South Carolina is part of the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2025–2026 waterfowl season runs from September 1 through March 1, 2026, with 16 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Department of Natural Resources within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Nov 22 – Nov 29 First Split | 6 | 18 |
| Dec 12 – Jan 31 Second Split |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup | 1 | 3 |
| Black Duck | 2 | 6 |
| Redhead | 2 | 6 |
| Mallard No more than 2 hens | 4 | 12 |
| Pintail (Northern) | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup | 1 | 3 |
| Wood Duck | 3 | 9 |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Sep 20 – Sep 28 September Teal | 6 | 18 |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Sep 1 – Sep 30 September Canada Goose | 15 | 45 |
| Nov 22 – Nov 29 First Split | |||
| Dec 12 – Jan 31 Second Split | |||
| Feb 15 – Mar 1 Late Canada Goose |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Jan 2 – Jan 31 Brant | 1 | 3 |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Nov 22 – Nov 29 First Split | 25 | 75 |
| Dec 12 – Jan 31 Second Split | |||
| Feb 15 – Mar 1 Late Season |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Nov 22 – Nov 29 First Split | 15 | 45 |
| Dec 12 – Jan 31 Second Split |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Nov 15 – Nov 15 Youth Day | 6 | 18 |
| Feb 7 – Feb 7 Youth/Vet Day |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Feb 14 – Feb 14 Veterans Day | 6 | 18 |
Season dates and bag limits are verified against official state wildlife agency publications and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Data shown is for the 2025-2026 season. This data was verified on March 9, 2026. Always confirm with your state's official regulations before hunting.