNR Heritage Trust at 803-734-3886 to request a permit and current regulations. Field Tip Before planning a hunt here, call SCDNR Columbia and confirm permit availability for the season you want. Without a permit, this preserve is off-limits. Game Zone 3 Field Guide Coming Soon Gopher Branch Heritage Preserve UNK acres SCDNR — BY PERMIT ONLY Aiken County • Aiken-area sandhills Whitetail Deer Wild Turkey Gopher Branch Heritage Preserve is an SCDNR Heritage Trust property in the Aiken-area sandhills. The preserve protects sensitive longleaf pine / sandhill habitat associated with the gopher tortoise's northern range. Like Bear Branch, it is closed to general public access — entry is by SCDNR-issued permit only. Treat it like a private course: not open to walk-on hunting, but accessible if you secure the proper permit. Public visitation is by permit only. Contact SCDNR Heritage Trust at 803-734-3886 to request a permit and current regulations. Field Tip Permit-only access means small annual user numbers — for the hunter who lands one, expect lightly pressured deer and turkey. Start the permit conversation with SCDNR well before season opens. Game Zone 3 Field Guide Coming Soon Did We Miss a Spot? Know a Aiken-area hunting land, WMA, or public access parcel that should be on this list? Let us know. [Report a Hunting Spot](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-hunting-spot) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days — Best deal in Aiken Reach all the Hunting traffic in Aiken — it’s a deal! Find out how](#hr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL — we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local Aiken hunters see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day — Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews ## Aiken Hunting Reviews Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve Cole • May 28, 2026 Drew a Fri-Sat slot during the still gun season. Checked in at the gate by 4:45, sat a stand near a planted pine cut, and had a clean shot on a 4-pointer-per-side buck by 9. The Quality Deer rule keeps the average buck quality high here — pass on the young ones and you get rewarded. **Species:** Whitetail Deer **Best Spot:** Pine cut near Brown Road **Key Gear:** .308 bolt, climbing stand Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve / WMA Marcus • May 24, 2026 Came down for a midweek deer scout in August — saw three different bucks working the longleaf flats just after sunrise. Walked the existing roads only (gopher tortoise burrows are everywhere), but the cover is so open you can glass effectively. Came back during gun season and tagged out. **Species:** Whitetail Deer **Best Spot:** South Edisto River sandhills **Key Gear:** Binos and a Marlin 30-30 Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve Jenna • May 19, 2026 Hogs are the real story here — no bag limit and you can chase them any open season. Set up at first light along a swamp lake edge with my .270 and dropped a 180-pound sow rooting in a wallow by 7 AM. Skinface Pond side gets less pressure than the main check station road. **Species:** Feral Hog **Best Spot:** Swamp lake edge off the main road **Key Gear:** .270 Winchester, ground blind Henderson Heritage Preserve / WMA David • May 13, 2026 Archery-only is the play here in October. Walked in pre-dawn off Croft Mill Road, found a heavy trail crossing a firebreak, and shot a doe at 18 yards with my compound. Lightly pressured because most hunters drive past it for bigger WMAs. Three miles from town and you would never know. **Species:** Whitetail Deer **Best Spot:** Firebreak crossing near the trail system **Key Gear:** Mathews V3, fixed-blade broadhead [See All Reviews](#i-hunted-here) Share Your Hunt Hunted a Aiken-area WMA or private land? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Location Hunted * Select a location... Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve / WMA Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve / WMA Henderson Heritage Preserve / WMA Bear Branch Heritage Preserve Gopher Branch Heritage Preserve Private Land — Aiken Other Your First Name * How Was the Hunt? * (280 characters max) Species Targeted Select species... Whitetail Deer Turkey Dove Feral Hog Black Bear Duck / Waterfowl Squirrel Rabbit Other Best Spot / Stand Location Gear That Made the Difference Submit Review Community Here *We...* Bag Them *Big...