☁ 68°F Clear · Spartanburg
SC early teal opens Sept. 19 with 6-bird daily bag
Arkansas honors six partners at private-lands habitat expo
Pennsylvania opens 8 fall driving tours on state game lands
SCDNR seeks stakeholders for statewide deer-dog review
Turkey Calling Strategies That Work in the SC Piedmont
SC early teal opens Sept. 19 with 6-bird daily bag
Arkansas honors six partners at private-lands habitat expo
Pennsylvania opens 8 fall driving tours on state game lands
SCDNR seeks stakeholders for statewide deer-dog review
Turkey Calling Strategies That Work in the SC Piedmont
HERE Spartanburg
Spartanburg SC
Hunting
Report 2026
Live conditions, season status, solunar ratings, WMA profiles, and community hunting coverage for Spartanburg County and Game Zone 2.
Hog: Open Year-Round
Turkey: Closed Dove: Closed Deer: Open Game Zone 2
First Look • Hunt Conditions
🌘
Waning Crescent
Illumination: 16%
6:45 am
7:50 pm
62°F
7 mph
Excellent — decreasing moon, peak dawn and dusk movement expected.
Game Zone 2 • Spartanburg County
Spartanburg Hunting Season Status
Whitetail Deer
OPEN
Season DatesArchery: Sept 15 – Oct 10 | Primitive: Oct 1 – 10 | Gun: Oct 11 – Jan 1
Bag Limit:2 antlered per day, 5 antlered per season (residents). Game Zone 2 private land.
Primitive weapons season open.
SC hunting license + big game permit required. WMA license for public lands.
Feral Hog
OPEN YEAR-ROUND
Season DatesNo closed season on private land. On WMAs: any open hunting season.
Bag Limit:No bag limit on private land. No closed season. Any sex.
Invasive species — year-round control encouraged by SCDNR on private lands.
SC hunting license required. Night hunting allowed with landowner permission.
Spring Turkey
CLOSED
Season DatesSpring gobbler: April 3 – May 3 (private lands, Game Zone 2)
Bag Limit:2 per season, 1 per day. Gobblers only during spring season.
Next spring season opens April 3, 2026. Fall season varies — check SCDNR.
SC hunting license + turkey license. Must report harvest via SCDNR Game Check within 24 hours.
Mourning Dove
CLOSED
Season DatesSegment 1: Sept 1 – Oct 4, 2026 | Segment 2: Oct 15 – Nov 14 | Segment 3: Dec 12 – Jan 15
Bag Limit:15 doves per day. Possession limit: 30 doves.
Next dove opener: September 1, 2026. Scout planted fields and sunflower plots now.
SC hunting license required. Federal Migratory Bird stamp required age 16+. Wanton waste prohibited.
Season dates shown are for Game Zone 2 private lands. WMA dates, license requirements, and antlerless regulations may differ. Always verify current regulations with SCDNR before hunting.
Report a Season Update
First Look
Spartanburg Hunting Weather Now
62F
Partly Cloudy
Feels like 59°F
Wind
7 mph SW
Humidity
58%
Pressure
1018 hPa
Moon
Waning Crescent
Location
Spartanburg, SC
Field Scout Tips
- Calm winds are ideal for scent control. Play the wind carefully — enter and exit your stand downwind.
- Dark moon nights push deer to move in legal shooting hours at dawn and dusk. Be at your stand early.
Solunar Index
Spartanburg Hunt Conditions Today
Temperature
62°F
Optimal
Wind Speed
7 mph
Ideal — Calm
Barometric
1018 hPa
High — Active
Moon Phase
🌘
Prime
Extended Outlook
Spartanburg Hunt Forecast — 5 Days
MON
Sunny
63° / 44°
13 mph wind • 60% humidity
PRIME
TUE
Partly Cloudy
67° / 48°
10 mph wind • 53% humidity
FAIR
WED
Light Rain
58° / 41°
10 mph wind • 51% humidity
FAIR
THU
Clear & Cool
55° / 39°
13 mph wind • 68% humidity
PRIME
FRI
Mostly Cloudy
71° / 52°
13 mph wind • 64% humidity
FAIR
Public Hunting Lands
Spartanburg SC Wildlife Management Areas
6 public hunting areas near Spartanburg. Check SCDNR maps and rules for each property before you go.
Santee Cooper Tract WMA
110 acres STATE WMA
Whitetail Deer
Turkey
SCDNR lists the Santee Cooper Tract WMA at 110 acres in Spartanburg County, a Game Zone 2 county.
SCDNR WMA rules apply. Check the SCDNR WMA map and regulations for this property before you hunt.
Field Tip
Confirm current season dates and any lottery or special rules for this property with SCDNR before you go.
