SC Spring Turkey Season Enters Final Two Weeks — Spartanburg County Hunters Still Have Time
South Carolina’s spring turkey season is in its final stretch, with private land hunting running through May 3 and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) seasons closing May 2. Hunters in Spartanburg County who have not yet filled their tags still have opportunities on both private and public lands through the end of the month.
The 2026 spring season opened April 3, following the standard statewide schedule set by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. South Carolina hunters are limited to a total of two turkeys for the spring season. SCDNR reports that the state’s turkey population stands at approximately 90,000 birds, with the 2025 spring harvest totaling 10,419 turkeys statewide.
Spartanburg County Public Land Options
Spartanburg County hunters have access to public land turkey hunting opportunities at several Wildlife Management Areas in the Upstate region. The Enoree District of the Sumter National Forest, which covers portions of Union and Laurens counties adjacent to Spartanburg County, provides additional options for hunters willing to travel a short distance.
SCDNR strongly recommends hunters scout their public land areas well in advance of the final weeks of the season. Late-season gobblers that have survived the spring can be more call-shy and tougher to pattern than birds earlier in the season.
Late-Season Turkey Hunting Tips
As the season winds down, turkeys have been educated by hunting pressure and breeding activity has begun to wind down. Late-season tactics that tend to work in the Upstate include softer, less aggressive calling; using decoys more selectively; and focusing on food sources such as agricultural fields, forest openings, and creek bottoms where turkeys feed in the late morning and afternoon.
South Carolina’s no-Sunday-hunting rule on public WMA land remains in effect. Hunters must have a valid South Carolina hunting license and a turkey tag for each bird harvested. Reporting harvested turkeys through the SCDNR Game Check system is required by law.
WHAT’S HAPPENING — Q&A
Q: When does SC spring turkey season end?
The South Carolina spring turkey season runs through May 3 on private lands and May 2 on public Wildlife Management Areas. The season opened April 3 statewide.
Q: How many turkeys can a hunter harvest?
South Carolina hunters are limited to two turkeys total for the spring season. Each bird requires a separate turkey tag.
Q: Are there public land turkey hunting areas near Spartanburg?
Multiple WMAs in the Upstate region provide public land turkey hunting access. The Enoree District of the Sumter National Forest in neighboring Union and Laurens counties is also accessible from Spartanburg County.
Q: What license is required?
A valid South Carolina hunting license and a turkey tag are required for each bird. All harvested turkeys must be reported through the SCDNR Game Check system as required by state law.
Jean Parsons covers health, wellness, and outdoor living for HERE Spartanburg. His outdoor beat includes trail running, cycling, hunting, and fishing across Spartanburg County and the Upstate region.
