S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2705 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 27 / Section 50-5-2705
SECTION 50-5-2705. Powers of Compact Commission and commissioners.
Status: in_force

The Compact Commission and the compact commissioners thereof shall have all the powers provided in the compact and all the powers necessary or incidental to the carrying out of the compact in every particular.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-36 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-36
SECTION 50-11-36. Hunting migratory waterfowl on Lake Keowee.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Lake Keowee within two hundred yards of a dwelling. As used in this section, Lake Keowee includes all waters of Keowee River impounded by the Little River Dam at Newry and the Keowee Dam to Jocassee Dam. This includes all waters upstream of the Little River Dam to the confluence of Cane Creek and Little Cane Creek on Cane Creek, to South Carolina State Highway S-37-175 on Crooked Creek, to South Carolina State Highway S-37-24 (Burnt Tanyard Road) on Little River, and to South Carolina State Highway S-37-200 on Stamp Creek in Oconee County. This includes all waters upstream of the Keowee Dam to the confluence of Eastatoe River and Little Eastatoe Creek on the Eastatoe River; South Carolina State Highway 133 on Cedar, Crowe, and Mile Creeks in Pickens County. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-130 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 50-3-130
SECTION 50-3-130. Uniforms and emblems of enforcement officers of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division.
Status: in_force

The department shall prescribe a unique and distinctive official uniform, with appropriate insignia to be worn by all uniformed enforcement officers of the Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division of the department when on duty and at such other times as the board shall order, and a distinctive color or colors and appropriate emblems for all motor vehicles used by such officers. No other law enforcement agency, private security agency, or any person shall wear a similar uniform and insignia which may be confused with the uniform and insignia of the enforcement officers nor shall any emblem be used on a motor vehicle nor shall it be painted in a color or in any manner which would cause the vehicle to be similar to an enforcement officer's vehicle or readily confused therewith. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 230, SECTION 2.F, in the first sentence, substituted "The department" for "The board" and "Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division" for "Natural Resources Enforcement Division", and made a nonsubstantive change in the second sentence.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2300 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 11 / Section 50-11-2300
SECTION 50-11-2300. Operation Game Thief Program created; funding.
Status: in_force

There is created an Operation Game Thief Program to be funded by: (1) monies authorized from the county game fund of the state treasury not to exceed thirty thousand dollars annually; (2) monies received from donations to the fund, which must be used for general program purposes. The donor may not specify the purposes for which the donation must be used; (3) monies appropriated by the General Assembly for the purposes provided in this article; (4) proceeds from the sale of Operation Game Thief paraphernalia.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-180 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 50-3-180
SECTION 50-3-180. Mitigation Trust Fund.
Status: in_force

(A) The Mitigation Trust Fund of South Carolina is credited for the purposes of receiving gifts, grants, contributions, and other proceeds for mitigation projects in the State. The Board of Trustees for the Mitigation Trust Fund is the chairman and the members of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Board with full authority over the administration of the funds deposited in the fund. The State Treasurer is the custodian of the fund and shall invest its assets in an interest-bearing account pursuant to South Carolina law. (B) The Mitigation Trust Fund may receive appropriations of state general funds, federal funds, donations, gifts, bond issue receipts, securities, and other monetary instruments of value. Reimbursement for monies expended from this fund must be deposited in this fund. Funds received through sale, exchange, or otherwise, of products of the property including, but not limited to, timber and utility easement rights, accrue to the Mitigation Trust Fund. Funds recovered for losses or damages to natural resources must be deposited to the Mitigation Trust Fund to be used first for restoration in the areas affected and then as provided in subsection (C) of this section. (C) The income received and accruing from the fund must be spent only for the acquisition, restoration, enhancement, or management of property for mitigation for adverse impacts to natural resources. (D) The proceeds from this fund may be carried forward from year to year and do not revert to the general fund of the State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-230 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 50-21-230
SECTION 50-21-230. Bodies of water; municipalities; borders.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding Section 5-7-140(B), the corporate limits of a municipality bordering on the high-water mark of a navigable body of water are extended outward by one mile for the purpose of enforcing this article.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-80 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-80
SECTION 50-21-80. Enforcement of provisions of chapter; authority to issue summons or make arrests.
Status: in_force

Any person employed or elected by this State or political subdivision thereof, whose duty it is to preserve the peace or to make arrests or to enforce the law including, but not limited to, members of the sheriff's departments, state police, enforcement officers, deputies, or other qualified persons, upon recommendation of the appropriate agency, may be empowered to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The department shall be the agency primarily responsible for enforcement of all laws pertaining to boating. Any such person is empowered to issue a summons for appearance in court or before a magistrate or make arrest for violations of this chapter or of the regulations prescribed under it. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment rewrote this section to delete provisions relating to authority to stop and board vessels.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-640 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 50-9-640
SECTION 50-9-640. Wild turkey tag fees.
Status: in_force

(A) For the privilege of hunting wild turkey, in addition to the required hunting license and big game permit, a person must possess a wild turkey tag issued in the person's name. The fee for a: (1) resident is twenty-five dollars for two tags, one dollar of which may be retained by the license sales vendor; and (2) nonresident is one hundred twenty-five dollars for two tags, one dollar of which may be retained by the license sales vendor. (B) There is no cost for wild turkey tags for persons under the age of sixteen, lifetime licensees, and gratis licensees upon request to the department. Effect of Amendment 2024 Act No. 224, SECTION 5, in (A), in (1), substituted "twenty-five dollars for two tags" for "five dollars for three tags", and in (2), substituted "one hundred twenty-five dollars" for "one hundred dollars".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-730 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 4 / Section 50-11-730
SECTION 50-11-730. Unlawful to hunt, shoot, or kill deer from a water conveyance; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to hunt, shoot, or in any way kill deer from a motorboat, raft, or other water conveyance or to molest deer while any part of the deer is in the water. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than ninety days or be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars. "Hunting", as used in this section in reference to a vehicle, boat, or device, includes the transportation of a hunter to or from the place of hunting in violation of this section, or the transportation of the carcass of a deer, or any part of a deer, which has been unlawfully hunted or killed in violation of this section. In addition to the penalty herein, every boat, raft, or other water conveyance, vehicle, animal, firearm, and any other device being used in the violation of this section must be confiscated and delivered to the department. For purposes of this section, a conviction for unlawfully hunting deer from boats or other water conveyances is conclusive as against any convicted owner of the above-mentioned property. In all other cases, the forfeiture and sale is accomplished by the procedure set forth in Section 50-11-740.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-420 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-420
SECTION 50-3-420. Immunity from prosecution.
Status: in_force

Neither any officer of the Lake Wylie Marine Commission nor any enforcement officer or deputy enforcement officer of the Department of Natural Resources is subject to criminal prosecution when acting in his official capacity within his territorial jurisdiction for: (1) failing to comply with statutes or regulations governing the operations of motor vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft; (2) entering into private property, whether or not posted against trespassing; (3) failure to comply with wildlife conservation and boating laws of this State as a necessary part of the investigation or enforcement effort in enforcing those laws. The provisions of this section do not relieve the officers from the duty to exercise due regard for the safety of the public or protect them from the consequences of reckless, wilful, or wanton disregard for the safety of others nor liability for criminal prosecutions except as stated in items (1), (2), and (3).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-1140 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 50-3-1140
SECTION 50-3-1140. Qualification for tax credit as requirement for real property to be subject of grant.
Status: in_force

In order for real property to be the subject of a grant under this article, the land must qualify for the tax credit allowed pursuant to Section 12-6-3515.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-935 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-935
SECTION 50-11-935. Lake Conestee Nature Park declared wildlife sanctuary.
Status: repealed

The land owned and managed by the Conestee Foundation, Incorporated, a private nonprofit conservation organization, located in Greenville County, and known as Lake Conestee Nature Park, is declared to be a wildlife sanctuary for the protection and conservation of game, songbirds, waterfowl, fish, amphibians, other animals, and plant life. It is unlawful to hunt, trap, take, gather, harvest, or molest any plants, animals, or artifacts on the lands of Lake Conestee Nature Park, except for purposes of habitat management or research. The Conestee Foundation may at its discretion issue permits for research and site management activities related to wildlife and habitat management. It is unlawful to release any nonnative plants or animals, including pets and domesticated animals on the lands of Lake Conestee Nature Park. The Conestee Foundation shall post signs along the outer boundaries of its lands and at locations where streams and creeks enter into Lake Conestee Nature Park, notifying the public that the area is a wildlife sanctuary and is closed to hunting, trapping, taking and collection of plants, animals, and artifacts, except as permitted by the Foundation. No animals, flowers, shrubs, trees, plants, or artifacts shall be damaged or removed from the park without a permit from the Conestee Foundation. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Designation as a wildlife sanctuary does not alter existing rights held or conveyed under the conservation easement agreement applying to Lake Conestee Nature Park. SECTIONS 50-11-940 to 50-11-941. Repealed by 2013 Act No. 4, SECTION 2, eff March 4, 2013. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-11-940 was titled Certain property of Belle W. Baruch Foundation designated bird and game refuge and was derived from [Derived from former SECTION 50-11-2800 (1962 Code SECTION 28-518.1:3; 1974 (58) 2192; 1975 (59) 110)]; 1988 Act No. 561, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1262; 1997 Act No. 58, SECTION 1; 2003 Act No. 53, SECTION 1. Former SECTION 50-11-941 was titled Last will and testament to control and was derived from 1997 Act No. 58, SECTION 2. 2013 Act No. 4, findings for repeal, provides as follows: "SECTION 1. The General Assembly finds that: "(1) Pursuant to a request by the trustees of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, the General Assembly passed Act 1016 of 1974 that declared the 17,000 acres of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation property in Georgetown County a bird and game sanctuary and prohibited the hunting of any birds or game on the property. "(2) Act 1016 of 1974, codified as Section 50-11-940 of the 1976 Code, has been amended on several occasions, most recently to allow the hunting of deer, hogs, coyotes, or raccoons by 'an employee or agent' of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation. "(3) The Belle W. Baruch Foundation, which at the time of enactment of Act 1016, was a New York foundation, requested that the property be declared a bird and game sanctuary in order to discourage poaching of birds and game on the property, due to the proliferation of poaching resulting from a limited presence of staff of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation and wildlife law enforcement officials on and around the property. "(4) The Belle W. Baruch Foundation is now a South Carolina foundation that employs nine people who work on and manage its property in Georgetown County, and the property is adequately patrolled and protected by staff of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation and law enforcement. "(5) The trustees of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation have undertaken a study of the wildlife management goals for the property and have determined: "(a) the designation of the property as a bird and game refuge is no longer necessary for or helpful to the management of the property; "(b) the restrictions on hunting contained in Section 50-11-940 result in increased liability to the Belle W. Baruch Foundation in its efforts to manage populations of deer, hogs, coyotes, and raccoons on the property, by requiring that anyone hunting these animals be 'an employee or agent' of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation; "(c) the restrictions contained in Section 50-11-940 prevent the trustees of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation from utilizing hunting leases and paid hunts as both a management tool and a source of revenue for the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars of potential revenue to the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, the inability to create jobs in the area of the property for these purposes, and a missed opportunity for the property to be an integral part of the tourism base for the Georgetown and Grand Strand areas; and "(d) the trustees of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation have by unanimous resolution requested that the designation of the property as a bird and game refuge be removed."
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-325 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 3 / Section 50-13-325
SECTION 50-13-325. Nongame gill nets; season; size and placement; sturgeon.
Status: in_force

(A) The season for taking nongame fish other than American shad and herring in the freshwaters of this State with a gill net is from November first to March first inclusive. A gill net may be used or possessed in the freshwaters in which their use is authorized on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only. A gill net used in the freshwaters must have a mesh size not less than four and one-half inches stretch mesh. A gill net measuring more than one hundred yards in length must not be used in the freshwaters and a gill net, cable, line or other device used for support of a gill net may not extend more than halfway across any stream or body of water. A gill net may be placed in the freshwaters on a first come first served basis but a gill net must not be placed within two hundred yards of another gill net. However, notwithstanding another provision of law, along the Little Pee Dee River upstream of Punch Bowl Landing, no net may be set within seventy-five feet of a gill net previously set, or drifted within seventy-five feet of another drifting net. Use or possession of a gill net at any place or time other than those prescribed in this subsection is unlawful. (B) Nongame fish taken in shad nets lawfully fished during the open season for taking shad may be kept. A sturgeon caught must be returned immediately to the waters from where it was taken. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote the section. The 2013 amendment, in subsection (A), added the second to last sentence, relating to the Little Pee Dee River. 2014 Act No. 154, SECTION 1, in subsection (A), in the second to last sentence, deleted reference to placing or setting a net within 75 feet of the confluence of a tributary.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-520 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 50-3-520
SECTION 50-3-520. Advertising for bids; rejection of bids; terms of sale.
Status: in_force

If the sale is recommended by the State Forester, the department shall publicly advertise for bids for the timber at least three weeks before the closing of the bidding. The department has the right to reject any and all bids, either on account of the amounts of the bids or the lack of experience and responsibility of the bidder. A sale agreed upon must be for cash. Effect of Amendment The 2010 amendment rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-25 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-25
SECTION 50-5-25. Powers and duties; deposit of revenues.
Status: in_force

(A) The department shall enforce all laws for collection of revenues due this State from the saltwater fishing industries and from permitting the use of bottoms and waters. (B) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department is authorized to open and maintain a financial escrow account in which funds received from violations of this chapter and proceeds of the sale of items seized pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited and held pending final adjudication of the case. (C) All revenues, other than from fines and forfeitures, not otherwise provided for in this title derived from the regulation of saltwater fisheries shall be transmitted to the department for deposit in the department's general operating fund and shall be used by the department in support of the conservation of those fisheries. Revenues and funds so collected but not expended shall be carried forward annually and used for the same purpose. All fines and forfeitures under this chapter shall be transmitted to the department and deposited in the county game and fish fund for the county in which the offense occurred. (D) Proceeds from sales of experimental mariculture products produced by the department shall be deposited in the state general fund to the credit of the Mariculture Research and Development Fund of the department to further encourage and promote development of the mariculture industry of this State by supporting operational research and development projects of the division and transfer of information to the mariculture industry. Funds deposited in the Mariculture Research and Development Fund shall be carried forward annually and used for the same purpose.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-900 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-900
SECTION 50-11-900. Nongame bird sanctuaries declared in certain areas.
Status: in_force

The following areas are declared to be nongame bird sanctuaries: (1) the Hannahan Public Service District located in Berkeley County; (2) St. Andrews Parish in Charleston County.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1050 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 6 / Section 50-11-1050
SECTION 50-11-1050. Permit to remove destructive wildlife.
Status: in_force

Where wildlife is destroying property, the department, upon the request of the property owner, may issue a permit authorizing the property owner, under the supervision of the department, to take action necessary to remove the destructive wildlife from his property.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-925 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-925
SECTION 50-5-925. Publication of notice of application.
Status: in_force

Upon conditional approval by the department of the shellfish culture or mariculture application and map, the applicant must publish a notice in a form satisfactory to the department advising all interested persons that the applicant has applied for a Shellfish Culture Permit or Shellfish Mariculture Permit and provide a specific description of the bottoms or waters. The notice must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county of the proposed permit.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-32 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-32
SECTION 50-11-32. Hunting waterfowl on Lake Marion; penalty.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl in Calhoun County on Lake Marion within two hundred yards of a residence without written permission of the owner and occupant. As used in this section, Lake Marion includes the public waters in Calhoun County from the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers downstream to Poplar Creek. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1950 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 19 / Section 50-5-1950
SECTION 50-5-1950. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee established; composition; compensation; term.
Status: in_force

(A) A Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee is established to assist in prioritizing the expenditures of monies received in the special account. The committee is composed of: (1) one member of the Board of the Department of Natural Resources to serve ex officio; (2) two at-large members appointed by the Governor; and (3) one member from each of the following coastal counties appointed by a majority of the respective legislative delegations of Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties. (B) The members in subsection (A)(2) and (3) shall represent the saltwater recreational fishing community. (C) Committee members shall be paid the usual mileage, subsistence, and per diem as prescribed by law for members of state boards, commissions, and committees to be paid from revenues from the sale of stamps, licenses, prints, and related articles. (D) The terms of members in subsection (A)(2) and (3) are for four years and are limited to two consecutive terms. Vacancies shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the manner of original appointment.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-55 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-55
SECTION 50-5-55. Suspension of privileges; magistrates court jurisdiction; penalties and restitution orders.
Status: in_force

