2026 spring turkey season dates

Spring turkey season in South Carolina opens on Friday, April 3, 2026. The season runs through May 3 on private lands, while the season on SCDNR Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) concludes on May 2.

Licensed hunters are limited to a total of two turkeys for the season. Some WMA properties have more restrictive bag limits and designated hunting days, so hunters should review current rules and regulations prior to hunting on public lands. The practice of fanning or reaping is prohibited on WMAs, and all hunters must possess a valid WMA permit.

All harvested turkeys must be reported through the SC Game Check system, either online or via the Go Outdoors SC mobile app.

Beginning in 2025, the harvest of jakes (immature male turkeys) is no longer permitted in South Carolina. This change follows a long-term decline in turkey productivity, with average poult recruitment decreasing from 3.5 poults per hen in 1988 to 2.1 poults per hen in 2024. Adjustments to season structure, including a later opening date, are intended to support turkey reproduction prior to hunting pressure.

Turkey tags are available for purchase online, by phone, or at SCDNR regional offices. The cost is $25 for residents (two tags) and $125 for nonresidents (two tags). Youth under 16 and Lifetime, Senior, Gratis, and Disability license holders are eligible to receive a free set of tags.

Please note there is a misprint on the back of the 2026 turkey tag forms regarding season dates for private and WMA lands; however, the information printed on the tags themselves is correct.

For additional information, including county-level harvest data, hunters can review the 2025 Turkey Harvest Report.