From the coastal rice fields to the pine forests of the Midlands, feral hogs are now a year-round reality in South Carolina. What began decades ago as isolated populations in river bottoms has evolved into a statewide problem — one that’s driving increased hog hunting efforts and threatening crops, wildlife, and native wetlands.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) estimates that feral hogs are now present in more than 45 of the state’s 46 counties, with especially dense populations along the Savannah River Basin, Pee Dee, and ACE Basin regions.

This guide breaks down 2025 hog-hunting laws, season details, and public-land access for South Carolina hunters — plus why flexible, low-profile systems like the Boar Blanket Wild Hog Trap are increasingly favored in the state’s humid, coastal, and swampy terrain.

South Carolina’s Growing Feral Hog Problem

South Carolina’s climate, wetlands, and agricultural diversity make it a perfect environment for feral swine. According to Clemson University Cooperative Extension, wild hogs cause tens of millions of dollars in annual damage to crops, roads, and timber, while also eroding native marshland.

In the Lowcountry, they uproot rice fields and destroy duck impoundments. In the Upstate, they degrade pastures and compete with deer and turkey for food. Each hog can consume up to 5% of its body weight per day, meaning one sounder of 20 hogs can remove hundreds of pounds of food and soil cover overnight.

“Feral hogs are among South Carolina’s most destructive invasive species,” notes Clemson Extension wildlife specialist Dr. Greg Yarrow. “Once established, they’re extremely difficult to eradicate without coordinated trapping.”

Hog-Hunting Laws and Regulations in South Carolina (2025)

South Carolina classifies feral hogs as nongame animals, meaning they can be hunted year-round, day or night, on private property with landowner permission.

Private Land Regulations

• No closed season; hogs may be hunted 24/7.
  
• No bag limit.
  
• Night hunting is permitted using artificial lights, lasers, or night vision.
  
• Landowners may trap or remove hogs without a permit, provided traps are checked daily.
  

Public Land Regulations

Hog hunting is permitted on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) only during specific open seasons (usually overlapping with deer or turkey).

• Must possess a valid South Carolina hunting license and a WMA permit.
  
• On WMAs, baiting is prohibited, and all traps must be labeled with the owner’s name and checked every 24 hours.
  
• Trapping on federal lands (e.g., Francis Marion National Forest, Savannah River Site) requires written authorization from the managing agency.
  

See full SCDNR guidelines at the official South Carolina Hunting and Trapping Regulations Portal

Hog Hunting Seasons by Region

While there’s no official “hog season” on private lands, the following regional hunting overlaps are key for planning:

Region	Peak Activity	Notes
Lowcountry (ACE Basin, Beaufort, Colleton)	March–October	Highest populations; ideal for year-round trapping.
Midlands (Orangeburg, Sumter)	February–May	Hogs move through pine plantations and ag fields.
Upstate (Greenville, Anderson)	May–August	Smaller groups, often in mixed forest and farmland.

For trapping effectiveness, target late spring and early summer when food sources are abundant, and hogs are moving regularly.

Best Public Lands for Hog Hunting in South Carolina

1. Francis Marion National Forest – Dense swamps and pine flatwoods offer ideal hog habitat near Charleston.
   
2. Santee Coastal Reserve WMA – Coastal impoundments with frequent hog damage; great for coordinated trapping.
   
3. Donnelley WMA (Colleton County) – Active hog-management area with high success rates for trappers.
   

When hunting or trapping on public land:

• Obtain a WMA permit and review local regulations.
  
• Follow bait restrictions.
  
• Use traps that minimize injury and ensure quick dispatch.
  

Because much of the Lowcountry is swampy or tidal, portable net traps like Boar Blanket perform far better than rigid cage systems that sink or rust.

Why Boar Blanket Is Ideal for South Carolina Terrain

The Boar Blanket Wild Hog Trap was engineered for coastal, uneven, and humid environments — exactly the conditions found across the Lowcountry and Pee Dee.

Unlike traditional cages that require level ground, Boar Blanket’s flexible net base conforms to swampy soil and can be deployed in minutes by one person.

Feature	Cage Trap	Boar Blanket
Weight	400–600 lbs	45 lbs
Terrain Suitability	Flat, dry ground only	Works on mud, sand, or marshland
Power Required	Often (for gates/cameras)	None
Crew Needed	2–3	1
Noise Level	Loud setup	Silent, passive design

In humid coastal regions where other traps fail, Boar Blanket thrives — no signal, no rust, no heavy gear.

See real-world field results in the Boar Blanket Case Study.

Tips for Trapping or Hog Hunting in South Carolina

• Focus on edges. Hogs feed at night but bed near thickets and waterlines — perfect net-trap placement zones.
  
• Pre-bait quietly. Establish a feeding pattern before deployment.
  
• Avoid drop systems. Dense canopy and limited cell service make remote traps unreliable.
  
• Trap entire sounders. Learn more about whole-sounder trapping to prevent re-infestation.
  

FAQs

Can I hunt hogs year-round in South Carolina?
Yes. Hogs are nongame animals and may be hunted 24/7 on private land.

Do I need a trapping permit?
Not on private property, but traps must be checked daily and labeled with the owner’s name.

Are night optics allowed?
Yes — thermal and infrared optics are legal for hog hunting on private land.

Final Takeaway

South Carolina’s feral hog invasion is spreading faster than traditional hunting can manage — but smarter, quieter trapping systems are changing the game.

The Boar Blanket Wild Hog Trap brings a modern, low-tech solution to the Lowcountry and beyond. With no power, signal, or crew required, it’s perfectly suited for the wet, uneven, and remote terrain where steel traps simply can’t function.

Whether you’re protecting farmland in Orangeburg or restoring wetlands near Beaufort, Boar Blanket lets you trap smarter and move faster — helping you reclaim your property from one of South Carolina’s most destructive invaders.

Silent. Simple. Effective anywhere.Learn more in the Boar Blanket Case Study or visit the Boar Blanket Blog for more regional trapping insights.