By South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources
Effective deer season 2017, all harvested deer in South Carolina are required to be tagged at the point of kill.
When residents purchase or hold a current Hunting License/Big Game Permit they will receive a base set of deer tags at no cost. Resident youth hunters and lifetime and gratis licensees can request the base set of tags at no cost.
The tags include 3 unrestricted antlered buck tags and 8 date-specific antlerless deer tags. Each antlerless tag is only valid on one specific day and cannot be used on any other day.
Residents including youth hunters and lifetime and gratis licensees may purchase 2 additional antler restriction buck tags for $5 each. The restriction is the buck must have 4 points on one antler or a minimum 12-inch inside spread.
There is no order in which the antlered buck tags must be used.
All residents may purchase up to 4 individual antlerless tags for $5 each. Tags are valid on any day beginning September 15 in Game Zones 2, 3, 4 and October 1 in Game Zone 1 until the end of the deer hunting season.
Resident archery hunters may use any of the date specific tags to take antlerless deer on any day during archery only or primitive weapons seasons beginning September 15.
The archery notation and actual date must be validated on the tag. Once used, however, these tags would no longer be available for use during firearms season on the designated date.
Non-resident adults receive no free tags with the purchase of their Hunting License/Big Game Permit and must also purchase deer tags in order to deer hunt.
Non-residents may purchase up to 4 antlered buck tags: 2 unrestricted antlered buck tags, and 2 antler restriction buck tags for 4 points on one antler or a minimum 12-inch inside spread.
Cost is $50 for first antlered buck tag, and $20 for each additional or $110 for all 4. There is no particular order in which the buck tags must be purchased or used.
Non-residents may purchase up to 4 Individual antlerless tags. Tags are valid on any day beginning September 15 in Game Zones 2, 3, 4 and October 1 in Game Zone 1 until the end of the deer hunting season. Cost for non-resident antlerless tags is now $10 each.
Non-resident youth receive base set of tags free upon request, and may purchase one antler restriction buck tag for $50, and up to 4 Individual antlerless tags for $10 each.
Deer tags will only be available over the counter after August 1 at DNR offices located in Charleston, Clemson, Columbia, Florence and York.
After July 1, tags may be requested by phone at (866)714-3611 or ordered online.
Tags will not be mailed until early August.
Resident hunters who have an active License/Big Game Permit will automatically receive their base set of tags around August 1. Residents whose License/Big Game Permit expires before deer season begins should renew their License/Big Game permit at least 7 to10 days prior to deer hunting so their deer tags can arrive in the mail.
Non-residents may purchase their License/Big Game Permit over the counter, online or by phone. However, deer tags can only be purchased at DNR offices, online or by telephone. Allow 7 to 10 days for tags to arrive in the mail for online and telephone purchases.
Tags are valid for the entire deer season; however, hunters must maintain an active License/Big Game Permit to legally deer hunt.
To send questions regarding the new tag regulations, email DeerTags@dnr.sc.gov.