S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-305 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-305
SECTION 50-5-305. Requirements for obtaining resident license; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) To be granted a resident commercial saltwater license authorized under this chapter: (1) an applicant must present a statement from the South Carolina Department of Revenue indicating the applicant filed a South Carolina income tax form as a resident for the previous calendar year, but a person under the age of seventeen is exempt from the requirement to provide such statement; or (2) an applicant who did not file a South Carolina personal income tax form for the previous year must show documentation acceptable to the department proving the applicant was a resident of South Carolina for twelve consecutive months immediately prior to the date of application. The applicant must also present an additional form of identification acceptable to the department. (B) It is unlawful to obtain, attempt to obtain, or possess a South Carolina resident saltwater license while licensed for any purpose as a resident of another state. (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 two thousand 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. § 50-11-1700 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 8 / Section 50-11-1700
SECTION 50-11-1700. Unlawful to keep certain birds or animals in cold storage or refrigerating plants; exceptions; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to keep any of the birds or animals forbidden to be sold by the terms of Sections 50-11-1910 and 50-11-1940 in cold storage or refrigerating plants, except in a private dwelling, unless the bird or animal in cold storage, or the package containing it, bears the name and address, the serial number, and the class of the hunting license of the owner of the bird or animal. Any person violating this section must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned one day for each dollar fined or unpaid, either or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-910 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-910
SECTION 50-5-910. Permit requirements; lottery; sworn statement as to distribution through properly licensed wholesale seafood dealer.
Status: in_force

(A) An applicant for Shellfish Culture Permits and Shellfish Mariculture Permits must: (1) satisfy the department that the applicant has sufficient shellfish culture experience and will directly manage and supervise the cultivation of the permit area applied for, or will employ a qualified individual as manager within three months following the date that the permit becomes effective; (2) own and employ or provide assurance that the applicant is capable of acquiring the necessary equipment and personnel to effectively harvest and manage the area in question; and (3) hold or be qualified to obtain all state and federal approvals required for use of the bottoms or waters for which application is made. (B) In cases where two or more individuals who are equally qualified apply for a permit for the same bottoms or waters, the granting of the permit may be determined by lottery. The order in which applications are received shall have no bearing on the granting of a permit. (C) Persons and entities granted Shellfish Culture Permits and Shellfish Mariculture Permits must submit a sworn statement stating the permittee has a wholesale seafood dealer's license, a molluscan shellfish license, and a shellfish facility certified by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control or that all shellfish harvested for sale shall be handled through a licensed wholesale seafood dealer having a molluscan shellfish license and a Department of Health and Environmental Control approved facility.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-820 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 9 / Section 50-21-820
SECTION 50-21-820. Water skiing, surfboarding, and similar activity prohibited during certain hours.
Status: in_force

No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of this State towing a person or persons on water skis, aquaplane, a surfboard, or similar devices, nor shall any person be engaged in water skiing, aquaplaning, surfboarding, or similar activity at any time between the hours from sunset to sunrise. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, "be" was inserted before "engaged."
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-330 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 50-15-330
SECTION 50-15-330. Application; issuance of permit; expiration of permit.
Status: in_force

(A) Upon payment of a nonrefundable application fee for applicants seeking a permit for the first time, the department shall investigate the applicant and the proposed facility. The department must prescribe applicant, facility, and operating requirements to applicants and may deny the application in its discretion after review. A person exhibiting alligators in a circus or zoo or in a similar animal, reptile, or wildlife show at a place or location other than on a captive alligator propagation facility is exempt from the permit and fee requirements of this article. (B) Upon approval of an application and payment of the permit fee, the department shall issue an alligator propagation facility permit. (C) A valid permit shall expire twelve months after the date of issuance and may be renewed not more than forty-five days prior to expiration upon payment of a renewal fee. (D) Alligator propagation facilities located on noncontiguous parcels of land must be permitted separately.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-113 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-113
SECTION 50-21-113. Operation of moving water device while under the influence of alcohol or drugs resulting in property damage, great bodily injury or death; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) A person who, while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or the combination of alcohol and drugs operates a moving water device, or is in actual control of a moving water device within this State and causes great bodily injury or death of a person other than himself, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be punished by a mandatory fine of not less than: (1) five thousand dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars and mandatory imprisonment for not less than thirty days nor more than fifteen years when great bodily injury results; (2) ten thousand dollars nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars and mandatory imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than twenty-five years when death results. No part of the mandatory sentences required to be imposed by this section may be suspended, and probation may not be granted for any portion. (B) As used in subsection (A) "great bodily injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ. (C) A person who, while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or the combination of alcohol and drugs operates or is in actual control of a moving water device within this State and causes damage to property other than his own, or injury other than great bodily injury to a person other than himself, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both. (D) The department shall suspend the privilege of a person who is convicted or who pleads guilty or nolo contendere under this section to operate a water device or be in actual control of a moving water device within this State for a period to include any term of imprisonment plus: (1) three years in the case of death or great bodily injury; or (2) one year in the case of property damage or injury other than great bodily injury. (E) The suspensions under this section are in addition to and not in lieu of any other civil remedies or criminal penalties.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-290 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 50-21-290
SECTION 50-21-290. Online application to report wrecked, junked, or sunken vessels.
Status: in_force

The Department of Environmental Services, in cooperation with the department, must develop and maintain an application and website for law enforcement and the public to report vessels that are wrecked, junked, or that have sunk.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-180 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 50-11-180
SECTION 50-11-180. Trapping or snaring of quail prohibited; exceptions; requests for quail trapping permits; requirements.
Status: in_force

The trapping or snaring of quail is prohibited except as permitted by the department for scientific or propagation purposes. Requests for quail trapping permits must be accompanied by proof of property ownership or lease-hold interest for the property upon which the quail traps are to be operated, a county or highway map designating the location of the property, and an aerial photo, a tax map, or a plan designating property boundaries. The department may deny or revoke a permit in its discretion.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-367 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-367
SECTION 50-5-367. Sale, offer, or purchase of shrimp taken over bait; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to sell or to offer for sale shrimp taken over bait. (B) Any person or entity violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars or more than five thousand dollars and may be imprisoned for not more than thirty days and must have his saltwater privileges suspended for twelve months, and the shrimp, its containers, used in violation of this section must be seized. (C) It is unlawful to knowingly purchase shrimp taken over bait.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-135 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-135
SECTION 50-1-135. Effect of forfeiture of bail, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere for violation of fish and game laws.
Status: in_force

The entry of any plea of guilty, the forfeiture of any bail posted, or the entry of plea of nolo contendere for a violation of the fish and game laws of this State has the same effect as a conviction. In any case where bail is posted by the defendant, no forfeiture of bail becomes effective until ten days following the date of arrest nor may the defendant be required to plead prior to the elapse of the ten-day period. The provisions of this section may not be construed to prohibit a defendant from voluntarily entering a plea or forfeiting bail within the ten-day period.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-190 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 50-3-190
SECTION 50-3-190. Statewide Waterfowl Program Manager; duties; requirements.
Status: in_force

(A) The Chief of Wildlife shall establish a Statewide Waterfowl Program Manager within the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. The Waterfowl Program Manager shall: (1) manage all aspects of the waterfowl and wetland management program where management is directed toward the requirements of native and migratory waterfowl and their allies; (2) manage the conservation and management of waterfowl habitat that is titled or licensed to the department and ensure the successful utilization of this acreage for the benefit of waterfowl, waterfowl hunters, and other waterfowl enthusiasts; (3) supervise all waterfowl management activities conducted by staff and contractors for such areas; (4) coordinate with regional personnel on waterfowl management activities on regional wildlife management areas; and (5) undertake all other duties as necessary to successfully conserve and manage waterfowl habitat. (B) The Waterfowl Program Manager must have: (1) a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited postsecondary institution; (2) at least seven years of experience in waterfowl and wetlands management; (3) a high level of knowledge of waterfowl and wetland management techniques in the Southeast or Atlantic Flyway; (4) specialized knowledge and experience in coastal ecology, impoundment management, and the ecological principles of water control; (5) experience in waterfowl resource and habitat data collection and assessment; (6) a fundamental understanding of federal and state waterfowl hunting rules and regulations; and (7) the ability to work with the general population and provide clear, concise, and technically accurate presentations and written reports to division leaders, agency executive level staff, the Department of Natural Resources Board, and members of the General Assembly when required. (C) The department may contract with a qualified individual or entity to assist the Waterfowl Program Manager in providing the services and fulfilling the responsibilities required by the provisions of this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-365 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-365
SECTION 50-11-365. Wearing of international orange while on Wildlife Management Area lands.
Status: in_force

All nonexempt persons must wear a hat, coat, or vest of solid international orange while on Wildlife Management Area lands during deer hunting season.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-395 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-395
SECTION 50-3-395. Enforcement officers may issue warning tickets.
Status: in_force

Enforcement officers may issue warning tickets to violators in cases of misdemeanor violations under this title. The department shall provide for the form, administration, and use of warning tickets authorized by this section. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 230, SECTION 2.J, in the second sentence, deleted "by regulation" following "The department shall".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-320 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-320
SECTION 50-5-320. State Shellfish Ground licenses; fees.
Status: in_force

For the privilege of taking molluscan shellfish from state-owned bottoms not under permit from the department for commercial purposes or in a quantity greater than those allowed for personal use as provided in this chapter, any licensed resident commercial saltwater fisherman must obtain a State Shellfish Ground resident license for a fee of seventy-five dollars and any licensed nonresident commercial saltwater fisherman must obtain a State Shellfish Ground nonresident license for a fee of three hundred seventy-five dollars.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-1810 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 29 / Section 50-19-1810
SECTION 50-19-1810. Fishing below Wateree Dam in Kershaw County; liability of power company.
Status: in_force

It shall not be unlawful for anyone to fish from the banks of the watercourse below the Duke Power Company Wateree Dam in Kershaw County within two hundred feet from the dam, but it shall be unlawful to fish from any structure or abutment erected by Duke Power Company, and Duke Power Company shall not be liable for any injury sustained by any fisherman fishing within the two hundred foot prohibited zone. 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. § 50-19-1620 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 27 / Section 50-19-1620
SECTION 50-19-1620. Fishing near India Hook Dam.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to fish from a raft, boat or any other floating device in the following described areas on the Catawba River in York County: An area lying downstream from the Catawba dam and powerhouse of the Duke Power Company in York County, such area extending for a distance of approximately three hundred and seventy-five feet downstream from the south or downstream wall of the powerhouse and extending from the east bank of the river to the southwestern corner of the dam; also an area on the upstream side of the powerhouse extending for a distance of approximately one hundred feet from the northern or upstream wall of the powerhouse and extending from the eastern bank of the pond to the western wall of the powerhouse. However, this section shall not be construed to prevent fishing from any point on the rock pile situate below the India Hook Dam or on the banks adjacent to the areas above described. The term "banks adjacent to the areas above described" shall not include any part or extension of the dam. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than ten dollars nor more than fifty dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, in the discretion of the trial court.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1270 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1270
SECTION 50-11-1270. Shooting season.
Status: in_force

The shooting season is a consecutive six-month period, beginning October first and continuing through the following March thirty-first.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-935 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-935
SECTION 50-5-935. Fees; late payment penalty.
Status: in_force

Each person granted a Shellfish Culture Permit or a Shellfish Mariculture Permit must pay an annual fee of five dollars an acre for the bottoms on which he has been granted shellfishing rights, or five dollars an acre of water surface determined at mean high water delineated on the permit map, or both, when waters above permitted bottoms are also permitted. In the case of bottoms, the annual permit fee must be based on the number of bottom acres producing or capable of producing shellfish. The annual fee for shellfish permits must be prorated from the first of the month following the issuance of the permit to February 1 next. Thereafter, all annual fees are payable in advance. On February 1, the department must invoice each permittee. If the annual fee is not paid by March 1, the department must add a late penalty of ten percent. If the department does not receive the fee and any penalty on or before April 1, the permit is void.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-26-10 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 26 / Section 50-26-10
SECTION 50-26-10. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as "Chandler's Law".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-210 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 50-21-210
SECTION 50-21-210. Definitions.
Status: in_force

(A) For the purposes of this article: (1) "Abandoned vessel" means a vessel that: (a) is wrecked or junked; (b) does not have a visible identifier; and (c) remains on the waters of the State, or on public property adjacent thereto, for at least ten consecutive days from the day an abandoned vessel notice is posted on the vessel. (2) "Derelict vessel" means a vessel that: (a) is wrecked or junked; (b) has a visible identifier; and (c) remains on the waters of the State, or on public property adjacent thereto, for at least twenty-one consecutive days from the day a derelict vessel notice is posted on the vessel. (3) "Junked" means substantially stripped of vessel components, or spaces on the vessel that are designed to be enclosed are open to the elements. (4) "Registered owner" means a person listed as the owner on a state's vessel registration records or on a United States Coast Guard certificate of documentation. (5) "Responsible party" means a person who has the rights to the possession and use of a vessel. (6) "Visible identifier" means: (a) a hull identification number; (b) a vessel registration number of this State or another state; or (c) a vessel name and home port. (7) "Wrecked" means listing due to water intake or hull damage, or aground and cannot be extracted without mechanical assistance.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1325 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 50-5-1325
SECTION 50-5-1325. Stone crabs; claw size, removal and sale limitations; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to take or possess a stone crab or stone crab parts except as provided herein. (B) A stone crab having two claws may be temporarily taken for removal of the larger claw provided the larger claw is two and three-fourths inches in length or larger measured by a straight line from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable claw finger, and the crab must be returned immediately to the water. (C) It is unlawful to possess a female stone crab bearing visible eggs or to remove visible eggs or either claw from a female stone crab bearing visible eggs. (D) It is unlawful to possess, sell, or offer for sale any stone crab claw which has a forearm (propodus) of less than the size provided in subsection (B). (E) 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. § 50-13-1440 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 9 / Section 50-13-1440
SECTION 50-13-1440. Using explosives to take fish unlawful.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to use dynamite, gun powder, lime or any other explosive in or about any of the streams or waters in this State to take or secure fish, to cause or to procure the same to be done, to aid, assist or abet anyone in so doing or to have in his possession dynamite or any other explosive or explosive device in any paddling boat, sailboat, motorboat, raft or barge usually used for fresh-water fishing in any of the rivers, lakes, streams or waters within this State. Any person using explosives for the taking of fish or having in his possession explosives in a paddling boat, motorboat, sailboat, raft or barge commonly used for fresh-water fishing in any of the rivers, lakes, streams or waters within this State shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon his conviction, shall be sentenced to serve a term at hard labor on the chain gang or in the Penitentiary or to pay a fine as follows, to wit: For the first offense a period of not more than three months or a fine of not more than five hundred dollars; for the second offense a period of one year or a fine of one thousand dollars; and for the third offense a period of two years or a fine of two thousand five hundred dollars.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-410 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 50-15-410
SECTION 50-15-410. Forfeiture.
Status: in_force

(A) Any alligator propagation facility that fails to renew the required permits or ceases operation for any reason shall have a period of three months in which to legally dispose of any remaining alligators in the facility. After three months, any remaining alligators in the facility must be forfeited to the State and disposed of. Forfeited animals and parts must be disposed of by law and the proceeds from them deposited according to law. The owner of the facility is liable for any costs associated with the disposal of the remaining alligators. (B) If an alligator propagation facility is abandoned, or the alligator propagator fails to adequately maintain the enclosure after notification by the department, or in the case of wilful neglect of the facility, or the lack of proper care, feeding or humane handling of alligators in the facility, the alligator propagator is considered in violation of this article and any alligators or alligator parts in the facility must be forfeited to the department. Forfeited animals and parts must be disposed of by law and the proceeds from them deposited according to law. The owner of the facility is liable for any costs associated with the disposal of the remaining alligators.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-340 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 3 / Section 50-23-340
SECTION 50-23-340. Application for and issuance of number and certificate; fee.
Status: in_force

The owner of each motorboat requiring numbering by this chapter shall file an application for a number with the department on forms approved by it. The application shall be signed by the owner of the motorboat and shall be accompanied by a fee of ten dollars. Upon receipt of the application in approved form, the department shall enter the same upon the records of its office and issue to the applicant a certificate of number stating the number awarded to the motorboat and the name and address of the owner. The certificate of number shall be pocket size. Editor's Note 1999 Act No. 124, SECTION 2.T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21, where this section was numbered SECTION 50-21-340. Effect of Amendment 2018 Act No. 223, SECTION 3, in the second sentence, substituted "ten dollars" for "thirty dollars".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1335 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 50-5-1335
SECTION 50-5-1335. Use of blue crab traps in certain locations.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to set a trap used for taking blue crab for commercial purposes within these waters of the State: (1) Pawley's Island Creek and Midway Creek on Pawley's Island in Georgetown County; (2) one hundred fifty feet of the mean low tide watermark on Atlantic Ocean shoreline of Pawley's Island in Georgetown County; (3) DeBordieu Creek and its tributaries and distributaries above the entrance to Bass Hole Creek and seaward of the causeways of Luvan Boulevard in Georgetown County; (4) the Sampit River above a line connecting the point on the eastern shoreline of Sampit River at its confluence with Winyah Bay at latitude 33° 21.08' N, longitude 79° 16.71' W and the point on the western shoreline of Winyah Bay generally south of its confluence with Sampit River at latitude 33° 20.68' N, longitude 79° 16.90' W in Georgetown County; and (5) Little Chechessee Creek in Beaufort County. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment, in the introductory paragraph, substituted "set a trap used for taking blue crab" for "set or use a blue crab trap".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-2-20 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 2 / Section 50-2-20
SECTION 50-2-20. Purpose of Forest Management Protection Act.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this act is to encourage and protect landowners' ability to maintain their land for forest use and to conduct forest management activities.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-2-10 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 2 / Section 50-2-10
SECTION 50-2-10. Short title.
Status: in_force

This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Forest Management Protection Act".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-980 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-980
SECTION 50-11-980. Certain lands and waters in Charleston Harbor and adjacent estuarine system designated wildlife sanctuary.
Status: in_force