(A) Any suspension of privileges under this chapter shall run concurrent with any other suspension then in effect. Except as provided in Section 50-5-2510, suspensions of privileges resulting from violations of this chapter begin thirty calendar days from date of conviction. (B) Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, the magistrates court has jurisdiction to try any criminal case that arises under this chapter and to impose the penalties set forth herein up to a maximum of five thousand dollars or thirty days' imprisonment. In addition to any penalty imposed under this chapter, the presiding magistrate may order restitution for losses of natural resources. (C) A person or entity shall have all saltwater privileges and other licenses, permits, and registrations issued by the department suspended until the penalty is paid in full if the person or entity: (1) fails to pay a penalty arising out of a violation of this chapter within ten business days following adjudication of the matter; or (2) defaults on a payment plan approved by a presiding magistrate.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-410 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-410
SECTION 50-11-410. Antlerless deer defined; unlawful to hunt, kill, take, or possess antlerless deer; exceptions; penalties.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter, antlerless deer means a female (doe) deer, a male (buck) deer not exhibiting two inch antlers visible above the natural hairline, or a male (buck) deer that has shed, broken, or otherwise lost its antlers. In South Carolina, it is unlawful to hunt, kill, take, or possess any antlerless deer on any property unless an open season has been declared on that property or an antlerless deer quota permit has been issued for the legal harvest of antlerless deer on that specific property. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1900 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 19 / Section 50-5-1900
SECTION 50-5-1900. Article title.
Status: repealed

This article may be cited as the "South Carolina Recreational Fisheries Conservation and Management Act". SECTIONS 50-5-1905, 50-5-1910. Repealed by 2009 Act No. 15, SECTION 10, eff July 1, 2009. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-5-1905 was entitled "Definitions" and was derived from 2000 Act No. 245, SECTION 10. Former SECTION 50-5-1910 was entitled "Individual saltwater recreational fisheries stamp; charter fishing licenses; penalties" and was derived from 2000 Act No. 245, SECTION 10; 2000 Act No. 370, SECTION 5; 2002 Act No. 178, SECTION 2.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-18-230 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 18 / Article 2 / Section 50-18-230
SECTION 50-18-230. Regulation of commercial aquaculture.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for a person to engage in aquaculture for a commercial purpose except as provided in this title.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1300 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1300
SECTION 50-11-1300. Stocking private preserve.
Status: in_force

The department shall furnish no game for the stocking of any preserve provided for by this article.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1145 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 6 / Section 50-11-1145
SECTION 50-11-1145. Trapping predatory animals within certain enclosures; types of traps permitted; release or destruction of animals.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and at any time during the year, the owner, lessee, or person in lawful possession of land whereon an enclosure for running rabbits with dogs has been erected may trap fox, wildcat, bobcat, wolf, coyote, skunk, raccoons, and any other predatory animal within the enclosure when using a cage-type trap that does not injure or kill the animal. A pole-top trap, steel trap, foot-hold trap, rubber padded trap, body gripping trap, or trap that injures or kills an animal may not be used to remove predatory animals from an enclosure, and all predatory animals, except foxes and coyotes, trapped in a cage-type trap must be destroyed or immediately released outside of the enclosure. Foxes or coyotes trapped outside the trapping season must be immediately destroyed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2510 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2510
SECTION 50-11-2510. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) tagging of otter and bobcat pelts.
Status: in_force

A person required to have a commercial fur license who takes an otter or bobcat must tag the fur, pelt, hide, or whole animal before it is sold, shipped, or transferred to a person or business, or transported out of the State, if required by the federal government in order to comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The department is authorized to issue CITES tags and shall charge a processing fee of three dollars for each order. The tags must be of a type and size the department prescribes. The tags must be securely attached and may not be removed until the time of processing. Any fur, pelt, hide, or whole animal which does not have a tag attached as required by this section or that is unlawfully tagged is declared contraband and must be confiscated. Tags may only be used for the specific species for which they are issued. These tags are nontransferable and may not be altered in any manner. The department may limit the number of tags issued for each species and the area in which they may be used. Furbearing animals taken live to be sold as live animals are not required to be tagged.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1700 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 17 / Section 50-5-1700
SECTION 50-5-1700. Taking of saltwater game fish; importation by wholesale or retail seafood dealer of red drum or spotted seatrout.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to sell, purchase, trade, or barter or attempt to sell, purchase, trade, or barter saltwater gamefish in this State regardless of where taken except as provided in this chapter. (B) It is unlawful to take or attempt to take saltwater gamefish in the waters of this State, except by: (1) hand-held hook and line which includes rod and reel and pole; or (2) gigging during legal periods. Any saltwater gamefish taken by any other means must be returned immediately to the water. (C) It is unlawful for a person to have in possession a saltwater gamefish while fishing or transporting a seine or a gill net or other commercial fishing equipment. A saltwater gamefish caught in the net or commercial fishing equipment must be returned to the water immediately. (D) A wholesale or retail seafood dealer or other business may import cobia, red drum, or spotted seatrout from another state or country where the taking and sale of the fish is lawful. A copy of the bill of sale, bill of lading, or other proof of origin for each lot or shipment of the fish must accompany any fish resold and must be in the possession of the person or business offering imported cobia, red drum, or spotted seatrout for sale until it is sold to the ultimate consumer and must be retained by any seller for a period of one year. (E) It is unlawful to sell, purchase, trade, or barter or attempt to sell, purchase, trade, or barter cobia taken from state waters. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment inserted "cobia," throughout subsection (D) and made other, nonsubstantive, changes; and, inserted subsection (E).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-320 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-320
SECTION 50-3-320. Transmittal and delivery of commissions of enforcement officers.
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall transmit to the department the commissions of all enforcement officers and the director shall deliver such commissions to the enforcement officers only after the enforcement officers have filed oaths as required by Section 50-3-330. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 230, SECTION 2.H, substituted "the department" for "the board" and deleted "and bonds" following "filed oaths".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1930 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 13 / Section 50-13-1930
SECTION 50-13-1930. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 114, SECTION 6, eff July 1, 2012.
Status: in_force

Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-13-1930 was entitled "Acquisition of land for United States fish hatcheries" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-712; 1952 Code SECTION 28-712; 1942 Code SECTION 1774-2; 1932 Code SECTION 3294; 1930 (36) 1116; 1952 (47) 2179; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-75 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 50-9-75
SECTION 50-9-75. Surrender of combination licenses.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to purchase, acquire, or possess or attempt to purchase, acquire, or possess a license, permit, stamp, or tag while privileges allowed by the license, permit, stamp, or tag are suspended. (B) A combination license holder who has a portion of his privileges suspended must surrender the combination license. To engage in those activities from which he has not been suspended he must obtain a separate license. (C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars and not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. A person convicted pursuant to this section forfeits all hunting and fishing privileges for an additional two years. Effect of Amendment The 2010 amendment rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1310 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 50-5-1310
SECTION 50-5-1310. Size limitations for blue crabs; peeler crab and clam mariculture exceptions.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for a person to take, possess, sell or offer for sale any blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) of a size smaller than five inches measured from the tip of one lateral spine across the back of the shell to the tip of the opposite lateral spine. It is not unlawful to temporarily take blue crabs of a size smaller than five inches incidental to lawful fishing operations so long as the undersized crabs are returned immediately to the water without further harm. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. (B) Any licensed commercial saltwater fisherman licensed to harvest blue crabs may harvest or transport peeler crabs of less than five inches but must first obtain a written acknowledgment from a licensed peeler crab dealer in a form prescribed by the department stating that the peeler crab dealer will accept peeler crabs from the licensed commercial saltwater fisherman. The acknowledgment must be dated and is not effective beyond ninety days from the date thereon. A licensed commercial saltwater fisherman must deliver undersized peeler blue crabs only to licensed peeler crab dealers from whom he has received the written acknowledgment. A licensed commercial saltwater fisherman who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than thirty days. (C) The department may issue permits to persons engaged in clam mariculture for the capture, temporary possession, and transport of blue crabs or stone crabs of any size. The permittee must return all captured stone crabs and sublegal blue crabs alive to water of comparable salinity. A permittee using more than two traps may retain legal size blue crabs and stone crab claws only if licensed as a commercial saltwater fisherman and licensed to use traps.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-740 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 50-5-740
SECTION 50-5-740. Blue crab trawling season; penalty for trawling out of season; seizure and disposal of contraband.
Status: in_force

(A) The department annually may set the season for taking blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) by trawling between December 1 of one year through March 31 of the following year, inclusive. It is unlawful to trawl for crabs during the closed season. (B) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars and not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Any catch aboard or under control of the fisherman or other person at the time of the violation is contraband and must be seized and disposed of as provided in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-65 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-65
SECTION 50-5-65. Seizure and disposition of contraband; separate offense defined.
Status: in_force

(A) Any fish or fishery product taken or possessed in violation of any provision of this chapter is contraband and may be seized along with its container and disposed of according to law. (B) Any perishable item seized, the sale of which is illegal per se, may be donated by the department to a nonprofit entity, in the discretion of the department, or destroyed provided that any perishable item, the sale of which is illegal only because of the place or manner or method in which or by which it was taken must be sold, donated, or destroyed. The proceeds of any perishable item sold must be retained until final adjudication of the case. Any proceeds of the sale must be returned to the defendant in the event of a verdict of not guilty. (C) Living contraband taken in this State may be returned by the department to the water. (D) Nonperishable items may be retained by the department for use by the department or disposed of according to law. Nonperishable items which are illegal to use or which have no commercial value must be destroyed. (E) Neither an item of contraband nor the value of an item of contraband may inure to the benefit of any employee of the department. (F) Each fish, dozen of crabs, bushel of oysters, one-half bushel of clams, quart of shrimp, or pound of other saltwater fishery product, or fraction or part thereof taken, possessed, purchased, sold, or offered for sale in violation of this chapter is a separate offense.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-550 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 50-3-550
SECTION 50-3-550. Disposition of proceeds of sale.
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise provided, the proceeds of the sale must be deposited with the State Treasurer to the credit of the Fish and Wildlife Protection Fund. Code Commissioner's Note 2009 Act No. 79, SECTION 2.B provides as follows: "The name of the 'Game Protection Fund' as contained in Title 50 is hereby changed to the 'Fish and Wildlife Protection Fund'. Wherever the term 'Game Protection Fund' appears in the 1976 Code, it shall mean the 'Fish and Wildlife Protection Fund' and the Code Commissioner is directed to change this reference at a time and in a manner that is timely and cost effective." Effect of Amendment The 2010 amendment inserted "Unless otherwise provided," at the beginning and "State" before "Treasurer".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-910 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-910
SECTION 50-11-910. Francis Beidler Forest declared wildlife sanctuary.
Status: in_force

The land owned or managed by the National Audubon Society, Incorporated, in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties, known as the Francis Beidler Forest, is declared to be a sanctuary for the protection of game, birds, and other animals. There may be no hunting, fishing, or trespassing in the sanctuary. Fishing may be permitted by written authorization from the management of the Francis Beidler Forest only. The management of the Francis Beidler Forest shall post along the outer boundaries of the land and mouths of all streams and creeks entering into the Francis Beidler Forest signs notifying the public that the area is a sanctuary and is closed to hunting and fishing except as authorized. No flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants may be damaged or removed from the park without permission from the management. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 3 / Section 50-25-110
SECTION 50-25-110. Operation of motorboats on portion of Brighton Beach in Beaufort County.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to operate any boat propelled at the time by an inboard or outboard motor at Brighton Beach on May River in Beaufort County, between the low and high tide water marks and between the docks of J. E. Smith on the east and the docks of C. Ray Carter on the west. It is declared that the operation of such craft in the area referred to constitutes an undue hazard to persons using the area on this beach for bathing and swimming. The supervisor of Beaufort County shall place at each end of this area an appropriate sign designating it as a bathing area only. It is made the special duty of the sheriff of Beaufort County and his deputies to see that the provisions of this section are observed and enforced. Any violation of the provisions of this section is declared to be a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, the offender shall be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for a term not exceeding thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-770 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 4 / Section 50-11-770
SECTION 50-11-770. Unpermitted hunting with use of a dog on property without hunting rights; dog not to be harmed; penalties; suspension of hunting privileges; exceptions.
Status: in_force

(A) For purposes of this section: (1) "Hunting" includes: (a) attempting to take any game animal, hog, or coyote by occupying stands, standing, or occupying a vehicle while; and (b) possessing, carrying, or having readily accessible: (i) a centerfire rifle with ammunition capable of being fired in that rifle; or (ii) a shotgun with shot size larger than number four that is capable of being fired from that shotgun. (2) "Possessing", "carrying", or "having readily available" does not include a centerfire rifle or a shotgun that is: (a) unloaded and cased in a closed compartment or vehicle; (b) unloaded and cased in a vehicle trunk or tool box; (c) in a vehicle traveling in a normal manner on a public road or highway; or (d) in case of a stander with no vehicle, encased or unloaded with the shells at least thirty feet away and stacked, piled, or otherwise gathered together in like fashion. (B) Notwithstanding the provisions contained in Section 50-11-760, it shall be unlawful for any person to hunt from any road, right of way, property line, boundary, or property upon which he does not have hunting rights with the aid or use of a dog when the dog has entered upon the land of another without written permission or over which the person does not have hunting rights. The provisions of this section apply whether the person in control of the dog intentionally or unintentionally releases, allows, or otherwise causes the dog to enter upon the land of another without permission of the landowner. (C) It is not a violation of this section if a person, with the landowner's permission, uses a single dog to recover a dead or wounded animal on the land of another and maintains sight and voice contact with the dog. (D) A dog that has entered upon the land of another without permission given to the person in control of the dog shall not be killed, maimed, or otherwise harmed simply because the dog has entered upon the land. A person who violates this subsection may be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. The penalties for violations of this section as provided in subsection (E) do not apply to violations of this subsection. (E) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars, no part of which may be suspended, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both. The court must transmit record of the conviction to the department for hunting license suspension pursuant to subsection (F). (F) In addition to any other penalties provided by law, a person convicted of a violation of this section must have his hunting privileges suspended by the department for one year from the date of his conviction. He may not have his hunting privileges reinstated by the department until after he successfully completes a hunter education class administered by the department. (G)(1) The provisions of this section do not apply to bear hunting. (2) The provisions of this section do not apply to Game Zones 1 or 2.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1105 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 11 / Section 50-5-1105
SECTION 50-5-1105. Catch limits; bait dealer taking and possession requirements; penalties.
Status: repealed