* Trophy harvests, personal bests, and record-book moments from Aiken hunters. Wyatt — Crackerneck WMA Quality Deer Management rules forced me to pass three smaller bucks before this one stepped out at 80 yards. Old, gray-muzzled, with the kind of wide rack you read about in Aiken County. Tracked him sixty yards into a hardwood drainage. Best Carolina buck of my hunting life. **Whitetail Deer** 9-point, 175 lbs dressed Tasha — Private land, Aiken County Neighbor had been complaining for months about hogs in his pecan grove. Set up over a corn pile a hundred yards into the timber at 3 AM with a thermal. The sounder came in just before sunrise. Picked off the lead boar with one shot from the .308. Made a lot of folks happy that day. **Feral Hog** Boar, 245 lbs Reggie — Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve / WMA Worked this bird three mornings in a row. He gobbled from the same roost tree on the Barnwell side of the property every dawn. Day three I set up in the dark inside 80 yards. He pitched down at first light and walked right to my decoy. Heaviest gobbler I have ever weighed in Aiken County. **Wild Turkey** 24 lbs, 11.5-inch beard, 1.25-inch spurs Your First Name * Location Species Select species... Whitetail Deer Turkey Black Bear Feral Hog Other Weight / Rack Size / Score Tell Us the Story * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Trophy Don't Drink by the *Swig...* Your favorite post-hunt watering hole. Where do you go when the hunt is done? Jake Tagged a hog before lunch out at Crackerneck, dropped the cooler at the processor, and met my hunting partner at Aiken Brewing on Laurens by three. Pulled the camo jacket off, ordered a Thoroughbred Red, and watched the early college football game. Closest you get to a hunt-camp lodge feel right in downtown Aiken. **Aiken Brewing Company** -- Thoroughbred Red Hollis Long sit at Henderson on a 28-degree morning with nothing to show for it. Met the boys at The Alley by lunch — the outdoor seating in The Alley itself, sun on our faces, a flight of IPAs, and three other parties at the next table swapping the same kind of stories. That is the Aiken version of a hunt-camp porch. **The Alley Downtown Taproom** -- Cold IPA Trent Came in off an evening sit with frozen toes and an empty tag. Tailgate Tavern was halfway home and the kitchen was still open. A pour of bourbon, a burger, and the Sunday night game — that is how you close out a slow weekend. Always a few orange-vested guys at the bar in November. **Tailgate Tavern** -- Bourbon on the rocks Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage ## Aiken Hunting News Presented by [SCDNR Wildlife](https://www.dnr.sc.gov) South Carolina Department of Natural Resources [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting) Local — Aiken and Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) [Local Navigating Public Land Hunting Regulations in Aiken Hunters venturing onto public lands in the Aiken area and across South Carolina must familiarize themselves with a complex web of regulations... Jun 13, 2026](https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/06/13/navigating-public-land-hunting-regulations/) [Local Planning a Hunter Safety Course in Aiken Organizing a hunter safety course in Aiken requires careful planning and adherence to state regulations. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources... Jun 13, 2026](https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/06/13/planning-hunter-safety-course-aiken/) [Local Hunters Plant Wildlife Trees on New York Public Land in Record Push A volunteer push organized by deer hunters and backed by national hunting conservation groups planted thousands of soft-mast and hard-mast trees on... May 31, 2026](https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/05/31/hunters-plant-wildlife-trees-public-land/) National — Whitetail, CWD, and Conservation [National Hunters Plant Wildlife Trees on New York Public Land in Record Push A volunteer push organized by deer hunters and backed by national hunting conservation groups planted thousands of soft-mast and hard-mast trees on... May 31, 2026](https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/05/31/hunters-plant-wildlife-trees-public-land/) [National New 3,600-Acre Wateree River WMA Opens to South Carolina Hunters A newly designated Heritage Preserve Wildlife Management Area on more than 3,600 acres along the Wateree River opens this season to South... May 31, 2026](https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/05/31/wateree-river-wma-opens-sc-hunters/) [National