The lands and waters in Charleston Harbor and its adjacent estuarine system in Charleston County lying within the following boundaries are designated a wildlife sanctuary: The area in Charleston County beginning at the foot of Station 22 1⁄2 Street on Sullivan's Island, thence on a line north following Ben Sawyer Boulevard (Highway 703) into Mt. Pleasant to a point just south of Center Street where the marsh of the upper reaches of Jeanette Creek meets highland, thence turning 230 degrees southwest following a line to Pitt Street in Mt. Pleasant, thence turning northwest following Pitt Street to its intersection with Live Oak Avenue, thence northeast to Coleman Boulevard, thence following Coleman Boulevard across Shem Creek and continuing on a line 310 degrees northwest to the eastern range marker for the Drum Island Channel Range just south of Remley's Point, thence continuing northwest on the Drum Island Reach for approximately six thousand eighty feet, thence due west on a line across the Charleston peninsula for approximately seven thousand nine hundred sixty-six feet, thence turning 330 degrees northwest and continuing for approximately nine thousand six hundred forty-three feet along the east side of the Ashley River, thence turning 330 degrees northwest and continuing on a line for approximately five thousand eight hundred seventy feet, thence turning 240 degrees and continuing for approximately four thousand one hundred ninety-three feet, thence turning 134 degrees southeast and continuing approximately nine thousand six hundred forty-three feet to a point on the west bank of the Ashley River just south of the WTMA radio tower, thence turning 200 degrees south and continuing for approximately three thousand three hundred fifty-four feet along the west bank of the Ashley River, thence turning south 170 degrees for approximately three thousand seven hundred seventy-three feet, thence turning northwest 310 degrees and continuing for approximately four thousand one hundred ninety-three feet, thence turning south 190 degrees and continuing approximately five thousand thirty-one feet, thence returning east 105 degrees and continuing for approximately three thousand seven hundred seventy-three feet, thence turning south again 190 degrees and continuing for approximately two thousand five hundred sixteen feet to its intersection with Highway 61, thence turning southeast 120 degrees and continuing approximately nineteen thousand sixty-two feet to the north bank of Wappoo Creek, thence turning south 200 degrees and continuing approximately two thousand nine hundred thirty-five feet, thence turning southeast 144 degrees and continuing for approximately two thousand nine hundred thirty-five feet to a point just south of Harborview Road, thence turning east-southeast 100 degrees and continuing for approximately one thousand two hundred fifty-eight feet, thence turning southeast 130 degrees and continuing approximately one thousand six hundred seventy-seven feet, thence turning east 100 degrees and continuing for approximately four thousand one hundred ninety-three feet, thence turning northeast 30 degrees and continuing for approximately two thousand ninety-six feet, thence turning east 80 degrees and continuing for approximately one thousand two hundred fifty-eight feet, thence turning southeast 120 degrees and continuing for approximately one thousand two hundred fifty-eight feet, thence turning south 200 degrees and continuing approximately one thousand six hundred seventy-seven feet to the head of Kushiwah Creek, thence turning east-southeast 110 degrees and continuing approximately four thousand one hundred ninety-three feet, thence turning northeast 30 degrees and continuing for approximately eight hundred thirty-nine feet, thence turning northwest 320 degrees and continuing for approximately two thousand five hundred sixteen feet, thence turning north 20 degrees and continuing approximately six hundred twenty-nine feet, thence turning east-southeast 110 degrees and continuing for approximately two thousand nine hundred thirty-five feet, thence returning due north and continuing for approximately one thousand two hundred fifty-eight feet, thence turning due east and continuing for approximately three thousand seven hundred seventy-three feet along the southern edge of Charleston Harbor, thence turning northeast 60 degrees and continuing for approximately one thousand two hundred fifty-eight feet to the point at Fort Johnson, thence turning due south and continuing approximately nine thousand two hundred twenty-four feet to a point on the west bank of Schooper (Schooner) Creek, thence turning due east and continuing for approximately six thousand seven hundred eight feet across Morris Island along the dike on the north end of the spoil area, thence turning northeast 50 degrees and continuing approximately sixteen thousand three hundred fifty-one feet across the mouth of Charleston Harbor to the point of beginning on Sullivan's Island. It is unlawful for any person to hunt, trap, molest, or to attempt to take or molest in any manner, any wild bird, bird egg, or mammal within the sanctuary. The department, its duly authorized agents, or persons with written permits issued by the department may engage in predator control, bird banding, and other scientific activities including the collection of specimens for scientific purposes intended to enhance, maintain, or further our understanding of wildlife populations within the sanctuary. The department shall post the general outline of the sanctuary and during the nesting season shall conspicuously post bird nesting areas. Posting of bird nesting areas constitutes public notice that the areas are closed to entry. The term "molest" as used in this section includes, but is not limited to, walking upon posted lands or allowing pets to roam upon them. It is also unlawful for any person to remove or tamper with signs posted by the department pursuant to this section. Nothing herein shall preclude the normal operations of the marine terminals and other facilities of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, or the dredging and disposal operations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Carolina State Ports Authority, or their agents or contractors, or the normal shipping and maritime activities in the Port of Charleston. Any person violating the provisions of 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 ninety days, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-310 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-310
SECTION 50-1-310. Mitigation Trust Fund.
Status: in_force

(A) The Mitigation Trust Fund of South Carolina is created 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 Trustees of the Mitigation Trust Fund are authorized to disburse funds to the South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey to fund construction of the Avian Conservation Center in Charleston County. (E) 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. § 50-1-240 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-240
SECTION 50-1-240. Assent to act of Congress providing aid for wildlife restoration projects; implementation of act.
Status: in_force

The 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 Wildlife Restoration Projects, and for Other Purposes," approved September 2, 1937 (Public Law No. 415, 75th Congress), and acts supplementary thereto or amendatory thereof, and the department shall perform such acts as may be necessary to the conduct and establishment of cooperative wildlife restoration projects, as defined in such act of Congress, in compliance with such act and with rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Agriculture thereunder.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-315 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-315
SECTION 50-3-315. Deputy enforcement officers.
Status: in_force

(A) The director may appoint deputy enforcement officers who serve at the pleasure of the director without pay. The officers have statewide police power. However, the director may restrict their territorial jurisdiction. No person may be appointed as an officer who holds another public office. The Secretary of State shall transmit to the director the commissions of all officers. (B) Except for specially designated department employees, deputy enforcement officers are volunteers covered by Chapter 25, Title 8 and not employees entitled to coverage or benefits in Title 42. (C) Except for specially designated department employees, deputy enforcement officers shall furnish their own equipment but may not equip privately owned vehicles with blue lights, sirens, or police-type markings. (D) Deputy enforcement officers must be of good character. (E) The department shall administer the deputy enforcement officers through its Natural Resources Enforcement Division. (F) The number of deputy enforcement officers appointed is in the discretion of the director. (G) All deputy enforcement officers: (1) must be certified by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy or successfully shall complete the "Basic State Constables Course" at their own expense at one of the state technical schools; (2) successfully shall complete required refresher training; (3) promptly shall comply with all directives by the Deputy Director of the Natural Resources Enforcement Division and the supervisor of enforcement officers within whose area the officer is acting. Effect of Amendment 2016 Act No. 216, SECTION 1, in (A), deleted the former last sentence, relating to the bonds required by Section 50-3-330. 2022 Act No. 230, SECTION 2.G, in (B), substituted "Chapter 25, Title 8" for "Chapter 25 of Title 8"; and deleted (H), which related to the department by regulation establishing a training program for deputy enforcement officers commissioned after July 1, 1980.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-29 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-29
SECTION 50-11-29. Unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Lake Wateree; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Lake Wateree within two hundred yards of a dwelling without written permission of the owner and occupant. As used in this section, Lake Wateree includes the area from Wateree Dam upstream to the Cedar Creek and Rock Creek Power Plant Dam. 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. Provided, however, nothing in this section is intended to limit the restrictions of Section 50-19-1830.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-930 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-930
SECTION 50-5-930. Preference.
Status: in_force

If a person granted a Shellfish Culture Permit or a Shellfish Mariculture Permit reapplies for the same bottoms or waters in the next ensuing term, the department must give preference to that applicant if the applicant has complied with all requirements of this article and his permit.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-450 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-450
SECTION 50-11-450. Unprocessed bait authorized in Game Zone 4.
Status: in_force

(A) For the purposes of this section, "unprocessed bait" means any natural food item harvested from a plant crop that is not modified from its raw components. Unprocessed bait includes unmodified grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. (B) Notwithstanding Section 50-11-430(E)(8) and Section 50-11-440, a person may take a bear with the aid or use of unprocessed bait, including over an area with unprocessed bait, on private land in Game Zone 4.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-340 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-340
SECTION 50-3-340. Statewide authority of enforcement officers.
Status: in_force

The enforcement officers, when acting in their official capacity, shall have statewide authority for the enforcement of all laws relating to wildlife, marine, and natural resources.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-645 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-645
SECTION 50-13-645. Taking limits of eels for recreational fisherman.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for a recreational fisherman to take more than twenty-five American eel (Anguilla rostrata) a day. Each American eel must be at least nine inches long. Effect of Amendment 2016 Act No. 209, SECTION 1, substituted "twenty-five American eel (Anguilla rostrata)" for "fifty eels" in the first sentence, and inserted "American" before "eel" and substituted "nine inches" for "six inches" in the second sentence.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-660 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 50-9-660
SECTION 50-9-660. Alligator Draw Hunt Program; Private Lands Alligator Program; nonresident alligator hunting fee; fees nonrefundable.
Status: in_force

Except pursuant to a person operating under a depredation permit: (1) For the privilege of taking an alligator, in addition to the required hunting license, a person first must apply to the department's Alligator Draw Hunt Program. The application fee is ten dollars. Successful selection provides the applicant an opportunity to obtain one alligator tag at a cost of one hundred dollars. (2) The property permit fee for participation in the Private Lands Alligator Program is ten dollars. The cost for each tag issued under the permit is ten dollars. (3) A nonresident sixteen years of age or older who hunts alligators under any alligator management program must pay a nonresident alligator hunting fee of two hundred dollars, four dollars of which may be retained by the issuing sales vendor. (4) Application, permit, and tag fees are nonrefundable.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-295 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-295
SECTION 50-1-295. Removing or defacing buoys marking areas or bottoms; penalty.
Status: in_force

A person removing, defacing, injuring, or otherwise disturbing signs, buoys, or other devices used by the department in marking areas or bottoms or used by department permittees for marking permitted areas or who injures or destroys any departmental real or personal property in either fresh or salt water or adjacent wetlands, 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. § 50-5-105 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-105
SECTION 50-5-105. Unlawful activities affecting others; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful: (1) to remove, wilfully damage, or interfere with any fishing equipment belonging to another; (2) to remove the catch without possessing written permission of the owner of the equipment, except channel nets must be operated only by the licensee; or (3) to wilfully interfere with or impede lawful fishing activity. (B) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars and not more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, and in addition must have his saltwater privileges suspended for twelve months.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1635 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 11 / Section 50-13-1635
SECTION 50-13-1635. Release of aquatic species and nonindigenous fish into waters.
Status: in_force

(A) Except bait lost incidental to fishing or fish released into the waters from which they were taken, it is unlawful to intentionally release any aquatic species, regardless of the stage of its life cycle, into the waters of this State without a permit from the department. (B) It is unlawful to use any nonindigenous fish as bait that is not already established in the water body being fished except the following minnows: fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas), and goldfish, including "black salties" (Carassius auratus). Magistrates court retains concurrent jurisdiction of this offense. (C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or up to thirty days in jail, or both. In addition to the criminal penalties, the court may order a civil penalty sufficient to cover costs for eradication. SECTIONS 50-13-1660 to 50-13-1760. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 114, SECTION 5, eff July 1, 2012. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-13-1660 was entitled "Searches, seizures, and forfeitures" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-695; 1952 Code SECTION 28-695; 1942 Code SECTION 1773-5; 1932 (37) 1480; 1952 (47) 2179; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Former SECTION 50-13-1670 was entitled "Shipments of certain fish and fish eggs originating and terminating outside of the State" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-696; 1952 Code SECTION 28-696; 1942 Code SECTION 1773-5; 1932 (37) 1480; 1952 (47) 2179; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Former SECTION 50-13-1760 was entitled "Sale of white perch; invoice required for imported fish; penalties" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 161, SECTION 1; 1982 Act No. 362, SECTION 1; 1991 Act No. 57, SECTION 3; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; 1996 Act No. 236, SECTION 1.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2530 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 50-5-2530
SECTION 50-5-2530. Administering of article.
Status: in_force

The department shall administer and enforce this article and may promulgate regulations for its implementation. The department must inform the public of the point system.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-300 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-300
SECTION 50-1-300. Promulgation of regulations.
Status: in_force

Unless specifically authorized, all regulations promulgated under the authority of this title must be promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1560 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 15 / Section 50-5-1560
SECTION 50-5-1560. Penalty for offense for which no penalty prescribed; seizure and disposal of equipment.
Status: in_force

(A) A person who violates a provision of this article must be punished as directed by the individual sections. If no penalty is prescribed, the person 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) In addition, the department must seize any boat, boat trailer, engine, net, rigging, related equipment, and catch of a person charged with a violation pertaining to setting nets in proximity to navigation jetties. Upon conviction, seized items are forfeited to the State and become contraband and must be disposed of as provided in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-320 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 50-15-320
SECTION 50-15-320. Permit to engage in the business of propagating alligators for commercial purposes.
Status: in_force

(A) Any person may apply to the department for a permit to engage in the business of propagating alligators for commercial purposes. A permit allows the purchase of live alligators or alligator eggs from legal sources, the sale of live alligators within the State to other department-permitted alligator propagators only, the sale of live alligators to other states where the purchase of those animals is lawful, the sale of the carcasses, raw parts, or skins of captive-raised alligators to any person for resale or processing into finished products, including sale for food, and the exhibition of live alligators. (B) The capture, use, purchase, or sale of wild alligators or wild alligator eggs within this State for the purpose of alligator propagation is prohibited. (C) Except as provided in subsection (A), the sale of alligator eggs is prohibited.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1440 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1440
SECTION 50-11-1440. Trapping wild quail.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to trap wild quail for the purpose of obtaining birds to be pen-raised or to obtain wild quail eggs to be pen-raised or hatched.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-660 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-660
SECTION 50-13-660. Jug fishing devices.
Status: in_force

All jugs used in fishing in freshwaters must be sizes that are between a minimum capacity of one pint and a maximum capacity of one gallon with the licensee's name and department customer identification number clearly marked on each jug. All jugs must be removed from the water not later than one hour after sunrise each day and must not be placed in the water earlier than one hour before official sunset. The attachment of more than one hook and line to a jug fishing device is prohibited. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-20 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 50-15-20
SECTION 50-15-20. Investigations on nongame wildlife by department; regulations; management programs; public hearings; prohibited acts.
Status: in_force

(A) The department shall conduct investigations on nongame wildlife in order to develop information relating to population, distribution, habitat, needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data to determine management measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such determinations the department shall issue proposed regulations and develop management programs designed to ensure the continued ability of nongame wildlife to perpetuate themselves successfully. Such proposed regulations shall set forth species or subspecies of nongame wildlife which the department deems in need of management pursuant to this section, giving their common and scientific names by species or subspecies. The department shall conduct ongoing investigations of nongame wildlife and may from time to time amend such regulations by adding or deleting therefrom species or subspecies of nongame wildlife. (B) The department shall by such regulations establish proposed limitations relating to taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale, or shipment as may be deemed necessary to manage such nongame wildlife. 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 make such changes in the proposed regulation as are consistent with effective management of nongame wildlife. (C) Except as provided in regulations issued by the department, it shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell, or offer for sale or ship nongame wildlife deemed by the department to be in need of management pursuant to this section. Subject to the same exception, it shall further be unlawful for any common or contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment nongame wildlife deemed by the department to be in need of management pursuant to this section. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 159, SECTION 1, changed the paragraph designators to upper case, and in subsection (C), added a comma after "sell" in the first sentence.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-210 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-210
SECTION 50-1-210. Violation of department rules pertaining to national forest lands.
Status: in_force

Any person violating any of the regulations promulgated by the department or who hunts or fishes upon the lands at any time, other than those times specified by the department, must, upon conviction of the violations, be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days for each and every offense.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2105 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 21 / Section 50-5-2105
SECTION 50-5-2105. Permits for licensed wholesale seafood dealers to sell undersize fish grown in mariculture operation; identification of fish; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may grant permits to licensed wholesale seafood dealers for sale of saltwater gamefish or for other fish for which there are size or possession limits, grown in permitted mariculture operations. Permits may be conditioned to include sales reporting requirements. Any licensed wholesale seafood dealer must first acquire a permit before selling or attempting to sell such fish. (B) Fish produced through permitted mariculture and marketed must be marked and identified as such, and each lot or shipment must be accompanied by a bill of sale, bill of lading, or other proof of origin. (C) A person 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 imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Each fish sold or offered for sale in violation of this section is a separate offense.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1420 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 9 / Section 50-13-1420
SECTION 50-13-1420. Poisoning waters, or producing electric currents or physical shocks to catch fish unlawful.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to poison the streams or waters of the State in any manner whatsoever for the purpose of taking fish or to introduce, produce or set up electrical currents or physical shocks, pressures or disturbances therein for the purpose of taking fish. The muddying of streams or ponds or the introduction of any substance which results in making the fish sick, so that they may be caught, is hereby declared to be "poisoning" in the sense of this section. No sawdust, acid or other injurious substance shall be discharged into any of the streams of the State where fish breed or abound. For a violation of this section the person so violating it shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than three hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not less than one day nor more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-610 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 50-9-610
SECTION 50-9-610. Additional requirements for attempting to take nongame freshwater fish.
Status: in_force