(A) When taking shrimp over bait, there is a catch limit of not more than forty-eight quarts of whole shrimp or twenty-nine quarts of headed shrimp, for each set of poles a day. When no bait is being used, the catch limit is forty-eight quarts of whole shrimp or twenty-nine quarts of headed shrimp for each boat a day or for each person when no boat is used. When a seine or seines are being used to take shrimp, one catch limit is allowed a day among the persons using the seines. As used in this section, a day means sunrise on one day to sunrise on the following day. (B) It is unlawful for a person to have in his immediate control or possession more than forty-eight quarts of whole shrimp or twenty-nine quarts of headed shrimp while upon the waters or the lands immediately adjacent to the waters from May 1 through December 15. The possession limit is ninety-six quarts of whole shrimp or fifty-eight quarts of headed shrimp while not on the waters or lands immediately adjacent to the waters unless a person has in possession a bill of lading or receipt showing that the shrimp have been purchased from a licensed retail or wholesale dealer. This subsection does not apply to a licensed trawler lawfully fishing or transporting the catch, or to a licensed dealer distributing his product, or to a properly licensed bait dealer harvesting or distributing his product. (C) From December 16 through April 30, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, it is unlawful for a person to have in his immediate control or possession more than a total of twelve dozen live or dead shrimp while upon the waters of this State. When a boat is being used to catch or transport shrimp, one limit is allowed among all persons in the boat. This subsection does not apply to a trawler lawfully fishing or transporting the catch or to a licensed dealer distributing his product, or to a properly licensed bait dealer harvesting or distributing his product. No trawler may have a cast net or other recreational shrimping gear aboard during this period. Charter fishing vessels properly licensed under Section 50-5-1930 may not have aboard more than a total of twenty-five dozen live or dead shrimp while upon the waters of this State from December 16 through April 30. (D) Any bait dealer harvesting live shrimp to be sold as bait: (1) must have in possession a valid bait dealer license; (2) must have a live bait tank or bait tanks aboard the harvesting vessel with a compatible aeration system; (3) may not have dead shrimp aboard; and (4) must be certified by the department as a bona fide bait dealer. The department may annually certify bone fide bait dealers, and this department certification must be in writing and must be in the bait dealer's possession at all times when harvesting live shrimp for bait or while in possession of live shrimp to be sold as bait. For purposes of certification the department may inspect the business premises and floating equipment of a person engaged in harvesting and selling shrimp to be used as bait. (E) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, and the entire catch is contraband and must be seized and disposed of as provided in this chapter. If the shrimp involved in the violation were caught over bait, the privilege to catch shrimp over bait must be suspended for two years from the date of conviction. (F) No part of the fine, forfeiture, or suspension of privileges imposed for a violation under this section may be suspended. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, "50-5-1910" was deleted from the last sentence of subsection (C) because that section was repealed by 2009 Act No. 15.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2200 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 10 / Section 50-11-2200
SECTION 50-11-2200. Establishment, operation, and maintenance of wildlife management areas; prohibited conduct; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) Subject to available funding, the department shall acquire sufficient wildlife habitat through lease or purchase or otherwise to establish wildlife management areas for the protection, propagation, and promotion of fish and wildlife and for public hunting, fishing, and other natural resource dependent recreational use. The department may not have under lease at any one time more than one million six hundred thousand acres in the wildlife management area program. The department may not pay more than fair market value for the lease of lands in the area. The department may not lease land for the program which, during the preceding twenty-four months, was held under a private hunting lease. However, this restriction does not apply: (1) if the former lessee executes a voluntary consent to the proposed wildlife management area lease; (2) if the lessor cancels the lease; or (3) to any lands which, during the twenty-four months before June 5, 1986, were in the game management area program. (B) The department may promulgate regulations for the protection, preservation, operation, maintenance, and use of wildlife management areas and Heritage Trust areas and those other lands owned by the department. (C) The following acts or conduct are prohibited and shall be unlawful on all wildlife management areas, state lakes and ponds owned or leased by the department, heritage preserves owned by the department, and all other lands owned by the department; provided, however, the department may promulgate regulations allowing any of the acts or conduct by prescribing acceptable times, locations, means, and other appropriate restrictions not inconsistent with the protection, preservation, operation, maintenance, and use of such lands and areas: (1) hunting or taking wildlife or fish; (2) exceeding bag or creel limits; (3) hunting or taking wildlife or fish by unauthorized methods, weapons, or ammunition; (4) hunting or taking wildlife or fish during closed seasons, days, or times; (5) hunting or taking wildlife by aid of bait or feeding or baiting wildlife; (6) hiking; (7) rock climbing or rappelling; (8) operation of motorized and nonmotorized vehicles; (9) swimming; (10) camping; (11) horse riding; (12) staging or participating in "paintball", "airsoft", or similar games; (13) possession of pets and specialty animals; (14) use of fire, fireworks, or explosives; (15) polluting or contaminating any land or water; (16) acting in a disorderly manner or creating any noise which would result in annoyance to others and no person shall operate or use electronic sound devices except as permitted by the department; (17) consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages on lands and areas designated for hunting or fishing; (18) conducting commercial activity or using the area for commercial gain, except by permit; (19) gathering, damaging, or destroying rocks, minerals, fossils, artifacts, geological formations, or ecofacts, except by permit; (20) gathering, damaging, or destroying plants, fallen vegetation, animals, and fungi except to the extent these activities are authorized by permit, or are incidental to other activities authorized in wildlife management areas by this title; (21) entering a closed area or unauthorized entry; (22) launching or landing parachutes or parasails or aircraft including models or remotely piloted aircraft and similar devices, except for law enforcement or emergencies; (23) placing temporary or permanent structures on these lands and areas, except permitted stands and blinds; (24) obstructing or creating a hazard to land or water traffic or obstructing a watercourse; (25) operating a motor vehicle in or across watercourses other than at designated fording sites; (26) posting bills, signs, or other notices; (27) indecently exposing one's person or performing an indecent act in public; (28) abandoning vehicles, equipment, or other material; (29) defacing, altering, destroying, or removing any sign, marker, guidepost, fence, gate, lock, barrier, improvement, building, bridge, culvert, structure, natural landmark, or feature; (30) geocaching; (31) use or possession of metal detectors, except by permit; (32) digging or excavating, except by permit; (33) use of herbicides or pesticides, excluding insect repellent; (34) introducing nonnative or cultivated plants or other organisms, or releasing an animal; (35) cutting or collecting of firewood, except by permit; (36) discharging weapons or target shooting, except in areas designated by the department; (37) trapping; (38) shooting onto or across WMA areas closed to hunting or attempting to take wildlife on WMA areas closed to hunting; (39) use or operation of watercraft; and (40) depositing refuse, garbage, or other waste materials. (D) The department or emergency service personnel may undertake these activities for enforcement, emergencies, or management purposes. (E) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both. (F) As used in this section "bait", "baiting", or "feeding" means placing, depositing, exposing, distributing, or scattering of shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain or food stuffs to constitute an attraction, lure, or enticement for wildlife to, on, or over an area. "Baited area" means an area where bait or feed is directly or indirectly placed, deposited, exposed, distributed, or scattered, and the area remains a baited area for ten days following the complete removal of all bait or feed. Nothing in this section prohibits the hunting and taking of wildlife on or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited and where: (1) there are standing crops on the field where grown, including crops grown for wildlife management purposes; or (2) shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain, or seeds that have been distributed or scattered solely as the result of a normal agricultural practice as prescribed by the Clemson University Extension Service or its successor. (G) An activity permitted by regulation may be temporarily suspended for up to one hundred eighty days if the activity is adversely affecting natural resources or human health or safety. (H) Nothing contained in this section shall interfere with the use and management of lands by a state agency in charge of these lands in the functions of the agency as authorized by law. Effect of Amendment The 2007 amendment, in paragraph (A)(3), in the second sentence substituted "promulgate regulations for hunting and taking wildlife" for "establish open and closed seasons, bag limits, and methods for hunting and taking wildlife"; in subsection (B), substituted "wildlife management areas" for "land owned by the department"; in subsection (C), substituted "all wildlife management areas and all other lands" for "land" and added paragraph (17) relating to possession of alcoholic beverages; and added subsection (E). The 2009 amendment rewrote this section. 2014 Act No. 234, SECTION 1, rewrote subsection (C), and in subsection (F), added a comma after "shucked".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-240 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-240
SECTION 50-23-240. Filing and publication of rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

A copy of the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, and of any amendments thereto, shall be filed in the office of the board and in the office of the official State record-keeping agency. Rules and regulations shall be published by the department in a convenient form.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-1130 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 11 / Section 50-25-1130
SECTION 50-25-1130. Violation of article; penalty.
Status: in_force

The operator of any motorboat who violates any of the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined for a first offense not less than fifty-dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. For a conviction of a second offense the punishment shall be by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days. For the conviction of third or subsequent offense the punishment shall be by a fine of not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months or both such fine and imprisonment.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-590 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-590
SECTION 50-11-590. Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend.
Status: repealed

Section effective May 11, 2028. See, also, section 50-11-590 effective until May 11, 2028. (A) The Saturday and Sunday preceding the start of a game zone turkey season is declared to be "Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend" within the game zone for youth turkey hunters under eighteen years of age. (B) A license or tag requirement is waived for a youth turkey hunter during Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend. (C) The bag limit during Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend is one male wild turkey for the weekend that shall count toward the season bag limit. A turkey harvest must be reported to the electronic harvest reporting system pursuant to the provisions of Section 50-11-546. (D) Youth turkey hunters who have not completed the hunter education program pursuant to Section 50-9-310, and who hunt during Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend, must be accompanied by an adult who is at least twenty-one years of age. An adult may not harvest or attempt to harvest turkeys during Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend but is permitted to call turkeys for a youth turkey hunter. Editor's Note 2024 Act No. 224, SECTION 6, provides as follows: "SECTION 6. The amendments contained in SECTIONS 1 and 4 of this act are repealed on May 11, 2028, and the text of these SECTIONS shall revert back to the language contained in the South Carolina Code of Laws as of January 1, 2024." Effect of Amendment 2024 Act No. 224, SECTION 4, rewrote the section.Section effective until May 11, 2028. See, also, section 50-11-590 effective until May 11, 2028. (A) The Saturday and Sunday preceding April 3 and the Saturday and Sunday following May 3 is declared to be a "Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend" for youth turkey hunters under eighteen years of age. (B) A license or tag requirement is waived for a youth turkey hunter during a Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend. (C) The total bag limit for the two Youth Turkey Hunting Weekends combined is one legal male wild turkey that shall count toward the season bag limit. A youth turkey hunter who has reached the season bag limit on or prior to May 3 must not harvest or attempt to harvest a turkey during the Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend following May 3 but is permitted to call turkeys for another youth turkey hunter. A turkey harvest must be reported to the electronic harvest reporting system pursuant to the provisions of Section 50-11-546. (D) Youth turkey hunters who have not completed the hunter education program pursuant to Section 50-9-310, and who hunt during a Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend, must be accompanied by an adult who is at least twenty-one years of age. An adult must not harvest or attempt to harvest a turkey during a Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend but is permitted to call turkeys for a youth turkey hunter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1450 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1450
SECTION 50-11-1450. Violation of article, penalty.
Status: in_force

Any person violating any of the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of two hundred dollars or thirty days imprisonment for each offense and shall forfeit his license and tags and may not secure any additional license during that year.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1320 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 50-5-1320
SECTION 50-5-1320. Identification of vessels taking blue crabs by trap; buoy colors; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) Any vessel used in aid of taking blue crabs by trap or transporting live blue crabs taken by traps for commercial purposes must display crab trap identification numbers assigned by the department as authorized in Article 5 of this chapter. The numbers must be displayed permanently and conspicuously on the outside of the hull on both the port and starboard sides of the vessel near midships. Individual letters and numerals must be no less than eight inches in height and six inches in width and of a color contrasting that of the hull. An unobstructed circle no less than eight inches in diameter, in a contrasting color must be displayed next to the trap identification number. The circle must consist of any one or two colors, other than black or yellow, which match the color or color combination utilized on the buoys of the crab traps being used. If two colors are used, each must cover one-half of the circle. Colors must be of such hue and brilliance as to be easily distinguished and seen. The department may approve and require crab fishermen to register color choices. (B) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-30 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 50-15-30
SECTION 50-15-30. Endangered species listed; review and amendment of list; unlawful to take, deal in, or transport species on lists.
Status: in_force

(A) On the basis of investigations on nongame wildlife provided for in Section 50-15-20 and other available scientific and commercial data, and after consultation with other state agencies, appropriate federal agencies, and other interested persons and organizations, but not later than one year after July 2, 1974, the department shall by regulation propose a list of those species or subspecies of wildlife indigenous to the State which are determined to be endangered within this State, giving their common and scientific names by species and subspecies. Such regulation shall become effective sixty days after being proposed during which period public comment shall be solicited and received. The board may hold a public hearing if deemed appropriate. On the basis of public comments received or the testimony at any such hearing, the department may add to such proposed list additional species or subspecies which are determined to be endangered within the State or delete therefrom such species or subspecies which are determined not to be endangered within the State. (B) The department shall conduct a review of the state list of endangered species within not more than two years from its effective date and every two years thereafter and may amend the list by such additions or deletions as are deemed appropriate. The department shall submit to the Governor a summary report of the data used in support of all amendments to the state list during the preceding biennium. (C) Except as otherwise provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale, or ship, and for any common or contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment any species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on any of the following lists: (1) the list of wildlife indigenous to the State determined to be endangered within the State pursuant to subsection (A); (2) the United States' List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife as it appears on July 2, 1974, (Part 17 of Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Appendix D, 50 C.F.R. Section 17.11); and (3) the United States' List of Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife (Part 17 of Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Appendix A, 50 C.F.R. Section 17.11), as such list may be modified hereafter; provided, that any species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on any of the foregoing lists which enters the State from another state or from a point outside the territorial limits of the United States and which is transported across the State destined for a point beyond the State may be so entered and transported without restriction in accordance with the terms of any federal permit or permit issued under the laws or regulations of another state. (D) In the event the United States' List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife is modified subsequent to July 2, 1974, by additions or deletions, such modifications whether or not involving species or subspecies indigenous to the State may be accepted as binding under subsection (C) if, after the type of scientific determination described in subsection (A), the department by regulation accepts such modification for the State. Any such regulation shall be effective upon promulgation. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 159, SECTION 1, changed the paragraph designators to upper case; in subsection (A), substituted "50-15-20" for "50-15-30"; in subsection (C), substituted "article" for "chapter", and added a comma after "sale"; and in subsection (D), added a comma following "1974". 2020 Act No. 177, SECTION 5, in (B), in the first and second sentences, substituted "The department" for "The board". 2022 Act No. 230, SECTION 2.L, in (C), in (2), substituted "Appendix D, 50 C.F.R. Section 17.11" for "Appendix D", and in (3), substituted "Appendix A, 50 C.F.R. Section 17.11" for "Appendix A".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-380 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-380
SECTION 50-5-380. Information or report by licensee or permittee to take saltwater fishery product for commercial or scientific purpose; confidentiality; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) A person or entity licensed or permitted by the department engaged in the take, distribution, or propagation of any saltwater fishery product for a commercial or scientific purpose must keep accurate records and may be required to provide accurate information and reports to the department on forms and by methods required by the department for the administration and enforcement of saltwater fishery laws and for fisheries management purposes. The department has concurrent authority with the United States to collect or require the submission of pertinent data specified pursuant to the federal Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, as amended. Any information which directly or indirectly discloses the identity of a licensee or permittee or income amounts or trade secrets or other specialized methodologies for growing or taking or marketing saltwater fisheries products is not public information. Information on fisheries furnished by any source which is required by a state or federal law to be kept confidential is not subject to disclosure except when required by order of a court of competent jurisdiction. (B) Noncommercial information provided voluntarily to the department in support of a resource or management activity is likewise confidential. Nothing in this section may be construed as to limit the use of such information in enforcement of this chapter. (C) A person or entity licensed or permitted under this chapter who fails to make an accurate and timely report as required by the department is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, the person must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days for each report, and the department must suspend the license or permit under which the report is required until accurate and complete reports are submitted to the department. Each delinquent or inaccurate report must be handled as a separate offense. The provisions of this section do not supersede or replace any criminal sanctions for defrauding or attempting to defraud this State. (D) The department shall collect and analyze data pertinent to protection, propagation, promotion, and management of marine resources.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-12-10 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 50-12-10
SECTION 50-12-10. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the "Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact". Editor's Note 2011 Act No. 12, SECTIONS 2 and 3, provide as follows: "SECTION 2. The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to take all actions necessary to prepare for the implementation of this act including, but not limited to, the promulgation of regulations. "SECTION 3. This act takes effect one year after approval by the Governor, except Section 2 takes effect upon approval by the Governor."
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-420 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 50-15-420
SECTION 50-15-420. Penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) Unless otherwise provided for, a person who violates the provisions of this article or implementing regulations is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both. The magistrates court retains concurrent jurisdiction for offenses contained in this article. (B) Any alligator, alligator part, alligator eggs, or alligator skins unlawfully possessed, purchased, sold, bartered, shipped, or transported are contraband and are forfeited to the department. Forfeited animals and parts must be disposed of by law and the proceeds from them deposited according to law. (C) Any person permitted as an alligator propagator convicted of violating any of the provisions of this article or regulations related to the unlawful taking, purchasing, selling, or bartering of a wild alligator, wild alligator part, or wild alligator eggs, or the unlawful shipping or transporting of those items, forfeits his permit upon conviction for one year, and all alligators, alligator parts, and alligator skins in his possession are forfeited to the State. Forfeited animals and parts must be disposed of by law and the proceeds from them deposited according to law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-170 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-170
SECTION 50-21-170. Relationship between state and federal regulations; effect of changes in federal law or regulations.
Status: in_force

The statutes and regulations, including the United States Coast Guard Navigational Rules that pertain to watercraft and watercraft safety, associated marine equipment, performance and operation of watercraft, standard numbering and registration of watercraft, and boating accident reporting as enacted by the Congress of the United States or as promulgated by the appropriate department of the United States government, are the law of the State of South Carolina. Any person violating the provisions of the statutes or regulations, upon conviction, must be punished as provided in Section 50-21-150.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-1150 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 11 / Section 50-9-1150
SECTION 50-9-1150. Notice of suspension; appeals.
Status: in_force

(A) Upon determination that a person has accumulated sufficient points to warrant suspension of privileges, the department shall notify him in writing that his privileges are suspended, and the person shall return the license and any tags in the person's name to the department no later than ten days following the effective date of the suspension. (B) The notice of the suspension must be given by the department by depositing the notice in the United States mail with postage prepaid addressed to the person at the address contained in the records of the department. The giving of notice by mail is complete twenty days after the deposit of the notice. A certificate by the director of the department, or his designee, that the notice has been sent as required in this section is presumptive proof that the requirements as to notice of suspension have been met even if the notice has not been received by the addressee. (C) A person whose privileges have been suspended may appeal the decision of the department under the Administrative Procedures Act. Effect of Amendment 2023 Act No. 64, SECTION 3.B, rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-410 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 9 / Section 50-19-410
SECTION 50-19-410. Agreement respecting Lanier Lake.
Status: in_force

