Duck Hunting Guides & Outfitters in South Carolina

Bag limit

6 ducks per day, including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 3 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 scaup (1 per day Dec 23 to Jan 31), 1 fulvous whistling duck and 5 black-bellied whistling ducks. Black and mottled ducks: east and south of I-95, 1 black or 1 mottled duck; west and north of I-95, 2 black ducks or 1 black and 1 mottled. Sea ducks count toward the 6, no more than 4. Mergansers: 5 per day, no more than 1 hooded. Possession limit is 3 times the daily bag. No open season on harlequin ducks.

Draw or lottery

No, tags are available over the counter. No draw for the statewide season. Category I waterfowl areas on WMAs are open only by permit from an annual lottery, and Category II areas only on set days and times.

Resident cost

$52.50 (Hunting license $12, migratory bird permit (HIP) free, state migratory waterfowl permit $15.50, federal duck stamp $25 (sold for $30 through SCDNR, with fees))

Nonresident cost

$80.50 to $165.50 (Hunting license $125 for a year ($75 for 10 days, $40 for 3 days), migratory bird permit (HIP) free, state migratory waterfowl permit $15.50, federal duck stamp $25 (sold for $30 through SCDNR, with fees))

Source: SCDNR 2026-27 Migratory Bird Seasons, Shooting Hours and Bag Limits. Last checked Nov 2, 2026. Dates, fees and limits change every year and some seasons vary by zone or county, so confirm with the agency before you book.