(A) In addition to the licenses required for freshwater fishing, each licensee attempting to take nongame freshwater fish must obtain: (1) a tag for each eel pot, at five dollars a tag for residents and fifty dollars a tag for nonresidents; (2) a tag for each fyke net, at ten dollars for residents and fifty dollars for nonresidents; (3) a tag for each gill net, at five dollars a tag for residents and fifty dollars a tag for nonresidents; (4) a tag for each hoop net, at ten dollars a tag for residents and fifty dollars a tag for nonresidents; (5) a tag for each trap, at five dollars a tag for residents and fifty dollars a tag for nonresidents; (6) a tag for each trotline, not to exceed fifty hooks each, at two dollars fifty cents a tag for residents and fifty dollars a tag for nonresidents; (7) a permit for using up to fifty jugs, at five dollars a permit for residents and fifty dollars for nonresidents; (8) a permit for using up to fifty set hooks, at five dollars a permit for residents and fifty dollars for nonresidents. (B) Permits for jugs and set hooks are not required for residents assisting permit holders. (C) The licensee must affix the tag or identification information to the respective device. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment, in subsection (A), substituted "for freshwater fishing, each licensee attempting to take nongame freshwater fish must obtain" for "to take freshwater fish each licensee taking nongame freshwater fish, when using these devices must have"; and rewrote subsection (C).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-1925 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 31 / Section 50-19-1925
SECTION 50-19-1925. Department to regulate fisheries in Santee River.
Status: in_force

The Department shall promulgate regulations to manage and protect fisheries in the Santee River.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-2-30 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 2 / Section 50-2-30
SECTION 50-2-30. Definitions.
Status: in_force

(A) A forestry operation is an area where forest management activities are conducted for the production of timber resources for wood products or providing wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, or other environmental values. A forestry operation inherently includes lengthy periods between forest management activities and shall be deemed continuously operating so long as the operation supports an actual or developing forest. (B) Forest management activities include, but are not limited to, timber harvest, site preparation, controlled burning, tree planting, applications of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, weed control, animal damage control, fire control, insect and disease control, forest road construction, and any other generally accepted forestry practices.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-25 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / Section 50-16-25
SECTION 50-16-25. Unlawful release of pigs; permit exceptions.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to: (1) import, possess, buy, sell, offer for sale, transfer, or transport a live member of the family Suidae (pig) taken from the wild; or (2) release a live member of the family Suidae (pig) into the wild. (B) Each pig imported, bought, sold, offered for sale, possessed, transferred, transported, or released in violation of this section constitutes a separate offense. (C) The department may seize and destroy any pig obtained pursuant to this section. Effect of Amendment The 2010 amendment rewrote the section. 2021 Act No. 71, SECTION 2, rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-130 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-130
SECTION 50-23-130. Transfer of ownership by operation of law; termination of ownership in accordance with security agreement.
Status: in_force

(a) If the ownership of a watercraft or outboard motor is transferred by operation of law, such as by inheritance, Transfer on Death, devise or bequest, order in bankruptcy, insolvency, replevin, or execution sale, or satisfaction of mechanic's lien, or repossession upon default in performance of the terms of a security agreement, the transferee shall, except as provided in subsection (b), promptly mail or deliver to the department the last certificate of title, if available, or the manufacturer's or importer's statement of origin or, if that is not possible, satisfactory proof of the transfer of ownership, and his application for a new certificate of title accompanied by the required fee, and upon the appropriate form or forms prescribed and furnished by the department. (b) If the ownership of a watercraft or outboard motor is terminated in accordance with the terms of a security agreement by a lienholder named in the certificate of title, the transferee shall promptly mail or deliver to the department the last certificate of title, his application for a new title accompanied by the required fee and upon the form or forms prescribed and furnished by the department, and an affidavit by the lienholder or his authorized representative, setting forth the facts entitling him to possession and ownership of the watercraft or outboard motor, together with a copy of the journal entry, court order or instrument upon which such claim of possession and ownership is founded. If the lienholder cannot produce such proof of ownership, he may submit such evidence as he has with his application to the department, and the department may, if it finds the evidence to be satisfactory proof of ownership, issue a new certificate of title. (c) If a lienholder succeeds to the interest of an owner in a watercraft or outboard motor by operation of law and holds such watercraft or outboard motor for resale, he need not secure a new certificate of title thereto but, upon transfer to another person, shall promptly mail or deliver to the transferee or to the department the certificate, affidavit and such other documents as the department may require. 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, in subsection (a), substituted "certificate of origin" for "certificate". 2024 Act No. 200, SECTION 26, in (a), inserted "Transfer on Death,".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-240 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 50-13-240
SECTION 50-13-240. Unlawful possession of largemouth bass.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to possess largemouth bass on Lakes Blalock, Greenwood, Jocassee, Marion, Monticello, Moultrie, Murray, Secession, Wateree, Wylie, and the middle reach of the Saluda River and the upper reach of the Santee River less than fourteen inches in total length. (B) It is unlawful to possess largemouth bass on Lakes Hartwell, Keowee, Russell (including the Lake Hartwell tail water), Robinson (Greenville County), Thurmond, Tugaloo, Yonah, Stevens Creek Reservoir, the Chattooga, and Savannah Rivers less than twelve inches in total length. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-240 was entitled "Effect on daily creel limits of reciprocal agreements with other states" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-594; 1961 (52) 152; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-915 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-915
SECTION 50-5-915. Review of applications; permit requirements or conditions; revocation duties delegated to deputy director for Marine Resources.
Status: in_force

(A) In reviewing applications for Shellfish Culture Permits and Shellfish Mariculture Permits, the department must: (1) review applications for permits and consider each applicant's qualifications, and may conduct personal interviews; (2) consider contested permit applications, permit revisions, variances, or revocations; and (3) consider the allocation of shellfish bottoms and waters for public or private use. (B) Permits may be conditioned by the department to include requirements related to: (1) shellfish production and reporting; (2) mariculture structures and operations; (3) guarantee of public rights of access and nonconflicting uses of permitted areas; (4) planting variances; (5) bonding and escrow; (6) the department being held harmless from any claims or damages resulting from the permitted operations; (7) correction of any environmental degradation which may result from the permitted activity; and (8) revocation for failure to comply with permit performance conditions. (C) Revocation of Shellfish Culture Permits and Shellfish Mariculture Permits may be delegated by the department director to the deputy director for Marine Resources.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-390 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-390
SECTION 50-3-390. Duty to enforce laws and prosecute.
Status: in_force

The enforcement officers shall see that the bird, nonmigratory fish and game laws are enforced and prosecute all persons having in their possession any birds, nonmigratory fish or game contrary to the bird, fish and game laws of this State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1935 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 13 / Section 50-13-1935
SECTION 50-13-1935. Fees charged for stocking fish in private water bodies and nonnavigable waters.
Status: in_force

The department shall charge a fee for stocking fish in private water bodies and nonnavigable waters sufficient to cover all costs of producing and stocking the fish. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-96 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-96
SECTION 50-11-96. Introduction of fertility control agents into wildlife; exceptions; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for a person to introduce a fertility control agent or chemical substance into any wildlife without a permit from the department. (B) The department may issue a permit, authorizing the use of a fertility control agent or chemical in wildlife only for: (1) bonafide scientific research, as approved by the department, by persons, or institutions properly accredited, staffed, and equipped to carry out an approved research plan; (2) management activities for the proper control of wildlife as approved by the department. (C) The department is authorized to use fertility control agents or chemical substances on wildlife in order to protect human safety or for management, scientific, or educational purposes. (D) Preference must be given to hunting as the primary method of controlling wildlife before a fertility control agent or a chemical substance is utilized. (E) Nothing in this section prohibits the use of pesticides for the control of commensal rodents according to label specifications. (F) A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. The magistrates court is vested with jurisdiction to hear and dispose of these cases. (G) The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to promulgate regulations to implement and regulate the provisions of this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-540 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-540
SECTION 50-11-540. Penalties for violating rules applicable to wild turkey hunting; forfeiture of hunting and fishing privileges.
Status: in_force

Any person taking, attempting to take, or having in his possession turkey illegally or taking, attempting to take, or killing turkey in any way not prescribed by the department is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. In addition, a person taking a wild turkey unlawfully must be required to make restitution to the department in the amount of up to five hundred dollars for each bird taken. In addition, a person convicted of taking a wild turkey illegally forfeits hunting and fishing privileges for one year for each bird taken. Effect of Amendment 2015 Act No. 41, SECTION 4, substituted "nor more than five hundred dollars" for "nor more than one hundred dollars" in the first sentence, and in the second sentence, inserted "be required to" and "up to".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-715 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 50-5-715
SECTION 50-5-715. Trawling restriction areas within General Trawling Zone.
Status: reserved

(A) In the following areas trawling is restricted in the General Trawling Zone. (1) Based on National Ocean Service (NOS) chart 11513 (22nd edition, July 12, 1997), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the point on the shoreline on the southwestern end of Hilton Head Island at latitude 32° 07.30' N, longitude 080° 49.50' W; thence following the shoreline of Hilton Head Island to the point on its northeastern end at latitude 32° 14.20' N, longitude 080° 40.65' W; thence northeasterly, following a straight line on a geodetic azimuth of 065 degrees, to the point one-quarter nautical mile seaward from the shoreline; thence southeasterly, southwesterly, and northerly following a line that is one-quarter nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line with the inshore trawl boundary across Calibogue Sound; thence following the inshore trawl boundary easterly to the point of beginning. (2) Based on NOS chart 11513 (22nd edition, July 12, 1997), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the southernmost point of Fripp Island at latitude 32° 18.40' N, longitude 080° 30.05' W; thence following the shoreline of Fripp Island to its easternmost point at latitude 32° 19.35' N, longitude 080° 27.18' W; thence southeasterly, following a straight line on a geodetic azimuth of 155 degrees, to the point one-quarter nautical mile seaward from the shoreline; thence southwesterly following a line that is one-quarter nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and a straight line with a geodetic azimuth of 155 degrees from the point of beginning; thence following a straight line northwesterly to the point of beginning. (3) Based on NOS chart 11513 (22nd edition, July 12, 1997), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the southernmost point of Hunting Island at latitude 32° 20.32' N, longitude 080° 27.28' W; thence following the shoreline of Hunting Island to its northernmost point at latitude 32° 23.50' N, longitude 080° 25.80' W; thence southeasterly, following a straight line on a geodetic azimuth of 100 degrees, to the point one-quarter nautical mile seaward from the shoreline; thence southwesterly following a line that is one-quarter nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and the inshore trawl boundary across Fripp Inlet; thence following the inshore trawl boundary northerly to the point of beginning. (4) Based on NOS chart 11521 (22nd edition, January 20, 1996), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the southernmost point (Bay Point) of Edisto Beach at latitude 32° 28.66' N, longitude 080° 20.18' W; thence following the shoreline of Edisto Beach to the point at latitude 32° 30.19' N, longitude 080° 17.78' W (nearest point on the shoreline to where S.C. Highway 174 enters the Town of Edisto Beach); thence southeasterly, following a straight line on a geodetic azimuth of 145 degrees, to the point one-half nautical mile seaward from the shoreline; thence southwesterly and northerly following a line that is one-half mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and the inshore trawl boundary across the South Edisto River; thence following the inshore trawl boundary easterly to the point of beginning. (5) Based on NOS chart 11521 (22nd edition, January 20, 1996), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the point on Edisto Beach at latitude 32° 30.19' N, longitude 080° 17.78' W (nearest point on the shoreline to where S. C. Highway 174 enters the Town of Edisto Beach); thence northeasterly following the shorelines of Edisto and Edingsville Beaches and crossing the mouth of Jeremy Inlet to the point on Edingsville Beach at latitude 32° 31.42' N, longitude 080° 16.00' W; thence southeasterly, following a straight line on a geodetic azimuth of 145 degrees, to the point one-quarter nautical mile seaward from the shoreline; thence southwesterly following a line that is one-quarter nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and a straight line with a geodetic azimuth of 145 degrees from the point of beginning; thence following a straight line northwesterly to the point of beginning. (6) Based on NOS chart 11521 (22nd edition, January 20, 1996), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the southernmost point of Seabrook Island at latitude 32° 33.55' N, longitude 080° 10.50' W; thence following the shorelines of Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island and crossing the mouth of Captain Sam's Inlet to the point on Kiawah Island (Sandy Point) at latitude 32° 37.18' N, longitude 079° 59.65' W; thence southerly, following a straight line on a geodetic azimuth of 180 degrees, to the point one-quarter nautical mile seaward from the shoreline; thence southwesterly and northwesterly following a line that is one-quarter nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and the inshore trawl boundary crossing the North Edisto River; thence following the inshore trawl boundary easterly to the point of beginning. (7) Based on NOS chart 11521 (22nd edition, January 20, 1996), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the southernmost point of Folly Island at latitude 32° 38.40' N, longitude 079° 58.36' W; thence following the shoreline of Folly Beach to the point at latitude 32° 39.28' N, longitude 079° 56.37' W (location of the Folly Beach—Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier); thence southeasterly, following a straight line on a geodetic azimuth of 150 degrees, to the point one-quarter nautical mile seaward from the shoreline; thence southwesterly following a line that is one-quarter nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and the inshore trawl boundary across Stono Inlet; thence following the inshore trawl boundary northeasterly to the point of beginning. (8) Based on NOS chart 11521 (22nd edition, January 20, 1996), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the point on the shoreline of Folly Island at latitude 32° 39.28' N, longitude 079° 56.37' W (location of the Folly Beach—Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier); thence northeasterly following the shoreline to the easternmost point of Folly Island at latitude 32° 41.10' N, longitude 079° 53.17' W; thence following the inshore trawl boundary northerly to the point one-half nautical mile seaward of the shoreline; thence southeasterly and southwesterly following a line that is one-half nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and a straight line with a geodetic azimuth of 150 degrees from the point of beginning; thence following a straight line northwesterly to the point of beginning. (9) Based on NOS chart 11521 (22nd edition, January 20, 1996), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the point of intersection of the submerged north jetty of Charleston Harbor with the shoreline of Sullivans Island at latitude 32° 45.46' N, longitude 079° 50.40' W; thence northeasterly following the shoreline of Sullivans Island, the seaward edge of the Breach Inlet bridge, and the shoreline of Isle of Palms to its easternmost point at latitude 32° 48.90' N, longitude 079° 43.09' W; thence southeasterly, following a straight line on a geodetic azimuth of 140 degrees, to the point one-half nautical mile seaward of the shoreline; thence southwesterly following a line that is one-half nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and the inshore trawl boundary (the submerged north jetty of Charleston Harbor); thence following the inshore trawl boundary northerly to the point of beginning. (10) Based on NOS chart 11535 (11th edition, April 18, 1992), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the southernmost point of Pawleys Island at latitude 33° 23.70' N, longitude 079° 08.48' W; thence following the shorelines of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, and Magnolia Beach and crossing the mouth of Midway Inlet to the point of intersection with the south jetty for Murrells Inlet at latitude 33° 31.60' N, longitude 079° 01.90' W; thence following a straight line northerly across Murrells Inlet to the point on the north jetty at latitude 33° 31.96' N, longitude 079° 01.77' W; thence northeasterly following the shoreline to the point on Garden City Beach at latitude 33° 34.34' N, longitude 079° 00.13' W; thence southeasterly, following a straight line on a geodetic azimuth of 125 degrees to the point one-half nautical mile seaward of the shoreline; thence southwesterly following a line that is one-half nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and a straight line with a geodetic azimuth of 110 degrees from the point of beginning; thence following a straight line northwesterly to the point of beginning. (11) Based on NOS chart 11535 (11th edition, April 18, 1992), all that area bounded by a closed line beginning at the point on the shoreline on Garden City Beach at latitude 33° 34.34' N, longitude 079° 00.13' W; thence following the shoreline northeasterly and crossing the mouths of Singleton Swash, White Point Swash, and Hog Inlet to the point of intersection with the south jetty for Little River on the eastern end of Waites Island at latitude 33° 50.91' N, longitude 078° 33.21' W; thence following a straight line easterly across Little River Inlet to the point on the north jetty on Bird Island at latitude 33° 50.97' N, longitude 078° 32.62' W; thence following the shoreline of Bird Island to its intersection with the South Carolina-North Carolina boundary line at latitude 33° 51.09' N, longitude 078° 32.50' W; thence southeasterly following the state-boundary line to the point one-half nautical mile seaward of the shoreline; thence southwesterly following a line that is one-half nautical mile seaward of the shoreline to the point at the intersection of said line and a straight line with a geodetic azimuth of 125 degrees from the point of beginning; thence following a straight line northwesterly to the point of beginning. (12) Based on NOS chart 11532 (18th edition, June 1, 1996), all that area of North Santee Bay bounded by a closed line beginning at the point on the shoreline of Cedar Island at latitude 33° 08.36' N, longitude 079° 14.71' W; thence following a straight line northerly across the North Santee River to the southernmost point of Cane Island at latitude 33° 08.92' N, longitude 079° 14.92' W; thence following the eastern shoreline of Cane Island and crossing the mouth of an unnamed creek to the easternmost point of Crow Island at latitude 33° 10.04' N, longitude 079° 15.34' W; thence following a straight line northeasterly across North Santee Bay to the point on South Island at the south side of the mouth of Beach Creek at latitude 33° 10.43' N, longitude 079° 14.60' W; thence following the shoreline of South Island to its southernmost point (Santee Point) at latitude 33° 08.06' N, longitude 079° 14.38' W; thence following a straight line northwesterly across the North Santee River to the point of beginning. (13) Based on NOS chart 11532 (18th edition, June 1, 1996), all that area of Winyah Bay bounded by a closed line beginning at the point where the shoreline of Sand Island intersects the south jetty for Winyah Bay at latitude 33° 11.43' N, longitude 079° 11.00' W; thence following the shorelines of Sand and South Islands to the point on South Island at latitude 33° 13.82' N, longitude 079° 12.16' W; thence following a straight line easterly passing approximately through the charted positions of a green light buoy marked "15" and a red nun or conical buoy marked "16" to the point on North Island at latitude 33° 14.00' N, longitude 079° 11.32' W; thence following the shoreline of North Island southerly and easterly to its intersection with the north jetty for Winyah Bay at latitude 33° 12.53' N, longitude 079° 10.43' W; thence following a straight line southwesterly across the entrance to Winyah Bay to the point of beginning. (B) Those areas described in subsections (A)(1) through (11) are closed to trawling from May 1 through September 15, inclusive. (C) Reserved. (D) Those areas described in subsections (A)(12) and (A)(13) are closed to trawling from December 16 through August 31 inclusive. (E) A person who violates this section by trawling in a restricted area during the open season is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars and not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Effect of Amendment 2019 Act No. 78, SECTION 1, in (B), substituted "(A)(1) through (11)" for "(A)(1) through (A)(10)"; and reserved (C), which provided that the area described in subsection (A)(11) was closed to trawling year round.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-10 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 1 / Section 50-13-10
SECTION 50-13-10. Definitions.
Status: in_force

