How to Prepare Your Property for Fall Hunting Season in Upstate SC

Fall hunting season is right around the corner, and if you own land in Upstate South Carolina, now’s the time to get it ready! Whether you're an avid outdoorsman or you're hoping to make your property more appealing to buyers or lessees, early preparation is key to a successful and safe season.

Here are some essential tips to help you get your property fall-hunting ready:

1. Check Local Regulations and Season Dates

Before you do anything else, make sure you're up to date on South Carolina's hunting laws. The SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) sets specific dates and requirements depending on the game, region, and weapon type. August is the perfect time to review them so you're not caught off guard.

✅ Visit the SCDNR website to check current info for Game Zone 2, which covers most of the Upstate.

2. Clean and Maintain Trails & Access Points

Overgrown trails make for noisy entrances—and spooked game. Use a bush hog or mower to clear paths, check for fallen limbs, and remove debris. Also, make sure there’s clear vehicle access to your stands or hunting areas if needed.

Tip: Create “quiet” walking paths by raking leaves or laying down pine straw near tree stands or blinds.

3. Inspect and Repair Tree Stands or Blinds

Safety first! Climb up and inspect your tree stands and blinds for:

• Rusted bolts or ladders
  

• Rotted wood, straps that need to be replaced, or loose boards
  

• Wasp nests or critter damage
  

Make repairs now so you’re not scrambling the day before opening weekend.

4. Plant (or Prep) Food Plots

If you're attracting deer or turkey, August is a prime month to get ready to plant fall food plots. Consider planting:

• Winter wheat
  

• Clover
  

• Turnips
  

• Oats
  

Prep soil, test pH levels, and make sure you have good sunlight exposure. If you plant early, be sure to check for army worms so they don’t wipe out your efforts undetected and untreated (consult your local pesticide company or professional or recommendations on treatment).

5. Check Trail Cameras

If you’ve used cameras in past seasons, now’s the time to test batteries, clean lenses, and start scouting. Monitoring movement patterns early gives you an edge on stand placement.

6. Establish Boundaries and Post Signage

Clearly mark property lines to avoid any confusion with neighboring hunters or trespassers. Fresh "No Trespassing" or “Private Property” signs deter unwanted traffic and help protect your investment.

Bonus: Post signs about the presence of trail cams—an extra layer of deterrent.

7. Prep for Comfort & Convenience

Don’t forget the little things that make a big difference:

• Replace chair cushions or shooting rests
  

• Stock blinds with scent control products or safety kits
  

• Clear out spider webs and check for snakes (yes, even in the fall!)
  

8. Document Your Property

Take updated photos of stands, plots, trails, and boundaries. Not only is it helpful for your records, but it also adds value if you ever decide to sell or lease the land for hunting.  Installing exclusion cages in food plots can also help you to determine how your cool season crops are doing without pressure from deer browsing.  

🍂 Ready for Fall? Your Land Should Be Too.

Whether you’re getting ready for personal use or want to market your land as a prime hunting spot, early preparation sets the tone for a productive, safe, and enjoyable season.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling hunting land in Upstate SC, our Land & Farm team knows the land—and the lifestyle. Let’s talk dirt and make your rural property goals a reality!