The department may enter into an agreement with the owners of Lake Lanier, located in Greenville County, whereby the department may take over the management of the lake and lake property for fisheries and hunting purposes and shall take the necessary steps toward restocking the lake with fish, designating open and closed seasons for fishing and hunting thereon, making rules and regulations by which permits may be issued to persons for fishing and hunting thereon and in all other ways exercising complete control of the waters of the lake in such a manner that will most successfully restock, propagate and protect the fish and game in the lake for the benefit of the public in general.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-30 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-30
SECTION 50-1-30. Classifications of birds, animals, and fish.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this title the following classifications are recognized: (1) Game birds: mourning dove, northern bob white, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, Wilson snipe, woodcock, the Anatidae (commonly known as goose, brant, and duck), and the Rallidae (commonly known as marsh hen, coot, gallinule, and rail). (2) Unprotected birds: house sparrow (Passer domesticus), rock pigeon (Columba livia), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto). These birds are unprotected by state law. (3) Nongame birds: all native birds not named in items (1) and (2) of this section are nongame birds and must not be destroyed in any manner at any time, except as otherwise provided by law. (4) Game animals: beaver, black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, squirrel, and weasel. (5) Freshwater game fish: Bream: bluegill, flier, green sunfish; pumpkinseed, redbreast, redear (shellcracker), spotted sunfish; warmouth; Black Bass; striped bass or rockfish; white bass; hybrid striped bass-white bass; white crappie, black crappie; Trout: rainbow, brown, brook, and their hybrids, chain pickerel (jackfish), redfin pickerel, sauger, walleye, and yellow perch. (6) Freshwater nongame fish: any freshwater fish species not classified as a game fish. (7) Saltwater gamefish: Cobia Rachycentron canadum; spotted seatrout (winter trout) Cynoscion nebulosus; red drum (channel bass) Sciaenops ocellatus; tarpon Megalops atlanticus; and any species of billfish of the Family Istiophoridae. (8) Migratory waterfowl: members of the family "Anatidae" including brants, ducks, geese, and swans. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, "mourning dove" was substituted for "morning dove" in item (1) to correct a typographical error. Effect of Amendment The 2007 amendment added item (6) relating to saltwater gamefish. The 2008 amendment, in item (5), removed white perch from the list of game fish. The 2010 amendment rewrote the section. The 2012 amendment inserted "Cobia Rachycentron canadum;" in item (7). 2020 Act No. 152, SECTION 1, added (8), relating to migratory waterfowl. 2022 Act No. 137, SECTION 1, in (5), deleted "largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, redeye bass (coosae bass);" following "Black Bass", substituted "brown, brook, and their hybrids" for "brown and brook", and made a nonsubstantive change.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-980 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 9 / Section 50-9-980
SECTION 50-9-980. South Carolina Conservation Education Fund.
Status: in_force

(A) The South Carolina Conservation Education Fund is established for the purpose of connecting youth with nature through classroom and outdoor natural resource conservation education. (B) The fund is eligible to receive appropriations of state general funds, federal funds, local government funds, donations, gifts, and grants. (C) Revenues for the fund must be remitted to the State Treasurer and credited to an account that is separate and distinct from the general fund. Balances in the fund must be retained and carried forward annually and interest earned on balances in the fund must be credited to the fund. (D) Revenues from the fund must only be used by the department for the purpose of connecting youth with nature through classroom and outdoor natural resource conservation education programs approved by the department, to include, but is not limited to: (1) funding for natural resource conservation education classes and programs approved by the department; and (2) funding for youth to attend outdoor natural resource conservation education programs approved by the department. Editor's Note 2025 Act No. 15, SECTION 1, provides as follows: "This act may be cited as the 'South Carolina Conservation Education Act.' "
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-18-225 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 18 / Article 2 / Section 50-18-225
SECTION 50-18-225. Possession, sale, and purchase of freshwater game fish and aquaculture products.
Status: in_force

Native or established freshwater game fish and regulated aquaculture products produced under permit as authorized by this chapter may be possessed, sold, offered for sale, bartered, trafficked, and purchased as provided in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-510 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 50-5-510
SECTION 50-5-510. Channel nets; season; observation of use by department; restrictions as to possession; requirements applicable to use of net and possession of license; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) The season for using channel nets shall be no longer than ninety days, and the department annually may set the channel net season between September 1 of any year and December 15 of the same year, inclusive. (B) A person licensed to use a channel net must allow designated department personnel to board or accompany any vessel on or from which a channel net is used to observe fishing activities, fishing gear, catch, and discards. (C) It is unlawful to possess a channel net aboard a boat during the closed channel net season. (D) It is unlawful to possess an unlicensed channel net aboard a boat. (E) The following requirements apply to channel nets used in the salt waters of this State: (1) the width at the mouth measured across the float or head line must not exceed eighty feet; (2) no channel net may be operated from a trawler; (3) a channel net must be marked with three buoys, international orange in color, constructed of solid foam or polyvinylchloride and not less than forty inches in circumference so as to be clearly visible at all times above the water's surface, one attached to each staff and one having the name, address, and license number of the owner thereon attached outside of the tailbag or codend; and (4) a channel net set at night must be marked by a white light clearly visible from a distance of one-quarter of a nautical mile. (F) It is unlawful for a person to set, retrieve, or remove catch from a channel net unless the properly licensed owner of the net is present and has his license in his immediate possession. (G) No channel net when set may be unattended for more than twenty-four hours. Any channel net not fished for more than twenty-four hours or which contains decomposed fish is contraband and must be seized and disposed of as provided in this chapter. (H) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-40 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-40
SECTION 50-1-40. Stocked or released exotic game birds.
Status: in_force

All species of the pheasants and the francolins that have been stocked or may be released by the department are hereby classified as game birds in this State, along with any other game bird species that the department may select for release in this State; provided, that any such species that may not adapt itself to environmental conditions in this State after extensive trial may be removed from the game bird list.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-980 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-980
SECTION 50-5-980. Erection and maintenance of signs; penalty.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for a person, without approval of the department, to erect or maintain any sign over or on any state shellfish bottoms or waters. However, a Culture or Mariculture Permit holder may erect signs approved by the department to designate areas under permit. This section in no way affects placement by an authorized public agency of signs for aid to navigation, public health, public safety, and geographic designation. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-270 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-270
SECTION 50-1-270. Liability for gross destruction or injury to wildlife, aquatic life, endangered or threatened species, or state lands or waters.
Status: in_force

(A) A person or public or private entity is liable to the State for the unlawful gross destruction of or injury to wildlife, aquatic life, endangered or threatened species, or the lands or waters owned by the State. For a deliberate or grossly negligent act, the State must be awarded damages of three times the value of the resource affected, plus costs, including attorney's fees. Monies paid in satisfaction of these claims must be used to restore, replenish, or enhance wildlife, aquatic life, endangered or threatened species, or the lands or waters owned by the State. For purposes of this section, the injury or damages must be caused by other than pollution. (B) The department is the agency primarily responsible for the enforcement and implementation of this section. Other state agencies and governmental entities shall cooperate with the department in an effort to investigate the causes of the destruction or injury and shall assist in collecting the appropriate damages. (C) This section does not apply to ordinary agricultural practices.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1230 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1230
SECTION 50-11-1230. Designation of boundaries.
Status: in_force

Shooting preserve operators shall maintain a clearly defined boundary on which signs designating the area as a shooting preserve must be posted at intervals of one hundred fifty feet or less. Construction of a fence, as prescribed by the department, along the boundaries of the preserve may be required.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-610 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-610
SECTION 50-13-610. Application of article.
Status: repealed

The provisions of this article apply to the use of nongame fishing devices and the taking of nongame fish in the freshwaters of this State except herring and American shad. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-610 was entitled "Lawful taking of fish in Game Zone No. 1" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-614; 1952 Code SECTION 28-614; 1942 Code SECTION 1789-7; 1938 (40) 1657; 1939 (41) 318; 1941 (42) 225; 1952 (47) 2179; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; repealed by 2012 Act No. 113, SECTION 4. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2320 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 11 / Section 50-11-2320
SECTION 50-11-2320. Program funds to be expended in certain order.
Status: in_force

The Operation Game Thief Program funds must be expended in conformity with the laws of the State, except that any monies appropriated by the General Assembly or received from donations must be used before monies from any county game fund are used. Balances remaining at the end of the fiscal year are exempt from the provisions of law relating to lapsing of appropriations.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2650 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 13 / Section 50-11-2650
SECTION 50-11-2650. Penalties for violation of article.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided, a person who violates a provision of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be: (1) for a first offense, fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days; (2) for a second offense within two years of a conviction for the first offense, fined five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days; and (3) for a third or subsequent offense within two years of a conviction for the second offense, fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-100 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 50-15-100
SECTION 50-15-100. Prohibition of release of certain records.
Status: in_force

The department may not release records in its possession that contain site-specific information including, but not limited to, unique numeric identifiers of precise geographic locations, telemetry, or other locational data, regarding the occurrence of federal- or state-listed rare, threatened, species in need of management, endangered, or otherwise imperiled plant and animal species on public or private property, except in support of scientific, conservation, or educational purposes. The owner or owners of private property upon which threatened, endangered, or at-risk species occur shall be entitled to records specific to said property upon the request to the department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-270 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 50-21-270
SECTION 50-21-270. Removal of sunken vessels.
Status: in_force

(A) A sunken vessel in the waters of the State must be removed by a responsible party: (1) before the date the vessel will be declared a derelict vessel or an abandoned vessel, as appropriate, if the vessel received an abandoned vessel notice or a derelict vessel notice prior to sinking; or (2) within twenty-one days of the day the vessel sunk, or within forty-five days if a bona fide plan of removal is provided to the department within twenty-one days of the day the vessel sunk, if the vessel did not receive an abandoned vessel notice or a derelict vessel notice prior to sinking. (B) A sunken vessel that remains in the waters of the State after the applicable time period for its removal by a responsible party expires is subject to removal at any time by any person without liability to a responsible party. A person who removes and disposes of a sunken vessel after the expiration of the applicable time period may commence a civil action against a responsible party within three years of the removal and disposal to recover: (1) the cost of the removal and disposal; and (2) the attorney's fees and court costs incurred in bringing the action. (C) The civil action provided in this section is in addition to and supplemental of any rights of salvage that may be available under maritime law. (D) The provisions of this section do not apply to a vessel that is submerged archaeological historic property, as defined in Section 54-7-620.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-740 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 7 / Section 50-9-740
SECTION 50-9-740. Designation of youth hunting days; requirements.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may select one or more days to designate as a "South Carolina Youth Hunting Day", in addition to the regular seasons for a species of wild game. A youth hunting day must be held outside a regular season on a weekend, holiday, or other nonschool day when a youth hunter may have the maximum opportunity to participate. A day must be held on the Saturday before the regular game zone season framework for hunting antlered deer only. The daily bag limit on this day is one antlered deer. For all other game, the day may be held up to fourteen days before or after a regular season framework or within a split of a regular season, or within another open season. (B) A person who is less than eighteen years of age may be a youth hunter. Youth hunters who have not completed the hunter education program pursuant to Section 50-9-310, who hunt on a statewide youth hunting day, must be accompanied by an adult who is at least twenty-one years of age. The adult may not harvest or attempt to harvest game during this special hunting event. A license or tag requirement pursuant to this chapter is waived for a youth hunter on a youth hunting day. A daily harvest limit remains the same as allowed during regular seasons for each species of game. Effect of Amendment The 2007 amendment, in subsection (B), rewrote the first sentence which formerly provided "Youth hunters must be at least ten years of age through seventeen years of age" and made nonsubstantive changes throughout subsections (A) and (B). 2018 Act No. 200, SECTION 1, rewrote the section, providing for a youth hunting day for hunting antlered deer only and a bag limit, providing that youth hunters who have not completed the hunter education program must be accompanied by an adult, and providing that the license or tag requirement is waived for a youth hunter on a youth hunting day.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-940 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 9 / Section 50-3-940
SECTION 50-3-940. Investment income; expenditures for specified purposes.
Status: in_force

The board may accumulate the investment income of the fund and may direct expenditures from the income of the fund for the purposes set forth in Section 50-3-930(3).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-110
SECTION 50-1-110. Disposition of game and fish unlawfully caught, taken, or killed.
Status: in_force

Wildlife unlawfully taken, shipped, or received for shipment, or found in the possession or under control of a person, which comes into the possession of the department and wildlife legally taken which comes into possession of the department may be disposed of in the discretion of the department. No wildlife coming into the possession of the department may be transferred to or used by a department employee or member of his family for personal use.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-110
SECTION 50-21-110. Negligent operation of water device; offense; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) No person may operate any water device in a negligent manner. (B) Negligent operation includes, but is not limited to, operating a water device at more than idle speed in a no wake zone, failing to maintain a proper lookout for other boats or persons, operating too fast for conditions on the water, racing, or pulling a skier through a designated swimming area. (C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days for each violation. (D) In addition to other penalties, the department shall require any person who is convicted under this section three times within a five-year period to attend and complete a boating safety education program approved by the department. The person required to attend the class shall reimburse the department for the expense of the class. A person's privilege to operate a water device within this State must be suspended until successful completion of the required class.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2515 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2515
SECTION 50-11-2515. Prohibited acts.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise permitted in this article, it is unlawful to possess, acquire, or transfer any raw or green fur, pelt, hide, or whole furbearing animal. It is also unlawful to possess, acquire, or transfer any untagged fur, pelt, hide, or whole animal that requires a tag. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be punished as provided in Section 50-11-2560. Each fur, pelt, hide, or whole animal found in violation of this section constitutes a separate offense.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-970 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 9 / Section 50-9-970
SECTION 50-9-970. County Game and Fish Fund created.
Status: in_force

(A) The County Game and Fish Fund is created for the purpose of receiving revenue generated from the following sources: (1) the designated portion of each annual nonresident freshwater fishing license; (2) revenue from fines, fees, and forfeitures for violations of Chapters 1 through 16; (3) unexpended revenue from prior years; (4) restricted interest income; (5) revenue generated from the disposal of surplus equipment. These funds must be remitted to the State Treasurer and credited to a special account separate and distinct from the general fund. The funds only may be used for the purposes set forth in this section. (B) Revenue must be expended by the department for the protection, promotion, propagation, and management of fisheries and wildlife, the enforcement of related laws, the administration of the department, and the dissemination of information, facts, and findings the department considers necessary. (C) The fund must be further separated into forty-six subaccounts, one for each county. A report must be made annually to each member of the forty-six county delegations as to the balances in these accounts. Following the annual report distribution, the most recent report of balances available must be furnished to a delegation member making a request. Each county delegation may make recommendations to the department regarding the expenditure of funds from the County Game and Fish Fund for the protection, promotion, propagation, and management of fisheries and wildlife. The department must give these recommendations primary consideration over any other projects. (D) If any equipment purchased by the department with these funds is sold, the proceeds of the sale retained by the department must be credited to the county fund from which the original purchase was made. (E) Expenditures from this fund that have the approval of the county delegation are exempt from Act 651 of 1978, as amended. (F) Interest earned on revenues deposited to the County Game and Fish Fund must be credited to the fund and expended for those same purposes. (G) Balances must be retained and carried forward annually and may be used to match available federal funds.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1910 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 13 / Section 50-13-1910
SECTION 50-13-1910. State assent to act of Congress providing aid in fish restoration and management projects; funding.
Status: in_force

This State hereby assents to the provisions of the act of Congress entitled "An Act to Provide that the United States Shall Aid the States in Fish Restoration and Management Projects, and for Other Purposes," approved August 9, 1950 (Public Law No. 681, 81st Congress), and the department shall perform acts as necessary to the conduct and establishment of cooperative fish restoration projects, as defined in this act of Congress, in compliance with the act and rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. The amounts necessary for this State to provide, in order to receive the benefits of the act, must be paid from the fees collected by the department from the sale of resident fishing licenses and a separate fund for this purpose must be set up. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment inserts "must" for "shall" throughout section and makes other, nonsubstantive, changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-250 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 50-13-250
SECTION 50-13-250. Unlawful possession of smallmouth bass.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to possess smallmouth bass less than twelve inches in total length, except on Lakes Hartwell, Russell (including the Lake Hartwell tail water), Thurmond, Tugaloo, Yonah, the Chattooga, and Savannah Rivers, and Steven Creek Reservoir where there is no length limit on smallmouth bass. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-250 was entitled "Daily creel limit on trout" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-594.1; 1961 (52) 136; 1983 Act No. 125, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment added the text following "less than twelve inches in total length".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1390 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1390
SECTION 50-11-1390. Revocation of or refusal to issue breeders license.
Status: in_force

The department, when it has evidence that any breeder is violating the intent of this article and is not cooperating with the department in a desirable manner, may revoke the breeder's license and may refuse to issue the license and seals or tags to the breeder. Where a person has a record of game violations, the department may refuse to issue the breeder's license.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-280 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-280
SECTION 50-23-280. Penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) Unless otherwise specified, a person violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both. (B) A dealer violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars for the first offense, and not less than one hundred dollars for a second offense within two years. For the second and subsequent offenses, the dealer's permit must be suspended for ninety days. Any demonstration numbers must be surrendered to the department. A dealer who submits a fraudulent document or payment to the department must be suspended for ninety days. Effect of amendment The 2008 amendment rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-535 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 50-9-535
SECTION 50-9-535. Conversion of lifetime licenses to senior lifetime license.
Status: in_force

A resident who holds a lifetime hunting, lifetime combination, lifetime freshwater fishing, or lifetime saltwater recreational fishing license, upon attaining the age of sixty-four, may convert that license to a senior lifetime license for a fee of nine dollars, one dollar of which the issuing sales vendor may retain. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-9-535 was entitled "Migratory game bird permits; fees; integration with other hunting licenses; when not required" and was derived from 1998 Act No. 305, SECTION 1; 2008 Act No. 214, SECTION 2.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1010 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-1010
SECTION 50-5-1010. Shell removal permits; conditions; remedy in event of significant ecological perturbations; payment.
Status: in_force