The following definitions apply in this chapter as applicable: (A) Equipment definitions: (1) "Archery equipment" means a bow and arrow, long bow, recurve bow, compound bow, or crossbow. (2) "Artificial lure" means manufactured or handmade flies, spinners, plugs, spoons, and reproductions of live animals, which are made completely of natural or colored wood, cork, feathers, hair, rubber, metal, plastic, tinsel, styrofoam, sponge, or string, or any combination of these materials, in imitation of or as substitute for natural bait. Lures or fish eggs enhanced with scents or salts are not artificial lures. Artificially produced organic baits are not artificial lures. (3) "Cast net" means a nonbaited circular webbing having a weighted peripheral line that is thrown by hand and retrieved by a central line connected to radiating tuck lines attached to the peripheral line. (4) "Crayfish trap" means a device constructed of coated wire with the opening of the throat or flues not exceeding two and one-quarter inches with a minimum mesh size of one-quarter inch bar mesh. (5) "Creel" means anything used to hold or keep fish while afloat or afield. (6) "Device" means an appliance or equipment or combination designed or used for taking or attempting to take fish. (7) "Eel pot" means an enclosed structure used to take eels only and which conforms to the following specifications: (a) no larger than twenty-four inches by forty-eight inches; and (b) must be constructed of wire so that: (i) the mesh size is no smaller than one-half by one-half inch, except for the throat or muzzle and the end opposite the throat or muzzle of cylindrical pots; and (ii) a throat opening not to exceed two inches measured in any direction. (8) "Elver fyke net" means a net with wings not exceeding ten feet in length and fourteen feet in depth; the distance from throat to cod end does not exceed twenty feet. The maximum bar mesh for any part of the net does not exceed one-eighth inch square. (9) "Game fishing device" means a hook and line, pole or artificial pole, or rod and reel. (10) "Gig" means a device consisting of a staff with a sharp point or points designed for thrusting and used to take fish by hand; to take fish by hand by use of a spear, prong, or similar device. (11) "Gill net" means a net designed to hang vertically and capture fish by entanglement usually of the head, gill covers, or preopercles. (12) "Hoop net" means a device in which fish are taken in an enclosed structure which conforms to the following specifications: the maximum size of hoop nets must be sixteen feet in length by five and one-half feet in diameter. Hoop nets must be made of a textile netting (no wire) of a mesh size not less than one inch square nor greater than two inches square enclosing a series of round hoops with two or more muzzle openings which must be made of a netting material. One side of the hoop must be flat to hold the nets in place. (13) "Jug fishing" means fishing by use of a single hook and line attached to a floating device other than a flotation marker for trotlines, traps, or other devices. (14) "Minnow seine" means a seine of a size not greater than four feet in depth by twenty feet in length with a mesh size of not more than one-fourth inch square mesh. (15) "Minnow trap" means a cylindrical device not longer than twenty-four inches and no more than thirty inches in circumference or a rectangular device not larger than twenty-four inches long, eight inches high, and nine inches wide. The mesh must be no smaller than one-quarter inch bar mesh. The throat opening of the funnel of the trap may not exceed one inch in diameter. (16) "Net" means an open work fabric or fiber woven or knotted at regular intervals; to catch or ensnare. (17) "Pump net" means a manually operated dip-type net with webbing hung from rigid cross members that form an "X" which are attached to a pole. The pole utilizes a fulcrum to raise and lower the net. The "X" cross members may not exceed twenty feet. The net must be no smaller than one inch stretched mesh. (18) "Seine" means a net having a stretch mesh of not less than one inch and not more than one and one-half inches which do not exceed seventy-five feet in length or six feet in depth. (19) "Set hook" means a single hook and line set in or along any of the waters of this State used to catch fish while attached to bushes, limbs, vines, undergrowth, or other parts of vegetation, set poles, pegs, sticks, or similar structures. "Set hooks" include all similar hook and line devices by whatever name called. (20) "Skimbow net" means a hand operated dip net constructed of wood with wire or textile netting with a mesh size not greater than one and one-half inches square hung within a frame formed by a length of wood looped and attached to itself to form a bow. The bow may not exceed fourteen feet in any direction (21) "Single-hook artificial lure" means an artificial lure with a single point. A multiple number of single-hook lures (such as dropper flies) fished in a series is considered a single-hook artificial lure. (22) "Spear" means a device for thrusting or throwing consisting of a long staff with a sharpened point or to which a sharp head is fixed. (23) "Trap" means a device in which fish are taken in an enclosed structure which conforms to the following specifications and includes fish traps, baskets, and like devices: (a) a trap must be made of: (i) wire or textile material and be cylindrical in shape not more than six feet in length and not more than three feet in diameter or width; (ii) the mesh size must not be smaller than one inch by one inch and there must be only one application of exterior wire to the trap; and (iii) the muzzle must have one of the following designs: (1) a trap door on the second muzzle or catch muzzle which remains in a closed position and which only opens for the entry of fish into the trap; the trap door must be constructed of the same material as the trap; or (2) construction of a netting so that the opening of the small end of the second muzzle or catch muzzle is held in the shape of a slit and the trap configuration constructed such that as the trap rests on the bottom the slit must be oriented horizontally with the greatest vertical opening being no greater than one inch; or (b) a trap must be made of: (i) wood strips or slats and be cylindrical or rectangular in shape. The length may not exceed six feet and the width or diameter may not exceed two feet; (ii) the throat opening of the catch muzzle in a resting position may not exceed three inches measured in any direction; and (iii) the sides, top, and rear of the trap must have a minimum of one inch openings between the slats; (c) eel pots, minnow traps, and crayfish traps are not included in this definition. (24) "Trotline" means a device consisting of a horizontal common line with two or more hooks suspended from it. (25) "Yoyo" means a device to which "set hooks" are attached which is activated by spring-like devices. (26) "Landing net (dip net)" means a handheld fishing gear consisting of a cone or bag of soft, flexible mesh material kept open by a rigid, generally circular frame attached to one rigid handle, but does not include skimbow nets or pump nets. (B) Miscellaneous definitions: (1) "Bait fish" means a fish allowed to be used as bait in the freshwaters including: Asian clams (Corbicula spp.), crayfish, eels, herring, shad, and fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas), and goldfish, including "black salties" (Carassius auratus). Except for bream (other than redbreast), no other game fish is allowed to be used as bait, provided, trout are allowed to be used as bait only on Lakes Hartwell, Russell, Thurmond, Tugaloo, Yonah, Stevens Creek Reservoir, and the Savannah River. (2) "Commercial purpose" means: (a) being engaged in selling fish; or (b) taking or attempting to take fish in order to derive income or other consideration; or (c) fishing more devices than allowed for recreation. (3) "Day" means the twenty-four hour period from one-half hour before official sunrise of one day to one-half hour before official sunrise the following day. (4) "Freshwaters" or "freshwaters of this State" means all waters of this State from the saltwater/freshwater dividing line inland to the jurisdictional limits of this State and those naturally occurring freshwaters seaward of the saltwater/freshwater line, but does not include private lakes or ponds which are entirely segregated from other freshwaters. (5) "Fish" means finfish and shellfish, including mollusks and crustaceans. (6) "Fishing" means all activity and effort involved in taking or attempting to take fish. (7) "Hand grabbing" (noodling) means taking nongame fish by hand without the aid of hook, snare, or artificial breathing device. A stick, pole, rod, or PVC pipe must be used to dislodge the fish. (8) "Land" means take and retain possession while afloat or take and bring ashore. (9) "Limit" means the number or size of fish one person lawfully may possess in any one day while afloat or afield. (10) "Night" means one-half hour after official sunset of one day to one-half hour before official sunrise the following day. (11) "Possess" or "possession" means to take and retain. (12) "Striker" means a person other than a licensed freshwater commercial fisherman, who under immediate supervision assists a licensed commercial freshwater fisherman, but does not use separate nongame fishing devices from the vessel engaged in commercial fishing. A striker is not required to have a commercial freshwater fishing license. (13) "Snagging" means pulling a device equipped with one or more hooks through the water in an attempt to impale fish. "Snagging" does not include using lures or baited hooks designed to catch fish in or about the mouth. (14) "Take" means to catch, capture, gather, wound, kill, harvest, or remove, but does not include a catch and immediate release. (15) "Total length" means the length of a fish laid flat and measured from the closed mouth (snout) to the tip of the tail fin when pinched together. It is a straight line measure, not over the curvature of the body. (16) "Unattended" means the device operator is not in the immediate vicinity. (C) Species definitions: (1) "Black bass" means fish in the genus Micropterus to include, but not limited to, largemouth (Micropterus salmoides) bass, smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieu) bass, redeye (Micropterus coosae) bass, Bartram's (Micropterus sp. cf. cataractae) bass, spotted (Micropterus punctulatus) bass, and Alabama (Micropterus henshalli) bass. (2) "Hybrid bass" means those fish produced by crossing striped bass (Morone saxatilis) with white bass (Morone chrysops). (3) "Striped bass" or "rockfish" means the species Morone saxatilis. (4) "Trout" means rainbow, brook, brown, or other species of cold-water trout of the family Salmonidae and their hybrids. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-10 was entitled "Lawful methods of catching game fish" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-571; 1952 Code SECTION 28-571; 1942 Code SECTION 1768; 1932 Code SECTION 1751; 1952 (47) 2179; 1977 Act No. 190, SECTION 1; 1978 Act No. 559, SECTION 2; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote this section. The 2013 amendment, in subsection (B)(1), added the second sentence. 2022 Act No. 137, SECTION 2, in (A), inserted (26), relating to the definition of "landing net (dip net)". 2022 Act No. 137, SECTION 3, in (C), rewrote (1), and in (4), inserted "and their hybrids" following "Salmonidae". SECTIONS 50-13-11, 50-13-12. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 113, SECTION 1, eff July 1, 2012. Editor's Note See now SECTIONS 50-13-80, 50-13-200
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2520 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2520
SECTION 50-11-2520. Inspection of business premises and records of licensee; revocation of license for failure to allow inspection.
Status: in_force

All enforcement officers and any other employee of the department designated by the board, at any and all reasonable hours, may inspect the business premises and records required by this article of any person licensed under this article to ensure compliance. The license of any licensee who refuses to allow promptly an inspection authorized under this section is subject to immediate revocation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-210 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 50-13-210
SECTION 50-13-210. Daily possession limits for game fish.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as otherwise provided, the daily possession limit for game fish is an aggregate of forty of which: (1) not more than five may be largemouth, redeye (coosae), Bartram's bass, or smallmouth bass or their hybrids or any combination; (2) not more than fifteen may be spotted bass or Alabama bass; (3) not more than ten may be hybrid bass or striped bass or a combination; (4) not more than ten may be white bass; (5) not more than eight may be walleye or sauger or a combination; (6) not more than five may be trout. However, on the lower reach of the Saluda River, only one trout out of the five possessed may be more than sixteen inches in total length. On Lake Jocassee not more than three trout may be taken; (7) not more than twenty may be crappie; (8) not more than fifteen may be redbreast; and (9) not more than thirty may be other freshwater game fish species not listed in this section. (B) On Lakes Hartwell, Keowee, Russell, (including the Lake Hartwell tail water), Thurmond, Tugaloo, Yonah, the Chattooga and Savannah Rivers and Stevens Creek Reservoir the daily possession limit for black bass is an aggregate of ten. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-210 was entitled "Daily creel limits on game fish" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28 590; 1952 Code SECTION 28 590; 1948 (45) 1756; 1952 (47) 2179; 1961 (52) 152; 1978 Act No. 625, SECTION 3; 1989 Act No. 192, SECTION 3; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; 2003 Act No. 56, SECTION 1. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment, rewrote subsection (A)(6), adding the second sentence relating to the Saluda River. 2022 Act No. 137, SECTION 5, in (A), in (1), inserted "Bartram's bass," following "redeye (coosae),", and in (2), inserted "or Alabama bass" following "spotted bass".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-500 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-500
SECTION 50-11-500. Provisions applicable to wild turkey.
Status: in_force

(1) It is unlawful for a person to rob any wild turkey nest or own, possess, control, sell, or otherwise dispose of wild turkey eggs unless the possession of the eggs is authorized by permit issued by the department under the provisions of Section 50-11-1180. (2) It is unlawful for a person to trap or snare any wild turkey. (3) It is unlawful for a person to hunt, kill, or possess female wild turkeys at any time unless the department sets special open seasons for their taking. (4) It is unlawful for a person to buy, sell, offer for sale, barter, or have in possession for sale any wild turkeys. (5) It is unlawful for a person to release in the wild any pen-raised wild turkey unless that person is granted a permit to do so by the department. These permits are made after the department has caused a thorough study of the area on which pen-raised turkeys are to be released. The release of these turkeys is to take place under the supervision of department personnel. No pen-raised turkey may be released for any purpose unless it has been examined for parasites or disease and the release approved by the department not less than thirty days before the date of its release. (6) It is unlawful for a person to shoot any wild turkey between thirty minutes after official sunset and thirty minutes before official sunrise. (7) It is unlawful for a person to take or attempt to take a wild turkey with a rifle, pistol, buckshot, or shotgun slug. (8) It is unlawful for a person to take or attempt to take a wild turkey from a vehicle on a public road. (9) It is unlawful for a person to take or attempt to take a wild turkey from a watercraft on the waters of this State. (10) It is unlawful for a person to hunt, kill, or possess a male wild turkey with a beard less than six inches long and a tail fan that is not fully developed. (11) It is unlawful for a person to stalk a wild turkey while behind a decoy or tail fan. Tail fans include those made of real or synthetic feathers or an image or likeness of a tail fan applied to any material. Effect of Amendment 2024 Act No. 224, SECTION 2, added (10). 2024 Act No. 224, SECTION 3, added (11).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-240 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 50-21-240
SECTION 50-21-240. Notice of abandoned or derelict vessels.
Status: in_force

(A) The department, or a local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction, upon locating a vessel that is wrecked or junked, must determine whether the vessel has a visible identifier. (1) If the vessel has a visible identifier, then the department or local law enforcement agency must: (a) post a derelict vessel notice that contains the information provided in subsection (B); (b) take reasonable steps within twenty-four hours of the posting of the notice to identify the registered owner, and if identified, must provide written notice to the registered owner's last known address, and notice by telephone or e-mail, if known to the department. The notice must include, but is not limited to, the information provided on the derelict vessel notice and a brief description of the vessel's location; and (c) submit a derelict vessel report within twenty-four hours of the posting of the notice using the application or website maintained by the Department of Environmental Services under Section 50-21-290. (2) If the vessel does not have a visible identifier, then the department or local law enforcement agency must: (a) post an abandoned vessel notice that contains the information provided in subsection (C); and (b) submit an abandoned vessel report within twenty-four hours of the posting of the notice using the application or website maintained by the Department of Environmental Services under Section 50-21-290. (B) A derelict vessel notice posted in accordance with this section must provide at least: (1) a citation to this article; (2) the date the notice is posted; (3) a statement that the vessel must be removed within twenty-one days from the date the notice is posted, or it will be declared a derelict vessel and be subject to removal and disposal by any person; and (4) the date the vessel will be declared a derelict vessel. (C) An abandoned vessel notice posted in accordance with this section must provide at least: (1) a citation to this article; (2) the date the notice is posted; (3) a statement that the vessel must be removed within ten days from the date the notice is posted, or it will be declared an abandoned vessel and be subject to removal and disposal by any person; and (4) the date the vessel will be declared an abandoned vessel. (D) A vessel that is listing or taking on water at the time a notice is to be posted on the vessel may be relocated by the department or a local law enforcement agency without liability to a responsible party.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1000 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-1000
SECTION 50-5-1000. Wholesale seafood dealer prohibited from purchasing from unlicensed fisherman or dealer; maintenance of records; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for any wholesale seafood dealer to purchase shellfish produced, taken, or landed in this State from anyone who is not either: (1) a properly licensed and permitted commercial saltwater fisherman; or (2) a properly licensed wholesale seafood dealer. (B) The wholesale seafood dealer must maintain a record of all purchases of shellfish produced, taken, or landed in this State including the name and address of the person from whom purchased, the area where harvested, the type of shellfish purchased, the dates of harvest and purchase, and the commercial saltwater fisherman's license number. The record must be available for inspection by any law enforcement officer or department personnel for one year after the date of sale. (C) Any licensed wholesale seafood dealer who violates 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 and must have his saltwater privileges suspended for twelve months.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-370 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 50-15-370
SECTION 50-15-370. Unlawful possession of alligator hide or carcass; forfeiture; annual reports.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to alter or compromise the locking mechanism on any alligator tag. The possession of altered or fraudulent tags is unlawful. The possession of any alligator hide or carcass not tagged as prescribed by the department or any unskinned, untagged, frozen alligator carcass is unlawful and is considered contraband and subject to seizure and forfeiture by the department. Forfeited animals and parts must be disposed of by law and the proceeds deposited according to law. (B) All alligator propagators must submit annual reports as prescribed by the department, on forms provided by the department, no later than January thirty-first of each year. This report must accompany any unused alligator tags from the previous year. No additional permits or tags shall be issued until this report is submitted. It is a violation of this section for any person to possess any unused alligator tags from the previous year after January thirty-first.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-335 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-335
SECTION 50-5-335. Channel net licenses; restrictions.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may grant no more than a cumulative total of sixty licenses for the use of channel nets in any one year. Applicants who held channel net licenses in the previous license year and who were not in violation of conservation laws or regulations must be given preference for licenses unless a violation results in a point suspension under Article 25, preference must not be denied solely for violations pertaining to: (1) marking or lighting of channel nets; (2) distance from the centerline of marked navigation channels if the distance is greater than 300 feet; or (3) distance between channel nets and other fishing devices. (B) An applicant must be sixteen years of age or older and a resident of this State, and licenses must be applied for in person. Only one license may be issued to a person.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1535 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 15 / Section 50-5-1535
SECTION 50-5-1535. Taking of shortnose sturgeon prohibited; penalty.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, it is unlawful for anyone to take, possess, buy, sell, or ship shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) or any part or product thereof. Any shortnose sturgeon taken incidentally to fishing activity must be returned unharmed immediately to the water from where taken. A 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 longer than one year, and must have his saltwater privileges suspended for ten years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1190 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 6 / Section 50-11-1190
SECTION 50-11-1190. Permits for the taking of feral hogs from a helicopter.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may issue permits for the taking of feral hogs while airborne in a helicopter if the department finds it is necessary to protect land, water, wildlife, livestock, domesticated animals, human life, crops, or to meet wildlife management objectives. The department may not issue a permit for the purpose of sport hunting. (B) No feral hog may be taken using a helicopter on any parcel or group of parcels consisting of less than 500 contiguous acres. An application for a permit issued under this section must identify the specific parcel from which feral hogs are to be taken with sufficient detail to enable law enforcement to locate the property. Reference from the nearest town, mile marker, prominent intersection, or geographic positioning system coordinates should be included. (C) The department shall prescribe the form, duration, and manner of application, issuance, and reporting requirements of permits authorized by this section. (D) Upon issuance of a permit, the department shall notify the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in charge for the jurisdiction in compliance with 50 C.F.R. Section 19.31. (E) The department shall file with the Secretary of the Interior of the United States an annual report on the use of helicopters to take feral hogs containing such information as required by 16 U.S.C. Section 742j-1. (F) A person who hunts or kills, or attempts to hunt or kill, from a helicopter, any feral hog without first obtaining and having in the person's immediate possession a permit for the taking of feral hogs using a helicopter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for a term not to exceed thirty days and will be ineligible for issuance of a permit under this section. (G) A person who violates the conditions of a permit, or who hunts or kills, or attempts to hunt or kill any animal or bird, other than a feral hog, or who engages in hunting for sport or profit while airborne in a helicopter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for a term not to exceed thirty days. Any permit issued to that person is revoked. The magistrates court retains concurrent jurisdiction for offenses contained in this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-1010 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 11 / Section 50-21-1010
SECTION 50-21-1010. Regulation of regattas, races, and similar exhibitions.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may regulate the holding of regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments or exhibitions which, by their nature, circumstance or location will introduce extra or unusual hazards to the safety of life on any waters of this State. It shall adopt and may amend regulations concerning the safety of boats, motorboats and vessels and persons thereon, either observers or participants. Whenever a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition is proposed to be held the person in charge thereof shall, at least thirty days prior thereto, file an application with the department for permission to hold such regatta, motorboat or other boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition. The application shall set forth the date, time and location where it is proposed to hold such regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition and such other information as the department may by regulation require and it shall not be conducted without written authorization of the department. (2) The provisions of this section shall not exempt any person from compliance with applicable Federal law or regulation but nothing contained herein shall be construed to require the securing of a State permit pursuant to this section if a permit therefor has been obtained from an authorized agency of the United States.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-140 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-140
SECTION 50-1-140. Receiving portion of fine imposed for violation of game and fish laws.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any enforcement officer or any person to receive any portion of a fine imposed by any court for the violation of the game and fish laws of the State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-12-20 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 50-12-20
SECTION 50-12-20. Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
Status: in_force