London Creek WMA
1,758 acres STATE WMA
Whitetail Deer
Turkey
SCDNR lists London Creek WMA at 1,758 acres in Cherokee County, a Game Zone 2 county.
SCDNR WMA rules apply. Check the SCDNR WMA map and regulations for this property before you hunt.
Field Tip
Confirm current season dates and any lottery or special rules for this property with SCDNR before you go.
Delta South WMA
2,174 acres STATE WMA
Whitetail Deer
SCDNR lists Delta South WMA at 2,174 acres in Union County, a Game Zone 2 county.
SCDNR WMA rules apply. Check the SCDNR WMA map and regulations for this property before you hunt.
Field Tip
Confirm current season dates and any lottery or special rules for this property with SCDNR before you go.
Tall Pines WMA
1,757 acres STATE WMA
Whitetail Deer
SCDNR lists Tall Pines WMA at 1,757 acres in Greenville County.
SCDNR WMA rules apply. Check the SCDNR WMA map and regulations for this property before you hunt.
Field Tip
Confirm current season dates and any lottery or special rules for this property with SCDNR before you go.
Cliff Pitts WMA
1,098 acres STATE WMA
Whitetail Deer
Turkey
SCDNR lists Cliff Pitts WMA at 1,098 acres in Laurens County, and its Game Zone 2 page lists the property among the zone's WMAs.
SCDNR WMA rules apply. Check the SCDNR WMA map and regulations for this property before you hunt.
Field Tip
Confirm current season dates and any lottery or special rules for this property with SCDNR before you go.
Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger District
170,000 acres NATIONAL FOREST WMA
Whitetail Deer
Turkey
SCDNR's WMA turkey harvest table lists the Enoree Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest at about 170,000 acres across five central Piedmont counties.
SCDNR WMA rules apply. Check the SCDNR WMA map and regulations for this property before you hunt.
Field Tip
Confirm current season dates and any lottery or special rules for this property with SCDNR before you go.
Did We Miss a Spot?
Know a Spartanburg-area hunting land, WMA, or public access parcel that should be on this list? Let us know.
Report a Hunting SpotCommunity Reviews
Spartanburg Hunting Reviews
Cliff Pitts WMA
Solid public land deer hunting within 45 minutes of Spartanburg. Not crowded midweek. Saw 6 deer in 3 hours from a creek bottom stand. Took a doe at 70 yards.
Species: Whitetail Deer
Key Gear: Climber stand and a 30-06. Could not get in without the climber.
Jocassee Gorges WMA
Hiked 3 miles in with my husband. Glassed a bear on a persimmon tree at about 150 yards. Did not get a shot but it was the most incredible wildlife experience. We will be back in October.
Species: Black Bear
Key Gear: Good boots. The terrain is no joke. Waterproof everything.
Spartanburg County Dove Field
Opening day was packed but the birds were flying. Got 11 of my 15 in the first hour. Great community feel -- everyone was friendly and sharing the field well.
Species: Mourning Dove
Key Gear: 12 gauge with improved cylinder choke. Bring a bucket to sit on.
Broad River WMA
Spring gobbler season on public land. Had 3 toms gobbling at first light. Worked one in to 25 yards with a slate call. Clean harvest. The WMA is big enough that you can get away from other hunters.
Species: Turkey
Key Gear: Slate call and a Mossberg 835 with TSS loads. The slate call worked better than the box call here.
Share Your Hunt
Hunted a Spartanburg-area WMA or private land? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer.
Community
Here We...
Bag Them Big...
Trophy harvests, personal bests, and record-book moments from Spartanburg hunters.
Opening morning of gun season. Had him patterned for three weeks on a hardwood creek bottom. 80-yard shot from a climber stand. Biggest buck I have taken in Spartanburg County.
Whitetail Deer
Both birds responded to a slate call at sunrise. First one came in at 30 yards. Second followed 20 minutes later from the opposite direction. Best morning in the turkey woods ever.
Eastern Wild Turkey
First time ever getting a full limit on doves. Field off Goldmine Road in Pacolet. Wind was right and they were flying in waves. Used 38 of my 50 shells. My 12-year-old son got his first dove too.
Mourning Dove
Don't Drink by the Swig...
Your favorite post-hunt watering hole. Where do you go when the hunt is done?
Downtown Spartanburg. Tacos after a cold morning in the stand. They do not care if you show up in camo. Outdoor patio is perfect for telling hunting stories.
Willy Taco -- Margarita on the rocks
Straight from the deer stand to the taproom. Local craft beer, easy parking, and they have a big screen for watching hunting shows. The burger is solid too.
RJ Rockers Brewing -- Bell Ringer brown ale
Old school Spartanburg. After a morning dove hunt my whole group goes to Ikes. Cheap, fast, and they have been feeding hunters and everyone else for decades. Get the cheeseburger.
