S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-920 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-920
SECTION 50-11-920. Kershaw County park declared wildlife sanctuary.
Status: in_force

The land owned or leased to Kershaw County to be used as a county park and streams or creeks entering into the lands are declared to be a sanctuary for the protection of game, birds, and animals. There may be no hunting, trapping, fishing, or trespassing thereon. Fishing is permitted by persons obtaining fishing permits from the management of the Kershaw County Park. Fishing is not permitted in the swimming area or when water in the lake is low for repairs. The management of the Kershaw County Park shall post along the outer boundaries of the land and mouths of all streams and creeks entering into the Kershaw County Park signs notifying the public that the area is a sanctuary and closed to hunting and fishing except as authorized. No flowers, shrubs, trees, or plants may be removed from the park without permission from the management. No alcoholic beverages or persons under the influence of alcohol are permitted in the Kershaw County Park. Dogs must be on a leash, except those used in the Field Trial Club events. The Kershaw County Park may not be used as a dumping place for trash, garbage, or other refuse. A part of the Kershaw County Park, about four hundred twenty-one acres, east of Pine Tree Creek, north of Burkett Branch, south of the land owned by Bowater Co. and T. L. Myers, and west of land owned by Bowater Co., and Bud Smith may be used by the Mid-Carolina Field Trial Clubs. The maintenance and development of these grounds into field trial grounds is under the supervision of the Mid-Carolina Field Trial Club. The club shall pay the costs of developing and maintaining the grounds. All clubs sponsoring trials on the grounds shall obtain permission from the department before a trial is held. Field trial dogs are permitted to exercise and train on the grounds during field trial seasons only when a trial is not in progress. Trapping of released birds is permitted by clubs for use in future trials only. Only blank ammunition may be used on trial areas. The superintendent of Kershaw County Park shall maintain jurisdiction over game law enforcement and security of this area. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of not more than two hundred dollars or imprisonment for a period not exceeding thirty days, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-18-270 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 18 / Article 2 / Section 50-18-270
SECTION 50-18-270. Intentional release of imported species into public waterways; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as provided in this subsection it is unlawful to place or release intentionally any species imported from another state or jurisdiction into public waters in this State without a permit issued by the department. This section does not apply to the use of live bait. The department may grant permits at no cost to allow permitted aquaculturists to release aquacultured products into the public waters of this State as a part of a stocking program conducted or approved by the department. (B) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars and not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. In addition to any penalty the presiding magistrate may order restitution to the department. (C) A person who violates this section for a second or subsequent offense within three years of a first offense must be fined five thousand dollars, no part of which may be suspended, or imprisoned for up to one year, or both. In addition to any penalty the presiding judge may order restitution to the department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-125 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-125
SECTION 50-21-125. Restrictions on swimming near public landing on hydroelectric generation lake or reservoir; no wake zone.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for a person to swim within fifty feet of a public boat landing or ramp located on a lake or reservoir constructed or developed by an investor-owned utility for hydroelectric generation. For purposes of this section, a public boat landing or ramp is one owned or maintained by an investor-owned utility for hydroelectric generation and is available to the public at large. The area where swimming is prohibited must be clearly marked and signs must be posted to give public notice that no swimming is allowed in the area. Watercraft must slow to no wake speed when operated within two hundred feet of the landing or ramp. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment deleted the fifth and sixth sentences relating to no wake signage and the seventh sentence exempting that portion of Game Zone No. 4 in Lancaster County.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-220 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 50-13-220
SECTION 50-13-220. Unlawful possession of crappie.
Status: repealed

It is unlawful to possess crappie less than eight inches in total length. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION50-13-220, was entitled "Daily creel limits on game fish; exception for striped bass or rockfish in certain waters" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-591; 1961 (52) 152; 1989 Act No. 192, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; repealed by 2008 Act No. 237, SECTION 5. SECTIONS 50-13-221, 50-30-222. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 113, SECTION 2, eff July 1, 2012. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-13-221 was entitled "Striped bass size and limits in clear freshwater bodies" and was derived from 2008 Act No. 237, SECTION 2; 2010 Act No. 193, SECTION 2. Former SECTION 50-13-222 was entitled "Striped bass size and limits in Lake Rusell" and was derived from Act No. 193, SECTION 3.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-26-40 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 26 / Section 50-26-40
SECTION 50-26-40. (A) The restrictions in this section apply to operation of all-terrain vehicles on those lands open to the public and are in addition to the requirements of Section 50-26-30.
Status: in_force

(B) It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle except in compliance with the local regulations and restrictions for all-terrain vehicle operation. (C) A person sixteen years of age or younger who operates an all-terrain vehicle must be accompanied by an adult. (D) It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle between one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless it is operated with headlights turned on. (E) It is unlawful to cross any watercourse on an all-terrain vehicle except at a designated ford, crossing, bridge, or if the watercourse is bisected by a trail. (F) An all-terrain vehicle must have an effective muffler system in good working condition, a USDA Forest Service approved spark arrester in good working condition, and a brake system in good operating condition. (G) It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. (H) It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle in a reckless manner. (I) Nothing contained in this chapter prevents the operation of an all-terrain vehicle on a beach, or between the breakers and the shoreline of the beach, if the all-terrain vehicle is operated in a manner approved by the entity that owns or controls the area.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-852 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-852
SECTION 50-11-852. Unlawful to molest or kill birds of prey; bald eagles; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to molest or kill any of the birds of prey within this State. Birds of prey include all hawks, eagles, falcons, kites, vultures, owls, and ospreys. Anyone violating the provisions of 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. However, if the bird of prey is a bald eagle, the person violating the provisions of 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 be imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than one year, or both. If the bird of prey is a bald eagle, the person convicted shall also lose his privilege to hunt in this State for a period of five years from the date he is convicted of this offense if the bald eagle was killed and for a period of five years if the bald eagle was molested. "Convicted" for purposes of this section includes a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to the offense.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-1020 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 10 / Section 50-3-1020
SECTION 50-3-1020. Board of Trustees.
Status: in_force

There is created the Board of Trustees of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Trust Fund of the Department of Natural Resources, with full authority over the administration of the fund, whose chairman and members, serving ex officio, are the chairman and members of the board of the Department of Natural Resources.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1720 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 8 / Section 50-11-1720
SECTION 50-11-1720. Transportation of game birds or animals unlawfully killed or captured prohibited; exceptions.
Status: in_force

No person shall knowingly receive for transportation beyond the limits of this State, so transport, cause to be so transported, or have in his possession with the intent to so transport or secure transportation any partridge, grouse, wild turkey, snipe, woodcock, or other game bird or game animal which has been killed or captured in this State except as permitted by Sections 50-1-110, 50-11-1710, and 50-11-1730, and the receipt, transportation, or possession or the causing or securing of transportation of each bird or game animal so killed or captured constitutes a separate offense. The provisions of this section do not apply to common carriers into whose possession birds or game come in the regular course of their business for transportation while they are in transit through the State from any place without the State. Nothing herein prohibits persons from having in their possession for the purpose of domestication and propagation any birds or animals.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-105 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-105
SECTION 50-21-105. Towing of watercraft by department.
Status: in_force

The department may tow away and store at the nearest commercial marina or any other suitable facility any unattended watercraft, a watercraft the operator of which is ill, intoxicated, or under a disability which renders him incapable of functioning safely, or other object which constitutes a hazard to navigation and which is not within an anchorage area approved by the United States Coast Guard. The owner may regain control of the watercraft or other object by proving ownership to the operator of the facility and paying the fee charged for storage.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-5 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-5
SECTION 50-21-5. Short title.
Status: in_force

This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Boating and Safety Act of 1999."
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1400 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1400
SECTION 50-11-1400. Sale of pen-raised quail.
Status: in_force

Any person complying with this article may sell live pen-raised quail for propagating purposes or may sell the carcasses of the pen-raised quail for any purpose, including sale for food.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-890 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-890
SECTION 50-11-890. Bird and squirrel sanctuaries declared in certain areas.
Status: in_force

The following areas are designated bird and squirrel sanctuaries: (1) Bayview Acres in Charleston County; (2) all that area of the subdivision of Drayton on Ashley in Charleston County bounded as follows on the south by the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, on the east by the Ashley River, on the north at the corner of Highway 61, and the Seaboard Coastline Railroad for 2,585 feet bearing south 49 degrees 50'W., and on the west by Highway 61.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-755 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 50-5-755
SECTION 50-5-755. Permits to trawl or dredge for finfish, blue crabs, whelks, and horseshoe crabs; limitations and conditions as to equipment; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may grant permits to licensed commercial saltwater fishermen to trawl or dredge for finfish, blue crabs, whelks (conchs), or other marine resources in any portion of the General Trawling Zone and for horseshoe crabs in the salt waters of this State. A captain engaged in the activity must possess a valid permit for the purpose granted by the department. A vessel lawfully engaged in taking shrimp with trawl nets having stretched mesh of less than two and one-half inches does not require a permit to retain lawful finfish, blue crabs, whelks, or other marine resource. (B) Permits granted under this section may be limited and may include conditions as to minimum size requirements, mesh size of nets and other devices, fishing times or periods, fishing areas, species which may be retained for sale, catch limitations, catch reporting requirements, and other matters which it considers necessary. Unless permitted under this section, no net having a mesh of less than four inches stretched mesh may be aboard a boat trawling during the closed season for shrimp unless the net is stored below deck or secured in a locked bin or container. (C) The provisions of this section do not apply to the use of equipment permitted for taking oysters and hard clams in accordance with other provisions of law and regulations. (D) A person who violates this section by failing to acquire a permit, trawling at a time other than times allowed by law or under permit, or trawling in a nonpermitted area is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-35 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-35
SECTION 50-11-35. Hunting migratory fowl in Murrell's Inlet Creek.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl in Georgetown County in Murrell's Inlet Creek within one hundred yards of a residence or business without written permission of the owner or occupant. As used in this section, Murrell's Inlet Creek includes the public waters in Georgetown County located north of Huntington Beach, west of the Atlantic Ocean, and south of Horry County between the shoreline of the Murrell's Inlet Community and Garden City Beach. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1105 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 6 / Section 50-11-1105
SECTION 50-11-1105. Authority of department to declare closed season when game cannot protect themselves; procedures; penalties.
Status: in_force

The department may declare a closed season for not over ten days at any one time in any area in the State when it appears on account of abnormal conditions that deer or other game cannot protect themselves. The department shall give notice of the closed season so declared by publication in at least two daily newspapers and in a newspaper of the county or counties in which the closed season is declared if the county has a newspaper, stating the length or period of the closed season. Any person found hunting with firearms, bows and arrows, or other game-taking devices, or dog within the restricted territory during a closed season so declared is guilty of a violation of the provisions of this section, regardless of whether he has or has not killed or taken any game. The penalty for a violation of the provisions of this section is a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisonment for not less than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-581 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 50-5-581
SECTION 50-5-581. Gigging for flounder.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for a person to gig for flounder in the salt waters of this State during daylight hours. For the purposes of this section, "daylight hours" means that period of time between official sunrise and official sunset. Any person violating the provisions of this section, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. For the purposes of this section, gigging does not include underwater spear fishing.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-1220 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 12 / Section 50-25-1220
SECTION 50-25-1220. Exemption for regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition.
Status: in_force

The motorboats competing in a regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition approved as provided in Section 50-21-1210 are exempted from the provisions of this article. Exceptions also may be granted during designated hours for pretrial runs and for trial runs for speed records immediately following the event.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-330 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 3 / Section 50-13-330
SECTION 50-13-330. Hoop nets.
Status: in_force

A hoop net may be used or possessed in the freshwaters where its use is authorized by this chapter. A hoop net must rest on the bottom of the body of water in which it is used and must not be suspended above the bottom. A hoop net must not be used within one hundred feet of the mouth of any tributary. Use or possession of a hoop net at any place or time other than those prescribed is unlawful.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-20 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-20
SECTION 50-1-20. "Hunters" and "hunting" defined.
Status: in_force