The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact is enacting into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein. The Department of Natural Resources shall execute all documents and perform all other acts necessary to carry out the provisions of the compact.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-385 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-385
SECTION 50-5-385. Expiration of licenses and permits.
Status: in_force

Licenses authorized under this article expire on June 30th following their effective date. Permits expire under the terms of the individual permit.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-450 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 10 / Section 50-19-450
SECTION 50-19-450. Promulgation of regulations.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provisions in this title, the department shall promulgate regulations to manage and protect fisheries in Lake William C. Bowen, Lake Blalock, and Spartanburg Municipal Reservoir #1 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1260 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 7 / Section 50-13-1260
SECTION 50-13-1260. Fish sluices not to be designated through certain dams.
Status: in_force

Nothing herein contained shall be construed to give authority to the governing bodies of the several counties to designate any fish sluice through any dam erected by public authority for the improvement of the navigation of any of the rivers or to designate any fish sluice through any dam erected by individuals for the purpose of propelling any machinery when the owner of such dam shall leave open a part of the river sixty feet wide or, where the dam extends entirely across the river, shall construct therein a sufficient fish sluice sixty feet wide and shall keep the same open for and during the months of February, March and April in each year.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-370 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 3 / Section 50-23-370
SECTION 50-23-370. Expiration and renewal.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as otherwise provided, a certificate of number awarded pursuant to this chapter continues in effect for one year unless sooner terminated or discontinued in accordance with this chapter. A certificate of number may be renewed by the owner as provided in subsection (B). The department shall fix a month of the year on which certificates of number expire unless renewed pursuant to this chapter. (B)(1) Beginning January 1, 2020, each county auditor annually shall mail watercraft certificate of number renewal notices to the owners of watercraft in the county as determined by the Department of Natural Resources no later than forty-five days before expiration of the certificate. The renewal notices, including the fees upon completion, must be returned to that county which shall: (a) process the application and, if granting the renewal, notify the department to issue a renewed certificate and decal; (b) transmit the processed renewal notices to the department within seven days; and (c) transmit the fees, including any late fees, to the appropriate state fund. (2) Each county auditor must have access to the motorboat titling and registration records of the department as applicable to the county auditor in the manner the county auditor and department agree for the purpose of the county auditor performing the functions required in item (1). (3) The department may not charge counties for online access network fees for watercraft and owner information. (4) If a certificate of number is not approved immediately by the department, an owner may operate under a paid tax receipt for thirty days. (C)(1) A renewal application for a certificate of number, except those from marine dealers, presented after thirty days from its expiration date is subject to a late penalty of fifteen dollars. (2) A renewal application for a certificate of number presented after sixty days from its expiration date is subject to a late penalty of thirty dollars. Editor's Note 1999 Act No. 124, SECTION 2.T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered SECTION 50-21-370. 2018 Act No. 223, SECTION 5.B, provides as follows: "B. (A) Beginning January 1, 2020, the provisions of SECTION 5.A. of this act will be phased in over a three-year period as certificates of number expire. Any certificate of number awarded prior to January 1, 2020, will remain in effect for the full three-year term unless terminated or discontinued by the Department of Natural Resources. Certificates of number awarded after January 1, 2020, will become effective on an annual basis. Full implementation of SECTION 5.A. of this act begins on December 31, 2022. "(B) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the provisions of this act result in only one tax payment due per boat, boat motor, or watercraft in any twelve-month period. All interpretation and implementation of this act should be consistent with this intent." Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment, in subsection (A), in the third sentence deleted "due to" preceding "expire" and "during the calendar year lapse and are not in effect" preceding "unless renewed"; deleted subsection (B) relating to issuance of a certificate of number for demonstration and testing purposes; redesignated subsection (C) as subsection (B); and, in subsection (D), deleted the subsection designation and the first two sentences, and made the third sentence an undesignated paragraph under subsection (B). 2018 Act No. 223, SECTION 5.A, rewrote the section, providing for the issuance of renewal notices and processing of renewals by county auditors and making renewals annual instead of every three years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-710 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 50-5-710
SECTION 50-5-710. Restrictions on trawling for shrimp in General Trawling Zone; prohibition on trawling outside General Trawling Zone; penalties; seizure and disposition of contraband.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as otherwise provided by law, it is lawful to trawl for shrimp or prawn in the General Trawling Zone only during those times and seasons set by the department. It is unlawful for a person to trawl inside the General Trawling Zone: (1) one-quarter nautical mile or less during the closed season; (2) more than one-quarter nautical mile during the closed season; (3) one-quarter nautical mile or less at a time ten minutes or less before daily opening time or ten minutes or less after daily closing time during the open season; (4) more than one-quarter nautical mile at a time more than ten minutes before daily opening or ten minutes after daily closing times during the open season; (5) more than one-quarter nautical mile at a time ten minutes or less before daily opening time or ten minutes or less after daily closing time during the open season; or (6) one-quarter nautical mile or less at a time more than ten minutes before daily opening time or after daily closing time during the open season. A person who violates a provision of this subsection 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. (B) Except as otherwise provided by law, it is unlawful to trawl in the waters of this State outside the General Trawling Zone. A person who violates this subsection by trawling outside the General Trawling Zone: (1) one hundred yards or less during the open season 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; (2) more than one hundred yards during the open season 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; (3) during the closed season 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; or (4) one-half nautical mile distance or greater from the nearest point of the General Trawling Zone boundary is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days and must have his saltwater privileges suspended for two years in addition to any other suspension under this chapter. Any catch aboard or under the control of the fisherman or other person at the time of a violation of this subsection is contraband and must be seized and disposed of as provided in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-70 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / Section 50-16-70
SECTION 50-16-70. Penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) A person violating the provisions of this chapter, or any condition of a permit issued pursuant to this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. The department must suspend the hunting privileges of a person convicted of violating this chapter for one year from the date of the conviction. (B) In addition to any other penalties provided by law, a person convicted of a violation of subsection (A) is also subject to the confiscation, forfeiture, and sale provisions contained in Section 50-11-740 for any property, vehicle, trailer, or other means of conveyance utilized to import, possess, or transport the animal. (C) For the purposes of this section, each animal imported in violation of subsection (A) constitutes a separate offense. (D) Notwithstanding Chapter 3, Title 22, magistrates court shall have jurisdiction over actions arising under this section. Effect of Amendment The 2010 amendment inserted the text relating to conditions of permits issued. The 2012 amendment rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-316 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-316
SECTION 50-3-316. Criteria for hiring enforcement officers.
Status: in_force

In employing enforcement officers, the department shall use the criteria as required by the Office of Human Resources and the department. The criteria must include, but are not limited to, a written examination, physical examination, and interview. Each applicant is required to perform at minimal levels as required by the Office of Human Resources and the department. The department shall employ the most qualified applicants. An enforcement officer must reside within the county in which he is assigned, provided that the director, in his discretion, may allow an officer to reside outside the county under special hardship circumstances.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-575 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 50-5-575
SECTION 50-5-575. Violation of provision for which no penalty provided; seizure and disposal of unlawful devices.
Status: in_force

(A) A person who violates a provision of this article for which no penalty is specified is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. (B) Any unlawful fishing device or any fishing device used in an unlawful manner is contraband and must be seized and disposed of as provided by law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-350 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 3 / Section 50-9-350
SECTION 50-9-350. Apprentice hunting license.
Status: in_force

To encourage the recruitment of persons as responsible hunters: (1) The certificate of completion requirement may be waived if a person obtains an apprentice hunting license. An apprentice hunting license may be issued if the applicant: (a) is at least sixteen years of age and otherwise required to obtain a certificate of completion to obtain a hunting license; (b) has not been convicted of or received deferred adjudication for violation of the hunter education requirement in this State; and (c) has not been convicted of a hunting violation. (2) While afield, the apprentice hunter must be accompanied by a licensed hunter who: (a) has attained the age of twenty-one years; (b) is not licensed as an apprentice hunter; and (c) stays within a distance that enables uninterrupted, unaided, visual, and oral communication with the apprentice hunter and provides adequate direction to the apprentice. (3) If the holder of an apprentice hunting license obtains a certificate of completion prior to the expiration date of his apprentice hunting license, his apprentice hunting license will be used as his statewide hunting license; provided, the licensee must have the certificate of completion in his possession while hunting. (4) In addition to obtaining the apprentice hunting license, an apprentice license holder must obtain any other license, permit, receipt, stamp, and tag required to participate in a specific hunting activity. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment rewrote item (4). The 2013 amendment rewrote the section. 2020 Act No. 155, SECTION 1, in (1), in the first sentence, deleted "for one license year" following "may be waived" and ", and a person may receive such a waiver only one time" following "apprentice hunting license".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-720 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 50-5-720
SECTION 50-5-720. Disposal of trawl bycatch; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to dispose of trawl bycatch or waste fisheries products at any time into state waters within one-half nautical mile of any Atlantic Ocean beach for which trawling restrictions are provided. (B) 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. § 50-11-2310 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 11 / Section 50-11-2310
SECTION 50-11-2310. Purposes for which program funds may be expended.
Status: in_force

Funds from the Operation Game Thief Program may be expended only for the following purposes: (1) the financing of reward payments to persons other than law enforcement officers, department personnel, and members of their immediate families responsible for information leading to the arrest of any persons for violations of natural resources laws. The board shall establish the schedule of rewards to be paid for information received and payment must be made from funds available for this purpose; (2) the financing of a statewide telephone reporting system under the name of "Operation Game Thief" established under the direction of the board; (3) the promotion of public recognition and awareness of the Operation Game Thief Program; (4) operational improvements to the "Property Watch Program", the "Coastal Watch Program", and other programs within the Operation Game Thief Program and to enhance public involvement in the protection of natural resources.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2730 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 27 / Section 50-5-2730
SECTION 50-5-2730. Federal fishing regulations declared to be law of State; exceptions.
Status: in_force

(A) Unless otherwise provided by law, any regulations promulgated by the federal government under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act (PL 94-265) or the Atlantic Tuna Conservation Act (PL 94-70) which establishes seasons, fishing periods, gear restrictions, sales restrictions, or bag, catch, size, or possession limits on fish are declared to be the law of this State and apply statewide including in state waters. (B) This provision does not apply to: (1) black sea bass (Centropristis striata) whose lawful catch limit is five fish per person per day or the same as the federal limit for black sea bass, whichever is higher. The lawful minimum size for black sea bass is thirteen inches total length and there is no closed season; (2) red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) whose lawful catch limit is two fish per person per day. The lawful minimum size for red snapper is twenty inches total length and there is no closed season; or (3) all other species under the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan. The lawful catch limit for a species under that plan is the limit as published in the 2024-2025 South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide, or the federal limit for the species, whichever is higher. The lawful minimum size limit for a species under that plan is the size as published in the 2024-2025 South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide, or the federal limit for the species, whichever is lower. There is no closed season. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment designated paragraph (A) and added paragraph (B). 2016 Act No. 166, SECTION 2, in (B), inserted paragraph designator (1), and added (2), relating to cobia. 2018 Act No. 210, SECTION 1, in (B), in (2), in the second sentence, substituted "a minimum size requirement of thirty-six inches in fork length" for "the size limit established by federal regulation" and "June first to April thirtieth" for "June 1 to April 30", and in the third sentence, substituted "May first to May thirty-first" for "May 1 to May 31", and made nonsubstantive changes. 2021 Act No. 15, SECTION 2, rewrote (B), removing the exception for cobia. 2022 Act No. 178, SECTION 1, rewrote (B). 2025 Act No. 16, SECTION 1, in (B), added (3) and made nonsubstantive changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2536 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 50-5-2536
SECTION 50-5-2536. Other violations while under suspension.
Status: in_force

(A) While under suspension for recreational activities, any person found guilty of a commercial violation of this chapter shall have all saltwater privileges suspended for one year. (B) While under suspension for commercial activities, any person found guilty of a recreational violation of this chapter shall have all saltwater privileges suspended for one year.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-140 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-140
SECTION 50-23-140. Priority and validity of liens and other encumbrances; discharge of liens.
Status: in_force

(a) If a lien or encumbrance is first created at the time of transfer, the certificate of title must be retained by or delivered to the lienholder or retained electronically or delivered to the lienholder electronically. All liens, mortgages, and encumbrances noted upon a certificate of title take priority according to the order of time in which they are noted on it by the department. All such liens, mortgages, and encumbrances must be valid as against the creditors of the owner of a watercraft or outboard motor, whether armed with process or not, and against subsequent purchasers of any such watercraft or outboard motor, or against holders of subsequent liens, mortgages, or encumbrances upon the watercraft or outboard motor. (b) When a lien is discharged, the holder shall note that fact on the face of the certificate of title or discharge the lien electronically through the system prescribed by the department. If the lienholder holds a paper certificate of title, within thirty days of discharging the lien, the holder shall present it to the department. (c) A security interest is perfected by the delivery to the department of the existing certificate of title, if any, an application for a certificate of title containing the name and address of the lienholder and the date of the security agreement, and the required fee. It is perfected as of the time of its creation if the delivery is completed within thirty days of its creation, otherwise, as of the time of the delivery. (d) If the person acquires a watercraft or outboard motor and the title shows an outstanding lien and neither the department nor the transferee can verify the existence of the lien, the transferee may provide proof of an attempt to notify the lienholder of record of the transfer and the attempt to verify the existence of the lien by certified mail and if the lienholder of record does not respond within thirty days of the attempted notice, the lien is unenforceable and the department shall issue a title clear of the lien. (e) If an owner of a watercraft or outboard motor attempts to verify the existence of a lien and neither the owner nor the department can verify the existence, the owner may provide proof of an attempt to notify the lienholder of record to verify the existence of the lien by certified mail and if the lienholder of record does not respond within thirty days of the attempted notice, the lien is unenforceable and the department shall issue a title clear of the lien. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment, in subsection (a), added the first sentence relating to retention of title by the lienholder; rewrote subsection (b); in subsection (c), in the second sentence substituted "thirty days" for "twenty days"; and added subsections (d) and (e) relating to verifying the existence of a lien. 2021 Act No. 78, SECTION 2, in (a), in the first sentence, inserted "or retained electronically or delivered to the lienholder electronically" following "to the lienholder"; and in (b), in the first sentence, inserted "or discharge the lien electronically through the system prescribed by the department" following "of title", and in the second sentence, inserted "If the lienholder holds a paper certificate of title," at the beginning.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-85 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-85
SECTION 50-5-85. General Trawling Zone; subzones.
Status: in_force

