South Carolina Archery License 2026 - Stamp, Crossbow & Equipment Rules | WildNotch.com
Archery License

South Carolina Archery
License 2026

Complete guide to archery hunting in South Carolina - stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. South Carolina has one of the earliest and longest deer seasons in the country, with archery running from mid-August through January in many zones. Crossbows are legal for all hunters. No separate archery stamp required.

Crossbow Allowed Min. Draw Weight: 30 lbs
2026 Archery License Quick Facts Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$12.00
License fee
Nonresident Fee
$135.00
NR license fee
Min. Draw Weight
30 lbs
Minimum for legal archery hunting
Crossbow
Allowed
Crossbows are legal for all hunters throughout all deer seasons in South Carolina with no additional permit required.
License & Stamp Details

South Carolina Archery License Requirements

Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.

RequirementDetails
Archery Stamp Required No - included with hunting license
Resident License Fee $12.00
Nonresident License Fee $135.00
Standalone Archery License Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting Allowed
Equipment Rules

South Carolina Archery Equipment Specifications

Legal archery equipment requirements in South Carolina. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.

Draw Weight
30 lbs min.
Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in South Carolina.
Arrow Length
No minimum arrow length specified. Standard hunting arrows (26"–32") are typical.
Broadhead Requirement
Broadheads are required for big game hunting. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.
Other Equipment Rules
Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed
Minimum 30 lb draw weight. Broadheads required. Lighted nocks are legal.
Crossbow Regulations

South Carolina Crossbow Rules for Archery Season

Crossbows are permitted during archery season in South Carolina. Crossbows are legal for all hunters throughout all deer seasons in South Carolina with no additional permit required.
Season Dates

South Carolina Archery Season Dates

Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit - always confirm with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Archery Deer Season
Aug 15
Through Jan 1
Important Notes

South Carolina-Specific Archery Rules

South Carolina's deer season is among the earliest in the country due to the warm climate. Zone 1 (Lowcountry) has the earliest opener. SC has no bag limit for antlerless deer in most zones, making it a popular management state.
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (www.dnr.sc.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees, equipment specs, and season dates directly with the agency before hunting.