The word "hunters" in the game laws of this State providing punishment shall not be construed so as to include persons who, without guns, assist others with dogs and horses or in the finding or retrieving of birds nor shall any such activity be deemed to constitute "hunting" within the meaning of such laws.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1950 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 8 / Section 50-11-1950
SECTION 50-11-1950. Possession and sale of pheasant eggs permitted.
Status: in_force

It is lawful for anyone to own, possess, control, sell, or otherwise dispose of pheasant eggs within this State or to sell or otherwise dispose of the eggs beyond the borders of the State, under regulations promulgated by the department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1470 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 9 / Section 50-13-1470
SECTION 50-13-1470. Failure to report use of explosives to take fish.
Status: in_force

A person who sees another person violating the provisions of Section 50-13-1440 and fails, within two weeks, to report the violation to an enforcement officer, sheriff, or some other law enforcement officer within the county in which the violation occurred is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than three years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-100 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 50-3-100
SECTION 50-3-100. Acquisition, sale or other disposition of real property for game reserves, fish ponds, or other related purposes.
Status: in_force

The department may acquire, own, sell, lease, exchange, transfer or rent real property, alone or in cooperation with agencies of the federal government, for the purpose of providing game reserves, fish ponds, game farms, fish hatcheries, public hunting and fishing grounds and for other purposes necessary and proper for the protection, managing or propagating of fish and game and furnishing the people of the State with hunting areas and fishing facilities. Only funds or revenues of the department not essential to its normal operation may be used for such purposes. Funds made available by appropriation, allotment or donation to the Department for such purposes by the federal government and its agencies or by other governmental or private agencies may be used to carry out the provisions of this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-130 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-130
SECTION 50-1-130. General penalties.
Status: in_force

Unless a different penalty is specified, any person who violates a provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-985 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-985
SECTION 50-5-985. Setting season for taking shellfish; bringing shellfish into State during closed season; night harvests; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) The department annually may set the season for taking shellfish between September 16 of any year through May 15 of the following year, inclusive. It is unlawful for a person to take or attempt to take any shellfish from shellfish grounds during the closed season. A person who violates the provision of this subsection for a commercial purpose 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 and must have his saltwater privileges suspended for twelve months. A person who violates this section for a noncommercial purpose 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. (B) It is unlawful to take or attempt to take shellfish from any grounds closed by the department or any other authorized government agency. A person who violates the provision of this subsection for a commercial purpose is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days and must have his saltwater privileges suspended for twelve months. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection for a noncommercial purpose is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. (C) The department has the authority to open or close any area for the taking of shellfish for any specified period at any time during the year when biological or other conditions warrant. (D) Nothing in this section prevents the department from permitting the taking of shellfish for the purposes of replanting or propagation. (E) Shellfish imported into this State during the closed season must bear written evidence, such as a bill of lading or other official document from the State of removal, which verifies that the shellfish were lawfully taken from that state. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars. (F) It is unlawful for a person to harvest shellfish between one-half hour after sunset as locally published and one-half hour before sunrise as locally published. In the case of bottoms under Shellfish Culture Permit or Shellfish Mariculture Permit harvesting of shellfish during the specified period is lawful with the written permission of the department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-10 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-10
SECTION 50-5-10. Citation of chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the "South Carolina Marine Resources Act of 2000".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-883 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-883
SECTION 50-11-883. Designation of portion of Lake Secession, and of Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens as wildlife sanctuary.
Status: in_force

(A) The portion of Lake Secession in Abbeville County lying south of Highway 184 is a wildlife sanctuary. It is unlawful for anyone to trap, hunt, molest, or attempt to molest in any manner any bird or other game animal within the sanctuary. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. (B) Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens in Horry County is a wildlife sanctuary. It is unlawful for anyone to trap, hunt, molest, or attempt to molest in any manner any bird or game animal within the sanctuary. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-10 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 1 / Section 50-25-10
SECTION 50-25-10. Operation of motorboats.
Status: in_force

Except on and during legal holidays, the operation and driving of motorboats upon the waters of Bath Lake in Aiken County by any method or means whereby disturbing, excessive and useless noises are produced by such operation is declared a public nuisance and is hereby forbidden. Any person who shall violate the provisions hereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars and not more than fifty dollars or imprisonment for a period not exceeding thirty days. All fines imposed and collected under the provisions hereof shall be paid to the treasurer of Aiken County and by him credited to the school funds of the school district in which Bath Lake is situated.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1330 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 50-5-1330
SECTION 50-5-1330. Horseshoe crab permits, taking and handling requirements; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) Taking or possessing horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) is unlawful except under permit granted by the department. A permit is not required to possess a cast off or molted shell (exoskeleton) of a horseshoe crab. (B) The department may permit the taking or possession of horseshoe crabs. Permits granted under this section may include provisions as to lawful fishing areas; minimum size requirements for horseshoe crabs; mesh size and dimensions of nets and other harvesting devices; by catch requirements; fishing times or periods; catch reporting requirements; holding facilities, conditions, and periods; and other conditions the department determines. (C) Horseshoe crabs from which blood is collected for production of amebocyte lysate may be held in facilities approved by the department and must be handled so as to minimize injury to the crab. Horseshoe crabs collected in this State must be returned unharmed to state waters of comparable salinity and water quality as soon as possible after bleeding unless subsequent retention is permitted. (D) The taking of horseshoe crabs incidentally during legal fishing operations does not violate this section if the crabs are returned immediately to the water unharmed. (E) The department may grant permits to institutions and persons engaged in science instruction or curation to possess horseshoe crabs or parts thereof for such purposes, and permittees are not required to be licensed under this chapter. (F) No horseshoe crab collected in South Carolina may be removed from this State. (G) A person who violates this section or a condition of a permit issued hereunder 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. Each horseshoe crab or part thereof in violation is a separate offense. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment, in subsection (A), added the second sentence, regarding possession of a molted shell; and in subsection (E), deleted "no more than five" following "to possess".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-220 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 50-21-220
SECTION 50-21-220. Causing vessels to sink or become abandoned; misdemeanors; fines and costs.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for a person to cause or allow a vessel to become an abandoned vessel or a derelict vessel. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisoned for not more than sixty days, or both. In addition, the person is liable for all costs arising from the removal and disposal of the vessel from the waters of the State, or public property adjacent thereto. (B) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally or recklessly cause a vessel to sink on the waters of the State. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisoned for not more than sixty days, or both. In addition, the person is liable for all costs arising from the removal and disposal of the vessel from the waters of the State. This subsection does not apply to a person who sinks a vessel pursuant to the department's artificial reef program. (C) Fines collected under this section must be used by the department for the removal and disposal of abandoned vessels, derelict vessels, and sunken vessels. (D) The magistrate court is vested with jurisdiction for cases arising under this article.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-20 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-20
SECTION 50-23-20. Watercraft titles; notification of transfer.
Status: in_force

Any watercraft or outboard motor, or both, held or principally used in this State must be titled by the department. An owner of a watercraft or outboard motor titled in this State must notify the department within thirty days if ownership is transferred to another person, entity, or transferred out of state or otherwise disposed. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment rewrote this section, adding the sentence relating to notification of transfer of ownership.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1380 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1380
SECTION 50-11-1380. Pen-raised quail for consumption on hotel, restaurant, boardinghouse, or club premises.
Status: in_force

The keeper of a hotel, restaurant, boardinghouse, or club may sell pen-raised quail for food to be consumed on the premises and is not required to hold a license therefor.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-380 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 50-15-380
SECTION 50-15-380. Shipping of raw alligator skins in state must be tagged; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) All raw alligator skins shipped within this State must be tagged. The accompanying bill of lading must show the number of skins in the shipment, the consignor, shipping point, consignee, and destination. The department must supply suitable tags to all shippers at a cost of ten dollars per tag requiring them for actual shipments. No alligator skin intended for shipment within this State may be accepted by any post office, express company, or agent, or the agent of any common carrier, unless the shipment complies with this section. (B) A person who violates any provision of 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, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-90 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-90
SECTION 50-23-90. Contents of certificate; effect as evidence.
Status: in_force

(a) Each certificate of title issued by the department shall contain: (1) the date issued; (2) the name and address of the owner; (3) the names and addresses of any lienholders, in the order of priority as shown on the application or, if the application is based on a certificate of title, as shown on the certificate; (4) the title number assigned to the watercraft or outboard motor; (5) a description of the watercraft or outboard motor, including its make, model, model year, or year of manufacture, horsepower, registration number, and manufacturer's serial number or, hull number assigned to the watercraft by the department, length, and the principal material used in construction; (6) on the reverse side of the certificate, spaces for assignment of title by the owner or by the dealer and for a warranty that the signer is the owner and that there are no mortgages, liens, or encumbrances on the watercraft or outboard motor except as are noted on the face of the certificate of title; (7) information of whether Transfer of Death beneficiary designations have been filed with the department; and (8) any other data the department prescribes. (b) A certificate of title issued by the department is prima facie evidence of the facts appearing on it. 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 paragraph (a)(5), added "or outboard motor" and "horsepower,", substituted "model year, or" for "or year model," and moved it to precede "year of manufacture,", and deleted "if none, the builder's" preceding "hull number". 2024 Act No. 200, SECTION 25, in (a), inserted (7), redesignated former (7) as (8), and made nonsubstantive changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-970 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 9 / Section 50-3-970
SECTION 50-3-970. Alternate trusteeship of fund.
Status: in_force

If the board of the Department of Natural Resources is dissolved, the succeeding agency shall assume the trusteeship of the fund and is bound by all the limitations and restrictions placed by this article on expenditures from the fund.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-1010 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 10 / Section 50-3-1010
SECTION 50-3-1010. South Carolina Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Trust Fund.
Status: in_force

There is created the South Carolina Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center 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 Georgetown County, South Carolina, including South Island and the greater parts of North Island and Cat Island, known collectively as the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. All gifts, grants, and contributions for this purpose must be accounted for separately from other assets of 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.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-95 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-95
SECTION 50-21-95. Lawful operation of certain vessels; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for a person to operate upon the waters of this State a vessel powered by an engine of ten horsepower or greater or equivalent to ten horsepower or greater, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft unless the person: (1) was born on or before July 1, 2007; (2) is in possession of a South Carolina boating safety certificate issued in the person's name or is documented by the department as having been issued a South Carolina boating safety certificate; (3) is in possession of a license to operate a vessel issued by the United States Coast Guard in the person's name, regardless of the expiration date on the license; (4) is in possession of a merchant mariner credential issued by the United States Coast Guard in the person's name, regardless of the expiration date on the credential; (5) is a nonresident in possession of a boating safety certificate, or an equivalency, issued by another state in the nonresident's name; (6) is operating a vessel, personal watercraft, or specialty propcraft from a business engaged in the renting of vessels, personal watercrafts, or specialty propcrafts and is in possession of a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the person's name; or (7) is accompanied by a person at least eighteen years old who meets one of the criteria in items (1) through (5) of this subsection. (B) A person who is adjudicated to be in violation of this section must be fined not less than fifty dollars and not more than three hundred dollars, no part of which may be suspended. No court costs, assessments, or surcharges may be assessed against a person who violates this section. A custodial arrest for a violation of this section must not be made, except upon a warrant issued for failure to appear in court when summoned or for failure to pay an imposed fine. A violation of this section does not constitute a criminal offense and must not be included in the records maintained by the department or in the records maintained by SLED.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-410 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 9 / Section 50-25-410
SECTION 50-25-410. Operation of motorboats.
Status: in_force

The operation of motorboats upon the waters of Langley Lake in Aiken County with exhausts, mufflers or cutouts open or by any other method or means whereby disturbing, excessive and useless noises are produced by such operation is declared a public nuisance and is hereby forbidden except on legal holidays. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not exceeding thirty days. All fines collected under the provisions of this section shall be paid to the treasurer of Aiken County who shall deposit such funds to the credit of the school district in which Langley Lake is situated.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-1210 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 12 / Section 50-25-1210
SECTION 50-25-1210. Noise control requirements.
Status: in_force

