2025-2026 Deer Hunt Season
- Cuddo and Pine Island Units, Archery Only: September 20 - October 4, 2025
- Cuddo and Pine Island Units, Primitive Weapons Only: October 17 - 19 and October 31- November 2, 2025
- Bluff Unit, Youth Hunt: October 25 - 26 (mornings and evenings).A Quota Deer Hunt Application must be submitted to participate. You may call or email to receive an application. Applications will be accepted August 1 鈥� September 2. Completed applications must be returned to the Refuge by September 15, 2025.
- The hunt brochure will be available in Refuge kiosks in September; it is also available as a PDF below.
- Persons needing reasonable accommodations should contact the Refuge Manager at least two (2) weeks prior to hunting.
Hunting is one of the priority recreational uses on National Wildlife Refuges and compatible with the mission of Santee NWR. Hunting of surplus wildlife species is a means to maintain populations at a level compatible with available habitat. Hunting on the refuge is in accordance with federal and special Refuge regulations and applicable State regulations.
At Santee NWR, scheduled hunts for deer and feral hogs are allowed on the Pine Island Unit and the Cuddo Unit, including Plantation Islands. During archery hunts, only bows and crossbows are allowed. During the primitive weapons hunts, hunters can only use only bows, crossbows, or black powder muzzleloaders. Scheduled hunts for raccoon and opossum, occur at the Cuddo Unit. The shotgun, with non-toxic shot, is the only weapon allowed. Dogs may be used during raccoon hunting.
Please check the annual hunt regulations brochure for specific details on all hunting opportunities.