(A) The General Trawling Zone consists of the following subzones: (1) The Northern Subzone: from the North Carolina-South Carolina boundary at Little River and its projection to the seawardmost territorial sea limit; to a southern boundary beginning at a point on the southern end of Cedar Island at latitude 033° 7.2' N and longitude 079° 16.3' W, extending seaward in a southeasterly direction (135° true) to the seawardmost territorial sea limit. (2) The Central Subzone: from the southernmost boundary of the northern subzone extending to a line beginning at the southern tip of Edisto Island at latitude 032° 28.6'N, longitude 080° 20.2'W, extending seaward in a southeasterly direction (135° true) to the seawardmost territorial sea limit. (3) The Southern Subzone: from the southernmost boundary of the central subzone to the South Carolina-Georgia boundary and the seaward extension of the boundary to the seawardmost territorial sea limit. (B) The department may prohibit or allow trawling or other commercial fishing activity in any subzone or specified area therein, in or out of season.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-190 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-190
SECTION 50-1-190. Agreements with United States respecting wildlife of national forest lands.
Status: in_force

The department may enter into a cooperative agreement with the United States Government, or with the proper authorities thereof, for the protection and management of the wildlife resources of the national forest lands within the State and for the restocking of such lands with desirable species of game, birds and other animals and fish.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1713 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 17 / Section 50-5-1713
SECTION 50-5-1713. Cobia limits established.
Status: in_force

(A) The following limits to cobia (Rachycentron canadum) are: (1) one per person per day and no more than three per boat per day taken or possessed recreationally within the Southern Cobia Management Zone from June first to April thirtieth subject to a minimum size requirement of thirty-six inches in fork length. It is unlawful to take or possess cobia in the Southern Cobia Management Zone from May first to May thirty-first; (2) one per person per day and no more than six per boat per day taken or possessed recreationally in the waters of this State outside of the Southern Cobia Management Zone subject to a minimum size requirement of thirty-six inches in fork length; (3) two per licensed commercial fisherman per day and no more than six per boat per day taken or possessed commercially subject to a minimum size requirement of thirty-three inches in fork length. (B) It is unlawful to sell cobia taken from the waters of this State. All cobia taken commercially from waters outside of this State must be sold to a licensed wholesale dealer who also is a federally permitted dealer. (C) It is unlawful to take or possess cobia when federal regulations provide for the closure of the recreational or commercial cobia fishery in the waters of the South Atlantic Ocean.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-540 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 11 / Section 50-19-540
SECTION 50-19-540. Restrictions on northern and lake side of plant.
Status: in_force

No fishing shall be allowed nor shall any person go within three hundred feet of the northern edge of the floodgates on the northern and lake side of the hydroelectric power plant. The Greenwood County Electric Power Commission shall erect a fence or signs to identify such line so that members of the public shall be fully informed as to its location. Fishers may cast or fish beyond such line provided they do not go beyond it.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1936 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 13 / Section 50-13-1936
SECTION 50-13-1936. Fees for operation of Walhalla Fish Hatchery.
Status: in_force

If the federal government ceases to operate the Walhalla Fish Hatchery, the department may accept and maintain operations of the facility by charging a fee that is sufficient to cover the cost of operating the facility. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment substituted "If" for "In the event".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-15 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-15
SECTION 50-11-15. Baiting prohibited in area over which migratory birds are hunted; penalties;.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to bait, assist in baiting, or cause to be baited an area over which migratory birds are being hunted if the persons engaged in the hunting have a lawful right to hunt that area. 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. (B) A property owner shall not be prosecuted for a violation of subsection (A) where the person who is engaged in hunting is trespassing or hunting the baited area without the permission of the owner.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-1150 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 50-3-1150
SECTION 50-3-1150. Uses of Fund revenues and grants; restrictions.
Status: in_force

(A) Revenues in the Conservation Grant Fund may be used by the department only to: (1) defray the administrative costs of the department in administering the grant purpose provided for by this article; (2) provide education on conservation easements and fee simple gifts of land for conservation, including information material intended for landowners and education for staff and volunteers; and (3) make conservation grants. (B) A grant from the Conservation Grant Fund may be used only to pay for one or more of the following costs: (1) reimbursement for total or partial transaction costs for donations that otherwise would not be made because of insufficient financial revenues; (2) management support, including initial baseline inventory and planning; (3) monitoring compliance with conservation easements; (4) education on conservation easements and fee simple gifts of land for conservation, including information materials intended for landowners, and education for staff and volunteers. (C) Fund proceeds may not be used to pay the purchase price of any interest in real property.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-920 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 9 / Section 50-3-920
SECTION 50-3-920. Sources of fund assets.
Status: in_force

The assets of the fund are derived from: (1) the proceeds of any gifts, grants, and contributions to the State which are designated specifically for inclusion; (2) other lawful sources.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-80 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-80
SECTION 50-23-80. Processing of applications and issuance of certificates; records to be kept by department; withholding issuance of certificate.
Status: in_force

(A) The department shall file each application for certificate of title which is received by it, provided it is accompanied by the required fee and complies in all other respects with this chapter. When satisfied that the application is in proper form, that the applicant is the owner of the watercraft or outboard motor, and that there is no security interest in the watercraft or outboard motor not disclosed in the application, the department shall issue a certificate of title to the watercraft or outboard motor. (B) The department shall maintain a record of all certificates of title issued by it: (1) Under a distinctive title number assigned to a watercraft or outboard motor; (2) Under the identification number awarded to a watercraft in accordance with the registration and numbering act of the state in which it is registered. If the State requires outboard motors to be registered separately, the department shall keep the motor registration numbers in its titling records; (3) Alphabetically, under the name of the owner; and (4) In the discretion of the department, in any other method it determines. (C) All records of the department relating to the titling of watercraft or outboard motors shall be public records. (D) If the department is not satisfied that the applicant for a certificate of title to a watercraft or outboard motor is the bona fide owner of such watercraft or outboard motor and that there is no security interest in it not disclosed in the application, the department shall withhold the issuance of a certificate of title until the applicant reasonably satisfies the department that the applicant is the owner of the watercraft or outboard motor and that there are no undisclosed security interests in it.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-35 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-35
SECTION 50-5-35. Notice of opening or closing of commercial fishing season; health and environmental protection.
Status: in_force

(A) In opening or closing any commercial fishing season pursuant to this chapter, except under the emergency closure authority provided in Section 50-5-32, the department shall give at least twenty-four hours notice of any action and shall use all reasonable means to inform the public. (B) Except as provided in Section 50-5-955(B), nothing in this chapter alters, reduces, or amends the authority of the Department of Health and Environmental Control to regulate for public health and environmental protection.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-310 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-310
SECTION 50-3-310. Appointment of enforcement officers; commissions; removal.
Status: in_force

The director shall appoint the enforcement officers of the Natural Resources Enforcement Division, subject to their receiving a commission from the Governor. An enforcement officer shall be issued a commission by the Governor upon the recommendation of the director. An enforcement officer may be removed by the director at his discretion.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-115 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-115
SECTION 50-21-115. Reckless homicide by operation of boat; penalty; persons convicted of certain offenses prohibited from operating boat.
Status: in_force

When the death of a person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury received by the operation of a boat in reckless disregard of the safety of others, the person operating the boat is guilty of reckless homicide. A person convicted of reckless homicide or a person who enters a plea of guilty of reckless homicide and receives sentence thereon must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than ten years, or both. A person convicted of reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, manslaughter, or murder in the operation of a boat must be prohibited by the court having jurisdiction of these violations from operating any boat within this State for a period of not more than five years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2710 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 27 / Section 50-5-2710
SECTION 50-5-2710. State officials to cooperate and furnish information.
Status: in_force

All officers of this State shall do all things falling within their respective provinces and jurisdiction necessary or incidental to the carrying out of the compact in every particular, it being hereby declared to be the policy of this State to perform and carry out the compact and to accomplish the purposes thereof. All officers, bureaus, departments, and persons of and in the state government or administration of this State shall at convenient times and upon request of the Compact Commission furnish the Compact Commission with information and data possessed by them and shall aid the Compact Commission with information and data possessed by them or by loan of personnel or other means lying within their legal rights respectively.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-260 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 50-13-260
SECTION 50-13-260. Season for possessing, taking, and retaining trout from specified waters in order to establish a catch and release fishery.
Status: repealed

(A) In order to establish a "catch and release" fishery for trout it is unlawful to possess, take, and retain trout from November first of each year through May fourteenth of the following year inclusive on the following waters: (1) that portion of the Chattooga River beginning at S.C. State Highway 28 upstream to its confluence with Reed Creek (Rabun County, GA); (2) that portion of Cheohee Creek that runs through the Piedmont Forestry Center; (3) Devils Fork Creek; Howard Creek from its confluence with Corbin Creek upstream to its confluence with Limberpole Creek; and Corbin Creek upstream from its confluence with Howard Creek to S.C. State Highway S-37-130 (Whitewater Road) in Oconee County; (4) Chauga River from S.C. State Highway S-37-290 (Cassidy Bridge Road) upstream to its confluence with Bone Camp Creek in Oconee County; and (5) Eastatoe Creek from the backwaters of Lake Keowee upstream to S.C. State Highway S-39-143 (Roy Jones Road) in Pickens County. (B) Trout taken must be released immediately. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-260 was entitled "Creels may be searched" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-594.2; 1961 (52) 136; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. 2018 Act No. 207, SECTIONS 2 and 3, provide as follows: "SECTION 2. The Department of Natural Resources shall make a study of the lower Saluda River trout fishery and make recommendations on any needed modifications to the fishery by November 1, 2023. "SECTION 3. The provisions of this act are repealed on June 30, 2025." Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment, in subsection (A)(5), substituted "Eastatoe Creek" for "Eastatoe River". 2018 Act No. 207, SECTION 1, added (C), relating to a year-round catch and release zone on the lower reach of the Saluda River.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-700 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 50-5-700
SECTION 50-5-700. Trawling prohibited.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to trawl in the waters of this State except as allowed in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-50 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-50
SECTION 50-1-50. Geographic boundaries for certain bodies of water.
Status: in_force

