Deer tags for the 2018 season have begun arriving in the mailboxes of South Carolina’s deer hunters.
Department of Natural Resources staff are asking current license-holders who expecting a base set of tags by mail to be patient and not call or email requesting their tag status before Aug. 3.
With over 150,000 sets of tags going out during a couple of weeks, the mail project is enormous.
South Carolina residents who currently have an active Annual or Three-year Hunting License and Big Game Permit, Combination License or Sportsman License that will be valid when deer season begins on Aug. 15 should automatically receive a base set of deer tags at no cost.
Additionally, anyone who has ordered optional tags or requested a set of tags since June 16 is in the system and the tags for those orders are being produced. Hunters are advised to wait until Aug. 3 before inquiring about tag status.
License holders unsure about the status/expiration date of their hunting license, big game permit, to see when or if deer tags have been fulfilled, or other SCDNR hunting privileges can visit the Customer Privileges Portal online.
Deer Tags are not available over the counter at point of sales vendors (Walmart, Dicks Sporting Goods, etc.), but they are available over the counter at SCDNR offices located in Charleston, Clemson, Columbia (downtown and Farmers Market), Florence, and York. Tags may also be purchased by phone at (866) 714-3611 or online.
Allow 7-10 days for tags ordered or requested online or by phone to arrive in the mail.
Lifetime, Senior/Gratis/Disability and Youth Licensees must request the free base set of tags annually. Tags can be requested by calling the tollfree number or visiting the website. Hunters may also call the License Office at (803)734-3833 for tag requests and tag or license related questions.