A motorboat operating upon waters on Lake Wateree shall comply with the following noise control requirements: (1) Motorboats with inboard-outboard propulsion machinery shall exhaust through the propeller. (2) Inboard motorboats with "V"-drives-jets or propeller propulsion machinery with exhaust through the transom must be water-cooled with a steady stream of water or exhaust underwater while under way or exhaust through an automotive sealed, baffle-type muffler for each exhaust stack, with exhaust openings not to exceed two inches in diameter. Boats with original propulsion machinery made before 1970 are exempt from the requirements of this item. (3) Motorboats and their propulsion machinery which exhaust over the transom shall exhaust through an automotive sealed, baffle-type muffler for each exhaust stack, with exhaust openings not to exceed two inches in diameter. Glass pack mufflers, resonators, and above-water open exhausts are prohibited for the motorboats. Baffle inserts are prohibited on all inboard boats. (4) Motorboats with outboard propulsion machinery shall exhaust underwater at all times unless designed or modified to exhaust above water and comply with the provisions of item (3).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1305 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 50-5-1305
SECTION 50-5-1305. Blue crabs; commercial taking at night prohibited; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as provided in this section, it is unlawful for a commercial saltwater fisherman licensed to set, move, fish, retrieve, or remove catch from traps which may be used to take blue crabs; or to transport aboard a vessel more than twenty-four blue crabs or parts or products thereof, during the following times: (1) from 9:00 p.m until 5:00 a.m. the following day, local time, from April 1 through September 15 inclusive; and (2) from 7:00 p.m until 6:00 a.m the following day, local time, from September 16 through March 31 inclusive. This prohibition does not apply to recreational fishermen using properly marked personal traps. A vessel rigged to use a licensed trawl may have blue crabs aboard at night if taken during lawful trawling activity; however, no vessel rigged for trawling may be used to set, move, retrieve, or remove catch from crab traps. (B) A person who violates this section 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.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-520 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 11 / Section 50-19-520
SECTION 50-19-520. Erection of fence on each side of race or spillway.
Status: in_force

The Greenwood County Electric Power Commission shall erect on each side of such race or spillway a fence to run to the edge of the water as follows: Along the Newberry side or steam plant side such fence shall be erected at a point two hundred and twenty-five feet from the south side of the floodgate of the hydroelectric power plant, which shall be at or near the end of the riprap or cement abutment on such side and on the Greenwood side of such spillway or race a fence shall be erected at a point two hundred and twenty-six feet south of the floodgate of such hydroelectric plant, which shall be at or near the end of the riprap or cement abutment on such side. The fence or line to be erected on either side of such race or spillway shall be of such height and so constructed as not to materially interfere with fishing as herein permitted.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-272 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 2 / Section 50-13-272
SECTION 50-13-272. Regulations.
Status: in_force

The department may promulgate regulations for the protection and management of the trout fishery. SECTIONS 50-13-280 to 50-13-285. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 113, SECTION 1, eff July 1, 2012. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-13-280 was entitled "Limit on possession of game fish; exceptions" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-594.4; 1961 (52) 152; 1978 Act No. 625, SECTION 4; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; 2003 Act No. 60, SECTION 3. Former SECTION 50-13-285 was entitled "Penalties for exceeding limits" and was derived from 1985 Act No. 197, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; 2008 Act No. 237, SECTION 4.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1220 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 7 / Section 50-13-1220
SECTION 50-13-1220. Fishways in dams.
Status: in_force

No navigable stream of this State shall be obstructed by a dam or otherwise unless there be provided a fishway in such dam or other obstruction. For violation of this section a person shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars for each day that such obstruction shall exist without such fishway after such person shall have been notified in writing by any person that such obstruction exists.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-2310 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 37 / Section 50-19-2310
SECTION 50-19-2310. Open and closed seasons on striped bass in Lake Greenwood and Boyd's Mill.
Status: repealed

There shall be a closed season on the catching of striped bass in the waters of Lake Greenwood and Boyd's Mill, and it shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession on or immediately adjacent to the waters of the lake and Boyd's Mill any striped bass. The possession by any person of striped bass on or within one-half mile of the waters of the lake and in its tributaries shall be deemed prima facie a violation of the provisions hereof. However, the season for catching striped bass may be opened at such time as investigation reveals the desirability of opening such season, and such opening may be done by the department with the approval of a majority of the members of the House of Representatives and a majority of the Senators from the counties adjoining the lake. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, "its tributaries" was substituted for "tributaries set forth in Sections 50-13-220 and 50-1-235" in the second sentence. Section 50-13-220 was repealed by 2008 Act No. 237.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-20-20 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 50-20-20
SECTION 50-20-20. Interstate Boating Violator Compact.
Status: in_force

The Interstate Boating Violator Compact is enacted 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 in a form substantially as follows:
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-750 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 7 / Section 50-3-750
SECTION 50-3-750. Authority of board to accumulate income and direct expenditures from income.
Status: in_force

The board may accumulate the investment income of the fund and may direct expenditures from the income of the fund for the purposes set out in Section 50-3-740(3).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-680 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-680
SECTION 50-13-680. Inspection; reports of sales volume; seizure.
Status: repealed

An enforcement officer or department employee acting in their official capacity may inspect, at any reasonable hour, the vehicle, boat, processing house, and wholesale business which is connected with nongame commercial fishing activities and the records of a person required to be licensed by this title to ensure compliance. Upon request of the department, the buyers (fish houses) of nongame fish shall report quarterly the volume of sales and other information as required by the department. An enforcement officer or department employee acting in their official capacity may check any game or nongame fishing device and, if unlawful, may seize the device as contraband and dispose of it and any catch provided by law. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-680 was entitled "Permit required for taking of fish in Red Bluff Pond in Marlboro County; use of nets to net nongame fish" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-621.01; 1965 (54) 507; 1983 Act No. 120, SECTION 1; 1988 Act No. 383, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; repealed by 2012 Act No. 113, SECTION 4. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-260 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 2 / Section 50-21-260
SECTION 50-21-260. Removal of abandoned or derelict vessels.
Status: in_force

(A) An abandoned vessel or a derelict vessel is subject to removal at any time by any person without liability to a responsible party. A person who removes and disposes of an abandoned vessel or a derelict vessel may commence a civil action against a responsible party within three years of the removal and disposal to recover: (1) the cost of the removal and disposal; and (2) the attorney's fees and court costs incurred in bringing the action. (B) The civil action provided in this section is in addition to and supplemental of any rights of salvage that may be available under maritime law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-860 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 9 / Section 50-21-860
SECTION 50-21-860. Restrictions on use of airboats.
Status: in_force

As used in this section, "airboat" means a watercraft propelled by air pressure caused by a motor mounted on the watercraft aboveboard. (A) It is unlawful for a person to operate an airboat on the public waters of this State from the freshwater-saltwater dividing line, established by Section 50-17-30, seaward. (B) It is unlawful to operate an airboat on the waters of the Waccamaw, the Great Pee Dee, the Little Pee Dee, the Black, and the Sampit Rivers in Georgetown and Horry Counties from one hour before legal sunset to one hour after legal sunrise and anytime during the season for hunting duck. (C) It is unlawful to operate an airboat on the waters of that portion of Lake Marion and Santee Swamp west of the I-95 bridge upstream to the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers during the season for hunting waterfowl. (D) It is unlawful to operate an airboat on the waters of the Broad River in Richland County from one hour before legal sunset to one hour after legal sunrise. (E) It is unlawful to operate an airboat on the waters of Stevens Creek in Edgefield County from one hour before legal sunset to one hour after legal sunrise. A person violating the provisions of this section, upon conviction, must be punished as provided by Section 50-1-130. The provisions of this section do not apply to the operation of airboats by law enforcement, emergency medical, civil defense, noxious weed control, military personnel, state and federally approved wildlife banding, surveying, biological research programs, and private waters. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 133, SECTION 1, in (B), substituted "hunting duck" for "hunting waterfowl". 2023 Act No. 39, SECTION 1, inserted (D) and (E).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-975 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-975
SECTION 50-5-975. Commercial and personal harvest limited to areas specified on permit; penalties; voluntary surrender of commercial permit.
Status: in_force

(A) A person permitted to harvest shellfish from state- owned bottoms for commercial purposes must harvest, whether for commercial or personal use, from only the areas of state bottoms specified on the permit. A person who violates this subsection 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) Following voluntary surrender of a commercial shellfish harvest permit by a commercial saltwater fisherman, the department must not reissue a commercial shellfish harvest permit to the person during the remainder of the license year.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1950 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 13 / Section 50-13-1950
SECTION 50-13-1950. Establishment of fish sanctuaries.
Status: in_force

The department, without cost to this State, shall designate and establish sanctuaries where fish may breed unmolested, in the manner and subject to the provisions in this article. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment made nonsubstantive changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-70 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 50-15-70
SECTION 50-15-70. Native turtles; unlawful acts; possession limits.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as otherwise provided in this article, it is unlawful for a person to possess, sell, barter, trade, ship, or remove from this State, or attempt to possess, sell, barter, trade, ship, or remove from this State the following native species of turtles, including parts, products, eggs, offspring, and derivatives thereof: (1) Florida cooter (Pseudemys floridana); (2) river cooter (Pseudemys concinna); (3) chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia); (4) eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta); (5) spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera); (6) Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox); (7) eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum); (8) striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii); (9) common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus); (10) yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta); (11) common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina); (12) eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina); and (13) diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). (B) The following personal possession limits, subject to an aggregate limit of ten, are established: (1) Florida cooter (Pseudemys floridana): 5; (2) river cooter (Pseudemys concinna): 5; (3) chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia): 5; (4) eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta): 5; (5) spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera): 5; (6) Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox): 5; (7) eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum): 5; (8) striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii): 5; (9) common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus): 5; (10) yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta): 5; (11) common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina): 5; (12) eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina): 2; and (13) diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin): 2. (C) The department may permit the possession of native species of turtles in excess of the limits established in subsection (B) for scientific, zoological, conservation, or other special purposes. Editor's Note 2020 Act No. 177, SECTION 3.B., provides as follows: "[SECTION 3.]B. A person who exceeds a personal possession limit under Section 50-15-70(B), as amended by this act, on the effective date of this act must register the number and species of turtles in the person's possession with the Department of Natural Resources within ninety days of the effective date of this act in order to receive a temporary exemption to the personal possession limits. The person is prohibited from acquiring another turtle listed in Section 50-15-70, as amended by this act, until such time as the number of turtles in the person's possession is below the established limits. A person who registers with the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to SECTION 3.B. and subsequently acquires a turtle in excess of the established limits is subject to the same penalties provided for violations of Section 50-15-70." Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 159, SECTION 1, reenacted the section with no apparent change. 2020 Act No. 177, SECTION 3.A., rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-720 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 7 / Section 50-9-720
SECTION 50-9-720. Physically or mentally disabled persons; residents of eleemosynary institutions; Boy or Girl Scouts.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may permit physically or mentally disabled persons, residents of an orphanage or another eleemosynary institution of this State, or a Boy or Girl Scout to hunt or fish for up to three consecutive days within a county of this State without obtaining a license to do so if: (1) The person or the institution receives a permit from the department. (2) The name of each person to whom the permit applies is furnished to the department. (B) The residents of institutions must be accompanied on the hunting or fishing trip for which the permit is granted by a representative of the institution. (C) No blind or mentally disabled person may carry or use a weapon while hunting or fishing pursuant to this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-12 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-12
SECTION 50-23-12. Change in status forms required for trade-ins.
Status: in_force

