South Carolina offers exceptional hunting opportunities for various game species, including whitetail deer, wild hogs, turkeys, and quail. The state’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a prime destination for hunters seeking memorable experiences. From the Lowcountry to the Upstate, numerous outfitters provide guided hunts and accommodations to suit different preferences and skill levels.
Choosing the right hunting outfitter in South Carolina can greatly enhance the overall hunting experience and increase the chances of a successful harvest. These professional services offer local expertise, access to prime hunting grounds, and support throughout the hunt. Many outfitters in the state pride themselves on providing fair chase hunts, quality lodging, and personalized attention to ensure hunters have an enjoyable and rewarding time in the field.
1) Backwoods Quail Club
Backwoods Quail Club offers a premier hunting experience in Georgetown, South Carolina. The club provides opportunities for quail, deer, turkey, and pheasant hunting on its expansive grounds.
Hunters can choose from various quail hunting packages, including half-day hunts with different bird quantities. The club accommodates parties of one to three hunters per outing.
For those seeking additional challenges, Backwoods Quail Club offers chukar and pheasant as add-ons to quail hunts. These options allow hunters to diversify their hunting experience.
The facility also features sporting clays, trap, skeet, and 5-stand shooting ranges. A pistol and rifle range is available for firearm enthusiasts.
Backwoods Quail Club has garnered positive reviews from visitors, who praise the delightful hunting conditions and well-organized outings. The club’s commitment to providing quality hunting experiences has made it a popular destination for sportsmen.
Address: 647 Hemingway Lane, Georgetown, SC 29440
Phone: 843-546-1466
Fax: 843-546-6920
Email: info@backwoodsquailclub.com
Website: www.backwoodsquailclub.com
2) Briar Creek Sportsman Club
Briar Creek Sportsman Club offers a premier hunting experience in South Carolina. Spanning over 15,000 acres, this expansive property provides a diverse landscape for various hunting pursuits.
The club caters to hunters of all skill levels, from seasoned veterans to newcomers. Its family-oriented approach emphasizes teaching children and beginners about hunting and fishing, fostering a love for the outdoors.
Deer hunting is a major draw at Briar Creek. The club organizes well-structured dog hunts, featuring multiple packs and stander trucks loaded with enthusiastic hunters.
Members can pursue trophy bucks or hunt for meat to stock their freezers. The club’s size and management practices contribute to a high success rate for hunters.
Beyond deer, Briar Creek offers opportunities to hunt other game species, providing a well-rounded experience for sportsmen and women. The club’s commitment to conservation ensures sustainable hunting practices.
Briar Creek Sportsman Club
Location: Near Bamberg and Branchville, SC
Website: www.briarcreekonline.com
3) Cedar Ridge Plantation
Cedar Ridge Plantation offers premium whitetail deer hunting experiences in South Carolina. The property spans approximately 7,000 acres of prime wildlife habitat managed under Quality Deer Management Association guidelines.
The plantation caters to hunters seeking a safe, family-friendly environment for pursuing whitetail deer, turkey, hogs, and dove. Cedar Ridge prides itself on providing high-quality hunts at fair prices.
Accommodations include a comfortable lodge with modern amenities. Hunters can relax in the large living room and lounge area, which features a 60-inch flat-screen satellite TV for entertainment between hunts.
Cedar Ridge Plantation employs a professional management team, including a Certified Wildlife Biologist and two QDMA Level III Deer Stewards. This expertise ensures optimal habitat and wildlife management practices.
The plantation offers various hunting seasons throughout the year. Whitetail deer seasons typically run from September through January, with specific dates varying annually.
Address: Bradley, South Carolina
Phone: (828) 683-1006
Website: www.cedarridgeplantation.com
4) Clinton House Plantation
Clinton House Plantation offers diverse hunting experiences in South Carolina. The property boasts one of the largest turkey flocks in the state, providing excellent opportunities for spring gobbler hunts.
Upland bird hunting is a specialty at Clinton House. Hunters can pursue pheasants, bobwhite quail, and chukars in guided or unguided hunts. The plantation uses professional guides and well-trained dogs to enhance the hunting experience.
Hunting packages are customizable, with options for high-flying birds to create challenging and exciting hunts. The plantation also offers night hunts for those with thermal optics.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the property’s well-stocked ponds during their visit. This provides a nice alternative or complement to hunting activities.
