S.C. deer tags being mailed to hunters

Deer tags for the 2018 season have begun arriving in the mailboxes of South Carolina deer hunters, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources staff ask that current license holders who should be getting a base set of tags in the mail be patient and not call or email inquiring about the status of tags before Aug. 3.

Please keep in mind this is an enormous process, with over 150,000 sets of tags going out in just a couple of weeks. South Carolina residents that currently have an active Annual or Three-year Hunting License and Big Game Permit, Combination License or Sportsman License that will be valid when deer season begins on Aug. 15 should automatically receive a base set of deer tags at no cost.

Additionally, anyone who has ordered optional tags or requested a set of tags since June 16 is in the system, and the tags for those orders are being produced. Please wait until at least Aug. 3 before inquiring about the status of your tags.

License holders unsure about the status/expiration date of their hunting license, big game permit or other SCDNR hunting privileges can visit the Customer Privileges Portal online to check a license status or to see when or if deer tags have been fulfilled.

Deer tags are not available over the counter at point-of-sales vendors (Walmart, Dicks Sporting Goods, etc.), but they are available over the counter at SCDNR offices located in Charleston, Clemson, Columbia (downtown and Farmers Market), Florence and York. Tags may also be purchased by phone at 1-866-714-3611 or online. Please allow 7-10 days for tags ordered or requested at http://dnr.sc.gov or by phone to arrive in the mail.

Remember that Lifetime, Senior/Gratis/Disability and Youth Licensees must request the free base set of tags annually. Tags can be requested by calling the toll free number or visiting the website listed above. Hunters may also contact the SCDNR License Office at (803) 734-3833 for tag requests and tag or license related questions.