A permitted marine dealer that accepts any watercraft or outboard motor as a trade-in must obtain from the owner a completed change in status form indicating the trade-in. The dealer must submit the form to the department within thirty days in the manner prescribed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-25 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-25
SECTION 50-11-25. Prohibition on taking migratory waterfowl from certain blinds or positions; construction and use of blinds; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to take migratory waterfowl from blinds or positions where the floor level of the blind or the position is: (1) more than ten feet above surface level in or around freshwater; or (2) more than five feet above the mean high water in or around saltwater. (B) A blind on public lands or waters must be constructed from biodegradable materials. (C) Once vacated, a blind on public lands or waters may be used by persons on a "first come, first served" basis. (D) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-10 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 50-15-10
SECTION 50-15-10. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this article: (1) "Ecosystem" means a system of living organisms and their environment, each influencing the existence of the other and both necessary for the maintenance of life. (2) "Endangered species" means any species or subspecies of wildlife whose prospects of survival or recruitment within the State are in jeopardy or are likely within the foreseeable future to become so due to any of the following factors: (a) the destruction, drastic modification, or severe curtailment of its habitat, or (b) its over-utilization for scientific, commercial, or sporting purposes, or (c) the effect on it of disease, pollution, or predation, or (d) other natural or manmade factors affecting its prospects of survival or recruitment within the State, or (e) any combination of the foregoing factors. The term shall also be deemed to include any species or subspecies of fish or wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife as it appears on July 2, 1974, (Part 17 of Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Appendix D, 50 C.F.R. Section 17.11) as well as any species or subspecies of fish and wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife (Part 17 of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Appendix A, 50 C.F.R. Section 17.11), as such list may be modified hereafter. (3) "Management" means the collection and application of biological information for the purposes of increasing the number of individuals within species and populations of wildlife up to the optimum carrying capacity of their habitat and maintaining such levels. The term includes the entire range of activities that constitute a modern scientific resource program including, but not limited to, research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and improvement, and education. Also included within the term, when and where appropriate, is the periodic or total protection of species or populations as well as regulated taking. (4) "Nongame species" or "nongame wildlife" means any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, mollusk, crustacean, or other wild animal not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation of this State as a game species. (5) "Optimum carrying capacity" means that point at which a given habitat can support healthy populations of wildlife species, having regard to the total ecosystem, without diminishing the ability of the habitat to continue that function. (6) "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, association, or partnership. (7) "Take" means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill wildlife. (8) "Wildlife" means any wild mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, crustacean, or other wild animal or any part, product, egg or offspring, or the dead body or parts thereof. (9) "Captivity" means the condition in which an animal is contained in an enclosed cage, carrier, aquarium, or similar device, yard, or enclosure that prohibits the natural movement of the animal. (10) "Native" means any species or subspecies considered to be indigenous and naturally occurring in this State. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-12-10 was titled Short title, and had the following history: 1962 Code SECTION 28-725; 1974 (58) 2384; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1264. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 159, SECTION 1, substituted "article" for "chapter" in the introductory paragraph, and made other nonsubstantive changes. 2020 Act No. 177, SECTION 4.A., added (9) and (10). 2020 Act No. 177, SECTION 4.B., in (4), inserted "or 'nongame wildlife'". 2022 Act No. 230, SECTION 2.K, in (2)(e), in the second sentence, substituted "Appendix D, 50 C.F.R. Section 17.11" for "Appendix D" and "Appendix A, 50 C.F.R. Section 17.11" for "Appendix A".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2720 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 27 / Section 50-5-2720
SECTION 50-5-2720. Audits.
Status: in_force

The State Auditor may from time to time examine the accounts and books of the Compact Commission, including its receipts, disbursements, and such other items referring to its financial standing as the State Auditor may consider proper, and report the results to the State Budget and Control Board. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, reference in this section to the former Budget and Control Board has not been changed pursuant to the directive of the South Carolina Restructuring Act, 2014 Act No. 121, SECTION 5(D)(1), until further action by the General Assembly.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-396 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-396
SECTION 50-3-396. Use of enforcement officers' official summons for littering violations.
Status: in_force

The official summons used by enforcement officers may be used to cite violators of the provisions of Section 16-11-700 relating to littering.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1940 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 13 / Section 50-13-1940
SECTION 50-13-1940. Permits to collect freshwater fish for scientific purposes.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may grant permits to collect freshwater fish for scientific purposes during any time of the year and on any area including sanctuaries without further review. The application must be accompanied by the requisite fee. The department shall investigate the applicant and the need for the permit. A permit is valid until December thirty-first in the year in which issued. A permit must be extended for one year with payment of the fee. A permit is not transferable but a student assistant working under the direct supervision of the permittee is covered by the permit. All collecting must be done in accordance with recognized scientific methods. Data and results must be made available to the department upon request. The conditions of the permit must be adhered to. The department may suspend or cancel the permit at its discretion. (B) A person violating 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 up to thirty days, or both. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-18-250 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 18 / Article 2 / Section 50-18-250
SECTION 50-18-250. Inspection of facilities; hindering or failure to comply with request of agent; display or on-site filing of permit.
Status: in_force

(A) During business hours, or when an employee, owner, or owner's agent is present, the department may inspect all premises and facilities. (B) It is unlawful for a person to fail to comply with the lawful requests of a department agent, or hinder a department agent, in the performance of his duties under this chapter. (C) Permits, registrations, and licenses issued under this chapter must be conspicuously displayed or be on file at the site of the aquaculture business.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-655 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-655
SECTION 50-13-655. Set hooks placement and removal.
Status: in_force

All set hooks must be removed from the water and from the vegetation or structure to which they are attached not later than one hour after sunrise each day and must not be placed in the water earlier than one hour before official sunset. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-110
SECTION 50-23-110. Statement of origin.
Status: in_force

(a) No dealer shall acquire a new watercraft or outboard motor without obtaining from the seller a manufacturer's or importer's statement of origin. (b) No manufacturer, importer, dealer, or other person shall sell or otherwise dispose of a new watercraft or outboard motor to a dealer without delivering to the dealer a manufacturer's or importer's statement of origin. (c) The manufacturer's or importer's statement of origin must be a uniform or standardized form prescribed by the department and must contain: (1) for a watercraft, the description of watercraft including its make, year of manufacture, or model year, and manufacturer's hull identification number, length, and construction, for an outboard motor the description including its make, model, year of manufacture, or model year, manufacturer's serial number, and horsepower; (2) certification of date of transfer of watercraft or outboard motor, and name and address of transferee; (3) certification that this was a transfer of watercraft or outboard motor in ordinary trade and commerce; (4) the signature and address of a representative of the transferor; and (5) on the reverse side of each manufacturer's or importer's statement of origin an assignment form, including the name and address of the transferee, a certification that the watercraft or outboard motor is new, and a warranty that the title at the time of delivery is subject only to liens and encumbrances set forth and described in full in the assignment. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment substituted "statement of origin" for "certificate" throughout; in subsection (a), deleted "purchase or" preceding "acquire"; in subsection (b), deleted "for purposes of display and resale" preceding "without delivering"; and rewrote paragraph (c)(1).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2470 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2470
SECTION 50-11-2470. Fur dealer, buyer, and processor's license.
Status: in_force

Any person other than a retailer of finished fur or manufacturer of finished furs, pelts, hides, similar articles, or parts of them who buys furs, pelts, hides, whole furbearing animals, similar articles, or parts of them in this State is required to have a fur buyer's license. The license is issued by the department at a cost of one hundred dollars for residents and two hundred dollars for nonresidents. The license is valid for the fiscal year in which issued. Any person transacting business under authority of such a license shall carry that license on his person.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-785 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 4 / Section 50-11-785
SECTION 50-11-785. Unlawful removal or destruction of an electronic collar.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to intentionally remove or destroy an electronic collar or other electronic device placed on a dog by its owner. (B) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be: (1) fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than ten days for a first offense; or (2) fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days for a second or subsequent offense.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-37 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-37
SECTION 50-11-37. Hunting migratory waterfowl on Broadway Lake.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Broadway Lake in Anderson County within two hundred yards of a dwelling without written permission of the owner and occupant. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-610 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 5 / Section 50-21-610
SECTION 50-21-610. Regulations of Division as to construction, equipment, and other safety standards.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may promulgate regulations which establish boat construction or associated equipment performance or other safety standards. (2) In order that boatmen may pass from jurisdiction to jurisdiction in an unhindered manner: (a) Regulations promulgated by the department which establish any boat construction or associated equipment, performance or other safety standard shall be identical to Federal Regulations for enforcement purposes except that regulations requiring the carrying or using of marine safety articles to meet uniquely hazardous conditions or circumstances within this State may be adopted; and if regulations for such safety articles are not disapproved by the United States Coast Guard, regulations shall not be in conflict with Federal requirements; (b) Operational regulations and other equipment regulations such as for mufflers shall not be in conflict with Federal requirements.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2460 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2460
SECTION 50-11-2460. Traps allowed for trapping; traps to bear owner's name and address.
Status: in_force

(A) Only the following traps are allowed for trapping unless otherwise provided in this title: (1) body gripping traps (generally known by the brand name "Conibear") when used without bait for vertical water sets and vertical slide sets only; (2) live traps, which also may be used to capture feral animals at any time without a license or permit from the department; (3) foot-hold traps having an inside jaw spread of 5.75 inches or smaller when measured perpendicular to the pivot points when the trap is in the set position for land sets and 7.25 inches or smaller when measured perpendicular to the pivot points when the trap is in the set position for water sets; (4) enclosed foot-hold traps such as the "Duffer", "egg", "coon-cuff", and similarly designed dog-proof style traps designed for raccoons; (5) snares may be used for water sets only; small snap, box, and other commonly used traps to capture commensal rodents or snakes in homes and businesses may be used by property owners, occupants, or their designees, at any time to capture snakes, rats, or mice. (B) All other traps, including "deadfall" traps, are unlawful unless expressly authorized by the department by regulation. (C) All traps must bear the owner's name and address or department-issued customer number either directly thereon or by an attached identification tag. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment rewrote this section. 2015 Act No. 20, SECTION 1, in (C), inserted "or department-issued customer number".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1250 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1250
SECTION 50-11-1250. Legal shooting preserve species.
Status: in_force

Legal shooting preserve species are pen-raised bobwhite quail, pheasants, and chukars. The department may designate additional species by regulation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2540 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 50-5-2540
SECTION 50-5-2540. Activities prohibited while under commercial suspension.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for a person whose commercial privileges are suspended under this chapter: (1) to take or attempt to take saltwater fish for commercial purposes; or (2) to be on board any vessel while the vessel is being utilized to take or in an attempt to take saltwater fish for commercial purposes. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, and all saltwater privileges must be suspended for an additional period of five years. (B) No person for whom a saltwater privilege is suspended may purchase or acquire, or attempt to purchase or acquire, a license, permit, or stamp for any privilege which has been suspended. A person who violates this subsection 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 and by extension of the suspension period for twelve months. (C) No court may suspend any portion of the minimum fines or lengths of imprisonment provided in this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-620 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-620
SECTION 50-13-620. Floating markers for certain fishing devices; tags; penalty.
Status: repealed

(A) A trotline, trap, eel pot, gill net, and hoop net must be marked with a white floating marker not less than a capacity of one quart and not more than a capacity of one gallon and must be made of solid, buoyant material that does not sink if punctured or cracked. A floating marker must be constructed of plastic, PVC spongex, plastic foam, or cork. A hollow buoy or float, including plastic, metal, or glass bottles or jugs, must not be used, except that a manufactured buoy or float specifically designed for use with nongame fishing devices may be hollow if constructed of heavy duty plastic material and approved by the department. The owner's name and department customer identification number must be legible on each of the white floating markers. Both commercial and recreational fishermen shall comply with provisions of this title pertaining to the marking and use of a nongame fishing device. A trotline must be marked on both ends. A commercial trotline must be marked at intervals of every fifty hooks. A commercial trotline which uses fifty or fewer hooks must be marked at intervals of twenty-five hooks. A recreational trotline must be marked at intervals of every twenty-five hooks. Each interval float must be "International Orange" in color. (B) A tag issued for a nongame device must be attached to the device at all times. A permit and tag receipt must be kept on the person to whom issued while possessing or using a nongame fishing device. (C) Each set hook must have an identification tag attached to it bearing the owner's name and department customer identification number. (D) A device or part of it improperly marked, tagged, or identified is in violation and is contraband. (E) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is punishable as prescribed in this chapter. (F) A trotline or any part of it may not remain in the freshwaters of this State more than twenty-four hours without inspection and removal of the fish taken on it. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-13-620 was entitled "Penalties applicable to violations in Game Zone No. 1" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-615; 1952 Code SECTION 28-615; 1942 Code SECTION 1789-9; 1938 (40) 1657; 1952 (47) 2179; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; repealed by 2012 Act No. 113, SECTION 4. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote the section. The 2013 amendment rewrote subsection (A). 2022 Act No. 137, SECTION 7, added (F).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-430 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 4 / Section 50-9-430
SECTION 50-9-430. Cost of scientific collection permit.
Status: in_force

