What the Nonresident Annual Combination License Covers

South Carolina's Nonresident Annual Combination License lets you hunt and fish throughout the state for a full calendar year without buying separate licenses for each activity. A single license covers freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and all hunting seasons — deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game — provided you also purchase the required stamps for the specific species or seasons you pursue.

This license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. You do not need to renew mid-year or switch licenses when you move between hunting and fishing. The combination structure saves money compared to buying a hunting license and a fishing license separately, and it eliminates the need to track multiple documents.

The license itself is not a permit to hunt or fish without limits. You still must follow South Carolina's seasons, bag limits, and gear restrictions for each species. The license simply grants you legal permission to participate in both activities during the calendar year.

Key Takeaways

  • The Nonresident Annual Combination License covers both hunting and fishing for the full calendar year in South Carolina, from January 1 through December 31.
  • You must still purchase required stamps — such as the Migratory Bird Stamp for waterfowl or the Turkey Stamp for turkey hunting — in addition to the base license.
  • The license costs less than buying a separate hunting license and fishing license, making it the most economical choice if you plan to do both activities.
  • You can purchase the license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors throughout the state.
  • The license is not transferable and must be in your possession while you hunt or fish, along with any required stamps.

Cost and Where to Buy

The Nonresident Annual Combination License costs a set fee that varies slightly depending on your age and residency status. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources sets the price annually, and it typically ranges from around $150 to $200 for adults, though you should confirm the current year's rate before purchasing.

You can buy the license through three main channels. The official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website allows online purchase with immediate digital delivery. You can also call the department's licensing office during business hours to purchase over the phone and receive your license by mail. Authorized vendors — including sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations throughout South Carolina — sell licenses in person and can issue them on the spot.

When you purchase, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. If buying in person, bring a valid photo ID. Online and phone purchases are processed immediately, while in-person purchases at vendors are issued the same day.

Required Stamps and Additional Permits

The combination license itself does not include stamps for specific hunting seasons or species. If you plan to hunt waterfowl, you must purchase the Migratory Bird Stamp (also called the Federal Duck Stamp). If you want to hunt turkey, you need the South Carolina Turkey Stamp. These are separate purchases made at the same time as your license or afterward.

Stamps typically cost between $10 and $25 each, depending on the type. You can buy them from the same vendors where you purchase your license — online, by phone, or in person. Some hunters also need a Habitat Stamp if they plan to hunt on certain public lands, though this requirement varies by location.

Saltwater fishing does not require an additional stamp beyond the combination license itself, but freshwater fishing in certain areas or for certain species may have local restrictions you should verify before you fish. Check the current South Carolina hunting and fishing regulations guide for the complete list of stamps and permits required for your specific plans.

Hunting and Fishing Seasons in South Carolina

South Carolina divides the year into distinct seasons for different species, and your combination license is valid during all of them. Deer season typically runs from August through January, with different dates for archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons. Turkey season is split into spring (March through April) and fall (October through November) seasons. Waterfowl season follows federal frameworks and usually runs from November through January.

Freshwater fishing is open year-round for most species, though some waters have seasonal closures or species-specific restrictions. Saltwater fishing is also year-round, but certain species have closed seasons or size and bag limits that change throughout the year. Small game seasons — including rabbit, squirrel, and dove — run during fall and winter months.

Because seasons overlap and change, you should review the current South Carolina hunting and fishing regulations guide before each trip. The guide is free and available on the Department of Natural Resources website. It lists exact opening and closing dates, bag limits, legal gear, and any special rules for the area where you plan to hunt or fish.

How to Use Your License While Hunting or Fishing

Your license must be in your possession at all times while you are actively hunting or fishing. This means carrying the physical license document or a digital copy on your phone if you purchased online. Game wardens can ask to see your license, and you must produce it on demand. Fishing from a boat, hunting in the field, or even standing at the shore — your license needs to be with you.

If you purchased online, you can print the license or save the digital version to your phone. If you bought it in person, you receive a paper license. Either format is legally valid. Some vendors also issue a temporary receipt that is valid for a few days while your permanent license is being processed, though this is rare with modern online systems.

Your license is not transferable. Only you can use it, and only during the calendar year for which it was issued. If you lose your license, contact the Department of Natural Resources to request a replacement, which typically costs a small fee.

Residency Requirements and Who Can Buy

You are considered a nonresident if you do not hold a South Carolina driver's license or state ID, or if you have not lived in South Carolina for at least 183 consecutive days in the year before you purchase the license. Military personnel stationed in South Carolina may have different rules — check with the Department of Natural Resources if you are active duty.

There is no age minimum to hunt or fish in South Carolina, but hunters under 16 must complete a hunter education course and carry proof of completion. Fishing has no education requirement. If you are under 16 and want to hunt, you will need to complete the course before purchasing your license or before hunting, depending on the timing of your purchase.

Nonresidents from any state or country can purchase the combination license. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you will need a valid form of identification and a way to provide contact information for your license record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a nonresident license if I own property in South Carolina but live out of state?

Yes. Property ownership does not make you a resident for licensing purposes. If you do not hold a South Carolina driver's license and have not lived in the state for 183 consecutive days in the past year, you are a nonresident and can purchase the nonresident license.

What happens if I buy the license in June — does it expire in June next year?

No. All nonresident licenses expire on December 31 of the year you purchase them, regardless of when you buy. A license purchased in June is valid through December 31 of that same year, then expires. You would need to purchase a new license for the following calendar year.

Do I need a separate license to fish in saltwater versus freshwater?

No. The combination license covers both saltwater and freshwater fishing. You do not need separate licenses for different water types. However, some saltwater areas have local rules or closures, so check the regulations for the specific location where you plan to fish.

Can I hunt on public land with just the combination license, or do I need additional permits?

The combination license allows you to hunt on public land, but some public areas require an additional permit or have special rules. Check with the specific wildlife area or refuge where you plan to hunt — many require a free permit or have designated hunting zones. The Department of Natural Resources website lists these requirements by location.

If I lose my license while I'm out hunting, can I continue?

No. You must have your license with you at all times. If you lose it, stop hunting or fishing and contact the Department of Natural Resources to request a replacement before you continue. Hunting or fishing without a valid license in your possession is illegal, even if you purchased one.