Federal Dollars Step Up the Fight Against Chronic Wasting Disease Chronic Wasting Disease has been creeping across the whitetail range for more than two decades, and for most of that time the... May 31, 2026](https://www.hereaiken.com/2026/05/31/federal-dollars-cwd-fight/) [View All Aiken Hunting Coverage →](/tag/hunting-aiken-sc/) More at Outdoor Sports Fishing, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Aiken and Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) SC [See All Outdoor Sports Coverage](/sports/) [Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting) Outfitters and Gear ## Hunting Gear Guide Gear reviews and picks for the Aiken hunter — boots, optics, packs, and more. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=here09d-20 Shop our hand-picked hunting gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting) Gear Reviews — Tested for Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) SC Hunting As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7SMC3K5?tag=here09d-20 TACTACAM Reveal X PRO Cellular Trail Camera, Verizon and AT&T, NO Glow, Integrated GPS Track… Trail Camera Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. TACTACAM Reveal X PRO Cellular Trail Camera, Verizon and AT&T, NO Glow, Integrated GPS Track…. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $99.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7SMC3K5?tag=here09d-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7L66QN?tag=here09d-20 Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars Laser Rangefinder Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $799.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7L66QN?tag=here09d-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4X5Q6Y1?tag=here09d-20 Garmin inReach® Mini 3, Rugged Compact Global Satellite Communicator with Color Touchscreen,… GPS / Navigation Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Garmin inReach® Mini 3, Rugged Compact Global Satellite Communicator with Color Touchscreen,…. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $399.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4X5Q6Y1?tag=here09d-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHSP7S3D?tag=here09d-20 Pulsar Trail 3 LRF Thermal Riflescope with Laser Range Finder and Mount Laser Rangefinder Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Pulsar Trail 3 LRF Thermal Riflescope with Laser Range Finder and Mount. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $2899.97 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHSP7S3D?tag=here09d-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVKR6QP3?tag=here09d-20 ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, B… Optic / Scope Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, B…. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $1561.17 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVKR6QP3?tag=here09d-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C74W77V6?tag=here09d-20 Icotec Nomad+ Programmable Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth - 165 Professional Sound… Decoy Hand-picked by the HERE Hunting desk this week. Icotec Nomad+ Programmable Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth - 165 Professional Sound…. ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 $13.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Hunting desk [View on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C74W77V6?tag=here09d-20) Outfitter, Guide Service, or Hunting Retailer? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active hunters across the HERE City Network — 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/section-sponsorship/?section=hunting&tier=gear) Game Zone 3 Key Dates ## SC Hunting Season Calendar Aug 9, 2026 Youth Deer Hunt Day (Antlered) Antlered deer only, limit 1. Private lands, Game Zone 3. Tags not required. Per SCDNR. Game Zone 3 Aug 15, 2026 Deer Archery & Gun Season Opens Private lands, Game Zone 3. Combined archery + gun (no separate primitive weapons window in Zone 3 private). Antlerless: 2 per day, 8 total. SC hunting license + Big Game Permit required. Game Zone 3 Oct 15 – Nov 1, 2026 Estimated Peak Whitetail Rut Estimated peak rut window for SC Midlands / Sandhills (Game Zone 3). Verify locally; phenology varies year to year. Game Zone 3 Jan 1, 2027 Deer Season Closes Final day of Game Zone 3 private-land deer season (archery + gun combined). Game Zone 3 Jan 3, 2027 Youth Deer Hunt Day (Either-Sex) Either-sex, limit 2. Private lands, Game Zone 3. Tags not required. Per SCDNR. Game Zone 3 Mar 27–28, 2027 Youth Turkey Weekend (Private) Statewide youth season (hunters 17 and under). Bird counts toward regular season limit. Dates UKN until SCDNR confirms 2027 — shown based on 2026 pattern (last Sat/Sun before April 3 opener). Statewide Apr 3, 2027 Spring Turkey Season Opens Private lands statewide: April 3 – May 3. Gobblers only. 2 per season. Pattern confirmed for 2026; 2027 dates pending SCDNR board approval. Statewide May 3, 2027 Spring Turkey Season Closes (Private) 30-day spring gobbler season ends on private lands. WMA closes May 2. Statewide UKN — 2026-27 Dove Season Dove Season Dates Pending SCDNR Board Approval SCDNR Board approves migratory bird dates in March each year. 2025-26 segments were Sept 1–Oct 4, Nov 15–29, Dec 22–Jan 31. 2026-27 dates will be posted at dnr.sc.gov/hunting/SCMigratoryBirdSeasons.pdf when approved. Statewide Year-Round Feral Hog (Private Lands) No closed season on private land with valid SC hunting license. No bag limit. Night hunting requires annual property registration with SCDNR. Statewide (Private) Dates reflect 2026 South Carolina hunting regulations for Game Zone 3. Always verify with the current SCDNR Hunting and Fishing Guide. Regulations are subject to change. Hogs are legal year-round on private land with a hunting license — no closed season. Questions and Answers ## Aiken Hunting FAQ Common questions about hunting in the Aiken area, answered. - When does deer season open in Aiken SC? In Aiken County (Game Zone 3) on private lands, deer season runs **August 15 through January 1** — combined archery and gun, with **no separate primitive weapons window**. WMA seasons may differ. Statewide youth deer days are **August 9** (antlered) and **January 3** (either-sex). Verify with the current [SCDNR South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Guide](https://www.dnr.sc.gov) before each season. - Where can I hunt near Aiken SC? Public hunting land near Aiken is listed in the WMA directory below. [SCDNR](https://www.dnr.sc.gov) manages all WMAs in South Carolina; a WMA permit (separate from a basic hunting license) is required on most. **Crackerneck WMA in Aiken County is permit-only** — apply through SCDNR's quota system. - Do I need a license to hunt in South Carolina? Yes. All hunters in South Carolina need a state hunting license. Deer and turkey require an additional big game permit. Hunting on any Wildlife Management Area (WMA) requires a WMA permit. Federal migratory bird hunters age 16 and older need a federal duck stamp for waterfowl. Licenses and permits are available through [SCDNR at dnr.sc.gov](https://www.dnr.sc.gov) or at authorized license agents throughout Aiken County. - Can you hunt on Sundays in SC? Yes. South Carolina allows Sunday hunting on private lands statewide. [SCDNR](https://www.dnr.sc.gov) also permits Sunday hunting on WMAs unless posted otherwise on the specific WMA. Local ordinances in some Aiken-area municipalities may further restrict hunting near residential zones — verify with your county or town before hunting on Sundays. - What is the deer bag limit in Game Zone 3? Statewide SC private-land antlered limits apply in Game Zone 3 (which includes Aiken): **residents 2 antlered per day, 5 antlered per season**; nonresidents 2 per day, 4 per season. **Antlerless on Zone 3 private lands: 2 per day, 8 per season.** On WMAs, [SCDNR](https://www.dnr.sc.gov) quota permits and tag requirements apply per WMA. Always check the current SCDNR Hunting and Fishing Guide for the most up-to-date limits. - Are there bear in the Aiken area? South Carolina's bear hunting season is limited to **Game Zones 1, 2, and 4** — the mountain and upstate zones where the resident black bear population is established. Aiken County is in Game Zone 3, which has **no open bear season**. Bear sightings in the Aiken area are rare; report any to [SCDNR](https://www.dnr.sc.gov). ITS ALL HERE! Hunting News Near You![THE HERE CITY NETWORK](https://www.herecity.com)[Augusta, GA](https://hereaugusta.com/hunting/) [Columbia, SC](https://herecolumbia.com/hunting/) [Greenwood, SC](https://heregreenwood.com/hunting/) [Spartanburg, SC](https://herespartanburg.com/hunting/) [Greenville, SC](https://heregreenville.com/hunting/) [Rock Hill, SC](https://hererockhill.com/hunting/) [Hilton Head, SC](https://herehiltonhead.com/hunting/) [Charleston, SC](https://herecharleston.com/hunting/)