(A) The department has jurisdiction over all natural shell deposits, including oysters, clams, and other mollusks occurring upon or within state-owned bottoms, and over all shell deposits lying above mean high water if those deposits have been created by the process of accretion to state-owned lands or bottoms. (B) The department may grant permits to remove shell from these deposits for use in shellfish cultivation and mariculture. The permits must be granted for a term not to exceed three years and must specify conditions for removal. Permits may be granted only when no significant ecological perturbations are foreseen. If permitted removal does cause significant ecological perturbations as a result of the permittee failing to abide by conditions of the permit, the permittee must restore the area to its original condition or as close to its original condition as possible. The department must specify a fixed price for each unit of shell removed. Payments for shell removed must be made by the permittee on or before the tenth day of each month for the preceding month.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-810 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 9 / Section 50-21-810
SECTION 50-21-810. Motorboat towing person on water skis or similar device to have observer or rear-view mirror.
Status: in_force

No person shall operate a motorboat on any waters of this State for towing a person or persons on water skis, or an aquaplane, or similar device, unless there is in such motorboat a person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed or such motorboat is equipped with a wide-angle rear-view mirror mounted in such a manner as to permit the operator of the motorboat to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-30 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 50-9-30
SECTION 50-9-30. Residency requirements.
Status: in_force

(A) For the purposes of obtaining: (1) a recreational license, permit, or tag with a duration of three years or less, "resident", unless otherwise specified, means a United States citizen or a citizen of a foreign country lawfully in the United States who: (a) has been domiciled in this State for thirty consecutive days or more immediately preceding the date of application; (b) is a regularly enrolled full-time student in a high school, technical school, college, or university within this State; or (c) is an active member of the United States Armed Forces, or the member's dependent, stationed in this State for thirty consecutive days or more immediately preceding the date of application; (2) a lifetime recreational license, "resident" means a United States citizen who has been domiciled in this State for one hundred eighty consecutive days or more immediately preceding the date of application; (3) a disability recreational license, "resident" means a United States citizen who has been domiciled in this State for three hundred sixty-five consecutive days or more immediately preceding the date of application; (4)(a) a commercial license, permit, or tag, "resident" means a United States citizen who has been domiciled in this State for three hundred sixty-five consecutive days or more immediately preceding the date of application; and (b) a commercial license or permit issued for a business, "resident" means a business that has been incorporated and operating in this State for three hundred sixty-five days or more immediately preceding the date of application. (B) An applicant for a resident license must furnish proof of residency as may be required by the department. (C) "Nonresident" means an individual or business that is not a resident under subitem (A). Code Commissioner's Note The three 2010 amendments were read together. They rewrote the section making identical changes except for nonsubstantive differences. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment rewrote subsections (A) and (C).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-750 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 4 / Section 50-11-750
SECTION 50-11-750. Unlawful to feed or entice with food any alligator; exceptions; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to feed or entice with food any American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), except those persons feeding alligators maintained in protective captivity under a permit issued by the department pursuant to Section 50-15-40 for education, scientific, commercial, or recreational purposes; or department personnel, persons licensed, or otherwise authorized by the department, or county or municipal animal control personnel when relocating alligators by baiting or enticement. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in an amount not to exceed two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, the former reference to Section 50-15-50 was changed to Section 50-15-40 to reflect the renumbering of sections in Chapter 15, Title 50 by 2014 Act No. 159.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-570 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 50-9-570
SECTION 50-9-570. Unlawful to hunt migratory game birds without permit; exception.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to hunt, take, or possess migratory game birds without first obtaining a migratory game bird permit. Migratory game birds include mourning dove, Wilson snipe, woodcock, the Anatidae (commonly known as goose, brant, and duck), and the Rallidae (commonly known as marsh hen, coot, gallinule, and rail). (B) Residents who have attained the age of sixty-four and hold a lifetime statewide hunting license, lifetime statewide combination license, gratis lifetime hunting and fishing license, senior lifetime hunting and fishing license, or Catawba hunting and fishing license are not required to obtain a migratory game bird permit.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1005 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-1005
SECTION 50-5-1005. Shellfish importation permits; conditions; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A)(1) The department may grant permits to persons to import molluscan shellfish, shellfish tissues, or shells into this State. (2) No molluscan shellfish, shellfish tissues, or shells may be imported into this State and placed in waters in this State except under the provisions of a shellfish importation permit. (B)(1) The department may grant permits to persons to possess, produce, purchase, or sell polyploid shellfish. (2) No polyploid shellfish, may be placed in the waters of this State or waters connected to the waters of this State, except under the provisions of a permit issued by the department. (C) Permits issued pursuant to this section may include conditions related to: (1) the type or species of mollusks to be imported; (2) testing; (3) ancillary species attached to or associated with the species to be imported; (4) structure and placement of holding or storage facilities; (5) placement of the product in natural waters of this State; (6) disposal of shellfish, shellfish parts, and associated biota; (7) treatment of effluent; (8) biosecurity; (9) reporting requirements; and (10) protection of the natural resources of this State. (D) A person who violates this section, or a condition of a permit issued pursuant to this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars and not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Effect of Amendment 2017 Act No. 30, SECTION 6, rewrote the section, prohibiting the placing of genetically modified shellfish in the waters in this state except under the provisions of a permit, providing for the issuance of permits to persons who possess, produce, purchase, or sell genetically modified shellfish, and providing for the issuance of permits with conditions relating to testing, treatment of effluent, and biosecurity. 2018 Act No. 176, SECTION 1, in (B), in (1) and (2), deleted "genetically modified shellfish, including" preceding "polyploid shellfish".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-160 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 50-11-160
SECTION 50-11-160. Unlawful to trap rabbits; exceptions.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to trap rabbits, except that a landlord or tenant may use not more than five rabbit boxes on lands on which he has exclusive control during the open season for rabbits as provided by law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-295 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-295
SECTION 50-23-295. Transfer of title to watercraft or outboard motor on which property taxes owed; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) A certificate of title to watercraft or an outboard motor may not be transferred if the department has notice that property taxes for property tax years beginning after 1999, are owed on the watercraft or outboard motor. If transfer of title has been denied pursuant to this section, a tax receipt on the watercraft or outboard motor from the person officially charged with the collection of ad valorem taxes in the county where the taxes are due must be accepted as proof that the taxes have been paid. The bill of sale or title to watercraft or an outboard motor must require certification that property taxes that are due and payable for property tax years beginning after 1999, have been paid and are current as of the date of sale. (B) A person who knowingly sells a watercraft for which he owes unpaid and outstanding property taxes, or on which he knows there is a property tax lien, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. In addition to all applicable criminal penalties, a seller who falsely signs the certification required by subsection (A), that property taxes are current and paid on a watercraft transferred to the buyer, is liable to the buyer for three times the amount of damages directly associated with the false certification, as well as applicable costs and reasonable attorney's fees. (C) The county treasurer or other appropriate official annually, or more frequently as the county considers appropriate, shall transmit a list of delinquent taxes due on watercraft and outboard motors to the department. The list may be transmitted in any electronic format considered acceptable by the department. Editor's Note 2007 Act No. 91, SECTIONS 1, 2.B, 3 and 4 provide as follows: "SECTION 1. The General Assembly finds that the application of the provisions of Section 50-23-295 of the 1976 Code enacted by Act 403 of 2000, to property tax years before the year of the enactment of the statute has caused great inconvenience to both the sellers and owners of used watercraft and outboard motors. The General Assembly further finds that it is appropriate to provide clearly that Section 50-23-295 applies only to property taxes on watercraft and outboard motors that become due and payable after the enactment of the section and that this property is purchased free and clear of the liens for property tax years before the 2000 property tax year." "SECTION 2.B. Section 50-23-295(B) takes effect three years after the date of approval of this act by the Governor." "SECTION 3. Used watercraft and outboard motors obtained from a licensed dealer on or after October 3, 2000, are free and clear of the lien for property taxes for property tax years before the 2000 property tax year." "SECTION 4. Property taxes paid on watercraft and outboard motors for property tax years before the 2000 property tax year are not refundable pursuant to any provision of this act." Effect of Amendment The 2007 amendment designated the first undesignated paragraph as subsection (A), in the first sentence substituting "for property tax years beginning after 1999" for "payable by the current owner within the past three years", in the second sentence substituting "where the taxes are due" for "of residence", and in the third sentence substituting "that are due and payable for property tax years beginning after 1999, have been paid and are current as of the date of sale" for "have been paid by the current owner as of the date of sale"; added subsection (B) relating to false signing; designated the second undesignated paragraph as subsection (C), making nonsubstantive changes; and deleted the third undesignated paragraph relating to minimum tax. The 2010 amendment rewrote subsection (B).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-65 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 1 / Section 50-13-65
SECTION 50-13-65. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 113, SECTION 1, eff July 1, 2012.
Status: in_force

Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-13-65 was entitled "Closed season authorized on streams in Game Zone No. 1" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 121, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-110
SECTION 50-5-110. Use of poison, explosive, or bang stick to take marine resources; penalty.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to use poison, an explosive, or a bang stick or similar device in state waters to take marine resources. A person who violates this section by use of poison or an explosive other than a bang stick or similar device is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days and must have his saltwater privileges suspended for twelve months. A person who violates this section by use of a bang stick or similar device is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days and must have his saltwater privileges suspended for twelve months.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-530 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 50-9-530
SECTION 50-9-530. Gratis, senior, and Catawba licenses.
Status: in_force

(A) A resident born before July 1, 1940, may obtain from the department at its designated licensing locations a gratis lifetime hunting and fishing license at no cost. (B) A resident born after June 30, 1940, who has attained the age of sixty-four years may obtain from the department at its designated licensing locations a senior lifetime hunting and fishing license for nine dollars, one dollar of which the issuing sales vendor may retain. (C) A resident born after June 30, 1979, who has attained the age of sixty-four years and who has not completed the required hunter education certification, may obtain a senior lifetime fishing license for nine dollars, one dollar of which the issuing sales vendor may retain. Upon completion of the hunter education certification the licensee may apply to the department for the additional senior lifetime hunting privileges at no cost. (D) A member of the Catawba Indian Tribe, who is a resident of this State, upon application to the department at its designated licensing locations may obtain a Catawba hunting and fishing license at no cost. A certification must be included with the application from the Chief of the Catawba Indian Tribe stating the applicant is a bona fide member of the tribe. (E) A member of the Catawba Indian Tribe, who is a resident of this State born after June 30, 1979, and who has not completed the required hunter education certification, may obtain a Catawba fishing license at no cost. Upon completion of the hunter education certification the licensee may apply to the department for the additional Catawba hunting privileges at no cost. (F) Gratis, senior, and Catawba licenses hunting privileges include statewide hunting, hunting big game, hunting on wildlife management area lands, and hunting migratory waterfowl. The fishing privileges of these licenses include freshwater fishing, freshwater fishing using a set hook, and saltwater fishing. (G) There is no cost to a Catawba hunting and fishing licensee for any other tags required by law for recreational hunting and fishing except for those department hunting and fishing activities controlled by lottery. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-9-530 was entitled "Migratory waterfowl permits; commemorative stamps" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-553.1; 1969 (56) 444; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1261; 1996 Act No. 372, SECTION 2; 2008 Act No. 214, SECTION 1. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment added subsection (G).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-310 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 7 / Section 50-25-310
SECTION 50-25-310. Boating within two hundred feet below dam unlawful.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for anyone to enter in a boat or any other boating device within the watercourse below the Duke Power Company Wateree Dam in Kershaw County for a distance of two hundred feet. The department shall place appropriate signs or markers on each side of the watercourse indicating the zoned area for boats. Anyone violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-65 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 50-15-65
SECTION 50-15-65. Omitted by 2014 Act No. 159, SECTION 1, eff April 14, 2014.
Status: in_force

Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-15-65 was titled Alligator hunting, control and management and was derived from 2008 Act No. 179, SECTION 2, eff February 19, 2008; 2010 Act No. 183, SECTION 1, eff May 28, 2010; 2013 Act No. 3, SECTION 1, eff March 1, 2013; 2013 Act No. 94, SECTION 16, eff July 1, 2013.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-33 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-33
SECTION 50-11-33. Hunting migratory waterfowl on portions of Lake Marion; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Dean Swamp in Clarendon County or waters adjacent to Santee Cooper Resort in Orangeburg County on Lake Marion within two hundred yards of a dwelling without written permission of the owner and occupant. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than three hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1290 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1290
SECTION 50-11-1290. Tagging of harvested designated shooting preserve species; information required on tags.
Status: in_force

All harvested designated shooting preserve species must be tagged before removal from a shooting preserve and the tags must remain affixed until the animal is prepared for consumption. If these species are packaged in bundles one tag is sufficient for the bundle, but the number of carcasses in the bundle must be recorded on each tag. Tags must contain the hunter's name, address, total number, and species, the date the animals were harvested and name of shooting preserve where harvested.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-70 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-70
SECTION 50-23-70. Fee for certificate of title; issuance of duplicates; volunteer rescue squad watercraft exception.
Status: in_force

(A) The fee for a certificate of title for a watercraft is ten dollars, and the fee for a certificate of title for an outboard motor is ten dollars. (B) If a certificate of number or decals are lost, destroyed, or become illegible, the department may issue a duplicate. (C) The fee for providing a duplicate document or decal is five dollars. (D) The provisions of this section requiring a fee do not apply to the watercraft owned by volunteer rescue squads used exclusively for the purpose of the squads. (E) The department must not issue a duplicate document for a certificate of number decal, certificate of number card, outboard motor decal, or watercraft title decal if the department has notice that ad valorem taxes are due. (F) The fee to establish, modify, or revoke a Transfer of Death designation upon a certificate of title for watercraft or outboard motor is ten dollars. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, the amendments to SECTION 50-23-70(A) by 1999 Act 100, SECTION 64.E, and Act 124, SECTION 2.R, were read together. Editor's Note 2024 Act No. 200, SECTION 30, provides as follows: "SECTION 30. SECTIONS 1-21 of this act take effect upon approval by the Governor and their provisions shall apply to all applicable actions, proceedings, and matters filed on and after the effective date; SECTIONS 22-29 of this act take effect on July 1, 2025." Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment rewrote subsection (A), raising the fee from five to ten dollars; added subsections (B) and (C) relating to duplicate certificates; and redesignated subsection (B) as subsection (D). 2018 Act No. 223, SECTION 2, added (E), prohibiting the department from issuing duplicate decals when ad valorem taxes are outstanding. 2024 Act No. 200, SECTION 24, added (F).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-356 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-356
SECTION 50-11-356. Discharging weapon near poultry layer or broiler house prohibited; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to discharge a gun or weapon within three hundred yards of a poultry layer or broiler house containing live poultry without permission of the owner. Anyone knowingly violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. The provisions of this section do not apply to a landowner discharging a gun or weapon on his own land.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-280 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-280
SECTION 50-1-280. Nongame Wildlife and Natural Areas Fund.
Status: in_force

(A) The State Treasurer shall credit the total amount transferred by the South Carolina Department of Revenue pursuant to Section 12-6-5060 to the Nongame Wildlife and Natural Areas Fund established in this section. (B) There is established a special fund to be known as the "Nongame Wildlife and Natural Areas Fund" consisting of all monies transferred to it under this section, donations to the Nongame and Endangered Species or Heritage Trust Programs of the department, and all interest earned in the fund. (C) All balances in the Nongame Wildlife and Natural Areas Fund must be carried forward each year so that no part of the fund reverts to the general fund of the State. (D) The department may expend monies held in the Nongame Wildlife and Natural Areas Fund in furtherance of its Nongame and Endangered Species Programs, Heritage Trust Programs, and for related educational projects and programs. (E) Revenues produced pursuant to Section 12-6-5060 are supplemental and are in no way intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for these purposes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-50 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / Section 50-16-50
SECTION 50-16-50. Authority to promulgate regulations.
Status: in_force

The department may promulgate regulations to effectuate the provisions of this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1315 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 50-5-1315
SECTION 50-5-1315. Importation of undersize blue crabs; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is lawful for licensed wholesale seafood dealers to import blue crabs of less than the minimum size specified in this article when permitted by the department. Each shipment of imported blue crabs must have with it a bill of sale or other documentation dated no earlier than three days preceding the shipment from a licensed commercial saltwater fisherman or seafood dealer in the jurisdiction of origin verifying the crabs were lawfully taken. Any licensed wholesale seafood dealer who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-95 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-95
SECTION 50-5-95. Unlawful taking of saltwater fish; penalty.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to take or attempt to take saltwater fish except as allowed by this chapter. Except as otherwise provided, a person violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-630 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-630
SECTION 50-13-630. Fishing devices prohibited from being used, placed, set, or fished constituting hazard to boating or public safety.
Status: in_force

A fishing device authorized by this article must not be used, placed, set, or fished so as to constitute a hazard to boating or public safety. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-350 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 3 / Section 50-23-350
SECTION 50-23-350. Issuance of certificates of number by agents.
Status: in_force

