Hunting in South Carolina: 4 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Your Kids

Children are welcome to hunt in South Carolina, provided they understand basic hunting safety procedures and meet many of the same requirements as adults. In fact, the state offers several hunting opportunities specifically for children, including youth deer hunts, designated youth areas at some of the state’s wildlife management areas, and youth days at all of the state’s private lands and some of its public hunting grounds.

The following tips, outlined by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, are important to know before seeking a hunting license in South Carolina for your child.

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1. There’s no minimum age to hunt.
The National Council of State Legislatures said children under the age of 16 don’t need a license to hunt in South Carolina unless they’re involved in commercial hunting. Children ages 16 and 17 must obtain a junior sportsman license, which is good for one year and covers state hunting, big game, wildlife management areas, and freshwater fishing.

2. Children must complete a hunter education course.
Anyone born after June 30, 1979, must complete a hunter education course to qualify for a hunting license. The training covers hunting safety, ethics and responsibility. The state offers an eight-hour instructor-led classroom course and an online self-study course. Students must pass an exam at the end of the course to be eligible for a hunting license. The instructor-led course is free, but the fee for the self-study option was $19.50 as of May 2015.

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3. The state offers additional hunter education courses for youth hunters.
The state’s Take One Make One program is designed for students with no hunting experience. Open to children ages 10 to 18, the course partners them with experienced hunters and uses video simulations and hands-on training to teach kids hunting safety and ethics. The class does not replace the required hunter education course.

4. Additional permits are required for youth-only hunts.
The DNR sponsors youth hunts in several of the state’s hunting areas, including private lands, wildlife management areas and state forests. To participate in any of these events, an application must be submitted.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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