The following water bodies have the geographical boundaries as described: (1) "Ashepoo River" means all waters of the Ashepoo River from its confluence with Saint Helena Sound upstream to the confluence of Jones Swamp and Ireland Creeks, near S.C. State Highway 63/U.S. Highway 17A Bridge in Colleton County. (2) "Ashley River" means all waters of the Ashley River from its confluence with the Cooper River in Charleston Harbor upstream to the confluence of Great Cypress Swamp and Rumphs Hill Creeks. (3) "Back River (Jasper County)" means all waters of Back River from its confluence with the Savannah River upstream to its headwaters on Hutchinson Island. (4) "Little Back River (Jasper County)" means all waters of Little Back River from its confluence with Back River upstream to the confluence of McCoy's Creek and Union Creek. (5) "Beaufort River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Beaufort River from its confluence with Port Royal Sound upstream to the confluence with Battery, Cowen, Albergottie, and Brickyard Creeks. (6) "Black Creek (Chesterfield, Darlington, and Florence counties)" means all waters of Black Creek from its confluence with the Great Pee Dee River upstream to S.C. State Highway S-13-513 (Griggs Street Bridge) in Chesterfield County. (7) "Black Creek (Lexington County)" means all waters of Black Creek from its confluence with North Fork Edisto River upstream to its headwaters at Taylors Pond Dam near S.C. State Highway S-32-77 (Two Notch Road Bridge) in Lexington County. (8) "Black Mingo Creek" means all waters of Black Mingo Creek from its confluence with the Black River upstream to the confluence of Paisley Swamp and Cedar Swamp Creeks. (9) "Black River" means all waters of Black River from its confluence with the Great Pee Dee River upstream to its headwaters northwest of S.C. State Highway S-31-33 near McCutchens Crossroads in Lee County. (10) "Bohicket Creek (Charleston County)" means all waters of Bohicket Creek from its confluence with North Edisto River upstream to its confluence with Church Creek. (11) "Broad River" means all waters of Broad River from its confluence with the Saluda River at U.S. Highway 1/U.S. Highway 378 (Gervais Street Bridge) upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (12) "Lower reach of the Broad River" means all waters of the Broad River from its confluence with the Saluda River at U.S. Highway 1/U.S. Highway 378 (Gervais Street Bridge) upstream to Parr Dam. (13) "Upper reach of the Broad River" means all waters of the Broad River from Parr Dam upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (14) "Broad River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Broad River from its confluence with Port Royal Sound upstream to the confluence of Whale Branch, Coosawhatchie River, and Pocotaligo River. (15) "Buffalo Creek (Newberry County)" means all waters of Buffalo Creek from its confluence with Lake Murray upstream to S.C. State Highway S-36-404. (16) "Bull Creek (Georgetown and Horry counties)" means all waters of Bull Creek from its divergence from the Great Pee Dee River to its confluence with the Waccamaw River. (17) "Bull River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Bull River from its confluence with Coosaw River upstream to its confluence with Wimbee Creek and Williman Creek. (18) "Bulls Bay" means all open bay waters bounded on the east by a line running northeast from the northern tip of Bull Island following the COLREG line to the southern tip of Sandy Point. (19) "Bush River" means all waters of Bush River from Lake Murray in Newberry County at S.C. State Highway S-36-41, upstream to its headwaters beyond S.C. State Highway S-30-72 Bridge (Gary Street) in Laurens County. (20) "Calibogue Sound" means all waters between Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island bounded on the seaward side by a line running due west from the westernmost tip of Hilton Head Island (latitude 32° 6.82' N, longitude 080° 49.78' W) and bounded on the inland side by a line from the northern tip of Daufuskie Island (latitude 32° 8.34' N, longitude 080° 50.35' W) running along the marsh shore of Bull Island to its easternmost point (latitude 32° 11.46' N, longitude 080° 47.37' W) and then running due east to Hilton Head Island, and then following the shoreline in a southwesterly direction across the confluence of Broad Creek to the westernmost tip of Hilton Head Island. (21) "Cape Romain Harbor (Charleston County)" means all waters inshore of the COLREG line between Cape Island and Murphy Island and bounded on the eastern side by Cape Island and to its confluence with Romain River, Horsehead Creek, Congaree Boat Creek, and Alligator Creek, and inshore of the COLREG line from Cape Island to Raccoon Key. (22) "Catawba River" means all waters of the Catawba River from the backwaters of Fishing Creek Reservoir at S.C. State Highway 9 upstream to the Lake Wylie Dam. (23) "Chattooga River" means all waters of the Chattooga River beginning at its confluence with Opossum Creek upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (24) "East Fork Chattooga River" means all waters of East Fork Chattooga River from its confluence with the Chattooga River upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (25) "Chauga River" means all waters of the Chauga River from Lake Hartwell upstream to the confluence of Village and East Village Creeks. (26) "Chechessee Creek (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Chechessee Creek from its confluence with Chechessee River upstream to the confluence with Colleton River near Manigault Neck. (27) "Chechessee River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Chechessee River from its confluence with Port Royal Sound upstream to the confluence with Hazzard Creek. (28) "New Chehaw River (Colleton County)" means all waters of New Chehaw River from its confluence with the Combahee River upstream to its diversion from the Old Chehaw River. (29) "Old Chehaw River (Colleton County)" means all waters of Old Chehaw River from its confluence with the Combahee River upstream to its headwaters outside of the town of Green Pond. (30) "Cheohee Creek" means all waters of Cheohee Creek from its confluence with Flat Shoal River and Tamassee Creek upstream to its headwaters east of S.C. State Highway 107 in Oconee County. (31) "Church Creek (Charleston County)" means all waters of Church Creek from its confluence with Wadmalaw River in Wadmalaw Sound upstream to its confluence with Bohicket Creek. (32) "Clark Sound" means all waters bounded on the northwestern side by James Island and on the eastern side by marshes associated with Morris Island. (33) "Clark's Creek" means all waters of Clark's Creek from its confluence with the Great Pee Dee River upstream to its divergence from the Lynches River in Florence County. (34) "Colleton River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Colleton River from its confluence with Chechessee River upstream until its confluence with Okatee River. (35) "Combahee River" means all waters of the Combahee River from its confluence with the Coosaw River upstream to the confluence of the Salkehatchie and Little Salkehatchie Rivers. (36) "Congaree River" means all waters of the Congaree River from its confluence with the Wateree River upstream to the confluence with the Broad and Saluda Rivers at U.S. Highway 1/U.S. Highway 378 (Gervais Street Bridge). (37) "Cooper River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Cooper River from its confluence with Calibogue Sound upstream to its confluence with the New River. (38) "Cooper River (Berkeley and Charleston counties)" means all waters of Cooper River from its confluence with the Ashley River in the Charleston Harbor upstream to the confluence of East Branch Cooper River and West Branch Cooper River. (39) "Cooper River system (Berkeley and Charleston counties)" means all waters of Cooper River and its fresh water tributaries, from the freshwater/saltwater dividing line to its headwaters including the East and West Branch and the Tailrace Canal. (40) "Coosaw River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Coosaw River from its confluence with Saint Helena Sound upstream to its confluence with Whale Branch, McCalleys Creek, and Brickyard Creek. (41) "Coosawhatchie River" means all waters of the Coosawhatchie River from its confluence with the Broad River (Jasper County) upstream to U.S. Highway 301 in Allendale County. (42) "Great Cypress Swamp" means all waters of the Great Cypress Swamp from its confluence with the Ashley River upstream to the confluence of Partridge Creek and Wassamasaw Swamp Creek or Big Run Creek. (43) "Dawhoo River (Charleston County)" means all waters of Dawhoo River from its confluence with the North Edisto River upstream to its divergence with the South Edisto River. (44) "Durbin Creek (Greenville and Laurens counties)" means all waters of Durbin Creek from its confluence with the Enoree River in Laurens County upstream to S.C. State Highway 418 in Laurens County. (45) "Eastatoe Creek" means all waters of Eastatoe Creek from Lake Keowee backwaters upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (46) "Edisto River" means all waters of the Edisto River from its confluence with the South Edisto River and Dawhoo River upstream to the confluence of the North Fork Edisto River and South Fork Edisto River. (47) "North Edisto River" means all waters of the North Edisto River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean upstream to the confluence of Dawhoo River and Wadmalaw River. (48) "South Edisto River" means all waters of the South Edisto River from its confluence with Saint Helena Sound upstream to the confluence of the Edisto River and Dawhoo River. (49) "North Fork Edisto River" means all waters of the North Fork Edisto River from its confluence with the South Fork Edisto River upstream to the confluence of Chinquapin Creek and Lightwood Knot Creek in Lexington County. (50) "South Fork Edisto River" means all waters of the South Fork Edisto River from its confluence with the North Fork Edisto River upstream to S.C. State Highway S-19-41(Edisto Road) in Edgefield County. (51) "Enoree River" means all waters of the Enoree River from its confluence with the Broad River upstream to its headwaters near S.C. State Highway S-23-869 (Tubbs Mt. Road). (52) "Five Fathom Creek (Charleston County)" means all waters of Five Fathom Creek from its confluence with Bull's Bay just west of Sandy Point to its divergence from the Intracoastal Waterway. (53) "Folly Creek (Charleston County)" means all waters of Folly Creek from its confluence with Folly River upstream to its confluence with Lighthouse Creek. (54) "Folly River (Charleston County)" means all waters of Folly River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean north of Stono Inlet upstream to the tidal flats behind Folly Island and onto its confluence with Rat Island Creek. (55) "Harbor River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Harbor River from its confluence with Saint Helena Sound and the Atlantic Ocean upstream to its confluence with Station Creek and Trenchards Inlet. (56) "Intracoastal Waterway (Horry County)" means all waters of the Intracoastal Waterway from its confluence with the Waccamaw River upstream to U.S. Highway 17. (57) "Jeffries Creek" means all waters of Jeffries Creek from its confluence with the Great Pee Dee River upstream to S.C. State Highway 403 in Darlington County. (58) "Kiawah River (Charleston County)" means all waters of Kiawah River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean at Captain Sam's Inlet upstream to its confluence with the Stono River. (59) "Little River (Abbeville, Anderson, and McCormick counties)" means all waters of Little River from the backwaters of Lake J. Strom Thurmond in McCormick County upstream to the confluence of Baker Creek (Long Branch) and Corner Creek in Anderson County. "Little River (Horry County)" means all waters of Little River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean at Little River Inlet upstream to its confluence with the Intracoastal Waterway to the headwaters of Socastee Creek. (60) "Little River (Newberry and Laurens counties)" means all waters of Little River from its confluence with the Saluda River upstream to S.C. State Highway S-30-419 (Ghost Creek Road) in Laurens County. (61) "Little River (Sumter County)" means all waters of Little River from its confluence with the Wateree River upstream to its divergence from the Wateree River. (62) "Log Creek (Edgefield County)" means all waters of Log Creek from its confluence with Turkey Creek upstream to S.C. State Highway 23 (Columbia Highway). (63) "Long Cane Creek (McCormick County)" means all waters of Long Cane Creek from the backwaters of Lake J. Strom Thurmond near S.C. State Highway 28 in McCormick County upstream to S.C. State Highway S-1-75 in Abbeville County. (64) "Lumber River" means all waters of Lumber River from its confluence with the Little Pee Dee River upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (65) "Lynches River" means all waters of Lynches River from its confluence with the Great Pee Dee River upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (66) "May River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of May River from its confluence with Calibogue Sound upstream to its headwaters just past the confluence of Stoney Creek. (67) "McCoy's Cut (Jasper County)" means all waters of McCoy's Cut from its divergence from Savannah River to its confluence with Union Creek to form the Little Back River. (68) "Mill Creek (Florence County)" means all waters of Mill Creek from its confluence with Muddy Creek upstream to its divergence from Lynches River. (69) "Morgan River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Morgan River from its confluence with Saint Helena Sound upstream to the confluence of Lucy Point Creek and Warsaw Flats. (70) "Muddy Creek (Florence and Williamsburg counties)" means all waters of Muddy Creek from its confluence with Clark's Creek upstream to its headwaters near Hemingway, South Carolina. (71) "Mulberry Creek (Greenwood County)" means all waters of Mulberry Creek from the backwaters of Lake Greenwood upstream to U. S. Highway 25 in Greenwood County. (72) "Mungen Creek (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Mungen Creek from its divergence from the New River to its confluence with the New River. (73) "Murrells Inlet (Georgetown County)" means all saltwaters of Murrells Inlet from the seaward tip of the Murrells Inlet jetties inland. This includes these tributary creeks: Main Creek, Woodland Creek, Parsonage Creek, Allston Creek, and Oaks Creek and adjacent marshes. (74) "New River" means all waters of New River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean upstream to its headwaters at Garrett Lake near U.S. Interstate Highway 95. (75) "North Santee Bay" means all waters of the bay west of a line running southwest from the southern tip of South Island to the eastern tip of Cedar Island and upstream to the confluence of Mosquito and Big Duck Creeks. (76) "Okatee River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Okatee River from its confluence with Colleton River upstream to its headwaters near U.S. Highway 278. (77) "Oolenoy River" means all waters of Oolenoy River from its confluence with the South Saluda River upstream to its headwaters near U.S. Highway 178 in Pickens County. (78) "Pacolet River" means all waters of Pacolet River from its confluence with the Broad River upstream to the Lake H. Taylor Blalock Dam in Spartanburg County. (79) "North Pacolet River" means all waters of North Pacolet River from its confluence with the South Pacolet River upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (80) "South Pacolet River" means all waters of South Pacolet River from Lake William C. Bowen in Spartanburg County upstream to its headwaters near Glassy Mountain in Greenville County. (81) "Great Pee Dee River (also known as Pee Dee River or Big Pee Dee River)" means all waters of Great Pee Dee River from its confluence with Winyah Bay upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (82) "Little Pee Dee River" means all waters of Little Pee Dee River from its confluence with the Great Pee Dee River upstream to Red Bluff Lake Dam at the confluence of Gum Swamp Creek and Beaver Dam Creek in Marlboro County. (83) "Pocotaligo River (Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties)" means all waters of Pocotaligo River from its confluence with the Broad River upstream to its headwaters north of U.S. Highway 17 in Jasper County. (84) "Pocotaligo River (Clarendon and Sumter counties)" means all waters of Pocotaligo River from its confluence with the Black River upstream to the confluence of Cane Savannah Creek and Turkey Creek in Sumter County. (85) "Port Royal Sound" means all waters of Port Royal Sound between Hilton Head Island and Bay Point, bounded on the seaward side by a line running northeasterly from the easternmost tip of Hilton Head Island (latitude 32° 12.97' N, longitude 080° 40.05' W), to the southernmost tip of Bay Point (latitude 32° 15.39' N, longitude 080° 37.92' W), and bounded on the inland side by a line from the northernmost tip of Hilton Head Island (latitude 32° 16.23' N, longitude 080° 43.68' W), running northeasterly to the southern tip of Parris Island (latitude 32° 17.88' N, longitude 080° 40.08' W), and thence running southeasterly to the southern tip of Bay Point. (86) "Price Creek (Charleston County)" means all waters of Price Creek from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean upstream to its divergence from Sewee Bay. (87) "Rabon Creek (Laurens County)" means all waters of Rabon Creek from the backwaters of Lake Greenwood upstream to the Lake Rabon Dam in Laurens County. (88) "Re-diversion Canal" means all waters of the Re-diversion Canal from its confluence with the Santee River upstream to the St. Stephen Dam and those waters upstream of the dam to its juncture with Lake Moultrie in Berkeley County. (89) "Reedy River" means all waters of Reedy River from the backwaters of Lake Greenwood at S.C. State Highway S-30-6 in Laurens County, upstream to Boyd Millpond Dam, and all waters upstream of Boyd Millpond to its headwaters near Renfrew and Travelers Rest in Greenville County at S.C. State Highway S-23-103. (90) "Rocky River" means all waters of Rocky River from Lake Secession upstream to the confluence of Little Beaverdam and Beaverdam Creeks in Anderson County. (91) "Saint Helena Sound" means all waters of Saint Helena Sound bounded by Edisto Beach, Otter Island, Ashe Island, Morgan Island, St. Helena Island, and Harbor Island, bounded on the seaward side by the COLREG line from Edisto Beach to Hunting Island, and bounded on the inland side by the U.S. Highway 21 bridge in the mouth of Harbor River, from the northern tip of Coffin Point (latitude 32° 26.78' N, longitude 080° 29.01' W), just east of the mouth of Coffin Creek running north crossing the mouth of Morgan River to the eastern tip of Morgan Island marsh (latitude 32° 28.14' N, longitude 080° 28.63' W), and then running north across the mouth of Coosaw River to the southern tip of Ashe Island (latitude 32° 29.77' N, longitude 080° 28.35' W), and by a line running due east from the eastern tip of Ashe Island (latitude 32° 30.19' N, longitude 080° 27.33' W), crossing the mouth of Rock Creek to Hutchinson Island, and by a line running south across the mouth of the Ashepoo River to the western side of Otter Island (latitude 32° 28.72' N, longitude 080° 25.15' W), and extending to the southern tip of Edisto Beach (latitude 32° 28.64' N, longitude 080° 20.30' W). (92) "Salkehatchie River" means all waters of Salkehatchie River from its confluence with the Little Salkehatchie River upstream to the confluence of Buck Creek and Rosemary Creek near S.C. State Highway S-06-166 in Barnwell County. (93) "Little Salkehatchie River" means all waters of Little Salkehatchie River from its confluence with the Salkehatchie River upstream to the Lake Cynthia Dam in Barnwell County. (94) "Middle Saluda River" means all waters of Middle Saluda River from its confluence with South Saluda River upstream to its headwaters near U.S. Highway 276 in Greenville County. (95) "North Saluda River" means all waters of North Saluda River from its confluence with South Saluda River upstream to the North Saluda Reservoir (Poinsett Reservoir) Dam. (96) "South Saluda River" means all waters of South Saluda River from its confluence with Saluda River and North Saluda River upstream to the Table Rock Dam in Greenville County. (97) "Lower reach of the Saluda River" means all waters of Saluda River from its confluence with Broad River upstream to the Lake Murray Dam. (98) "Middle reach of the Saluda River" means all waters of Saluda River from the backwaters of Lake Murray at S.C. State Highway 395, upstream to the Lake Greenwood Dam. (99) "Upper reach of the Saluda River" means all waters of Saluda River from the backwaters of Lake Greenwood upstream to the confluence of North Saluda River and South Saluda River. (100) "Little Saluda River" means all waters of Little Saluda River from the backwaters of Lake Murray upstream to the confluence of Mine Creek and Red Bank Creek near U.S. Highway 378 in Saluda County. (101) "Sampit River" means all waters of Sampit River from its confluence with Winyah Bay upstream to U.S. Highway 17A in Georgetown County. (102) "Santee River" means all waters of Santee River from its confluence with North Santee River and South Santee River upstream to the Lake Marion Dam and from the backwaters of Lake Marion at the railroad trestle bridge near Rimini upstream to the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. (103) "North Santee River" means all waters of North Santee River from its confluence with North Santee Bay upstream to its confluence with the Santee River and South Santee River. (104) "South Santee River" means all waters of South Santee River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean upstream to its confluence with Santee River and North Santee River. (105) "Lower reach of the Santee River" means all waters of Santee River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean upstream via the North Santee River, the South Santee River, and the Santee River to the Lake Marion Dam including the waters of the Re-diversion Canal upstream to the St. Stephen Dam. (106) "Upper reach of the Santee River" means all waters of Santee River from the backwaters of Lake Marion at the railroad trestle bridge near Rimini upstream to the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. (107) "Santee River system" means all waters of Santee River including tributaries from the saltwater/freshwater dividing line on the North and South Santee Rivers upstream to the Lake Murray Dam on the Saluda River, the Canal Dam on the Broad River, and the Wateree Dam on the Wateree River. (108) "Savannah River" means all waters of Savannah River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean upstream to the Lake J. Strom Thurmond Dam and from the backwaters of Richard B. Russell Lake upstream to the Lake Hartwell Dam. (109) "Lower reach of the Savannah River" means all waters of Savannah River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean or mouth of the Savannah River as defined by a line from Jones Island, South Carolina (also known as Oysterbed Island) point at latitude 32° 02.30' N, longitude 080° 53.35' W; across Cockspur Island, Georgia, point at latitude 32° 01.97' N, longitude 080° 52.93' W to Lazaretto Creek, Georgia, point at latitude 32° 01.03' N, longitude 080° 52.85' W upstream to the Lake J. Strom Thurmond Dam. (110) "Upper reach of the Savannah River" means all waters of Savannah River from S.C. State Highway 181 (the backwaters of Richard B. Russell Lake) upstream to the Lake Hartwell Dam. (111) "Socastee Creek (Horry County)" means all waters of Socastee Creek from its confluence with Waccamaw River upstream to the Intracoastal Waterway to the headwaters of Little River. (112) "Stevens Creek" means all waters of Stevens Creek from the backwaters of Stevens Creek Reservoir upstream to the confluence of Hard Labor Creek and Cuffytown Creek in McCormick County. (113) "Stono River (Charleston County)" means all waters of Stono River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean at Stono Inlet upstream to its confluence with Wadmalaw River in Wadmalaw Sound. (114) "Story River (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Story River from its confluence with Fripp Inlet upstream to its confluence with Trenchards Inlet. (115) "Thicketty Creek" means all waters of Thicketty Creek, excluding private impoundments, from its confluence with the Broad River upstream to the Lake Thicketty Dam in Cherokee County. (116) "Trenchards Inlet (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Trenchards Inlet from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean upstream to its confluence with Station Creek and Harbor River. (117) "Tulifinny River" means all waters of Tulifinny River from its confluence with the Coosawhatchie River upstream to its divergence from the Coosawhatchie River. (118) "Turkey Creek (Edgefield County)" means all waters of Turkey Creek from its confluence with Stevens Creek upstream to S.C. State Highway 23 in Edgefield County. (119) "Tyger River" means all waters of Tyger River from its confluence with Broad River upstream to the confluence of the North Tyger River and South Tyger River. (120) "Middle Tyger River" means all waters of Middle Tyger River from its confluence with the North Tyger River upstream to its headwaters just north of S.C. State Highway 11, excluding Lake Lyman. (121) "North Tyger River" means all waters of North Tyger River from its confluence with the South Tyger River upstream to its headwaters south of S.C. State Highway 11 in Spartanburg County. (122) "South Tyger River" means all waters of South Tyger River from its confluence with the North Tyger River upstream to the confluence of Mush Creek and Barton Creek in Greenville County, excluding the lakes. (123) "Union Creek (Jasper County)" means all waters of Union Creek from its confluence with McCoy's Cut and Little Back River upstream to its headwaters near Chisolm Cemetery. (124) "Waccamaw River" means all waters of Waccamaw River from its confluence with Winyah Bay upstream to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. (125) "Wadmalaw River (Charleston County)" means all waters of Wadmalaw River from its confluence with the North Edisto River to its junction with the Intracoastal Waterway and Church Creek. (126) "Wando River" means all waters of Wando River from its confluence with the Cooper River upstream to its headwaters. (127) "Warrior Creek" means all waters of Warrior Creek from its confluence with the Enoree River upstream to its headwaters just west of S.C. State Highway S-30-660 in Laurens County. (128) "Wateree River" means all waters of Wateree River from its confluence with the Congaree River upstream to the Lake Wateree Dam. (129) "Whale Branch (Beaufort County)" means all waters of Whale Branch from its confluence with Coosaw River, McCalleys Creek, and Brickyard Creek upstream to its junction with the Broad River. (130) "Wilson Creek (Greenwood County)" means all waters of Wilson Creek from its confluence with the Saluda River upstream to U.S. Highway 25/U.S. Highway 221/U.S. Highway 178 Bypass in Greenwood County. (131) "Winyah Bay" means all waters of Winyah Bay east of a line running south from the southern tip of North Island to the eastern tip of Sand Island, and extending to the mouths of the Sampit, Great Pee Dee, and Waccamaw Rivers. (132) "Wright River (Jasper County)" means all waters of Wright River from its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean upstream to its headwaters in Jasper County. (133) "Lake H. Taylor Blalock" means all waters of Pacolet River impounded by the Lake Blalock Dam upstream to the confluence with North Pacolet River below Reservoir #1 (Rainbow Lake) Dam in Spartanburg County. (134) "Lake William C. Bowen" means all waters of South Pacolet River impounded by the Lake Bowen Dam upstream to S.C. State Highway 11. (135) "Cedar Creek Lake (also known as Stumpy Pond or Rocky Creek Lake)" means all waters of Catawba River impounded by the Cedar Creek/Rocky Creek Dam upstream to the Dearborn Powerhouse on Rocky Creek and U.S. Highway 21 on Rocky Creek. This includes waters between the Cedar Creek Hydro Station on the west bank upstream to the base of the shoals north of Hill Island (Bypass Reach). (136) "Lake Cooley" means all waters of Jordan Creek impounded by the Lake Cooley Dam upstream to S.C. State Highway S-42-784 (Ballenger Road) in Spartanburg County. (137) "Lake Cunningham" means all waters of South Tyger River impounded by the Lake Cunningham Dam upstream to S.C. State Highway 101 in Greenville County. (138) "Fishing Creek Reservoir" means all waters of Catawba River impounded by the Fishing Creek Dam upstream to S.C. State Highway 9. This includes all waters upstream of the Fishing Creek Dam to the confluence of Rum Creek and Cane Creek on Cane Creek and to Catawba Ridge Boulevard on Bear Creek. (139) "Goose Creek Reservoir" means all waters of Goose Creek impounded by the Goose Creek Reservoir Dam upstream to U.S. Highway 52 in Berkley County. (140) "Lake Greenwood" means all waters of Saluda River impounded by the Buzzard's Roost (Lake Greenwood) Dam upstream to U.S. Highway 25 including the tributaries of Cane Creek upstream to S.C. State Highway 72, Rabon Creek upstream to S.C. State Highway S-30-54 in Laurens County, and the Reedy River upstream to S.C. State Highway S-30-6 in Laurens County. (141) "Lake Hartwell" means all waters of Savannah River impounded by the Lake Hartwell Dam upstream to the Lake Yonah Dam on the Tugaloo River and to the Lake Keowee Dam on the Keowee River. This includes all waters upstream of Hartwell Dam to S.C. State Highway S-04-97 on Six and Twenty Creek in Anderson County. (142) "Lake Hartwell Tailwater" means all waters of Savannah River upstream of S.C. State Highway 181 to Lake Hartwell Dam. (143) "Lake Jocassee" means all waters of Keowee, Toxaway, and Whitewater Rivers impounded by the Lake Jocassee Dam upstream to the elevation of 1110 msl. (144) "Lake Keowee" means 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 S.C. State Highway S-37-175 on Crooked Creek, to S.C. State Highway S-37-24 (Burnt Tanyard Road) on Little River, and to S.C. 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; S.C. State Highway 133 on Cedar, Crowe, and Mile Creeks in Pickens County. (145) "Louther's Lake" means the oxbow lake off of the Great Pee Dee River in eastern Darlington County near S.C. State Highway S-16-495. (146) "Lake Lyman" means all waters of Middle Tyger River impounded by the Lake Lyman Dam upstream to S.C. State Highway S-42-75 in Spartanburg County. (147) "Lake Marion" means all waters of the Santee River and its tributaries impounded by the Lake Marion Dam including the flooded backwater areas within the Santee Cooper project area in Calhoun and Sumter counties. (148) "Lake Monticello" means all waters impounded by the Frees Creek Dam including the recreational subimpoundment in Fairfield County. (149) "Lake Moultrie" means all waters impounded by the Pinopolis Dam including the Diversion Canal and those waters of the Re-diversion Canal within the Santee Cooper project area. (150) "Lake Murray" means all waters of Saluda River impounded by the Lake Murray Dam upstream to S.C. State Highway 395 and the Little Saluda River arm up to Big Creek. (151) "Parr Reservoir" means all waters of Broad River impounded by the Parr Reservoir Dam upstream to S.C. State Highway 34. (152) "Reservoir #1 (Rainbow Lake)" means all waters of South Pacolet River impounded by the Reservoir #1 Dam upstream to Lake William C. Bowen Dam in Spartanburg County. (153) "Lake Robinson (Darlington and Chesterfield counties)" means all waters of Black Creek and its tributaries impounded by the Lake Robinson Dam upstream to its headwaters west of S.C. State Highway S-13-46 in Chesterfield County. (154) "Lake Robinson (Greenville County)" means all waters of South Tyger River impounded by the Lake Robinson Dam upstream to S.C. State Highway S-23-114. (155) "Lake Russell" means all waters of Savannah River impounded by the Lake Richard B. Russell Dam upstream to the Lake Hartwell Dam including the tributary Rocky River upstream to the Lake Secession Dam. (156) "Saluda Lake (Pickens and Greenville counties)" means all the waters of the Saluda River and its tributaries impounded by the Saluda Dam upstream to the S.C. State Highway S-39-183 (Farr's Bridge Road). (157) "Lake Secession" means all the waters of Rocky River impounded by the Lake Secession Dam upstream to S.C. State Highway 413. (158) "Stevens Creek Reservoir" means all waters of Savannah River upstream of the Stevens Creek Dam to the Lake J. Strom Thurmond Dam including the tributary of Stevens Creek upstream to the confluence of Dry Branch, Cheves Creek, and Stevens Creek in Edgefield County. (159) "Lake J. Strom Thurmond (formerly Clarks Hill Lake)" means all waters of Savannah River impounded by the Lake J. Strom Thurmond Dam upstream to the Richard B. Russell Dam, including the tributaries of Little River to Calhoun Mill at the S.C. State Highway 823 Bridge and Long Cane Creek to Patterson Bridge at S.C. State Highway S-33-117 in McCormick County. (160) "Lake Tugaloo" means all waters of Tugaloo River impounded by the Lake Tugaloo Dam upstream to the confluence of the Chattooga River and Opossum Creek in Oconee County. (161) "Lake Wateree" means all waters of Catawba and Wateree Rivers impounded by the Lake Wateree Dam upstream to the Cedar Creek Hydro Station and Rocky Creek Hydro Station and the dam between the two. This includes the waters to the confluence of Colonel Creek and the first unnamed tributary on Colonel Creek; to the confluence of Fox (June) Creek and the first unnamed tributary on Fox (June) Creek; to S.C. State Highway S-28-101 on Rochelle Creek; to the confluence of Dutchman's Creek and the first unnamed tributary on the south side of Dutchman's Creek; to the confluence of Taylor Creek and the first unnamed tributary on the north side of Taylor Creek; to U.S. Highway 21 on Little Wateree Creek and Big Wateree Creek; to Wildlife Road on Singletons Creek; to S.C. State Highway S-28-13 on Beaver Creek and to S.C. State Highway 97 on White Oak Creek. (162) "Lake Wylie" means all waters of Catawba River impounded by the Lake Wylie Dam upstream to the southern end of Sunset Island, which constitutes the North Carolina/South Carolina state line, and bounded on the east by the North Carolina/South Carolina state line, which follows the middle of the course of the Catawba River. This includes all waters impounded by the Lake Wylie Dam to S.C. State Highway 274 on Little Allison Creek; to the confluence of Big Branch and Allison Creek on Big Allison Creek; to Vineyard Road on Torrance Creek; to the confluence of Beaver Dam Creek and Crowder's Creek on Crowder's Creek; to the confluence of the first unnamed tributary on Mill Creek and Mill Creek; to the North Carolina/South Carolina state line on Catawba Creek. The upper boundary of Lake Wylie is the North Carolina/South Carolina state line located mid channel of the Catawba River at the confluence of the Catawba River and South Fork Catawba River. (163) "Lake Yonah" means all waters of Tugaloo River impounded by the Lake Yonah Dam upstream to the Lake Tugaloo Dam. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment numbered each item and made other technical changes; amended the latitudes and longitudes in items (20), (84), (90), and (108); substituted "Manigault" for "Manaqualt" in item (26); substituted "Jeffries" for "Jefferies" in item (56); rewrote item (147); substituted "the Lake Hartwell Dam" for "S.C. State Highway 181" in item (154); and added item (155), regarding Saluda Lake. The 2013 amendment, in subsection (90), substituted "by a line running due east from the eastern tip of Ashe Island" for "by a line running due west from the western tip of Ashe Island" and "the Ashepoo River to the western side of Otter Island" for "the Ashepoo River to the eastern side of Otter Island". 2018 Act No. 164, SECTION 1, in the introductory paragraph, substituted "geographical" for "geographic"; inserted (56), "Intracoastal Waterway (Horry County)", and redesignated (56) to (162) as (57) to (163); in (59), in the second sentence, substituted "Intracoastal Waterway" for "Intercoastal Waterway"; in (111), substituted "Intracoastal Waterway" for "Intercoastal Waterway"; and made nonsubstantive changes throughout.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2475 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2475
SECTION 50-11-2475. Fur processor's license.
Status: in_force