The department may issue any certificate of number directly or may authorize any person to act as agent for the issuing thereof. In the event that a person accepts such authorization, he may be allotted a block of numbers and certificates therefor which upon assignment and issue in conformity with this chapter and with any rules and regulations of the department adopted pursuant to this chapter shall be valid as if assigned and issued directly by the department. Editor's Note 1999 Act No. 124, SECTION 2T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered SECTION 50-21-350.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1460 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 9 / Section 50-13-1460
SECTION 50-13-1460. Penalty for conviction of use of explosives to take fish.
Status: in_force

A person convicted of violating any of the provisions of Section 50-13-1440 is prohibited from hunting or fishing within the State for five years, and both his hunting and fishing license, if either has been issued to him, must be immediately revoked upon his conviction. A person who fishes or hunts within the State after he has been convicted of violating the provisions of Section 50-13-1440 within the five-year period is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than three years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-11 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-11
SECTION 50-23-11. Dealer demonstration numbers; unauthorized use; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) Dealer demonstration numbers are limited to watercraft that are: (1) held for sale by the dealership or assigned to the dealership, including customer watercraft in for service and watercraft being ferried by the dealership; (2) being operated for limited demonstration rides by prospective buyers; (3) being operated for purposes of buyer demonstration by owners, employees, or corporate officers of the dealership; (4) being tested for service by the dealership; (5) being temporarily operated by an established customer whose boat is being repaired; and (6) valid from the date of issue until December thirty-first inclusive of each year. (B) The demonstration numbers must not be permanently attached to the vessel but must be on board at all times. Marine dealers who sell watercraft are allowed nine demonstration numbers. Marine dealers who only service watercraft or outboard motors are allowed one demonstration number. If a dealer allows the operation of a watercraft with demonstration numbers, the dealer shall execute a form identifying the date and time, the specific watercraft, the dealer's permit number, the demonstration number, the purpose for which the watercraft is being operated and if for a prospective sale, the form must include the name of the prospective buyer, the date, the specific watercraft, the dealer's permit number, and the demonstration number. The form and the dealer demonstration number must be on board during operation but need not be attached. Operations with dealer demonstration numbers are limited to seventy-two consecutive hours. This form is not required of owners, employees, or corporate officers who carry dealer identification and who are authorized to use demonstration numbers as provided herein. (C) All owners, employees, or corporate officers authorized to demonstrate dealer watercraft using demonstration numbers must be listed on the dealer permit application form. The list must be updated as employees are added or deleted within thirty days of a change. Owners, employees, or officers not listed may not use demonstration numbers. (D) It is unlawful to misuse dealer demonstration numbers or allow dealer demonstration numbers to be misused. A person convicted of misusing or allowing the misuse of dealer demonstration numbers is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, for a first offense must be fined not more than five hundred dollars. For a second offense within three years of the first conviction, the offender must be fined at least two hundred dollars but not more than five hundred dollars. The dealer demonstration numbers are suspended for one year and must be surrendered to the department. (E) The fee for a dealer demonstration number is thirty dollars and the fee must accompany the application for each demonstration number. Demonstration numbers expire on December thirty-first of each year or on the same date the marine dealer permit under which they were issued is voided, surrendered, or revoked. All revenue from each demonstration number must be used to support the Marine Investigations section of the department. Effect of Amendment 2018 Act No. 223, SECTION 1, added (E), providing the fee for a dealer demonstration number.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-1140 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 11 / Section 50-9-1140
SECTION 50-9-1140. Suspension of hunting and fishing privileges.
Status: in_force

The department shall suspend for one year the hunting and fishing privileges of a person who has eighteen or more points. The suspension begins the twenty-first day after the department mails written notice of the suspension, and ends the same day the following year. Effect of Amendment 2023 Act No. 64, SECTION 3.A, in the second sentence, substituted "twenty-first day" for "eleventh day" and "department mails written notice" for "person receives written notice by mail, return receipt requested,".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-545 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 50-5-545
SECTION 50-5-545. Commercial blue crab traps; escape vent requirements; peeler trap exemption.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as provided in this section, a trap used for taking blue crab for commercial purposes from June 1 through March 14, or for recreational purposes year round, must have at least two unobstructed, circular escape vents (rings) which must be two and three-eighths inches or greater in inside diameter and located on vertical surfaces. At least one vent (ring) must be in the upper chamber. All vents (rings) must be within two inches of the horizontal partition or the base of the trap. (B) A trap used for taking blue crab constructed of a single chamber must have at least one two and three-eighths inch or larger inside diameter escape vent (ring) located on a vertical surface within two inches of the base of the trap. Peeler traps are exempt year round. (C) A trap used for taking blue crab, other than peeler traps, must be constructed of wire with a minimum mesh size of one and one-half inches, have throats or entrances located only on a vertical surface, and have a maximum dimension of twenty-four inches by twenty-four inches by twenty-four inches or a volume of eight cubic feet. Editor's Note 2024 Act No. 212, SECTION 12, provides as follows: "SECTION 12. Upon approval of this act by the Governor, a moratorium on the issuance of new commercial equipment licenses to use traps for the taking of blue crab takes effect, at which time the department must not issue any new commercial equipment licenses to use traps for the taking of blue crab. This moratorium expires on June 15, 2025. Commercial equipment licenses to use traps for the taking of blue crab in effect for the 2023-2024 license year are extended and do not expire until June 30, 2025." Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment, in subsection (A), substituted "a trap used for taking blue crab" for "a crab trap", and in subsection (B), substituted "A trap used for taking blue crab" for "Crab traps". 2024 Act No. 212, SECTION 5, in (A), in the first sentence, substituted "a trap used for taking blue crab for commercial purposes from June 1 through March 14, or for recreational purposes year round," for "from June 1 through March 14, a trap used for taking blue crab used for commercial purposes"; and added (C).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-150 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-150
SECTION 50-23-150. Lost, stolen, or mutilated certificate; issuance of duplicate certificate.
Status: in_force

(a) If a certificate of title is lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed or becomes illegible, the first lienholder or, if none, the owner or legal representative of the owner named in the certificate, as shown by the records of the department, may obtain a duplicate by application to the department, furnishing such information concerning the original certificate and the circumstances of its loss, mutilation or destruction as may be required by the department. (b) The duplicate certificate of title shall be a certified copy plainly marked "duplicate" across its face. It shall be mailed to the first lienholder named in it or, if none, to the owner. (c) In case an original certificate of title is mutilated or rendered illegible, such mutilated or illegible certificate shall be returned to the department with the application for a duplicate. (d) In the event a lost or stolen original certificate of title for which a duplicate has been issued is recovered, it shall be surrendered promptly to the department for cancellation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-105 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-105
SECTION 50-11-105. Wildlife disease control; regulation of wildlife shipments; euthanasia.
Status: in_force

(A) The department, after consulting with the Director of the State Livestock-Poultry Health Division, Clemson University and after a reasonable attempt at landowner notification, may carry out operations including quarantines, destruction of wildlife, or other measures to locate, detect, control, eradicate, or retard the spread of diseases of wildlife independently or in cooperation with counties, special purpose districts, municipalities, property owner's associations or similar organizations, individuals, federal agencies, or agencies of other states, by regulation, compliance agreement, judicial action, or other appropriate means. The State shall not be required to indemnify the property owner for any wildlife taken as a result of this action. For the purposes of this section, landowner notification can occur by means of a telephone call, in person, or in writing. (B) The department, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act and in order to ensure the continued health and safety of wildlife, may promulgate and enforce reasonable regulations to prevent the introduction or distribution of a disease. The department may prohibit the importation, intrastate movement, possession or use, of any wildlife, carcasses, or associated parts or products of any nature. (C) The department, upon declaration of a wildlife disease emergency by the Director of the Department of Natural Resources, after consulting with the Director of the State Livestock-Poultry Health Division, Clemson University, may promulgate regulations to: (1) delineate disease management zones at any geographic scale; (2) declare temporary emergency open seasons, methods of take, increased bag limits, mandatory reporting or check-in of harvested game and biological samples, or restrictions on baiting and feeding of wildlife for no more than one year at any given time in any area of the State provided that appropriate public notice is given describing the declaration and delineating the affected area; and (3) permit landowners or their designees to take protected wildlife as specified by the department. (D) Department personnel and their designees are authorized to euthanize sick or injured wildlife. (E) Unless otherwise specified, a person violating any of the provisions of this section or any regulation established pursuant to this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 136, SECTION 1, rewrote the section, allowing the Department of Natural Resources to take action regarding wildlife disease control.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 50-3-110
SECTION 50-3-110. Supervision of enforcement officers; enforcement of laws.
Status: in_force

The department shall have charge of the enforcement officers of the Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division of the department and exercise supervision over the enforcement of the laws of the State, regulatory, tax, license or otherwise, in reference to birds, nonmigratory fish, game fish, shellfish, shrimp, oysters, and fisheries. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 230, SECTION 2.E, substituted "Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division" for "Natural Resources Enforcement Division" and deleted "oyster leases," following "oysters,".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-50 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-50
SECTION 50-21-50. Director and other personnel to carry out provisions of chapter; salary and terms of employment.
Status: in_force

The director shall employ or assign such clerical, administrative, technical and enforcement personnel as may be required to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1330 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1330
SECTION 50-11-1330. Maintenance of records; copies to department.
Status: in_force

Each shooting preserve operator shall maintain a record of the number of shooting preserve designated species released and the number of shooting preserve designated species harvested by month from October through March of each shooting preserve season. Each shooting preserve operator shall maintain a record of the number of hunters and the number of hunts each month from October through March of each shooting preserve season. At the discretion of the department other records may be required. Operators must furnish the department a copy of these records within sixty days after the end of the shooting preserve season. If the department does not receive this required information within the sixty-day period, the shooting preserve license may not be issued for the next shooting preserve season.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-35 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 50-9-35
SECTION 50-9-35. Persons licensed by another state; transfer of residency.
Status: in_force

Any person licensed by another state as a resident for any purpose is not eligible to apply for, obtain, or hold any South Carolina resident license, permit, stamp, or tag required by this title. It is unlawful to obtain, attempt to obtain, or possess a license, permit, stamp, or tag required by this title while licensed as a resident of another state for any purpose. Any person who lawfully acquires a resident South Carolina license, permit, stamp, or tag and who during the term of that instrument transfers their domicile outside of this State, may continue the privileges until expiration of that license, permit, stamp, or tag. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-850 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-850
SECTION 50-11-850. Unlawful to transport resident or migratory wild nongame bird; exceptions.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person or any firm or corporation acting as a common carrier, its officers, agents, or servants to ship, carry, take, or transport, either within or beyond the confines of the State, any resident or migratory wild nongame bird, except as permitted by Section 50-11-1180.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-2640 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 41 / Section 50-19-2640
SECTION 50-19-2640. Procedures for entering into reciprocal agreement with Georgia.
Status: repealed

The Department shall also negotiate for and enter into a reciprocal agreement with the authorized officials of the state of Georgia, adopting rules and regulations for the preservation and propagation of fish and game within the area, the recognition of the licenses and permits of one state by the other and the enforcement of the laws of the two states over the area involved. If necessary to reach such agreement or it is deemed advisable for the better protection and management of the game and fish of this area, the Department may increase the bag limit prescribed by law to not more than twelve bass and thirty other game fish in possession at one time and may make and agree to other reasonable rules and regulations with the Georgia authorities, not inconsistent with the laws of this State, and may change or alter them from time to time. Any rules and regulations so adopted by the authorized officials of the two states, on the above subjects and not inconsistent with the laws of this State, shall have the force and effect of law after being published in newspapers circulating in the area at least once a week for three weeks and after copies thereof have been filed with the Secretary of State, as provided by law. Any reciprocal agreement so entered into shall contain a provision that either party thereto may cancel it upon ninety days' written notice to the other party. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, "bag limit prescribed by law" in the second sentence was substituted for "bag limit prescribed in Section 50-13-220". Section 50-13-220 was repealed by 2008 Act No. 237.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-31 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-31
SECTION 50-11-31. Hunting near dwelling or marina on Potato and Wyboo Creeks prohibited; baiting prohibited; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) For purposes of this section: (1) "Potato Creek" is the area lying east of Highway S-14-260 westward to the mouth of Potato Creek and the property controlled by Camp Bob Cooper 4-H Camp. (2) "Wyboo Creek" is the area lying northward from a line connecting Green Island and Eagle Point on Lake Marion to Highway 260. This area will include the areas known as White Oak Slough, Air Port Slough, and Birch Branch. (3) "Bait" means shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn; wheat or grain; salt; or other feed that would constitute a lure, attraction, enticement, or bait to waterfowl. (4) "To bait" or "baiting" means placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering bait. (5) "A dwelling" is a house or other structure in which a person or persons live; a residence; abode; occupied by a family as a place of residence, or a structure used as place of habitation. (B) It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Potato Creek or Wyboo Creek, as defined for purposes of this section, within two hundred yards of a dwelling or marina without written permission of the owner or occupant. (C) From November first to February first of the following year, it is unlawful to bait, assist in, or cause to be baited any of the waters of Potato Creek and Wyboo Creek below the lakefront property line defined as the 76.8 marker. However, nothing in this section makes it unlawful to casually feed foodstuffs to waterfowl or to fill and use bird and other wildlife feeders above the 76.8 marker. (D) A person who violates subsection (B) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. (E) A person who violates subsection (C) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-665 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 50-9-665
SECTION 50-9-665. Bear tags.
Status: in_force

(A) For the privilege of hunting bear, in addition to the required hunting license and big game permit the licensee must obtain a bear tag issued in his name, and the fee: (1) for a resident is twenty-five dollars per tag, one dollar of which may be retained by the license sales vendor; (2) for a nonresident is one hundred dollars per tag, two dollars of which may be retained by the license sales vendor. (B) Youth under the age of sixteen are required to obtain youth tags for bear from the department at its designated licensing locations at no cost. Editor's Note 2017 Act No. 71, SECTION 3, provides as follows: "The department shall provide a report of a one-year study by July 1, 2018, to the Chairman of the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee and the Chairman of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee. The report will include, but will not be limited to, the harvest summary of Black Bear in Game Zones 1-4." Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment, in subsection (A), substituted "privilege of hunting bear" for "privilege of taking bear", and substituted "the licensee" for "a hunter". 2017 Act No. 71, SECTION 1, deleted (B), relating to applicants for bear tags being chosen by a random drawing in game zones other than Game Zone 1, and redesignated (C) as (B).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-70 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 50-9-70
SECTION 50-9-70. Alteration or fraudulent issuance or obtainment of license, permit, tag, or stamp; violations.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to alter a license, permit, tag, or stamp issued pursuant to this title or issue, obtain, or attempt to obtain a license, permit, tag, or stamp by fraud. A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. A person convicted pursuant to this section forfeits his hunting and fishing privileges for one year.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-355 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-355
SECTION 50-11-355. Hunting deer near residences with firearm; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to hunt deer with a firearm within three hundred yards of a residence when less than ten feet above the ground without permission of the owner and occupant. Anyone violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. The provisions of this section do not apply to a landowner hunting on his own land or a person taking deer pursuant to a department permit. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 246, SECTION 1, substituted "hunt deer with a firearm within three hundred yards of a residence when less than ten feet above the ground without permission" for "hunt deer within three hundred yards of a residence without permission" in the first sentence.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-570 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 11 / Section 50-19-570
SECTION 50-19-570. Persons fish at own risk.
Status: in_force

Any person fishing or going along the area as herein provided shall do so at his own risk, and no liability shall be imposed upon the counties or the authority involved in any manner whatever. Signs shall be erected at conspicuous places declaring that persons fishing and going along the area as herein authorized shall do so at their own risk.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-2400 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 37 / Section 50-19-2400
SECTION 50-19-2400. Bank fishing permitted in Lake Greenwood in State Park in Greenwood County.
Status: in_force

Fishing shall be permitted from the bank of Lake Greenwood in that portion of the lake situate within the State Park in Greenwood County.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-955 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-955
SECTION 50-5-955. Designation and maintenance of Public Shellfish Grounds; areas containing DHEC permitted structure; taking for commercial purpose prohibited.
Status: in_force

(A) The Department of Natural Resources may designate and shall maintain public shellfish grounds where persons holding or exempted from holding a recreational saltwater fishing license may gather shellfish solely for personal use not to exceed the personal limits specified in this article. The open areas must be located preferably at or near public landings. The Department of Natural Resources may not designate an area located within one thousand feet of highland property capable of development as a public shellfish ground. Areas designated before January 1, 1996, are exempt from the siting provision of this section and retain their designation until such designation is removed by the department. (B) No area currently containing a structure permitted by the Department of Health and Environmental Control or its successor agency may be designated pursuant to this section. The Department of Health and Environmental Control or its successor agency may not issue a permit for utilization of a critical area designated as a Public Shellfish Ground. (C) A person taking shellfish from a Public Shellfish Ground for commercial purposes or selling or attempting to sell shellfish taken from a Public Shellfish Ground is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Effect of Amendment The 2009 amendment, in subsection (A), in the first sentence substituted "recreational saltwater fishing license" for "marine recreational fishing stamp as required by Article 19 of this chapter".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1710 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 17 / Section 50-5-1710
SECTION 50-5-1710. Size limits.
Status: in_force

