2026–27 South Carolina guide
South Carolina Dove Season 2026–27
South Carolina’s mourning dove season is split into three statewide segments. Public dove fields, WMAs, and individual properties can have separate access, hunt-day, sign-in, or baiting requirements.
Source checked September 14, 2026. Official rules and current property notices control.
Season snapshot
September 5–October 3; November 13–28; and December 18, 2026–January 31, 2027.
- Daily limit
- Fifteen mourning doves per day, subject to the current official regulation.
- Shooting hours
- One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Calendar
Season dates
| Season window | Dates | Land | Date check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning dove — first segment | Sep 5, 2026 – Oct 3, 2026 | statewide | open |
| Mourning dove — second segment | Nov 13, 2026 – Nov 28, 2026 | statewide | upcoming |
| Mourning dove — third segment | Dec 18, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027 | statewide | upcoming |
Date status is a calendar comparison only. It does not establish access, legal method, licensing, property status, or hunter eligibility.
Before leaving
Checks that can change the answer
- Do not assume a statewide date opens a specific public dove field; confirm the field’s current schedule and sign-in procedure.
- Baiting rules are fact-specific. Verify the field and the current regulation instead of relying on a general season summary.
- Confirm licensing, HIP certification, possession limits, access, and any WMA authorization before hunting.
Common questions
Quick answers
When does dove season start in South Carolina in 2026?
The first mourning dove segment begins September 5, 2026. The later statewide segments are November 13–28 and December 18, 2026–January 31, 2027.
What is the dove limit in South Carolina?
SCDNR’s 2026 migratory-bird table lists a daily limit of 15 mourning doves. Check the official regulation for the current possession limit and any changes.
Official source
Verify before hunting
This guide summarizes the current published calendar. Open the official regulation for the controlling details and check the exact property separately.