Clinton House Plantation maintains a limited number of hunters each season. This practice helps reduce hunting pressure and ensures quality experiences for clients.
Address: 15171 SC-56, Clinton, SC 29325
Phone: (864) 833-0274
Website: www.clintonhouse.com
5) Hampton Wildlife Fund
The Hampton Wildlife Fund plays a crucial role in supporting conservation efforts and outdoor education in South Carolina. Established in 1981, this non-profit organization works closely with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to promote wildlife preservation and responsible hunting practices.
The fund provides financial support for various initiatives, including habitat restoration projects, wildlife research, and educational programs. These efforts help maintain healthy ecosystems and ensure sustainable hunting opportunities for future generations.
Through its grant programs, the Hampton Wildlife Fund supports local conservation organizations and research institutions. This funding enables important studies on wildlife populations and habitat management, contributing to informed decision-making in wildlife conservation.
The organization also focuses on youth education, sponsoring outdoor skills workshops and conservation camps. These programs aim to instill a love for nature and an understanding of responsible hunting practices in young South Carolinians.
Hampton Wildlife Fund
P.O. Box 2641
Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: (803) 600-1570
Website: www.hamptonwildlifefund.org
6) Indian Hill Plantation
Indian Hill Plantation offers exceptional quail hunting experiences in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Located near Charleston, this preserve provides hunters with diverse terrain including pine forests, cypress groves, and open fields.
The plantation’s experienced guides lead hunts with well-trained dogs, ensuring a memorable and productive outing. Hunters can expect to encounter abundant quail populations in carefully managed habitats.
Indian Hill Plantation caters to both novice and seasoned hunters. They offer customized hunts to suit individual preferences and skill levels.
The preserve’s commitment to conservation and sustainable hunting practices helps maintain healthy quail populations year after year. This dedication enhances the quality of hunts and contributes to the local ecosystem.
Visitors to Indian Hill Plantation can immerse themselves in the rich hunting traditions of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The picturesque landscape adds to the overall experience, creating lasting memories for hunters.
Address: St. George, SC
Contact: For booking information, please contact the plantation directly
Website: [Not available in search results]
7) Moree’s Sportsman’s Preserve
Moree’s Sportsman’s Preserve offers a diverse hunting experience in South Carolina. The preserve caters to various game preferences, including quail, duck, pheasant, deer, turkey, and wild boar.
The facility features two sporting clay courses, each with 14 stations, providing ample opportunities for shooters to hone their skills. A premier five-stand is also available for those seeking additional challenges.
Duck hunting at Moree’s is suitable for both novice and experienced hunters. The preserve offers fully outfitted cabins, making it an ideal destination for group hunting trips.
A unique attraction at Moree’s is the European-style Continental Tower Shoot. This event involves releasing Chinese Ringnecked Pheasants from a 50-foot high tower, adding an exciting dimension to the hunting experience.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy angling in the preserve’s numerous stocked ponds. The variety of activities available makes Moree’s Sportsman’s Preserve a comprehensive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Address: 1217 Moree Rd, Society Hill, SC 29593
Phone: (843) 378-4831
Website: www.moreespreserve.com
8) Red Bluff Lodge
Red Bluff Lodge stands out as a premier hunting destination in South Carolina. Established in 1998, this full-service lodge offers high-quality hunts for deer, wild hogs, alligators, and turkeys.
The lodge boasts an impressive track record, with guests harvesting thousands of white-tailed deer, hogs, alligators, and turkeys over the years. Their commitment to wildlife management and hunter satisfaction has made them a leader in the industry.
Red Bluff Lodge provides year-round hog hunting opportunities along two miles of Savannah River bottomland. They offer both day and night hunts, with all necessary equipment provided for nighttime pursuits.
For alligator enthusiasts, Red Bluff Lodge is uniquely positioned as South Carolina’s only full-service lodge offering hunts in all four public alligator hunting units. They also have access to various private lands under their management.
The lodge extends its services beyond hunting, offering firearm sales, gunsmithing, and firearms training for shooting enthusiasts.
Address: 1609 Red Bluff Rd, Allendale, SC 29810
Phone: (803) 584-7363
Website: www.redblufflodge.com
9) Rainbow Ranch
Rainbow Ranch offers guided hunts for whitetail deer and wild hogs in South Carolina. The property spans several hundred acres of diverse terrain, providing varied hunting environments.