(A) The limits established in this article apply to all state waters. (B) Except as provided in Article 21, it is unlawful to take, possess, land, sell, purchase, or attempt to sell or purchase: (1) spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) (winter trout) of less than fourteen inches in total length; (2) flounder (Paralichthys) of less than sixteen inches total length; (3) red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) (channel bass or spottail bass) of less than fifteen inches in total length, or more than twenty-three inches in total length; (4) black drum (Pogonias cromis) of less than fourteen inches or more than twenty-seven inches in total length; (5) weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) of less than twelve inches in total length; (6) sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) of less than fourteen inches in total length; (7) spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) of less than fourteen inches in total length; or (8) tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis) of less than eighteen inches in total length. (C) The finfish species named in this section must be brought to the dock or landed with head and tail fin intact except for product produced by mariculture operations permitted under this chapter, provided that returning fish of unlawful size immediately to the water does not constitute a violation. A commercial retailer or restaurant may remove the head at the request of the ultimate consumer after completion of the transaction but before transfer of the purchase or serving of the dish. Editor's Note 2021 Act No. 91, SECTION 6, provides as follows: "SECTION 6. The Department of Natural Resources shall furnish a written report to the General Assembly on South Carolina's stock of flounder by December 31, 2023. The report must provide future projections." Effect of Amendment The 2007 amendment, in paragraph (A)(1), substituted "fourteen" for "thirteen"; in paragraph (A)(2), substituted "fourteen" for "twelve"; in paragraph (A)(3), substituted "twenty-three" for "twenty-four"; rewrote paragraph (A)(4) which pertained to black seabass; added paragraph (A)(5); and, in subsection (B), deleted the second sentence relating to black seabass. The 2012 amendment added subsection (A)(6), and made other nonsubstantive changes. The 2013 amendment added subsection (A) and redesignated former subsections (A) and (B) as (B) and (C); and added parentheses around species names. 2017 Act No. 72, SECTION 1, in (B)(2), substituted "fifteen inches" for "fourteen inches". 2020 Act No. 118, SECTION 2, in (B), added (7), relating to spadefish size limit. 2020 Act No. 119, SECTION 2, in (B), added (8), relating to tripletail size limit. 2021 Act No. 91, SECTION 2, in (B)(2), substituted "sixteen inches" for "fifteen inches".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2725 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 27 / Section 50-5-2725
SECTION 50-5-2725. Shark catch limits; boat or vessel permit to take sharks for commercial purposes; equipment requirements and prohibitions.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as provided in this chapter, the size, catch, bag, and possession limits, fishing period closures, and requirements pertaining to the taking, release, landing, sale, purchase, trade, or barter of sharks or shark parts prescribed by those federal regulations implemented under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act (PL 94-265) and pertaining to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic tuna, swordfish, and sharks are declared to be the law of this State and apply in state waters; provided, however, no federal recreational angling permit or federal charter boat/head boat permit is required for the taking or possession of sharks in the waters of this State. In state waters size, catch, bag, and possession limits pertain to individual fishermen when no vessel is utilized. (B) An annual permit must be obtained from the department for a boat or vessel before it takes sharks for commercial purposes in state waters. Permits granted under this section do not include income requirements but may include requirements for fishing times, periods, areas, gear, and equipment, catch limitations and reporting, and other conditions the department may determine to be necessary for management or regulatory purposes. In addition to department conditions, the use of gill nets to harvest sharks is prohibited in state waters at all times, and when taken by gill net, all sharks must be released immediately.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-925 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-925
SECTION 50-11-925. South Carolina Future Farmers of America Camp Wildlife Sanctuary.
Status: in_force

The land owned, leased, or managed by the South Carolina Future Farmers of America Camp of the Little River Neck section of Horry County is declared a sanctuary for the protection of game, birds, and other animals. There may be no hunting, fishing, or trespassing in the sanctuary. Fishing may be permitted only by written authorization from the management of the camp. The management of the camp shall post along the outer boundaries of the land and mouths of all streams and creeks entering into the camp signs notifying the public that the area is a sanctuary and is closed to hunting and fishing except as authorized. No flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants may be damaged or removed from the camp without permission from the management. A person convicted of violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-410 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-410
SECTION 50-3-410. Summons; posting of monetary bond in lieu of personal appearance or incarceration.
Status: in_force

(A) Department of Natural Resources enforcement and deputy enforcement officers and officers authorized to enforce state law under the Catawba Indian Claims Settlement Act may use the official department summons for arrests for violations of laws and regulations of the Department of Natural Resources, and all other misdemeanors within the jurisdiction of the magistrates, municipal, or family court. Service of the summons vests the respective courts with jurisdiction and any person apprehended and served must appear at the time and place designated. (B) In the discretion of the apprehending officer, the person apprehended may be allowed to post a monetary amount as a bond in lieu of a personal appearance or incarceration. The amount may not be less than the minimum fine nor more than the maximum fine, plus court costs. The summons serves as a receipt for the sum posted with the officer. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-40 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 50-15-40
SECTION 50-15-40. Establishing and carrying out programs for management of nongame and endangered wildlife; removal, capture, or destruction of wildlife.
Status: in_force

(A) The department shall establish such programs, including acquisition of land or aquatic habitat, as are deemed necessary for management of nongame and endangered wildlife. The department shall utilize all authority vested in the department to carry out the purposes of this section. (B) In carrying out programs authorized by this section, the department may enter into agreements with federal agencies, political subdivisions of the State, or with private persons for administration and management of any area established under this section or utilized for management of nongame or endangered wildlife. (C) The Governor shall encourage other state and federal agencies to utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purposes of this section. (D) The department may permit the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, or shipment of species or subspecies of wildlife which appear on the state list of endangered species, or species in need of management on the United States' List of Threatened or Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife, as amended and accepted in accordance with Section 50-15-30(D), or on the United States' List of Threatened or Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife, as such list may be modified hereafter, for scientific, zoological, or educational purposes, for propagation in captivity of such wildlife, or for other special purposes. (E) Upon good cause shown, and where necessary to alleviate damage to property or to protect human health, endangered species may be removed, captured, or destroyed but only pursuant to permit issued by the department and, where possible, by or under the supervision of an agent of the department; provided, that threatened or endangered species or species in need of management may be removed, captured, or destroyed without permit by any person in emergency situations involving an immediate threat to human life. Provisions for removal, capture, or destruction of nongame wildlife for the purposes set forth above shall be set forth in regulations issued by the department pursuant to Section 50-15-20(A). Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment deleted the text of subsection (F). 2014 Act No. 159, SECTION 1, in subsection (D), substituted "50-15-30(D)" for "50-15-40(d)"; in subsection (E), substituted "50-15-20(A)" for "50-15-30(a)"; and deleted former subsection (F), which read "[Deleted]". 2020 Act No. 177, SECTION 6, in (A), in the first and second sentences, substituted "The department" for "The board".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2230 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 10 / Section 50-11-2230
SECTION 50-11-2230. Public or private access to property must be available prior to leasing property to Wildlife Management Area Program.
Status: in_force

Before any person may lease property to the Wildlife Management Area Program, there must be either public or private access to the property available for use by individuals hunting the property under the program during the term of the lease.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-570 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 50-5-570
SECTION 50-5-570. Use of live bait on lines with more than three hooks.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to use live bait in the salt waters of this State on lines having more than three hooks.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1430 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1430
SECTION 50-11-1430. Killing of pen-raised quail.
Status: in_force

All pen-raised quail offered for sale must be killed otherwise than by shooting.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-950 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-950
SECTION 50-5-950. Specification of other terms and conditions.
Status: in_force

In addition to the requirements of this article, the department may specify other permit terms and conditions. The department may require a written agreement between or among permittees holding bottoms or waters within a specified perimeter boundary. If the permittee violates any terms or conditions of the permit or a written agreement, the department may revoke or suspend the permit.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-1360 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 13 / Section 50-25-1360
SECTION 50-25-1360. Special permits waiving restrictions of this article.
Status: in_force

The department, after consultation with the Spartanburg Water System, by special permit, may waive the restrictions and provisions of Sections 50-25-1310 through 50-25-1350 to allow for boat testing, water and ski shows, and similar activities. It is unlawful to violate the terms and conditions of the permit. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 139, SECTION 1, reenacted the section with no apparent change.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1507 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 15 / Section 50-5-1507
SECTION 50-5-1507. Zones, seasons, times, catch limits, size limits, methods, and equipment for taking herring.
Status: in_force

In addition to other provisions of law, the following provisions govern seasons, times, methods, equipment, size limits, and take limits in commercial fishing for herring in the waters of this State: (a) Black River, Little Pee Dee River, Lynches River, Sampit River, and the Waccamaw River from its northern ocean outlet at Little River to Winyah Bay, and Winyah Bay: Season: No open season. (b) Great Pee Dee River: (1) Season: February 15 through April 15; (2) Times: 7:00 a.m. Wednesday to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, local time; (3) Methods and equipment: Any lawful method and equipment; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (c) Santee River below Wilson Dam including the Rediversion Canal below St. Stephen Dam, North Santee River and Bay, South Santee River, and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (i) Santee River below the cable and buoys marking the seaward boundary of the Wilson Dam Sanctuary designated by the department seaward to Wilson Dam Boat Landing: (1) Season: February 15 through April 30, for herring only; (2) Times: Sunrise Monday to sunset Thursday, as locally published; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net and seine net. A seine may not exceed one hundred yards in total length. The mesh of the seine must not be less than one-half inch square. All fish except those used for live bait must be containerized in one bushel units before landing; (4) Size and take limits: Ten U.S. bushels each boat each day including lawful incidental catch; harvest must not be transferred between boats; and an additional boat must not be used to increase a person's daily take. (ii) Rediversion Canal: (1) Season: March 1 through April 30; (2) Times: 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST, or 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. DST; (3) Methods and equipment: Circular drop nets with a maximum six-foot diameter, lift nets, and cast nets allowed; other equipment prohibited; nets must be operated by hand; trawling prohibited; culling prohibited; all fish, except those used for live bait, must be containerized in units of one hundred pounds maximum weight before landing; all fishing is prohibited within one hundred feet of the fish lift exit channel at St. Stephen Powerhouse, except with hook and line from March 1 through April 15; (4) Size and take limits: Ten U.S. bushels each boat each day including lawful incidental catch; harvest must not be transferred between boats; and an additional boat must not be used to increase a person's daily take. (iii) Santee River seaward of Wilson Boat Landing: Season: No open season. (d) Charleston Harbor System including Wando River and Cooper River seaward to the U.S. Highway 17 bridges, Charleston Harbor, Ashley River, and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (i) Tailrace Canal from CSX Railroad Bridge to the Jefferies Power Plant Sanctuary line: (1) Season: March 1 through April 30; (2) Times: Sunrise as locally published to 10:00 p.m.; (3) Methods and equipment: Circular drop nets with a maximum six-foot diameter, lift nets, and cast nets allowed; other equipment prohibited; nets must be operated by hand; trawling prohibited; culling prohibited; all fish, except those used for live bait, must be containerized in units of one hundred pounds maximum weight before landing; (4) Size and take limits: Ten U.S. bushels each boat each day; harvest must not be transferred between boats and an additional boat must not be used to increase a person's daily take. (ii) Cooper River from CSX Railroad to U.S. Highway 17 bridges: Season: No open season. (iii) Charleston Harbor system excluding Tailrace Canal and Cooper River seaward to U.S. Highway 17 bridges: (1) Season: February 15 through April 15; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Any lawful method and equipment; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (e) Lake Moultrie, Lake Marion, Diversion Canal, Intake Canal of Rediversion Canal, and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net, lift net, and hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: Two hundred fifty pounds each boat each day combined catch of shad and herring and other lawful incidental catch. (f) Lake Jocassee and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (g) Lake Keowee and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net and hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (h) Lake Hartwell and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net and hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (i) Lake Richard B. Russell and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net and hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (j) Lake J. Strom Thurmond and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net and hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (k) Savannah River and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: Seaward of the Augusta Diversion Dam Season: No open season. (l) Lake Secession, Stevens Creek Reservoir, and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net and hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (m) Lake Greenwood, Lake Murray, Saluda River between Buzzards Roost (Lake Greenwood Dam) and S.C. Highway 121, and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net and hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (n) Catawba River impoundments, including Lake Wylie and Lake Wateree, and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net and hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. (o) Lake Monticello and all tributaries and distributaries as follows: (1) Season: No closed season; (2) Times: No restrictions; (3) Methods and equipment: Cast net and hook and line; (4) Size and take limits: No limits. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment rewrote subsection (a); inserted a new subsection (b), providing a season for the Great Pee Dee River; redesignated former subsections (b) to (i) as subsections (c) to (j); inserted a new subsection (k), providing no season for the Savannah River; redesignated (j) to (m) as subsections (l) to (o); and made other nonsubstantive changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2520 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 50-5-2520
SECTION 50-5-2520. Appeals.
Status: in_force

A person or entity whose saltwater privileges have been suspended may appeal the decision of the department under the Administrative Procedures Act.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-745 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 50-5-745
SECTION 50-5-745. Blue crab taken by legal shrimp trawlers.
Status: in_force

The operator of a shrimp trawler may take, retain, and market lawful size blue crabs taken in the normal lawful process of trawling for shrimp during the seasons set for taking shrimp.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-136 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-136
SECTION 50-1-136. Penalties for conspiracy.
Status: in_force

(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16-17-410 a person who conspires to violate any provision of the game and fish laws of this State or other provision of Title 50, except the provisions of the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act or its regulations is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. (B) A person who conspires to violate two or more provisions of the game and fish laws of this State or other provision of Title 50, except the provisions of the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act or its regulations is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. (C) In addition to the criminal penalty, a person convicted under this section shall have his privilege to hunt or fish either recreationally or commercially revoked for one year.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-100 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-100
SECTION 50-11-100. Enclosure impeding free range of deer being hunted; construction unlawful; registration of existing enclosures; expansion of registered enclosures; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to construct a new enclosure which prevents or materially impedes the free range of the deer being hunted. For purposes of the definitions herein, "prevents or materially impedes" means erecting a fence in excess of six feet in height from ground level for the express purpose of corralling wild game for hunting purposes. (B) A person who violates a provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not less than one year nor more than three years, or both. The hunting and fishing privileges of a person convicted under the provisions of this section must also be suspended for two years. In addition, the court in which a person violating this section is convicted may order that restitution be paid to the department of not less than one thousand five hundred dollars for each animal taken in violation of this section and shall be ordered to remove the enclosure. (C)(1) All owners or leasees of property which have enclosures which prevent or materially impede the free range of the deer being hunted must register with the department within thirty days after the effective date of this section, provided the enclosure is an existing, completed enclosure in that the construction of the enclosure is wholly complete in every respect and requires no further labor or material to erect or complete the construction of the enclosure thirty days after the effective date of this section. (2) Except as provided in item (3), after an enclosure is registered with the department, the owner may expand but may not decrease the enclosed area. The owner may make repairs necessary for the care and maintenance of the enclosure. (3) Expansion of a registered enclosure of less than seven hundred acres is limited to an aggregate of up to fifteen percent of the area of the enclosure as of the time the enclosure was registered. Expansion of a registered enclosure of seven hundred acres or more may not exceed an aggregate of four hundred acres. (D) It is unlawful to hunt deer with dogs in an enclosure registered with the department pursuant to Section 50-11-100(C)(1). (E) It is unlawful to construct any mound, platform, or other device designed to allow animals into an enclosed area. (F) If any term or provision of this section is declared unconstitutional, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this section is severable and remains in full force and effect.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2540 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2540
SECTION 50-11-2540. Trapping season; unlawful to trap out of season without authorization; taking of coyotes.
Status: in_force

(A) It is lawful to trap furbearing animals for commercial purposes from December first of each year to March first of the succeeding year. It is lawful for an individual, or an individual's agent, to trap furbearing animals on the individual's private land for a noncommercial purpose with only a valid statewide hunting license during the established open hunting season. It is unlawful to trap any other times unless authorized by the department. It is lawful to take furbearing animals by other lawful means during the general open hunting seasons established therefor. (B) It is lawful to trap coyotes from December first of each year to March first of the succeeding year. It is unlawful to trap coyotes at any other time unless authorized by the department. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 50-11-1080, it is lawful to take coyotes by other lawful means at any time during the year. (C) It is lawful for an individual, or an individual's agent, to trap beavers on the individual's private land for a noncommercial purpose with only a valid statewide hunting license year round. Effect of Amendment The 2010 amendment rewrote the section. 2022 Act No. 198, SECTION 2, in (A), inserted the second sentence; and added (C).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-965 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 9 / Section 50-9-965
SECTION 50-9-965. Marine Resources Deferred License Fund.
Status: in_force