Ikes Korner Grill -- Sweet tea and a Bud Light
Coverage
Spartanburg Hunting News
Local — Spartanburg and Upstate
Local
SC Legislation Would Protect Public Hunting Access on State WMAs
H3872 Advances Through South Carolina Legislature A bill that would require South Carolina to maintain existing hunting acreage on state-owned Wildlife Management...
Apr 14, 2026
Local
South Carolina Reports Sharp Drop in Hunting-Related Fatalities
Fatalities Drop Sharply in Latest SCDNR Report South Carolina hunters closed the 2025 season with one of the safest records the state...
Apr 14, 2026
Local
Spring Turkey Season in Full Swing Across Spartanburg County
Spring Turkey Season Opens Across Spartanburg County Spring gobbler season is underway in South Carolina, and hunters across Spartanburg County are heading...
Apr 14, 2026
National — Whitetail, CWD, and Conservation
National
Arkansas honors six partners at private-lands habitat expo
Arkansas Game and Fish honored six partners at the 2026 Natural State Private Lands Expo, spotlighting habitat work across nearly 100,000 acres in the program's first full year, 2024.
Sep 9, 2026
National
Pennsylvania opens 8 fall driving tours on state game lands
The Pennsylvania Game Commission will host eight free fall driving tours across state game lands from Sept. 20 through Oct. 18, 2026.
Sep 9, 2026
National
Chronic Wasting Disease Continues Spreading Across Whitetail States
CWD Detection Rates Rising in Core Affected States Chronic Wasting Disease continues its slow march across the whitetail deer range of the...
Apr 14, 2026
More at Outdoor Sports
Fishing, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Spartanburg and Upstate SC
Outfitters and Gear
Hunting Gear Guide
Gear reviews and picks for the Spartanburg hunter — boots, optics, packs, and more.
Gear Reviews — Tested for Upstate SC Hunting
Tuff Toe Boot Guard
Boot Protection
Ballistic-grade polyurethane adhesive that triples the life of any hunting boot. Originally developed with NASA-grade materials and tested by MLB pitchers for 30+ years. Waterproof, chemical-resistant, and puncture-proof. Applies in 30 minutes, cures in 24 hours. One kit covers both boots. Available in black, brown, and tan to match your leather.
$29.99
Best for: Any hunter tired of replacing boots every season
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000
Mountain Hunting Boot
Italian-made mountain hunting boot built for heavy loads over rough terrain. 1000g Thinsulate insulation handles SC piedmont cold snaps through January gun season. K-73 outsole grips wet rock and creek crossings. Reinforced toe rand and full-grain leather upper. The go-to boot for serious Jocassee Gorges and mountain zone hunters packing out heavy game.
$450
Best for: Mountain hunters, heavy pack-outs, cold weather
Crispi Nevada GTX
All-Around Hunting Boot
Consistently rated the best overall hunting boot year after year. The ankle bone support system (ABSS) prevents rolling on uneven WMA trails. Gore-Tex waterproof lining keeps feet dry through creek crossings and morning dew. Zero break-in time out of the box. Available in uninsulated or 200g insulated for early-to-mid season versatility across Game Zone 2.
$399 - $429
Best for: All-season, all-terrain — the one-boot solution
Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest
Turkey Hunting Vest
Purpose-built for spring gobbler season with Optifade Subalpine camouflage pattern. Multiple call pockets keep mouth calls, box calls, and slates organized and accessible. Flip-down padded seat cushion for long sits against hardwoods. Lightweight mesh construction stays cool during April mornings that warm up fast in the SC piedmont.
$249
Best for: Spring turkey hunters who sit and call
Danner Sharptail Snake Boot
Snake-Proof Hunting Boot
Full snake-proof protection from sole to shin — essential for spring turkey and early-season dove hunts in Spartanburg County when copperheads and timber rattlers are active. 360-degree snake guard with lightweight polyurethane footbed. The CamoHide leather and textile upper is quieter in brush than rubber alternatives. ASTM-rated snake protection.
$210
Best for: Spring turkey, dove fields, and warm-weather hunts
Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42
Binoculars
Best-in-class optics at a price point that makes sense for deer and turkey hunters. HD optical system with anti-reflective coatings delivers sharp edge-to-edge clarity at dawn and dusk when game is most active. Fully waterproof and fog-proof with argon purging. Rubber armor absorbs impacts from tree stand drops. Backed by Vortex's unconditional VIP lifetime warranty.
$229
Best for: Deer hunters glassing fields and food plots
Outfitter, Guide Service, or Hunting Retailer?
Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active hunters across the HERE City Network — 100+ cities.
Learn About Gear AdvertisingGame Zone 2 Key Dates
SC Hunting Season Calendar
Sept 5 – Oct 3, 2026
Dove Season — Segment 1
Statewide mourning dove segment 1. Daily bag 15. Public WMA dove fields are afternoon-only.