A person engaged in processing hides of fur bearing animals is required to obtain a fur processor's license. The license is issued by the department at a cost of two hundred dollars. The license is valid for the state fiscal year in which it is issued. A taxidermist who possesses any fur, pelt, hide, or whole fur bearing animal legally owned by another person, which he is temporarily holding for the purpose of processing, is not required to obtain this license. A commercial fur licensee who only processes furs, hides, or pelts taken by him is not required to have a processor's license. All processors and taxidermists must keep a daily register showing the name and address of each person from whom the fur, pelt, hide, or whole fur bearing animal is received, the number of each species, and the date and place of origin. All processors must report the information to the department not later than June thirtieth of each year. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment substituted "two hundred dollars" for "five hundred dollars"; substituted "and taxidermists must" for "shall"; and, made other, nonsubstantive, changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2610 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 13 / Section 50-11-2610
SECTION 50-11-2610. Enclosure permits.
Status: in_force

(A) The department is authorized to issue fox and coyote hunting enclosure permits to an enclosure operator pursuant to the terms and provisions of this article. There is no charge for the permit. For purposes of this article a permit year is from May sixteenth of one year to May fifteenth of the next year. (B) An operating permit is valid only for one enclosure; additional permits are required to operate more than one enclosure. It is unlawful for a person to submit false information to the department when making application for a permit provided for in this article. Intentional misrepresentation of information submitted on the application results in the denial or revocation of the enclosure permit. (C) It is unlawful to operate or hunt fox or coyote within a fox or coyote hunting enclosure that is not permitted pursuant to the provisions of this article.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-50 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 1 / Section 50-13-50
SECTION 50-13-50. Unlawful use or possession of fishing devices or gear designed to take fish.
Status: in_force

(A) The possession or use on the freshwaters of this State of any device or gear designed or used to take fish not authorized by this chapter is unlawful. (B) Taking species not authorized by this chapter is unlawful. (C) Taking by any method not authorized by this chapter is unlawful. (D) It is unlawful to leave a game fishing device unattended. A game fishing device left unattended is contraband. (E) It is unlawful to use, place, set, or fish a device so as to constitute a hazard to boating or public safety. (F) It is unlawful to anchor a seine and leave it unattended.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-140 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 50-11-140
SECTION 50-11-140. Taking raccoons, opossums, squirrels, or fox during period they can be hunted without weapons.
Status: in_force

During a period in which raccoons, opossums, squirrels, or fox are allowed to be hunted without weapons, it is unlawful to take, or attempt to take, the animals.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-330 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-330
SECTION 50-5-330. Recreational fishing exceptions; minnow traps for commercial purposes; retrieving unattended recreational equipment.
Status: in_force

(A) A person may fish or use the following in the salt waters of this State solely for recreational purposes without being commercially licensed: (1) shrimp seines; (2) hand-operated tongs, rakes except bull rakes, and forks except seed forks, used to harvest shellfish; (3) hook and line or rod and reel; (4) minnow traps, drop nets, and dip nets; (5) cast nets; however, the use must comply with all other provisions of law; (6) no more than two crab traps without a recreational crab trap endorsement; (7) no more than five crab traps with a recreational crab trap endorsement; (8) no more than two trotlines with a cumulative total of not more than fifty hooks or baits; (9) no more than ten bush or pole lines with single hooks or baits. (B) A person may use a lawful gill net for other than commercial purposes without a commercial saltwater fishing license. (C) A person may use lawful minnow traps to take fish for a commercial purpose for use as bait without a commercial saltwater fishing license. (D) No person may retrieve any unattended recreational equipment used pursuant to this section unless the owner is present. A person may retrieve equipment with the written permission of the owner, but no fish may be retained. (E) A person who violates this section by fishing or using equipment in excess of the numbers allowed in this section or in violation of subsection (D) 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. 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 2024 Act No. 212, SECTION 8, in (A), in (6), inserted "without a recreational crab trap endorsement", inserted (7), and redesignated former (7) and (8) as (8) and (9), respectively.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-80 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 50-9-80
SECTION 50-9-80. Replacement licenses, permits, or tags.
Status: in_force

A license, permit, or tag issued pursuant to this title may be replaced only upon affidavit from the licensee that the original was lost or destroyed and upon payment of the fee: (1) for a duplicate license or permit the fee is three dollars, one dollar of which the issuing sales vendor may retain; (2) for a duplicate disability or lifetime license issued by the department, there is no fee; (3) for a replacement nongame fish tag, the fee is one dollar per tag for residents and five dollars per tag for nonresidents; (4) for a duplicate individual antlerless deer tag, the fee is one dollar per tag. Effect of Amendment The 2010 amendment rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-1340 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 13 / Section 50-25-1340
SECTION 50-25-1340. Waterskiing and towing of floating devices prohibited on Lake H. Taylor Blalock.
Status: in_force

On Lake H. Taylor Blalock, it is unlawful to waterski or tow rafts, discs, or any other similar floating devices. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 139, SECTION 1, reenacted the section with no apparent change.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-26-60 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 26 / Section 50-26-60
SECTION 50-26-60. Penalty for violation of chapter.
Status: in_force

A person violating this chapter, unless otherwise specified, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred dollars.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-385 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 3 / Section 50-23-385
SECTION 50-23-385. Houseboats with waste-holding tanks; indefinite mooring; waste pump-out.
Status: in_force

Houseboats used for habitation may be indefinitely moored at a private dock as long as the houseboat has a waste-holding tank. Waste pump-out must be done at an approved pump-out facility. A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for thirty days, or both. 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 50-21-385.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-515 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 50-9-515
SECTION 50-9-515. Combination licenses; sportsman's licenses.
Status: in_force

For the combined statewide privilege of: (1) hunting, including the privilege of hunting big game and freshwater fishing, a resident may purchase: (a) an annual combination license for twenty-five dollars, two dollars of which the issuing sales vendor may retain; or (b) a three year combination license for seventy-five dollars, six dollars of which the issuing sales vendor may retain. (2) hunting, including the privilege of hunting big game and hunting on wildlife management area lands and freshwater fishing: (a) a resident may purchase: (i) an annual sportsman's license for fifty dollars, two dollars of which the issuing sales vendor may retain; or (ii) a three year sportsman's license for one hundred fifty dollars, six dollars of which the issuing sales vendor may retain. (b) a resident who is at least sixteen years of age but who has not reached eighteen years of age may purchase an annual junior sportsman license for sixteen dollars, one dollar of which the issuing sales vendor may retain.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-18-260 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 18 / Article 2 / Section 50-18-260
SECTION 50-18-260. Aquacultured game fish retail license; application and issuance; display of license; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) A person who sells or offers to sell a nonliving aquacultured game fish or product thereof to consumers, regardless of where cultured, must first acquire an annual aquacultured game fish retail license at no cost issued by the Department of Natural Resources unless that person holds a current aquaculture permit. (B) Application for such license must be made on forms provided by the department. The department or its authorized agent will issue an aquaculture game fish retail license at no cost upon proper application. (C) A license is required for each location where aquacultured game fish or product thereof is offered for sale to consumers. Licenses issued under this section must be displayed conspicuously at the point of retail sale. For purposes of this section, a license year is July first through June thirtieth of the following year. (D) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, the person 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. § 50-1-85 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-85
SECTION 50-1-85. Use of firearms or archery tackle in criminally negligent manner; penalties; seizure of license; disposition of monetary penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to use a firearm or archery tackle while in preparation for, engaged in the act of, or returning from hunting in a criminally negligent manner. Criminal negligence is defined as the reckless disregard for the safety of others. A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be: (1) in a case where no personal injury or property damage occurs, fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days; (2) in the case of property damage only, fined not more than one thousand dollars nor less than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, and the court must order restitution to the owner of the property; (3) in the case of bodily injury to another, fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand, five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than two years; if the bodily injury results in disfigurement, total or partial permanent disability, be imprisoned for not less than sixty days nor more than two years; (4) in the case of death, be imprisoned for not less than three months nor more than three years. No part of the minimum fines and penalties provided in this section may be suspended by any court in this State. In addition to the criminal penalties provided above, the department must seize immediately the license of a person charged under this section and, upon conviction, the hunting privileges of a person convicted under item (1) or (2) above must be suspended for one year. A person convicted under item (3) of this section shall lose his privilege to hunt for three years, and a person convicted under item (4) of this section shall lose the privilege of hunting for five years. A person convicted of hunting while his license is suspended under the provisions of this section must be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand, five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than two years and shall have his hunting privileges suspended for an additional five years. The person may not obtain another hunting license until he has completed satisfactorily a hunter's safety program conducted by the department. All monetary penalties shall be remitted to the South Carolina Victim Compensation Fund. Code Commissioner's Note Pursuant to 2017 Act No. 96, SECTION 14, the reference to "Victim's Compensation Fund" in the last paragraph was changed to "Victim Compensation Fund".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-70 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 1 / Section 50-13-70
SECTION 50-13-70. Closed season for the temporary protection of a species.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided, there is no closed season for taking fish, however, when because of natural or other conditions fish are vulnerable to predation or are in distress and in the professional judgment of the department need temporary protection or in order to protect the public safety, the department may declare a closed season for taking any species until the condition has abated but the closed season may not be longer than ninety days. The department shall give notice of the closure by the most expeditious means. It is unlawful to take or possess the affected species during the closed season. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-70 was entitled "Notice of season closed on recommendation of county legislative delegation" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-578; 1952 Code SECTION 28-578; 1942 Code SECTION 1769-1; 1932 Code SECTION 1807; 1931 (37) 340; 1952 (47) 2179; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 50-11-110
SECTION 50-11-110. Small game defined.
Status: in_force

The following species constitute small game animals: raccoon, opossum, rabbit, squirrel, fox, quail, bobcat, beaver, mink, muskrat, skunk, otter, grouse, and weasel.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-900 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 9 / Section 50-3-900
SECTION 50-3-900. Creation of Jocassee Gorges Trust Fund; purpose.
Status: in_force

There is created the South Carolina Jocassee Gorges Trust Fund, the income and principal of which must be used only for the purposes of supporting the operation and maintenance and the acquisition of additional real property complementary to those tracts of real property owned by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in Oconee and Pickens Counties, South Carolina, in the vicinity of Lake Jocassee which are known collectively as the Jocassee Gorges. All gifts, grants, and contributions for this purpose must be accounted for separately from other assets of the fund.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-300 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-300
SECTION 50-11-300. Species constituting big game.
Status: in_force

The following species constitute big game: white tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-34 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-34
SECTION 50-11-34. Hunting migratory waterfowl on portions of Lake Marion; penalty; markers.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl in the cove on Lake Marion immediately to the southeast of the Indian Bluff Recreation Site and in the coves on Lake Marion immediately to the east of the St. Julien Subdivision Extension and Cypress Shores Marina, respectively. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding thirty days. The department shall delineate the boundaries of these coves to which the prohibition applies and shall place appropriate markers within these boundaries identifying the area as closed to migratory waterfowl hunting.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-810 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-810
SECTION 50-11-810. Game birds for which no specific open season is designated are protected; department authorized to regulate taking of exotic game birds; penalties.
Status: in_force

All species of game birds for which the legislature has not provided a specific open season are protected and may not be shot, trapped, destroyed, or attempted to be shot, trapped, or destroyed at any time. The department may prescribe an open season for the taking of exotic game birds, prescribe the method by which they may be taken, and fix the specific areas of any zone in which these exotic species may become numerous enough to be harvested. All areas not specifically open to hunting are closed to hunting. The department may designate the sex that may be taken and may prescribe any other regulations that may be considered wise and expedient for the harvest of these new game birds. Any person taking, attempting to take, or having in his possession these exotic game birds illegally or taking, attempting to take, or killing these exotic game birds in any way not prescribed by the department is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not less than fifteen days nor more than thirty days. The provisions of this section are applicable to ruffed grouse.