(A) The Marine Resources Deferred License Fund is created for the purpose of receiving revenue generated from the sale of three year saltwater licenses, permits, stamps, and tags. (B) Receipts from each license year shall be transferred to the Marine Resources Fund as follows: (1) fifty percent during the first fiscal year after receipt; and (2) the balance during the second fiscal year after receipt. Where applicable, each transfer shall distribute the receipts based on the allocations specified in Section 50-9-920(C). (C) Interest earned on balances in the fund shall be credited to the fund and transferred to the Marine Resources Fund in the same manner. (D) Balances in the fund shall be retained and carried forward annually. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-560 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 50-5-560
SECTION 50-5-560. Blue crab traps on Cooper River.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 13 of this title, traps used for taking blue crabs may be fished on Cooper River upstream to the confluence of the east and west branches of Cooper River; provided that all requirements of this chapter are complied with.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-1070 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 10 / Section 50-3-1070
SECTION 50-3-1070. Successor agency.
Status: in_force

If the board of the Department of Natural Resources is dissolved, the succeeding agency shall assume the trusteeship of the fund and is bound by all the limitations and restrictions placed by this article on expenditures from the fund.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1705 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 17 / Section 50-5-1705
SECTION 50-5-1705. Catch limits.
Status: repealed

(A) As used in this article, a day means sunrise on one day to sunrise on the following day. (B) The limits established in this article apply to all state waters. (C) It is unlawful for a person to take or have in possession more than ten spotted seatrout in any one day. (D) It is unlawful for a person to take or have in possession more than two red drum in any one day, not to exceed six red drum in any one day on any boat. (E) It is unlawful for a person to take or possess more than one tarpon in any one day or a tarpon of less than seventy-seven inches in fork length. (F) It is unlawful for a person to take or have in possession more than five black drum (Pogonias cromis) in any one day. (G) It is unlawful for a person to take or possess more than five flounder (Paralichthys species) taken by means of gig, spear, hook and line, or similar device in any one day, not to exceed ten flounder in any one day on any boat. (H) It is unlawful for a person to take or have in possession more than one weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in any one day. (I) It is unlawful for a person to take or possess more than ten sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in any one day, not to exceed thirty sheepshead in any one day on any boat. (J) It is unlawful for a person to take or possess in any one day more than fifty of a combination of the following: spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), whiting (Menticirrhus spp.), and Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) taken by hook and line. (K) It is unlawful to take or possess hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) or gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus). (L) It is unlawful to gig for spotted seatrout or red drum from December first through the last day of February, inclusive. (M) It is unlawful to take or possess a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). Any great white shark that is caught must be released immediately and must remain completely in the water at all times while being released. (N) The possession limits do not apply to the possession or sale of properly identified fish imported by seafood dealers or produced by permitted mariculture operations, or to possession as allowed under permit authorized by this chapter. (O) It is unlawful for a person to take or have in possession more than ten spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) in any one day, not to exceed thirty spadefish in any one day on any boat. (P) It is unlawful for a person to take or have in possession more than three tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis) in any one day, not to exceed nine tripletail in any one day on any boat. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, the amendments made by 2014 Act No. 205 and 2014 Act No. 211 were read together. Subsection (L) added by 2014 Act No. 205, was redesignated subsection (M), and former subsection (M) was redesignated subsection (N). Editor's Note 2021 Act No. 91, SECTIONS 5, 6, provide as follows: "SECTION 5. SECTION 1 of this act is repealed on June 30, 2024, and the text amended by that SECTION shall revert back to the language contained in the South Carolina Code of Laws as of January 1, 2020. "SECTION 6. The Department of Natural Resources shall furnish a written report to the General Assembly on South Carolina's stock of flounder by December 31, 2023. The report must provide future projections." 2024 Act No. 224, SECTION 7, provides as follows: "SECTION 7. SECTION 5 of Act 91 of 2021 is repealed." Effect of Amendment The 2007 amendment deleted subsection (A) relating to saltwater gamefish; redesignated subsections (B) to (E) as subsections (A) to (D); in subsection (C), substituted "three" for "two"; added subsection (E) relating to black drum Pogonias cromis; in subsection (F), added ", not to exceed forty flounder in any one day on any boat"; added subsection (G) relating to weakfish Cynoscion regalis and subsection (H) relating to catfish; and redesignated subsections (G) and (H) as subsections (I) and (J). The 2010 amendment in subsection (G) substituted "one" for "ten". The 2012 amendment added subsection (H), relating to sheepshead, and renumbered prior subsections (I) and (J) as (J) and (K). The 2013 amendment by 2013 Act No. 7, added subsection (B) and redesignated former subsections (B) through (K) as (C) through (L); and added parentheses around species names. The 2013 amendment by 2013 Act No. 72, in subsection (E), substituted "possess" for "have in possession" and added at the end "or a tarpon of less than seventy-seven inches in fork length". The 2013 amendment by 2013 Act No. 50, substituted "fifteen" for "twenty" and "thirty" for "forty" in paragraph (G). 2014 Act No. 205, SECTION 1, added subsection (M), relating to a great white shark, and redesignated former subsection (M) as subsection (N). 2014 Act No. 211, SECTION 1, added subsection (J), relating to limits for spot, whiting, and Atlantic croaker, and redesingated the subsections accordingly. 2017 Act No. 72, SECTION 2, in (G), substituted "more than ten flounder" for "more than fifteen flounder" and "twenty flounder" for "thirty flounder". 2018 Act No. 203, SECTION 1, in (D), substituted "two red drum" for "three red drum", and added ", not to exceed six red drum in any one day on any boat" at the end. 2020 Act No. 118, SECTION 1, added (O), relating to limits for spadefish. 2020 Act No. 119, SECTION 1, added (P), relating to the tripletail catch limit. 2021 Act No. 91, SECTION 1, in (G), substituted "five flounder" for "ten flounder" and "ten flounder" for "twenty flounder". 2024 Act No. 224, SECTION 7, repealed the sunset provision of subsection (G) provided in 2021 Act No. 91 and, as such, the substitution of "five flounder" for "ten flounder" and "ten flounder" for "twenty flounder" remains in place.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-854 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-854
SECTION 50-11-854. Seasons and bag limits for hunting and taking crows.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may establish seasons and bag limits for the hunting and taking of crows consistent with the federal regulation governing those activities. However: (1) The hunting season or seasons on crows may not exceed a total of one hundred twenty-four days during a calendar year: (2) The department shall designate a season or seasons between September first and March first: (3) It is unlawful to hunt or take crows: (a) from an aircraft; (b) by any methods except firearms, bow and arrow, and falconry; (c) except as permitted by this section. (B) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-400 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-400
SECTION 50-5-400. Commercial blue crab license; cost; eligibility; limitations; renewal.
Status: in_force

(A) For the privilege of taking blue crabs by trap for a commercial purpose in the waters of this State, an individual must obtain a limited commercial blue crab license, a commercial saltwater fishing license, and a commercial equipment license for traps. (B) The cost of a limited commercial blue crab license is one hundred dollars for residents and five hundred dollars for nonresidents. (C) The following individuals are eligible to obtain a limited commercial blue crab license: (1) an individual who possessed a valid commercial equipment license for traps during the 2023-2024 license year and who has verifiable documentation of at least five hundred pounds of commercial blue crab landings during the first six months of the 2023-2024 license year, the entirety of the 2022-2023 license year, or the entirety of the 2021-2022 license year; (2) an individual who is selected via an applicant lottery pursuant to subsection (D); or (3) an individual who receives a valid limited commercial blue crab license via transfer pursuant to subsection (E). (D) If the total number of limited commercial blue crab licenses issued by the department in a license year is below one hundred, then the department may award additional licenses, not to exceed one hundred total limited commercial blue crab licenses, via an applicant lottery. (E) A limited commercial blue crab license may be transferred by the licensee to another individual after providing information relating to the transfer as required by the department. An individual is limited to one commercial blue crab license and a licensee must not receive a transfer of another limited commercial blue crab license. (F) The maximum number of traps used for taking blue crab, inclusive of peeler traps, that may be licensed to: (1) an individual who obtains a limited commercial blue crab license under subsection (C)(1) is the greater of two hundred traps and the highest number of traps licensed by the individual in the three previous license years; (2) an individual who receives a limited commercial blue crab license via transfer is the greater of two hundred traps and the average number of traps licensed by a holder of the transferred limited commercial blue crab license in the three previous license years; or (3) an individual who is selected via lottery is two hundred traps. (G) If the 2024-2025 license year or 2023-2024 license year is used to determine the highest number of traps that may be licensed under subsection (F), then only the first six months of the 2023-2024 license year must be used in the determination. (H) A limited commercial blue crab license must be renewed annually. Prior to every fourth license year, a licensee must have verifiable documentation of at least four thousand pounds of commercial blue crab landings in at least one of the three previous license years. If a licensee does not meet the documented landings threshold, then the licensee's limited commercial blue crab license must not be renewed by the department. Editor's Note 2024 Act No. 212, SECTION 12, provides as follows: "SECTION 12. Upon approval of this act by the Governor, a moratorium on the issuance of new commercial equipment licenses to use traps for the taking of blue crab takes effect, at which time the department must not issue any new commercial equipment licenses to use traps for the taking of blue crab. This moratorium expires on June 15, 2025. Commercial equipment licenses to use traps for the taking of blue crab in effect for the 2023-2024 license year are extended and do not expire until June 30, 2025."
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-515 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 50-5-515
SECTION 50-5-515. Channel nets to be used only in designated areas; Turtle Excluder Device requirements; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to use channel nets in the salt waters of this State, except in areas designated by the department. (B) The following apply to use of channel nets: (1) A functional soft or hard Turtle Excluder Device (TED) must be correctly installed in any channel net used in the waters of this State, except in areas specifically exempted in this section. (2) A soft TED must be constructed and installed so as to conform to the specifications of the National Marine Fisheries Service for soft TED's. (3) A hard TED must conform to the following specifications: (a) the TED must be a single, rigid, oval deflector grid which is made of steel rod or pipe not less than one-third inch diameter, aluminum rod or pipe not less than one-half inch diameter, or fiberglass rod of comparable strength; (b) the TED must be installed so that it is at a thirty to forty-five degree angle from the horizontal when in use; (c) the minimum inside diameter may not be less than thirty inches; (d) the minimum (slit) escape opening is thirty-five inches; (e) the maximum spacing between the bars is four inches; there is no minimum spacing; (f) all "hard" TEDs must be top exiting only; (g) an optional, rectangular flap may be installed over the escape opening, provided it is attached only on its forward edge, does not extend more than four inches aft of the escape opening, is no wider than thirty-six inches, and the mesh size is no larger than two inches stretch. (4) Turtle Excluder Devices are not required in channel nets used east of a line in Winyah Bay from the front range on Big Marsh Island, running southeast to day marker No. 18, thence running south southeast to red Nun Buoy No. 16. Any channel net used west of this line must use an approved Turtle Excluder Device. Turtle Excluder Devices are not required in channel nets used in North Santee Bay. However, the department may require TEDs in additional or all open areas if a significant threat to sea turtles is determined. (5) A sea turtle accidentally taken must be released immediately unless it is apparent that resuscitation is required. If resuscitation is required, the fisherman must retain the turtle until the turtle has recovered sufficiently and is capable of swimming. (C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-670 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-670
SECTION 50-13-670. Possession of game fish while possessing or using nongame devices prohibited.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for a person to have in possession game fish, except live bream on those water bodies where permitted as live bait, while possessing or using nongame devices. The provisions of this section do not apply to a person using a cast net or landing net (dip net). Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote this section. 2021 Act No. 16, SECTION 1, in the first sentence, deleted "or game fish devices" following "as live bait,". 2022 Act No. 137, SECTION 9, in the second sentence, inserted "or landing net (dip net)" following "cast net".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-840 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-840
SECTION 50-11-840. Destroying active wild bird nest or eggs; permit for removal.
Status: in_force

(A) No person may take or destroy, or attempt to take or destroy, an active nest or the eggs of a wild bird or have an active nest or eggs in his possession, except pursuant to a permit issued by the department. An "active nest" means a nest with birds or eggs present. (B) The department may issue a permit for the removal of an active nest or eggs that constitute a public safety threat or when birds are causing damage to property. Effect of Amendment The 2009 amendment designated subsection (A), adding "an active" in the first sentence and the second sentence defining an "active nest"; and added subsection (B) providing for permits for removal of active nests or eggs.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-710 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 4 / Section 50-11-710
SECTION 50-11-710. Night hunting prohibited; exceptions; hunting of raccoons, opossums, foxes, minks, or skunks; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to night hunt for raccoons, opossums, foxes, minks, or skunks in violation of the provisions of this section. (B) Raccoons, opossums, foxes, minks, and skunks may be hunted at night on property on which a person has a lawful right to hunt; however, the animals may not be hunted with artificial lights except when treed or cornered with dogs, and may not be hunted with buckshot or any shot larger than a number four, or any rifle ammunition larger than a twenty-two caliber rimfire. (C) A person who violates this section, upon conviction, must: (1) for a first offense, be fined not more than five hundred dollars, be imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both; (2) for a second offense within two years from the date of conviction for the first offense, be fined not more than one thousand dollars, be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both; and (3) for a third or subsequent offense within two years of the date of conviction for the last previous offense, be fined not more than one thousand five hundred dollars, be imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both. (D) In addition to any other penalty, any person convicted for a second or subsequent offense under this section within three years of the date of conviction for a first offense shall have his privilege to hunt in this State suspended for a period of one year. A hunting license may not be issued to an individual while his privilege is suspended, and any license mistakenly issued is invalid. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, the 2010 amendments were read together. Subsection (A)(2) contains the Act 211 amendment, and Subsection (A)(3) contains the Act 243 amendment. At the direction of the Code Commissioner, in (B), the reference to the "provisions contained in items (2)(b) and (3)(b) of subsection (A)" was changed to "provisions contained in items (2)(c) and (3)(c) of subsection (A)" to be consistent with the amendment to (A) made by 2015 Act No. 53. Effect of Amendment The first 2010 amendment added the subsection identifiers and added subsection (A)(2) relating to nighttime hunting of hogs. The second 2010 amendment added the subsection identifiers and added subsection (A)(3) relating to nighttime hunting of coyotes and armadillos. The 2012 amendment rewrote the section. 2015 Act No. 53, SECTION 1, rewrote (A)(2) and (A)(3). 2017 Act No. 88, SECTION 2, rewrote the section, providing that it is unlawful to night hunt raccoons, opossums, foxes, minks, or skunks under certain circumstances, revising the penalty provisions, and deleting the provisions relating to night hunting of feral hogs, coyotes, and armadillos, and deleting the provision relating to the use of artificial lights at night.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1930 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 8 / Section 50-11-1930
SECTION 50-11-1930. Sale or purchase of willet or dove prohibited.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to buy or sell, expose for sale, or have in possession for sale or barter any willet or dove.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-820 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-820
SECTION 50-11-820. Unlawful to kill, catch, have in possession, or offer or expose for sale resident or migratory wild bird; exception.
Status: in_force

No person within the State may kill, catch, or have in his possession, living or dead, any resident or migratory wild bird, other than a game bird, or purchase or offer or expose for sale any wild nongame bird after it has been killed or caught, except as permitted by Section 50-11-1180.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-345 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 3 / Section 50-23-345
SECTION 50-23-345. Temporary certificate of number.
Status: in_force

(A) A transferee shall utilize the temporary certificate of number on the department's application form as a temporary certificate of number to permit the use of watercraft while applications for certificates of number are processed. Temporary certificates of number apply to new and previously owned watercraft. A temporary certificate is valid for not more than sixty days from the date of purchase. No temporary certificate of number may be issued for a boat, boat motor, or watercraft until the ad valorem tax is paid for the year for which the registration is to be issued. (B) When using a recently purchased watercraft under authority of a temporary certificate of number, the operator shall carry a copy of the bill of sale on board along with the temporary certificate of number. (C) A temporary certificate of number must not be issued for a watercraft not having a hull or manufacturer's identification number. (D) Duplicate or updated temporary certificates of number or updated bills of sale are prohibited. (E) The number assigned to a temporary certificate of number must not be displayed on the watercraft. (F) A transferee may operate a newly acquired outboard motor for sixty days while application for title is pending provided the bill of sale is in possession while operating the motor. Editor's Note 1999 Act No. 124, SECTION 2T, provided for the transfer of this section from Chapter 21 where it was numbered SECTION 50-21-340. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment rewrote subsection (A); in subsection (B), substituted "along with the temporary certificate of number" for "as temporary proof of ownership"; in subsection (C), added "or manufacturer's"; and added subsection (F) pertaining to operation while title application is pending. 2018 Act No. 223, SECTION 4, in (A), added the fourth sentence, providing a certificate of number may not be issued until ad valorem taxes are paid for the year in which the certificate is issued.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-960 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 16 / Section 50-19-960
SECTION 50-19-960. Use of dogs to hunt deer during open season in certain parts of Lancaster County.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it shall be lawful to hunt deer with dogs from September fifteenth through January first in the following described area of Lancaster County: Beginning at a point where the old Kershaw-Lancaster County line crosses State Road 522, thence easterly along such line to Beaver Creek, thence southerly along Beaver Creek to the present Kershaw-Lancaster County line, thence westerly along such line to Mud Hole Road, thence northerly along Mud Hole Road to Road 522 in Stoneboro, thence northerly along Road 522 to the point of beginning.