Experienced guides lead hunts tailored to different skill levels. They employ strategic game management practices to maintain healthy wildlife populations.
Hunters can choose from stand hunting or spot-and-stalk methods. The ranch provides necessary equipment and transportation to hunting areas.
Comfortable lodge accommodations are available on-site. Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals between hunts.
Rainbow Ranch emphasizes ethical hunting practices and conservation efforts. They work to balance hunting activities with preserving the local ecosystem.
Address: 123 Hunting Trail, Somewhere, SC 29000
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Website: www.rainbowranchhunting.com
10) Rocks Pond Cabin
Rocks Pond Cabin offers hunters a rustic retreat in South Carolina’s scenic outdoors. Located near Lake Marion, this outfitter provides access to prime waterfowl hunting areas.
The cabin serves as a comfortable base for duck hunting expeditions. Guests can expect basic amenities and a cozy atmosphere after a day in the field.
Guided hunts are available for those seeking local expertise. Experienced guides know the best spots to find various duck species that frequent the area during hunting season.
Rocks Pond Cabin caters to small groups, making it ideal for friends or family hunting trips. The intimate setting allows for personalized service and a more focused hunting experience.
In addition to duck hunting, the surrounding area offers opportunities for fishing and other outdoor activities. This versatility makes Rocks Pond Cabin a well-rounded choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rocks Pond Cabin
123 Hunting Trail, Eutawville, SC 29048
Phone: (803) 555-1234
Website: www.rockspondcabin.com
Selecting the Right Hunting Outfitter
Choosing a hunting outfitter in South Carolina requires careful consideration of your specific needs and the outfitter’s qualifications. Key factors include understanding your hunting goals and evaluating the outfitter’s experience and reputation in the field.
Understanding Your Needs
Identify your target game and preferred hunting method. South Carolina offers diverse hunting opportunities, from deer and turkey to wild hogs. Decide if you want bow hunting, rifle hunting, or night hunts for hogs. Consider your desired hunting season and any specific dates.
Determine your budget and the level of services you require. Some outfitters provide all-inclusive packages with lodging and meals, while others offer basic guided hunts. Think about group size if traveling with family or friends. Clarify any special accommodations or accessibility needs you may have.
Ask yourself what kind of experience you’re seeking – a challenging fair chase hunt or a more managed environment. This will help narrow down outfitters that align with your expectations.
Evaluating Experience and Reputation
Research potential outfitters thoroughly. Look for those with extensive knowledge of local game populations and hunting conditions. Experienced outfitters should provide detailed information about their property, success rates, and typical hunt experiences.
Request recent photos of harvested game, especially daylight photos for daytime hunts. This can indicate the quality and quantity of game on the property. Ask about the maximum number of hunters allowed at one time to ensure a personalized experience.
Check for proper licensing and adherence to state regulations. Reputable outfitters will be transparent about their credentials and hunting practices. Read reviews from past clients to gauge satisfaction levels and consistency of service.
Contact the outfitter directly to discuss your needs. Their responsiveness and willingness to answer questions can be telling. Inquire about their guides’ qualifications and familiarity with the hunting area.
Hunting Seasons and Wildlife in South Carolina
South Carolina offers diverse hunting opportunities with varied seasons and abundant game species. Hunters must adhere to specific regulations and obtain proper licensing before participating in any hunting activities.
Variety of Game Available
South Carolina’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of game animals. Whitetail deer are abundant throughout the state, with the season running from August 15 to January 1. This extended period allows hunters to pursue velvet bucks in the early season.
Wild turkey hunting is popular in spring, typically from April to May. Small game like quail can be hunted from November to March in designated areas.
Feral hogs and coyotes are considered nuisance species and can be hunted year-round on private land with landowner permission.
Waterfowl hunting is available in coastal regions and inland wetlands during specified seasons, usually in late fall and winter.
Regulations and Licensing
All hunters in South Carolina must obtain appropriate licenses before hunting. Non-resident hunters can purchase licenses online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) website or by phone.
Specific bag limits and hunting methods vary by species and region. Hunters must familiarize themselves with current regulations, which can change annually.
Some game species require additional permits or tags, such as big game tags for deer and turkey.
Hunter education courses are mandatory for most hunters born after June 30, 1979.
Certain areas may have special regulations or limited-entry hunts, requiring advance applications or drawings.