Spring turkey season in the Upstate is entering its peak stretch, with SCDNR’s season running through May 3 on private land and May 2 on Wildlife Management Areas — leaving hunters across Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union, and surrounding counties with roughly three weeks of prime gobbler hunting remaining.
The 2026 season opened April 3 across South Carolina for both private land and Wildlife Management Area hunters. Youth hunters had an earlier opening on March 28 and 29. For licensed turkey hunters, the private land season runs through May 3, and WMA hunting is open through May 2. The two-bird limit applies across the season, with the SCDNR noting that hunters are limited to one gobbler before April 10 — a restriction that has now passed, opening the full season.
Mid-April represents the heart of spring turkey season in Upstate South Carolina. Gobbler activity typically peaks as the breeding season progresses, with mature toms actively responding to calls in the mornings and henned-up birds becoming a key challenge for hunters working the Upstate’s mixed hardwood and pine terrain.
In Spartanburg County and the surrounding Upstate counties, turkey hunting takes place on private farmland, timber company leases, and public WMA ground. Key WMA areas accessible to Upstate hunters include Worth Mountain WMA and South Saluda WMA in Greenville County, both of which allow turkey hunting during the season.
Weather in mid-April in the Upstate typically brings warm mornings with temperatures in the mid-50s at first light, climbing into the mid-70s by mid-morning. These conditions are generally favorable for turkey activity, with birds gobbling well in mild temperatures and light winds.
Turkey tags are available for purchase online through the SCDNR website, by phone, or at SCDNR regional offices. For residents, the two-tag spring turkey license costs 5. Non-residents pay 25 for two tags. Hunters must comply with all bag limits and reporting requirements.
SCDNR emphasizes that hunters must have a valid South Carolina hunting license in addition to their turkey tags, and that all harvested birds must be reported through the SCDNR Game Check system.
What’s Happening — Spring Turkey Hunting Q&A
Q: When does spring turkey season end in Upstate South Carolina?
A: Spring turkey season runs through May 3 on private land and May 2 on SCDNR Wildlife Management Areas across South Carolina, including the Upstate counties of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union.
Q: What is the turkey bag limit in South Carolina?
A: Licensed hunters may harvest two gobblers during the 2026 spring season. Hunters were limited to one gobbler before April 10; that restriction has now passed, and the full two-bird limit applies for the remainder of the season.
Q: Where can Upstate SC hunters find public turkey hunting ground?
A: Worth Mountain WMA and South Saluda WMA in Greenville County are among the closest public WMA options for Spartanburg-area hunters. Always check the SCDNR website at dnr.sc.gov for current regulations and area-specific rules.
Q: How much does a turkey tag cost in South Carolina?
A: South Carolina residents can purchase two turkey tags for 5 through the SCDNR. Non-resident tags cost 25 for two birds. Tags are available online, by phone, or at SCDNR regional offices.
Q: What are the conditions like for turkey hunting in mid-April in the Upstate?
A: Mid-April in the Upstate typically brings temperatures in the mid-50s at dawn climbing into the mid-70s by mid-morning, with mild winds — generally favorable conditions for turkey gobbling activity and calling success.