The cost for a scientific collection permit is ten dollars.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-315 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-315
SECTION 50-5-315. Saltwater fishing without a license prohibited; penalty.
Status: in_force

A person taking or attempting to take saltwater fish or operating a fishing vessel used in aid of taking saltwater fish for a commercial purpose without first acquiring the required commercial saltwater fishing license 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. § 50-13-635 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-635
SECTION 50-13-635. Permissible fishing devices and methods for recreational fisherman of nongame fish.
Status: in_force

A recreational fisherman may use the following fishing devices and methods for taking nongame fish but only in those waters in which the type and quantity are allowed: (1) archery equipment; (2) cast net; (3) not more than five crayfish traps; (4) not more than two eel pots; (5) gig; (6) one gill net not more than one hundred yards in length or not more than three gill nets, none of which exceeds thirty yards in length; (7) hand grabbing; (8) not more than one hoop net; (9) not more than fifty jugs; (10) minnow seine; (11) not more than five minnow traps; (12) not more than one pump net; (13) not more than one seine; (14) not more than fifty set hooks; (15) not more than one skimbow net; (16) spear; (17) not more than two traps; (18) not more than one trotline with fifty hooks maximum; (19) any lawful game fishing device; (20) landing net (dip net). Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment substituted "not more than" for "three to". 2022 Act No. 137, SECTION 8, added (20).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1550 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 15 / Section 50-5-1550
SECTION 50-5-1550. Seizure of net or seine containing decomposed fish.
Status: in_force

Any net or seine set in the waters of this State which contains decomposed fish is contraband and must be seized and disposed of as provided in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-530 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 50-3-530
SECTION 50-3-530. Execution of deeds and contracts.
Status: in_force

Any deeds or contracts required in carrying out the provisions of this article may be executed and delivered on behalf of the department by the director. Effect of Amendment The 2010 amendment deleted "by resolution of the board," after "this article may" and substituted "on behalf of the department" for "on its behalf by its chairman and".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-60 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-60
SECTION 50-1-60. Division of State into game zones.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of protection and management of wildlife, the State is divided into four zones: (1) Game Zone 1 consists of all properties north of the main line of the Norfolk Southern Railroad from the Georgia state line to South Carolina Highway 183 in Westminster, then north of South Carolina Highway 183 to intersection of South Carolina Highway 183 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad main line in Greenville and then north of the main line of the Norfolk Southern Railroad to the Spartanburg County line. (2) Game Zone 2 consists of the counties of Abbeville, Anderson, Chester, Cherokee, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenwood, Lancaster, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, York; and those portions of the counties of Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens south of the main line of the Norfolk Southern Railroad from the Georgia state line to South Carolina Highway 183 in Westminster, then south of South Carolina Highway 183 to the intersection of South Carolina Highway 183 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad main line in Greenville and then south of the main line of the Norfolk Southern Railroad to the Spartanburg County line. (3) Game Zone 3 consists of the counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, Jasper, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Richland. (4) Game Zone 4 consists of the counties of Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, and Williamsburg. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment removed "Horry" from item (4) and inserted "Horry" in item (5); and made other nonsubstantive changes. 2014 Act No. 227, SECTION 1, in the introductory paragraph, substituted "four zones" for "six zones", and deleted former paragraphs (5) and (6), transferring the counties listed in former paragraph (5) into paragraph (4) and former paragraph (6) into paragraph (3).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-510 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 5 / Section 50-13-510
SECTION 50-13-510. Unlawful taking of freshwater mussels.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to take freshwater mussels (Bivalvia) without a permit from the department. A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred nor more than five hundred dollars. Provided, Asian clams (Corbicula spp.) may be taken without permit.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-335 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 3 / Section 50-13-335
SECTION 50-13-335. Pump nets and skimbow nets.
Status: in_force

A pump net may be fished from the bank or a shore based structure only and only for recreation. A skimbow net may be fished from a boat but only for recreation. These devices may be used only in those waters where authorized in this chapter.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-430 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 50-15-430
SECTION 50-15-430. Regulations.
Status: in_force

(A) To the extent not provided for in other law or by other agency, the department may adopt regulations for the placement, construction, operation, and maintenance of alligator propagation facilities, to include the following: (1) the minimum distance among alligator propagation facilities, other alligator propagation facilities, and residences; (2) the secure and humane confinement of the alligators; and (3) the maximum number of alligators that may be present, in total and for propagation, on an alligator propagation facility at any one time. (B) Water quality and waste impacts caused by alligator farms shall be subject to regulations issued by the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1920 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 13 / Section 50-13-1920
SECTION 50-13-1920. Acquisition of land for fish hatcheries or nurseries, generally.
Status: in_force

The department may acquire a sufficient number of acres of land in close proximity to any dam, artificial lake, impounded water, or stream for the purpose of establishing fish hatcheries or fish nurseries. The board may exercise the power of eminent domain if necessary to accomplish this purpose. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment made no apparent changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1420 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1420
SECTION 50-11-1420. Copy of invoice of pen-raised quail sold or shipped in State.
Status: in_force

When any pen-raised quail is sold or shipped into this State, the shipper or seller shall furnish the department with a copy of the invoice showing the number of the quail so shipped or sold and to whom the quail was shipped or sold. Any pen-raised quail sold or shipped in violation of this section is subject to confiscation by the department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-290 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-290
SECTION 50-1-290. Unlawful to buy, sell, or possess for sale protected native wildlife; penalty.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to buy, sell, trade, or barter or offer for sale or offer to buy any protected wild mammals and birds or parts of mammals or birds except as specifically allowed by this title. Except as otherwise provided by law, this section shall not apply to the sale of rabbits and grey squirrels taken during the legally established seasons. A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars and not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned up to thirty days. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, "as otherwise provided by law" was substituted for the reference to Section 50-11-170 at the beginning of the second sentence.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1302 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 13 / Section 50-5-1302
SECTION 50-5-1302. Blue crab taking and possession limits.
Status: in_force

(A) For the purposes of this section, "day" means sunrise on one day to sunrise on the following day. (B) It is unlawful for a person to take or possess for recreational purposes more than one bushel of blue crabs in any one day, not to exceed two bushels in any one day on any boat. (C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars and not more than five hundred dollars. Editor's Note 2024 Act No. 212, SECTION 12, provides as follows: "SECTION 12. Upon approval of this act by the Governor, a moratorium on the issuance of new commercial equipment licenses to use traps for the taking of blue crab takes effect, at which time the department must not issue any new commercial equipment licenses to use traps for the taking of blue crab. This moratorium expires on June 15, 2025. Commercial equipment licenses to use traps for the taking of blue crab in effect for the 2023-2024 license year are extended and do not expire until June 30, 2025."
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-1050 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 10 / Section 50-3-1050
SECTION 50-3-1050. Expenditure of income.
Status: in_force

Expenditure of the income derived from the fund must be made through the board in accordance with the provisions of the general appropriations act.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-45 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-45
SECTION 50-5-45. Maintenance and publication of nonindigenous organisms list; introduction of organisms prohibited.
Status: in_force

(A) The department shall maintain and publish a list of any species, varieties, or strains of nonindigenous organisms known or suspected to present an adverse impact to fish or marine resources of this State. The list shall include the common and scientific name and the actual or potential adverse impact of each organism. (B) It is unlawful: (1) to place in the salt waters of this State, or in privately owned waters directly connected to salt waters of this State, any live, fresh, or frozen whole, part, or product of any listed organism; or (2) to sell or offer for sale as bait, any live, fresh, or frozen whole, part, or product of any listed organism.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-75 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-75
SECTION 50-5-75. Common areas for taking of fish.
Status: in_force

The waters and bottoms of the bays, rivers, creeks, and marshes within this State or within the territorial sea as shown on applicable NOAA Charts, not heretofore conveyed by grant from the General Assembly or royal grant are and remain as a common for the people of this State for the taking of fish, subject to the provisions of this chapter and any future act that may be passed, except that this section is not intended to regulate fish or fishing in the freshwaters of this State.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-675 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 6 / Section 50-9-675
SECTION 50-9-675. Falconry permit.
Status: in_force

(A) For the privilege of engaging in falconry, in addition to a statewide hunting license, a person must obtain a falconry permit. The fee for the permit is one hundred dollars, and the permit expires three years from the date of its issuance. (B) A person holding a valid federal falconry permit on January 1, 2014, may engage in falconry without a South Carolina falconer's permit until the federal permit expires.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-365 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-365
SECTION 50-5-365. Licensing requirements applicable to sale or transportation of live or fresh fish or saltwater fishery products; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) A person or entity who: (1) offers for sale any live or fresh fish or any saltwater fishery products, other than a licensed commercial saltwater fisherman licensed as a wholesale seafood dealer; or (2) transports live or fresh fish or any saltwater fishery products, other than a licensed commercial saltwater fisherman transporting his catch to a licensed wholesale seafood dealer; must have in his possession dated bills of lading, invoices, receipts, bills of sale, or similar documents showing the quantity of each species and type of saltwater fishery product being offered for sale or transported and the name of the licensed commercial saltwater fisherman or licensed wholesale seafood dealer from whom the products were purchased or received. (B) A person or entity including a licensed commercial saltwater fisherman who takes saltwater fishery products and sells the catch must sell the catch only to a wholesale seafood dealer licensed under this section or else he must be licensed as a wholesale seafood dealer under this section. (C) Without having obtained a valid wholesale seafood dealer license it is unlawful to: (1) buy or receive at other than retail live or fresh fish or any saltwater fishery products taken or landed in this State; (2) sell or offer fish or products for sale at other than retail or as allowed in subsection (B); or (3) transfer, ship, pack, or consign fish or products. (D) It is unlawful to purchase live or fresh fish or any saltwater products taken or landed in this State at other than retail from a person other than a licensed wholesale seafood dealer, provided: (1) the fish or product may be purchased for use as bait from a licensed bait dealer; and (2) a licensed wholesale seafood dealer may purchase from a licensed commercial saltwater fisherman. (E) It is unlawful for a person or entity to sell or offer for sale live or fresh fish or any saltwater fishery products or to transport live or fresh fish or any saltwater fishery products without having in possession dated bills of lading, invoices, receipts, bills of sale, or similar documents showing the quantity of each species and type of saltwater fishery products to be sold or transported and the name of the licensed commercial saltwater fisherman or licensed wholesale seafood dealer from whom the products were purchased or received. As it relates to operation of a vessel or vehicle, this subsection does not apply to a licensed commercial saltwater fisherman transporting his catch to a licensed seafood dealer. (F) Except as provided in Section 50-5-366, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-45 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 50-9-45
SECTION 50-9-45. Licenses for South Carolinians in the Armed Services.
Status: in_force

An active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States whose home of record is South Carolina and who is stationed outside of the State, shall, upon presentation of his leave and earnings statement, be allowed to fish and hunt without purchasing a fishing or hunting license. Editor's Note Prior laws: 2008 Act No. 263, SECTION 1; 2008 Act No. 353, SECTION 8A.1; 1976 Code SECTION 50-9-515.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-735 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 50-5-735
SECTION 50-5-735. Night trawling; finfish exception.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as provided in this section it is unlawful to trawl at night. Night as used in this section means: (1) from April 1 through August 31 inclusive: 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following day, local time; and (2) from September 1 through October 31 inclusive: 8:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m. the following day, local time; and (3) from November 1 through March 31 inclusive: 7:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m. the following day, local time. (B) The department may grant permits authorizing night trawling for finfish.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-1210 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 11 / Section 50-9-1210
SECTION 50-9-1210. Effect of points and penalties.
Status: in_force

The points and penalties assessed under this article are in addition to and not in lieu of any other civil remedies or criminal penalties which may be assessed.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1145 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-1145
SECTION 50-13-1145. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 114, SECTION 4, eff July 1, 2012.
Status: repealed

Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-13-1145 was entitled "Maximum number of certain devices allowable for freshwater fishing by one person" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 170, SECTION 1; 1992 Act No. 316, SECTION 3; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. SECTIONS 50-13-1150 to 50-13-1160. Repealed by 2010 Act No. 200, SECTION 15, eff May 28, 2010. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-13-1150 was entitled "Application and fees for resident and nonresident commercial fishing licenses" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 170, SECTION 1; 1992 Act No. 316, SECTION 4; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Former SECTION 50-13-1155 was entitled "Tags and permits for certain nongame fishing devices and gear; fees" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 170, SECTION 1; 1990 Act No. 361, SECTION 1; 1992 Act No. 316, SECTION 5; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Former SECTION 50-13-1160 was entitled "Fishing licenses; period for which issued and prohibitions regarding" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 170, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. SECTIONS 50-13-1165 to 50-13-1199. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 114, SECTION 4, eff July 1, 2012. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-13-1165, see now SECTION 50-13-320. Former SECTION 50-13-1170, see now SECTION 50-13-325. Former SECTION 50-13-1175, see now SECTION 50-13-330. Former SECTION 50-13-1180, see now SECTION 50-13-650. Former SECTION 50-13-1185, see now SECTION 50-13-655. Former SECTION 50-13-1186, see now SECTION 50-13-660. Former SECTION 50-13-1187, see now SECTION 50-13-665. Former SECTION 50-13-1188 was entitled "Minnow seines prohibited during certain hours" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 1870, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Former SECTION 50-13-1189, see now SECTION 50-13-670. Former SECTION 50-13-1190 was entitled "Yoyos prohibited" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 171, SECTION 1; -1993 Act no. 181, SECTION 1263. Former SECTION 50-13-1191 was entitled "Unlawful to use or to take fish from nongame fishing device or gear owned by another" and was derived from Act No. 170, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Former SECTION 50-13-1192, see now SECTION 50-13-675. Former SECTION 50-13-1193, see now SECTION 50-13-680. Former SECTION 50-13-1194 was entitled "Promulgation of regulations" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 170, SECTION 1; 993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Former SECTION 50-13-1195, see now SECTION 50-13-685. Former SECTION 50-13-1196, see now SECTION 60-13-690. Former SECTION 50-13-1197, see now SECTION 50-13-695. Former SECTION 50-13-1198 was entitled "Limitations on herring fishing at St. Stevens Powerhouse" and was derived from 1984 Act No. 323, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263. Former SECTION 50-13-1199 was entitled "Releasing confiscated property to innocent owner or lienholder; failure to recover property" and was derived from 1997 Act No. 18, SECTION 2.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-960 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 9 / Section 50-9-960
SECTION 50-9-960. Marine Resources Fund.
Status: in_force

(A) The Marine Resources Fund is created for the purpose of supporting the department and its effort to conserve marine fisheries. The assets of the fund are derived from the following sources: (1) revenue from the sale of saltwater licenses, permits, stamps, and tags; (2) revenue generated from the sale of posters, prints, and related articles; (3) revenue generated from the sale of property procured with proceeds from the fund and its predecessor funds; (4) revenue transmitted to the department from the Department of Motor Vehicles for specialty license plates; (5) restricted interest income, contributions, and donations; (6) indirect cost recoveries where the department matched a grant using the fund; and (7) any other source of revenue recognized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, where the disposition of such revenue to any other fund could be interpreted as a loss of control or misdirection of funds by the department. (B) Revenue generated from the sale of: (1) recreational saltwater privileges shall be expended by the department for purposes authorized pursuant to the South Carolina Marine Resources Act of 2000. The Saltwater Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee shall assist in prioritizing the expenditure of saltwater license funds for: (a) the protection, maintenance, or enhancement of saltwater habitat important to the continued production of marine fish stocks and their food sources of significance to recreational saltwater fisheries; (b) development of recreational saltwater fishing facilities; (c) scientific research and management of recreational saltwater fisheries; (d) permanent improvement or deferred maintenance projects consistent with the purposes described herein; (e) other programs directly benefiting recreational saltwater fisheries recommended by the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee; and (f) an annual report made available on the department website indicating how the previous year's funds were expended; (2) commercial saltwater privileges, culture and mariculture permits, and marine permits shall be expended for the administration and implementation of programs in the Marine Resources Division and may be expended on permanent improvement or deferred maintenance projects consistent with the purposes of the fund. (C) Funds generated pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the State Treasurer and credited to a special account separate and distinct from the general fund. (D) Interest earned on balances in the fund shall be credited to the fund and expended for the same purposes. (E) Balances in the fund shall be retained and carried forward annually and may be used to match available federal funds. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-725 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 50-5-725
SECTION 50-5-725. Trawling waters description references.
Status: in_force

The description of trawling waters in this article refers to the National Oceanic Service Nautical Charts prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and future revisions of these charts by the federal government. References to points of latitude and longitude in this chapter are North American Datum 1983-1986 and take precedent over any reference to landmarks, buoys, jetties, or other physical features.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-370 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-370
SECTION 50-3-370. Obtaining information on violations; checking bag limits.
Status: in_force

All enforcement officers shall obtain information as to all violations of the bird, nonmigratory fish, and game laws, and check all bag limits, size and specie of such birds, nonmigratory fish and game.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1205 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 7 / Section 50-11-1205
SECTION 50-11-1205. Licensing of new preserves.
Status: in_force

No new preserve may be licensed by the department without the approval of the majority of the legislative delegation of the county in which such preserve is to be located.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-580 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 5 / Section 50-13-580
SECTION 50-13-580. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 114, SECTION 2, eff July 1, 2012.
Status: in_force

Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-13-580 was entitled "Game fish caught with nets or similar devices must be returned to water" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-639; 1952 Code SECTION 28-639; 1942 Code SECTIONS 1770-3, 1770-6; 1932 Code SECTIONS 1797, 1808; Cr. C. '22 SECTIONS 771, 778; Cr. C. '12 SECTIONS 756, 761; 1910 (26) 576; 1911 (27) 126; 1988 Act No. 477, SECTION 1; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-855 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 9 / Section 50-21-855
SECTION 50-21-855. Enforcement of regulations affecting windsurfers and sailboarders.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or Regulation 123.1 of the department, the department may not enforce any regulation requiring windsurfers and sailboarders to wear or carry personal flotation devices.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-550 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 50-5-550
SECTION 50-5-550. Trap buoy size, material, catch release feature and identification tag or other identifying information requirements; seizure of unmarked traps.
Status: in_force

(A) Other than minnow traps not used for a commercial purpose, and traps with lines attached to a shore based structure and not used for a commercial purpose, each trap set in the waters of this State must have attached to it a buoy made of solid, buoyant material which does not sink if punctured or if cracked. A spherical or nonspherical primary buoy must be attached to each trap. A nonspherical buoy must be at least ten inches in length and five inches in diameter or width. A spherical buoy must be at least six inches in diameter. No plastic, metal, or glass bottles or jugs may be used as a buoy, and no buoy attached may be made of a material which could sink if punctured or cracked. No floating line or rope may be used. Minnow traps used for commercial purposes must utilize floats no smaller than five inches marked with the operator's name. (B) The department may require that each trap set in the salt waters of this State have catch release features and identification tags designated by the department. (C) Each licensed commercial saltwater fisherman licensed to fish traps must acquire an identification number assigned by the department. No person may acquire or attempt to acquire more than one identification number. The assigned identification number must be burned or branded on each primary trap buoy in numerals of at least two inches in height, must be clearly legible, must be in a color contrasting that of the buoy, and must be unobstructed and visible when the buoy is at rest in the water. (D) The buoy of traps used by individuals for personal use as provided by law in lieu of the identification number required on commercial traps must bear the owner's name and current address and must be yellow in color. (E) A trap not marked in accordance with this section is contraband and must be seized and disposed of as provided in this chapter. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment, in subsection (A), deleted "and bait dealer license number" from the end.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-100 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-100
SECTION 50-21-100. Records to be kept by owners of boat liveries.
Status: in_force

The owner of a boat livery shall cause to be kept a record of the name and address of the person or persons hiring any vessel; the identification number thereof, and the departure date and time, and the expected time of return. The record shall be preserved for at least six months.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-310 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 50-15-310
SECTION 50-15-310. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As contained in this article: (1) "Alligator" means the species Alligator mississippiensis. (2) "Alligator propagation facility" means an enclosed area not located on public lands or waters, constructed so as to prevent the ingress and egress of alligators from surrounding public or private lands or waters where alligators are bred or raised as captive animals generally for the purpose of the sale, barter, or trade of alligators, alligator parts, alligator meat, or alligator hides. (3) "Alligator propagator" means a person who raises captive alligators under controlled conditions which prohibit free movement of the animals onto and off of the facility, and who may harvest alligators under a permit from the department. (4) "Alligator part" means any part of an alligator. (5) "Commercial purposes" means to derive income or other consideration of value or operating with the intent to derive income or other consideration of value. (6) "Department" means the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. (7) "Transport" means, in its different tenses, the act of shipping, attempting to ship, receiving or delivering for shipment, transporting, conveying, carrying, or exporting by air, land, or water or by any manner. Effect of Amendment 2020 Act No. 177, SECTION 8, in (2), added "generally for the purpose of the sale, barter, or trade of alligators, alligator parts, alligator meat, or alligator hides" at the end; and in (5), substituted "or other consideration of value or operating with the intent to derive income or other consideration of value" for "or with the intent to derive income".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-195 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 50-3-195
SECTION 50-3-195. Waterfowl Advisory Committee established; membership.
Status: in_force

(A) The Waterfowl Advisory Committee is established to assist in the management of waterfowl habitats, assist in the development, protection, and propagation of waterfowl in this State, assist in prioritizing the expenditures of monies to accomplish this purpose, and review the activities of the Waterfowl Program Manager of the department. The committee consists of the following members who serve for a four-year term with a limit of two consecutive terms: (1) one member of the Board of the Department of Natural Resources appointed by the Chairman of the Board of the Department of Natural Resources, serving ex officio and without voting privileges; (2) one at-large member appointed by the Governor; (3) one member appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee; (4) one member appointed by the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee; (5) one member appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee; and (6) one member appointed by the Chairman of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee. (B) The members of the committee shall receive no salary but must be allowed the usual mileage, subsistence, and per diem as authorized by law for commissions, committees, and boards paid from the revenues generated by the sale of stamps, licenses, prints, and related articles. (C) Vacancies must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the manner of the original appointment. (D) The committee shall make a report of its findings, activities, and long-term plans to the General Assembly by December thirty-first of each year. Editor's Note 2022 Act No. 147, SECTION 2.B, provides as follows: "[SECTION 2.]B. In order to stagger the terms of the members of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee, the initial terms of the members appointed by the Chairmen of the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee and the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee are for two years. The initial terms of these members must not be counted for purposes of the two-term limit in Section 50-3-195(A)."
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-350 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-350
SECTION 50-11-350. Illegally taking deer; penalty.
Status: in_force

Any person taking, attempting to take, or having in his possession deer illegally or taking, attempting to take, or killing deer in any way prohibited by the department on wildlife management area lands throughout the State is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2530 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2530
SECTION 50-11-2530. Confiscation of illegal traps, devices, furs, pelts, and hides; sale of confiscated items; use of funds; destruction of illegal traps.
Status: in_force

