Editor’s note:
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that 116 deer represented the total harvest for Clarendon County during the 2025–2026 season. The figure reflects a daily report total from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Hunters Toolbox. The correct cumulative total reported harvest for Clarendon County since the beginning of the season in August is 3,514 deer. The error was due to incorrect date input while using the Hunters Toolbox reporting system. The story has been updated to reflect the accurate information.
Deer hunting season in South Carolina officially comes to a close Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, with state wildlife officials reminding hunters that accurate harvest reporting and ethical conduct remain critical even as the season winds down.
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the 2025–2026 deer season ends statewide on Jan. 1 for private lands across all game zones. SCDNR officials cautioned hunters to rely on official agency sources for season dates, noting that some online and artificial intelligence-generated information circulating online incorrectly listed a later closing date.
As of late December, data from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Hunters Toolbox shows 3,514 total deer harvests reported in Clarendon County since the start of the 2025–2026 season in August.
The reported harvest includes 1,767 antlered bucks, 1,592 does and 155 button bucks, according to SCDNR data. The cumulative totals reflect all harvests reported throughout the season and are used by wildlife officials to monitor deer populations, guide season frameworks and support long-term wildlife management efforts.
SCDNR uses harvest data to help monitor deer populations, guide future season frameworks and ensure sustainable wildlife management across the state. Hunters are required to report harvested deer, and officials encourage timely and accurate submissions to maintain reliable population data.
In addition to harvest reporting, SCDNR officials continue to emphasize the importance of lawful and ethical hunting practices. Poaching — defined as taking game out of season, outside legal shooting hours or without proper licensing — remains a priority enforcement issue for state conservation officers.
Hunters and members of the public can report suspected poaching or wildlife violations anonymously through the free Hunt Regs mobile app or through the SCDNR reporting website. Reports submitted through the app are automatically routed to the game warden responsible for the area, allowing for quicker response and investigation. No login is required to submit a report online, and anonymity is protected.
Beyond enforcement, SCDNR promotes ethical hunting as a shared responsibility among sportsmen and women. The agency’s hunting ethics guidance encourages hunters to prioritize safety, respect landowners’ property rights, properly identify targets, recover wounded game and care for harvested animals responsibly. Officials also stress that alcohol and hunting do not mix and that ethical behavior extends beyond what is mandated by law.
SCDNR notes that ethical conduct plays a key role in preserving public trust in hunting and ensuring the future of the sport. While regulations establish legal boundaries, officials say ethical decision-making reflects a hunter’s commitment to conservation, respect and sportsmanship.
With the season closing, SCDNR encourages hunters to finalize harvest reports, review regulations for future seasons and continue to report any suspected violations as wildlife management efforts continue year-round.
More information on harvest reporting, regulations and the Hunt Regs app is available through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
