08/04/2026
MARK YOUR CALENDARS - Youth deer hunt days on private land are right around the corner!
📆 Game Zones 3 & 4: Saturday, Aug. 8
📆 Game Zone 2: Saturday, Sept. 12
📆 Game Zone 1: Saturday, Sept. 26
*An additional statewide youth day on all private lands and certain WMAs will occur after the regular season on Jan. 2, 2027.
Regulations for pre-season youth days are:
· Private lands only.
· For youth 17 years old and younger.
· Youth hunters who have not completed the hunter education program must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age.
· There are no license or tag requirements for youth or accompanying adults on this designated youth day.
· Adults may guide, however, only the youth may take or attempt to take deer.
· Guns, Primitive Weapons, or Archery equipment are allowed.
· ANTLERED DEER ONLY, Bag Limit 1.
NOTE: Some Deer Processors may not be open prior to the regular season, please plan accordingly prior to hunting regarding care and handling of your harvest.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUTH DAY HARVEST REPORTING:
While license and tag requirements are waived for a youth during designated “Youth Deer Hunting Days” to allow youth without tags or a license a special opportunity to hunt, youth that have deer tags are encouraged to use them on these days.
· The law DOES NOT waive harvest reporting requirements for youth days. All deer harvested on youth days MUST be reported using the Go Outdoors SC / SC Game Check harvest reporting system.
· Youth with tags can use them and utilize the normal reporting methods: mobile app, website, text, or phone.
· Youth without tags will need to utilize the EXEMPT HUNTER reporting form at license.gooutdoorssouthcarolina.com OR from the main menu icon (3 horizontal lines at top left) on the opening page of the Go Outdoors SC mobile app, to report their harvest on youth days.
· Once the regular season is open, all youth must have deer tags and report through the normal methods.
Take advantage of these special opportunities to get a youth outdoors. Hunt safe, have fun and good luck!