The department may confiscate all traps and devices, furs, pelts, hides, and whole animals which are illegally possessed, tagged, or used. Where the department has no storage facilities for perishable items such as furs, it may sell them at a reasonable price and hold the proceeds pending the final outcome of the case. Upon conviction of the owner, any traps, devices, furs, pelts, hides, or whole animals being held may be disposed of as determined advisable by the department and any proceeds resulting from the sale must be used for the propagation and protection of game.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1020 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-1020
SECTION 50-5-1020. Possession of undersized whelk of genus Busycon taken for commercial purpose prohibited.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to take, possess, sell, or purchase a living whelk (conch) of the genus Busycon of less than a size as determined by the department but not less than four inches in maximum dimension if taken or landed in this State for a commercial purpose, provided this prohibition does not apply to conchs of less than legal size taken during lawful trawling which are returned immediately to the water.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-120 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 50-11-120
SECTION 50-11-120. Small game seasons.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as otherwise specified, the season for hunting and taking small game is Thanksgiving Day through March 1. (1) Game Zone 1: (a) rabbit: Thanksgiving Day through March 1, with weapons and dogs, day only; March 2 through the day before Thanksgiving Day, with dogs only, day and night, and no rabbits may be taken; (b) squirrel: October 1 through March 1, with weapons and dogs; March 2 through September 30, with dogs only, and no squirrels may be taken; (c) fox: year round but no fox may be taken March 2 through the day before Thanksgiving Day, inclusive; (d) raccoon and opossum: September 15 through March 15, with weapons and dogs; March 16 through September 14, with dogs only, and no raccoon or opossum may be taken; (e) quail: Monday before Thanksgiving Day through March 1, with weapons and dogs; March 2 to the Sunday before Thanksgiving, with dogs only, and no quail may be taken; (f) grouse: Thanksgiving Day through March 1; (g) beaver: year round. (2) Game Zones 2 through 4: (a) rabbit: Thanksgiving Day through March 1, with weapons and dogs, day only; March 2 through the day before Thanksgiving Day with dogs only, day and night, and no rabbits may be taken; (b) squirrel: October 1 through March 1, with weapons and dogs; March 2 through September 30, with dogs only, and no squirrels may be taken; (c) fox: year round but no fox may be taken March 2 through the day before Thanksgiving Day, inclusive; (d) raccoon and opossum: September 15 through March 15, with weapons and dogs; March 16 through September 14, with dogs only, and no raccoon or opossum may be taken; (e) quail: Monday before Thanksgiving Day through March 1, with weapons and dogs; March 2 to the Sunday before Thanksgiving, with dogs only, and no quail may be taken; (f) beaver: year round. (B) The season dates in this section are inclusive except as otherwise provided. Unless otherwise specified during the small game seasons when weapons are allowed, dogs also may be used. (C) In all game zones it is lawful to run rabbits with dogs at any time during the year in enclosures but no rabbits may be taken. (D) As used in this section where night hunting is authorized, "night" means the time between one hour after official sundown of a day and one hour before official sunrise the following day. Where daytime hunting only is allowed "day" means the time between one hour before official sunrise of a day and one hour after official sunset of the same day. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 227, SECTION 2, rewrote subsection (A), and in subsection (D), substituted "daytime" for "day time".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-125 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-125
SECTION 50-5-125. Use of vessel within 300 feet of public fishing pier; penalty.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to use a vessel within three hundred feet of any public fishing piers which extend into the Atlantic Ocean. 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. § 50-21-40 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-40
SECTION 50-21-40. Administration of chapter.
Status: in_force

The administration of this chapter shall be vested in the department. The department shall enforce this chapter through its Natural Resources Enforcement Division.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-50 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-50
SECTION 50-5-50. Prosecutions for violations of chapter.
Status: in_force

The department may prosecute for violations of this chapter for the collection of revenues due this State from the fishing industries and permitting of bottoms and waters and may employ counsel having special knowledge of the fisheries laws, fisheries, and coastal conditions to conduct the prosecutions in the inferior courts and assist the solicitor in the circuit courts and appellate courts.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-260 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-260
SECTION 50-1-260. Vandalizing property seized by department.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to vandalize, tamper with, or enter on or into watercraft, vehicles, devices, or pieces of equipment seized and held as required or permitted by law by the department. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Magistrates have jurisdiction of violations of this section. The department shall attach a notice to each unit of impounded property stating the prohibition and the penalties for violations.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-955 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 9 / Section 50-9-955
SECTION 50-9-955. Fish and Wildlife Deferred License Fund.
Status: in_force

(A) The Fish and Wildlife Deferred License Fund is created for the purpose of receiving revenue generated from the sale of three year hunting and freshwater fishing licenses, permits, stamps, and tags. (B) Receipts from each license year shall be transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Protection Fund as follows: (1) fifty percent during the first fiscal year after receipt; and (2) the balance during the second fiscal year after receipt. Where applicable, each transfer shall distribute the receipts based on the allocations specified in Section 50-9-920(B). (C) Interest earned on balances in the fund shall be credited to the fund and transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Protection Fund in the same manner. (D) Balances in the fund shall be retained and carried forward annually. Effect of Amendment The 2013 amendment rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2525 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 50-5-2525
SECTION 50-5-2525. Points cleared when suspension expires; concurrent running of suspensions.
Status: in_force

After the expiration of a period of suspension of saltwater privileges under a point category the person's or entity's record must be cleared of points in only that category. When a person's or entity's privileges are suspended under another article and the person or entity has accumulated enough points to be suspended under this article, the suspension will run concurrently. Where a violation actually results in a suspension of all saltwater fishing privileges under another article, no points shall be assigned under this system for the violation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-1160 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 50-3-1160
SECTION 50-3-1160. Grants; establishment of criteria for awarding; procedures.
Status: in_force

The board shall establish the procedures and criteria for awarding grants under this article. The criteria shall focus grants on those areas, approaches, and techniques that are likely to provide the optimum positive effect on conservation. The board shall make recommendations to the General Assembly on the award of grants. Upon approval by the General Assembly by concurrent resolution, the board shall award the grants and provide public notice of the award.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-880 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-880
SECTION 50-11-880. Wildlife sanctuaries declared in certain areas; unlawful to discharge firearm or attempt to take or kill wildlife in sanctuaries; exceptions.
Status: in_force

The following areas are designated as wildlife sanctuaries: (1) the Sea Pines Public Service District on Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County; (2) the Highlands of Fripp Island, Beaufort County; (3) the Goose Creek Reservoir in Berkeley County including all lands lying within one-half mile of the shoreline of the reservoir; (4) Lawton Bluff Subdivision and Lawton Plantation in Charleston County; (5) Hobcaw Point Subdivision in the City of Mt. Pleasant, County of Charleston; (6) Prestwood Lake Area, Darlington County, which includes Prestwood Lake and that area around the lake contained in a radius of three-fourths of a mile from the shore of the lake and bounded on the east by Sonoco Dam and on the west by a line running in a southerly direction across Black Creek from the New Sonoco Clubhouse; (7) that area in Florence County known as Forest Lake bordered on the north by South Cashua Road and Highway 76, on the west by secondary road 106, on the south by Savannah Grove Road, on the east by Knollwood Road, and that portion of the lake east of Knollwood Road and that upland extending one hundred yards from the shore of the lake; (8) Lake Oakdale in Florence County bordered on the north by the secondary road known as Stralton Drive, on the west by Pelican Lane and West Lake Oakdale Drive, on the south by Shearton Road until it intersects with Seaboard Coastline Railroad tracks, and on the east by West Lake Drive and Pine Needles Road; (9) Pelham Estates I, II, and III, Stratton Place, and Watson's Orchard in Greenville County; (10) that portion of McCormick County between Little River and the Savannah River lying south of Highway 378; (11) Quail Run in York County. It is unlawful to discharge any firearm including, but not limited to, BB guns and pellet rifles or to attempt to take or kill any wildlife within any of the above-described areas by any means. If the department determines that, due to size, disease, or other extraordinary factors, a particular population of a species located in, on, or around a sanctuary described above constitutes a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public or to itself, or other species in, on, or around the sanctuary, it may authorize the taking of a sufficient number of species to reduce or eliminate the threat. The wildlife must be taken by department personnel or other persons acting under their supervision and the authorization for the taking limits the number of animals taken and the days, times, and methods to be used.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-18-240 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 18 / Article 2 / Section 50-18-240
SECTION 50-18-240. Cost and validity of permit; fees, fines, and forfeitures placed in special account; penalties; appeal.
Status: in_force

(A) The cost of an aquaculture permit is one hundred dollars for the year in which issued and twenty-five dollars for each year, or portion thereof, that the permit is continued. There is no cost to register a nongame aquaculture facility. For purposes of this subsection, a permit year is July first through June thirtieth of the following year. (B) Permits are valid during the period specified upon the permit. Application and payment for permits and application for registration for aquaculture activities continuing into a second or subsequent permit year must be made with the department by June fifteenth of the permit year. (C) Permit fees, fines, and the value of forfeitures collected under this chapter must be placed in a special account to be used by the Department of Natural Resources to support the aquaculture inspection. (D) The Department of Natural Resources may amend, suspend, or revoke a permit for any violation of a permit condition and impose a civil penalty of not greater than five thousand dollars. An appeal may be taken pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-830 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 9 / Section 50-21-830
SECTION 50-21-830. Exemptions.
Status: in_force

The provisions of Sections 50-21-810 and 50-21-820 do not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person or persons engaged in an activity authorized under Section 50-21-1010.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-870 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 9 / Section 50-21-870
SECTION 50-21-870. Personal watercraft and boating safety.
Status: in_force

(A) As used in this section: (1) "Class 'A' boat" means a motorboat which is less than sixteen feet in length. (2) "Floating device" includes kneeboards, aqua planes, surfboards, saucers, inner tubes, and other similar equipment. (B) No person may: (1)(a) operate, be in possession of, or give permission to operate a personal watercraft or specialty propcraft while upon the waters of this State unless each person aboard the personal watercraft or specialty propcraft is wearing a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device, Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V; (b) operate, be in possession of, or give permission to operate a Class "A" motor boat while upon the waters of this State unless each person under the age of twelve aboard the Class "A" motor boat is wearing a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device, Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V; Each personal flotation device must be fastened properly, in good and serviceable condition, and the proper size for the person wearing it; (2) operate or be in possession of a personal watercraft or specialty propcraft while upon the waters of this State after sunset or before sunrise; (3) operate or be in possession of a personal watercraft or specialty propcraft while upon the waters of this State unless it is equipped with a self-circling device or a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch; (4) operate or be in possession of while upon the waters of this State a personal watercraft or specialty propcraft which has been equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch unless the lanyard and the switch are operational and unless the lanyard is attached to the operator, the operator's clothing, or a personal flotation device worn by the operator; (5) operate or be in possession of while upon the waters of this State a personal watercraft or specialty propcraft which has been equipped by the manufacturer with a self-circling device if the self-circling device or the engine throttle has been altered in a way that would prohibit the self-circling device from operating in its intended manner; (6)(a) operate a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel while upon the waters of Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Monticello, Lake Murray, Lake Robinson, Lake Russell, Lake Secession, Lake Thurmond, Lake Wateree, Fishing Creek Reservoir, Parr Reservoir, or the portion of the Savannah River from the Interstate 20 Savannah River Bridge to the New Savannah River Bluff Lock and Dam in excess of idle speed within one hundred feet of a wharf, dock, bulkhead, or pier or fifty feet of a moored or anchored vessel or person in the water; (b) operate a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel while upon all other waters of this State in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of a moored or anchored vessel, wharf, dock, bulkhead, pier, or person in the water, or within 100 yards of the Atlantic Ocean coast line. The prohibitions contained in this item do not apply to an unoccupied, moored vessel or watercraft or to a person behind a vessel or watercraft who is on water skis or a floating device with the permission of the operator of the vessel or watercraft; (c) the provisions of this item do not apply to Lake Moultrie; (7) chase, harass, molest, worry, or disturb wildlife with a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel except while lawfully angling for, hunting, or trapping wildlife; (8) tow a water skier or a person on a floating device with a personal watercraft or specialty propcraft unless the watercraft is equipped with a wide-angled mirror which permits the operator to observe the person being towed or carrying a person other than the operator who is in position to observe the person being towed. No person may tow a water skier or a floating device unless the person being towed is wearing a personal flotation device as provided in item (1). A personal watercraft or specialty propcraft may be used to tow another vessel when rendering assistance; (9) wake surf in excess of idle speed within two hundred feet of a moored vessel, wharf, dock, bulkhead, pier, or person in the water. (C) It is unlawful for a person who owns a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel, or who has charge over or control of a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel to authorize or knowingly to permit the personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel to be operated in violation of this section. (D) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars but no more than three hundred dollars. (E) This section does not apply to: (1) the operation of personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessels by the following personnel while in the performance of their official duties: (a) law enforcement; (b) emergency medical; (c) civil defense; (d) military; (e) state and federally approved wildlife; (f) those involved in biological research programs; (2) activity on private waters; (3) performers engaged in a professional exhibition or a person preparing to participate or participating in an officially sanctioned regatta, race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition in an area and at a time designated for that purpose. Effect of Amendment 2022 Act No. 124, SECTION 2, in (B), rewrote (6), increasing distance limits between a watercraft operating in excess of idle speed upon certain waters and a wharf, dock, bulkhead, or pier. 2022 Act No. 124, SECTION 3, in (B), inserted (10), relating to wake surf. 2023 Act No. 74, SECTION 4, in (A), deleted former (1) and (2), which related to "Personal watercraft" and "Specialty propcraft" and redesignated (3) and (4) as (1) and (2). 2023 Act No. 74, SECTION 5, deleted (9), which related to persons younger than sixteen years of age operating a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel, and redesignated former (10) as (9).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-1180 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 11 / Section 50-9-1180
SECTION 50-9-1180. Administration; promulgation of regulations.
Status: in_force

