South Carolina Trapping License 2026 - Fees, Species & Rules | WildNotch.com
Trapping License

South Carolina Trapping
License 2026

Complete guide to trapping licenses in South Carolina - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. South Carolina requires a trapping license for all regulated furbearers. The state has productive beaver, otter, mink, raccoon, and bobcat populations across its Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and mountain regions. Nutria are present in coastal areas.

24-Hour Trap Check Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$12.50
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$100.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details

South Carolina Trapping License Requirements

South Carolina requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.

RequirementDetails
Resident Fee $12.50
Nonresident Fee $100.00
Separate From Hunting License Yes - separate purchase required
Trapper Education Required Not required
Trap Check Requirement Every 24 hours
Trap Tagging Required Not required
Pelt Reporting Required Not required
Bobcat Permit Required Not required
Otter Permit Required Not required
Coyote Trapping Year-round allowed
Trap Type Restrictions No specific statewide jaw spread restrictions. Standard foothold and body-gripping traps allowed.
Regulated Species

Trappable Species in South Carolina

The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in South Carolina with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.

beaver mink muskrat otter bobcat coyote fox raccoon nutria opossum skunk weasel
Season & Limits

South Carolina Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits

Season Dates
mink: Dec 1 - Mar 1
otter: Dec 1 - Mar 1
beaver: Nov 1 - Mar 31
bobcat: Dec 1 - Mar 1
Bag Limits
otter: check current limits
bobcat: check current limits
Public Land Trapping

Trapping on Public Land in South Carolina

Trapping allowed on South Carolina WMAs. Sumter and Francis Marion National Forests allow trapping under USFS regulations. Coyote may be trapped year-round as an unprotected predator.
Important Notes

South Carolina-Specific Trapping Rules

South Carolina's Coastal Plain swamps and blackwater rivers (Great Pee Dee, Savannah, Edisto, Santee) support excellent otter, beaver, and mink populations. Nutria are invasive in coastal SC and trapping is encouraged. Bobcat populations are expanding statewide.
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (www.dnr.sc.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.