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CWD rules in South Carolina

South Carolina restricts carcass imports specifically from states or zones where CWD has been confirmed. From a CWD-affected origin, only lower-risk parts are allowed.

CWD zone status

No known CWD

Agency

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)

Last verified

June 16, 2026

CWDCrossing provides informational summaries of state CWD carcass-transport regulations. Rules change annually pre-hunting-season; verify with both the origin and destination state wildlife agencies before transport. Failure to comply may result in citations. Not affiliated with the CWD Alliance, the National Deer Association, or any state agency.

Bringing a carcass into South Carolina

South Carolina is the regulating authority for what you can bring in. SCDNR's own page states 'CWD has been detected in 36 states, but not South Carolina.' This contradicts the task's assumed 2024 detection — per the primary source, SC remains CWD-free, so zoneStatus is 'clean'.

Allowed for import

  • Quarters/meat with no spinal column or head attached
  • Boned-out meat
  • Hides with no heads attached
  • Clean skulls or skull plates with antlers attached
  • Antlers detached from the skull plate
  • Clean upper canine teeth
  • Finished taxidermy heads

Restricted from import

  • Whole carcass from an infected state
  • Carcass parts containing brain or spinal column/cord tissue from an infected state

Handling + processing

Restriction applies to carcasses/parts from CWD-infected states; SCDNR maintains a list of affected states. Natural cervid urine/scent lures are separately banned statewide.

Taking a carcass out of South Carolina

When you hunt in South Carolina and bring the carcass to another state, that destination state sets the rule. South Carolina is not currently listed as a CWD-affected state in our reading, but check the destination state's affected-state list, since designations change.

South Carolina on the CWD map

  • CWD confirmed in state
  • Under heightened surveillance
  • No known CWD detections

Zone status is informational, not a hazard rating. Detections expand over time — confirm current status with each state's wildlife agency.

Verified against the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) on June 16, 2026Expert review in progress(state-DNR contact / wildlife biologist / hunting-org compliance officer)

CWDCrossing provides informational summaries of state CWD carcass-transport regulations. Rules change annually pre-hunting-season; verify with both the origin and destination state wildlife agencies before transport. Failure to comply may result in citations. Not affiliated with the CWD Alliance, the National Deer Association, or any state agency.