Sept 12, 2026
Youth Deer Hunt Day (Antlered)
Antlered deer only, limit 1. Private lands, Game Zone 2. Youth 17 and under; no license or tags required for youth or accompanying adult. Per SCDNR.
Sept 15, 2026
Deer Archery-Only Season Opens
Private lands, Game Zone 2: archery only Sept 15 – 30. Individual antlerless tags valid from Sept 15; antlerless limit 2 per day, 9 total all seasons combined. SC hunting license + Big Game Permit required.
Oct 1, 2026
Deer Primitive Weapons Season Opens
Private lands, Game Zone 2: primitive weapons Oct 1 – 10. Archery equipment legal in all seasons.
Oct 11, 2026
Deer Gun Season Opens
Private lands, Game Zone 2: gun hunts Oct 11 – Jan 1. No deer hunting with dogs in Game Zones 1 and 2.
Oct 17 – 30, 2026
Bear Still Hunts (No Dogs)
Game Zone 2 private land only in Anderson and Spartanburg counties and Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties south of Game Zone 1. Quota 20 bears, all counties combined; season closes 24 hours after closure notice (1-844-SC1-BEAR). Limit 1 bear; no sow with cubs, no bears 100 lbs. or less. Bear tag required; report by midnight via SC Game Check.
Nov 13 – 28, 2026
Dove Season — Segment 2
Statewide mourning dove segment 2. Daily bag 15.
Dec 18, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Dove Season — Segment 3
Statewide mourning dove segment 3. Daily bag 15.
Jan 1, 2027
Deer Season Closes
Final day of Game Zone 2 private-land deer season.
Jan 2, 2027
Youth Deer Hunt Day (Either-Sex)
Either-sex, limit 2. Private lands, Game Zone 2. Tags not required. Per SCDNR.
Mar 27 – 28, 2027
Youth Turkey Weekend
Private lands, youth 17 and under. Limit 1 gobbler total for both youth weekends combined; counts toward season limit.
Apr 3 – May 3, 2027
Spring Turkey Season
Private and WMA lands statewide (some WMAs more restrictive). 2 gobblers per season, 1 per day, no more than 1 before April 10. Turkey tags required.
May 8 – 9, 2027
Youth Turkey Weekend
Second youth weekend, private lands. Shares the 1-gobbler youth limit with Mar 27 – 28.
Year-Round
Feral Hog (Private Lands)
No closed season on private land during daylight with a valid SC hunting license. No bag limit. Night hunting only on properties registered annually with SCDNR.
Dates reflect 2026 SC hunting regulations for Game Zone 2. Always verify with the current SCDNR Hunting and Fishing Guide. Regulations are subject to change. Hogs are legal year-round on private land with a hunting license — no closed season.
Questions and Answers
Spartanburg Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting in the Spartanburg area, answered.
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In Spartanburg County (Game Zone 2) on private lands, deer archery season opens September 15. Primitive weapons season runs October 1-10. Gun season opens October 11 and runs through January 1. WMA seasons may have different dates — check the current SCDNR South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Guide each year.
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Public hunting near Spartanburg includes Santee Cooper Tract WMA (Spartanburg County), London Creek WMA (Cherokee County), Delta South WMA (Union County), Tall Pines WMA (Greenville County), Cliff Pitts WMA (Laurens County), Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger District (5 Central Piedmont counties). A WMA license is required on all SCDNR public hunting lands in addition to your basic hunting license.
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Yes. All hunters in South Carolina need a state hunting license. Deer and turkey require an additional big game permit. Hunting on any Wildlife Management Area (WMA) requires a WMA license. Federal migratory bird hunters age 16 and older need a federal duck stamp for waterfowl. Licenses and permits are available through SCDNR at dnr.sc.gov or at authorized license agents throughout Spartanburg County.
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Yes. South Carolina allows Sunday hunting on private lands and on most WMAs. There are no statewide Sunday hunting restrictions. However, some counties or local jurisdictions may have ordinances — always verify local rules before hunting on Sundays. Sunday hunting with firearms is permitted on all SCDNR WMAs.
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In Game Zone 2 (which includes Spartanburg County), the deer bag limit for SC residents is 2 antlered deer per day with a season limit of 5 antlered deer total. For antlerless deer, SCDNR quota permits apply on WMAs — check the specific WMA regulations. On private lands, antlerless deer limits depend on the county. Always consult the current SCDNR South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Guide for updated limits, as they can change each season.
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SCDNR Game Zone 1 covers the mountain portions of Greenville, Oconee and Pickens Counties and has its own hunting regulations and seasons; check the SCDNR Game Zone 1 page (dnr.sc.gov) for current bear season dates and WMAs.
