South Carolina

Centerfire rifles of any caliber firing expanding ammunition are legal for deer during gun seasons (which open as early as August 15 on private lands in the Lowcountry). Recommended .243 Win to .30-06. Suppressors are legal with federal tax stamp. Fully automatic firearms and FMJ ammunition strictly prohibited.

10, 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns firing single slugs or buckshot (#00 or #000) are the traditional firearms choice for coastal hound-hunting deer drives. 3-shell capacity limit. Non-toxic shot mandatory for all waterfowl hunting along coastal ACE Basin rice fields and river impoundments.

Minimum .36 caliber single-barrel muzzleloaders. Modern in-line muzzleloaders with 209 primers, sabots, and magnifying scopes are fully legal during the dedicated early October primitive weapons hunt and gun seasons. Black powder or commercial synthetic powders only.

Compound, recurve, and longbows of any draw weight capable of propelling an arrow with hunting broadhead. Broadheads must have minimum 7/8-inch cutting width. Fixed and mechanical broadheads are legal. Season opens mid-August in Game Zone 3/4 and mid-September in Game Zones 1/2.

Fully legal for ALL licensed hunters during both the archery seasons, primitive weapons seasons, and general firearms seasons without requiring a medical disability permit. Crossbows must have a functioning mechanical safety and shoot bolts with hunting broadheads measuring at least 7/8 inch wide.

Centerfire handguns firing expanding ammunition with a minimum barrel length of 4 inches are legal for deer. Semiautomatics (10mm Auto) and magnum revolvers (.357 Mag, .44 Mag) widely carried for swamp stalking and dog drive hunting.