AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-9-650, RELATING TO DEER HUNTING, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NUMBER OF DEER TAGS ISSUED.
Summary
H. 5217 amends South Carolina’s deer hunting tag system by changing the mix of deer tags issued with a resident hunting license and big game permit. For residents, the bill increases the number of individual antlerless deer tags from two to three and decreases the number of unrestricted individual antlered deer tags from three to two. It keeps the existing one antler-restriction antlered deer tag, which is valid only for deer meeting specified antler criteria, and preserves the ability for certain licensees, including minors, lifetime licensees, and gratis licensees, to request tags from the department.
The bill also retains and clarifies the option for residents to buy additional tags: two antler-restriction antlered deer tags for $5 each and additional antlerless deer tags for $5 each. For nonresidents, the bill leaves the overall pricing structure in place but specifies that of the up to four antlered deer tags available, two must be antler-restriction tags, and antlerless deer tags remain $10 each. The act takes effect January 2, 2027.
Impact
This bill would amend Section 50-9-650 of the South Carolina Code, which governs deer hunting tags and fees. Its practical effect is to shift harvest opportunity toward antlerless deer while reducing the number of unrestricted antlered deer tags available to resident hunters, a change that can affect deer herd management, hunting practices, and tag purchasing decisions. It does not create a new licensing system, but it changes the allocation and limits of existing deer tags for residents and nonresidents.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was generally well received, passing the House 106-1. No committee transcript is available, but the strong margin indicates broad support for the measure. The bill’s framing as a deer-management adjustment rather than a major policy overhaul likely contributed to the favorable reception.
Contention
The main policy issue is the balance between antlerless and antlered harvest. Supporters likely view the increase in antlerless tags as a wildlife-management tool to better control deer populations, while the reduction in unrestricted antlered tags may concern hunters who prefer more opportunities to harvest bucks. The lone dissenting vote in the House suggests limited but present disagreement, likely centered on hunting opportunity, game management philosophy, or the specific tag allocation changes.