2026–27 South Carolina guide
South Carolina Marsh Hen Season 2026
South Carolina’s 2026 marsh hen, rail, common moorhen, and purple gallinule season has two statewide segments. Confirm the exact species, location, access, and any area-specific waterfowl rule before hunting.
Source checked September 14, 2026. Official rules and current property notices control.
Season snapshot
September 10–15 and September 26–November 28, 2026.
- Daily limit
- Check the current SCDNR migratory-bird table for the species-specific daily and possession limit.
- Shooting hours
- One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Calendar
Season dates
| Season window | Dates | Land | Date check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marsh hens and rails — first segment | Sep 10, 2026 – Sep 15, 2026 | statewide | ended |
| Marsh hens and rails — second segment | Sep 26, 2026 – Nov 28, 2026 | statewide | open |
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
- A season date does not confirm that a marsh, impoundment, or WMA is open for your hunt.
- Designated Waterfowl Management Areas can have special shooting hours, bag limits, and methods.
- Migratory-bird licensing, HIP certification, and other requirements depend on the hunter and species; verify with SCDNR.
Common questions
Quick answers
When is marsh hen season in South Carolina in 2026?
The statewide 2026 seasons are September 10–15 and September 26–November 28. Verify the current regulation before each hunt because site-specific restrictions can apply.
What are South Carolina marsh hen shooting hours?
The 2026 SCDNR migratory-bird table lists marsh hen and rail shooting hours as one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
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.