Dogs have been vital to hunting for tens of thousands of years. Today, even with modern weaponry and hunting techniques, many hunters in South Carolina still rely on dogs to help them catch small prey such as game birds.
Hunting with dogs in South Carolina is permitted, but the state has rules regarding when you may use hunting dogs and what animals you may hunt with them.
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The following tips from the
Department of Natural Resources will keep you compliant with the state laws.
1. You may need a license for your dog.
The state of South Carolina does not require owners to license or register their dogs, but some cities, towns and counties do.
According to the city of Columbia, anyone in the city or Richland County, for example, must license their dogs every year. To obtain a license, you must present proof that your dog has received a rabies vaccination. If you have more than two dogs, you’ll also need to purchase a kennel license.
2. Dogs are prohibited during certain hunting seasons and on certain lands.
You may not use dogs for hunting everywhere in South Carolina or for hunting every species. In zones 1 and 2, for example, dogs are prohibited for the purposes of deer hunting. Using dogs to hunt turkey also is prohibited.
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3. The state limits what kind of species you may hunt using dogs.
While South Carolina has several restrictions regarding where, when, and what you may hunt with the aid of dogs, there are some species, especially smaller game, that you’re free to hunt using your dog. For example, you may use dogs to hunt coyotes on private land year-round. You also may use dogs to hunt small game in all wildlife management areas.
4. You may use hunting areas to train your dog for hunting.
South Carolina allows you to train bird dogs on private land year-round, if you have a valid hunting license. If you want to do so during a closed hunting season, for example when quail is off-limits, you may only use firearms filled with blanks.
5. You must respect private property.
South Carolina requires the written permission of the landowner or manager before you enter private property for any reason, including the retrieval of dogs. If your dog ventures onto private property while chasing prey, you must locate the owner and ask permission before going after your dog.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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