The department shall administer and enforce this article and may promulgate regulations necessary for its administration not inconsistent with the article. The department shall print and distribute at the time of selling hunting or fishing licenses a card or brochure explaining the point system.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-30 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-30
SECTION 50-23-30. Exemptions.
Status: in_force

Watercraft documented by the United States Coast Guard or its predecessor or successor agency and water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, windsurfers, and similar devices, and those watercraft propelled exclusively by human power are not required to be titled. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment rewrote this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-1110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 11 / Section 50-3-1110
SECTION 50-3-1110. Conservation Grant Fund established.
Status: in_force

There is created in the state treasury a fund separate and distinct from the general fund of the State and all other funds styled the "Conservation Grant Fund". The income and principal of the fund must be used only to stimulate the use of conservation easements and fee simple gifts of land for conservation to qualified conservation organizations to improve the capacity of private nonprofit land trusts successfully to accomplish conservation projects and to provide an opportunity to leverage private and public monies for conservation easements.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-40 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-40
SECTION 50-11-40. Use of recorded sounds or amplified imitations of calls or sounds prohibited; exemptions; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for a person to hunt, take, or attempt to hunt, or take a game bird or game animal by the use or aid of recorded calls or sounds or recorded or electronically amplified imitations of calls or sounds. This section does not apply to the hunting and taking of coyotes. (B) A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment removed "catch" and "kill" throughout subsection (A); inserted "This section does not apply to the hunting and taking of coyotes."; and, made other, nonsubstantive, changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-990 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-990
SECTION 50-5-990. Size limitations for hard clams of the genus Mercenaria; permits for possession and sale of undersized clams; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to take or attempt to take, possess, sell, purchase, or import a hard clam of the genus Mercenaria of less than one inch in thickness as measured from the exterior surface of one shell of the intact clam to the exterior surface of the opposite shell. A person taking a clam of other than legal size must immediately return it to the bottoms from whence it came. (B) It is lawful for persons and entities engaged in shellfish mariculture operations to possess mariculture clams of less than the minimum size specified in this section and to import, purchase, sell, or transplant undersized mariculture clams, as defined in this section, by obtaining a permit. It is also lawful for a licensed wholesale seafood dealer or retail restaurant to purchase and possess for resale undersized maricultured clams purchased from a mariculture operation permitted pursuant to this section, provided the licensed wholesale seafood dealer or retailer has proof of origin in possession for each lot of clams purchased. (C) A violation of this section by a person is a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, that 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. § 50-19-1840 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 29 / Section 50-19-1840
SECTION 50-19-1840. Penalties.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided, any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or sentenced to serve not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2535 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 50-5-2535
SECTION 50-5-2535. Engaging in prohibited activities while under suspension; penalties.
Status: in_force

A person engaging in activities prohibited by this chapter while the person is under suspension, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, for a first offense must be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned thirty days and have all saltwater privileges suspended for an additional three-year period. A person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned one year, and have all saltwater privileges suspended for an additional five years.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-320 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-320
SECTION 50-11-320. Issuance of tags for hunting and taking deer; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) The department will issue tags for the hunting and taking of deer. (1) Antlered deer tags issued to individuals are valid statewide as prescribed by the department except on property with a Deer Quota Program permit for antlered deer. (2) Antlerless deer tags issued to individuals are valid statewide as prescribed by the department except on property with a Deer Quota Program permit for antlerless deer. (3) Deer Quota Program tags are valid only on properties for which they are issued. (B)(1) Deer taken pursuant to individual deer tags, during any season regardless of weapon, must be tagged with a valid individual deer tag. Each tag must be attached to the deer as prescribed by the department before the animal is moved from the point of kill. (2) Deer taken pursuant to Deer Quota Program tags must be tagged with a valid Deer Quota Program tag and reported to the electronic harvest reporting system pursuant to the provisions of Section 50-11-546. Each tag must be attached to the deer as prescribed by the department before the animal is moved from the point of kill. (C) It is unlawful for an individual: (1) to harvest or attempt to harvest a deer on property with a Deer Quota Program permit without having access and authorization to utilize Deer Quota Program tags for the property on which the person is hunting; (2) to harvest or attempt to harvest a deer on property without a Deer Quota Program permit unless the person possesses a set of individual deer tags issued in the person's name; (3) to possess, move, or transport an untagged deer which was harvested by hunting in South Carolina; (4) to use or attempt to use more than one set of deer tags or tags issued in another person's name to harvest a deer; and (5) to alter a deer tag for fraudulent or unlawful purposes. (D) A person who violates this section 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. Effect of Amendment 2023 Act No. 65, SECTION 2, in (B)(2), in the first sentence, substituted "electronic harvest reporting system pursuant to the provisions of Section 50-11-546" for "department as prescribed".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2700 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 27 / Section 50-5-2700
SECTION 50-5-2700. Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact; members; term; vacancies.
Status: in_force

In pursuance of Article III of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact, of which this State is a signatory, there shall be three members, hereinafter called compact commissioners, of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, hereinafter called the Compact Commission, from this State. The first compact commissioner from this State shall be the director of the department, ex officio. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-13-770, the second compact commissioner from this State shall be a member of the General Assembly who is also a member of the Commission on Interstate Cooperation of this State, designated by the Commission on Interstate Cooperation to serve ex officio. The Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint a citizen of this State as a third compact commissioner, who shall have a knowledge of and interest in the marine fisheries problem. The term of the compact commissioner shall be three years and he shall hold office until his successor shall be appointed and qualified. Vacancies occurring in the office of the commissioner for any reason or cause shall be filled by appointment by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for the unexpired term. The director of the department as an ex officio commissioner may delegate, from time to time, to any deputy or other subordinate in his department or office, the power to be present and participate, including voting as his representative or substitute, at any meeting of or hearing by or other proceeding of the Compact Commission. These commissioners' service shall begin when the compact has gone into effect in accordance with Article II thereof and also shall begin upon the date upon which the compact shall become effective in accordance with Article II.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-220 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-220
SECTION 50-23-220. Deposit and use of funds.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as provided in subsection (B), all fees received and money collected under the provisions of this chapter must be deposited in the State Treasury and set apart in a special fund. Appropriations from this fund must be used for the expenses of the department in administering the provisions of this chapter or for any purpose related to the mission of the department. (B) To the extent fees collected pursuant to Section 50-23-70, in connection with titling a boat, are attributable to fee increases beginning July 1, 1999, revenues from those increases must be used by the department for its law enforcement responsibilities. Any surplus may be carried forward for that use. Code Commissioner's Note At the direction of the Code Commissioner, the amendments to subsection (A) by 1999 Acts 100 and 124 were read together.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-515 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 50-3-515
SECTION 50-3-515. Exception for lands which were used for agriculture or managed forestland before acquisition by department.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, lands which were used for agriculture or managed forestland before acquisition by the department must be managed and the timber harvested to provide optimum fish and wildlife habitat. The department must use Best Management Practices as prescribed by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, or its successor, in managing and harvesting timber. If the department uses Best Management Practices when managing or harvesting timber, there is no adverse effect on historical properties or archeological sites.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-25-1120 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 25 / Article 11 / Section 50-25-1120
SECTION 50-25-1120. Exemptions and exceptions.
Status: in_force

The motorboats competing in a regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition approved as provided in Section 50-21-1010 shall be exempted from the provisions of this article. Exceptions may also be granted during designated hours for pretrial runs and for trial runs for speed records immediately following the event.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2430 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2430
SECTION 50-11-2430. Proof of ownership or permission to use land on which traps are set.
Status: in_force

A person engaged in the act of trapping must be the owner of the property on which the traps or devices are set or has written permission from the landowner or his agent in possession to use the property for trapping. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment substituted "must be" for "shall have proof that he is"; substituted "have" for "carry on his person"; and, inserted "from the landowner or his agent in possession".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-26-70 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 26 / Section 50-26-70
SECTION 50-26-70. Exceptions to application of chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter does not apply to: (1) an owner, operator, lessor, or renter of a farm or ranch, or that person's employees, immediate family, or household members, when operating an all-terrain vehicle while engaged in farming, wildlife habitat management, or ranching operations; (2) a person using an all-terrain vehicle for hunting or trapping purposes if the person otherwise is lawfully engaged in those activities; or (3) a minor younger than sixteen years of age, but not younger than six years of age who is operating an all-terrain vehicle under the direct visual supervision of his parent or an individual with legal custody of the minor on private property.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-60 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / Section 50-16-60
SECTION 50-16-60. Exception to permit requirement for certain wildlife imported for sale as pets.
Status: in_force

The importation of the following wildlife for sale in the pet trade does not require a permit: 1. tropical fishes 2. rats and mice 3. rabbits 4. canaries 5. gerbils 6. shell parakeets 7. love birds 8. cockatiels 9. parrots 10. toucans 11. mynah birds 12. finches 13. hamsters 14. guinea pigs 15. reptiles 16. amphibians. The provisions of this section do not privilege the import or possession of a species otherwise protected or regulated by other provisions of this title.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-30 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / Section 50-16-30
SECTION 50-16-30. Importation of diseased animals prohibited.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for a person to possess, transport, or otherwise bring into the State or release or introduce into the State any diseased wildlife or other animal that reasonably might be expected to pose a public health or safety hazard as determined by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control after consultation with the department.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-715 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 4 / Section 50-11-715
SECTION 50-11-715. Night hunting prohibited; exceptions; hunting of feral hogs, coyotes, or armadillos; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful to night hunt for feral hogs, coyotes, or armadillos in violation of the provisions of this section. (B)(1) Feral hogs, coyotes, and armadillos may be hunted at night on registered property on which a person has a lawful right to hunt: (a) with any legal firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow; and (b) with or without the aid of bait, electronic calls, artificial light, or night vision devices. (2) It is unlawful to: (a) hunt feral hogs, coyotes, or armadillos at night with a firearm within three hundred yards of a residence without the permission of the occupant. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to a landowner hunting on his own land or a person taking feral hogs, coyotes, or armadillos pursuant to a department depredation permit; or (b) shoot or attempt to shoot a feral hog, coyote, or armadillo, at night, from, on, or across any public paved road. (C) Persons who have been convicted of night hunting for deer, bear, or turkey during the previous five years are not eligible to participate in night hunting for feral hogs, coyotes, or armadillos under the provisions of this section. (D) A person who violates this section, upon conviction, must: (1) for a first offense, be fined not more than five hundred dollars, be imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both; (2) for a second offense within two years from the date of conviction for the first offense, be fined not more than one thousand dollars nor less than four hundred dollars, be imprisoned as provided for a first offense, or both; and (3) for a third or subsequent offense within two years of the date of conviction for the last previous offense, be fined not more than one thousand five hundred dollars nor less than five hundred dollars, be imprisoned as provided for a first offense, or both. (E) In addition to any other penalty, any person convicted for a second or subsequent offense under this section within three years of the date of conviction for a first offense may have his privilege to hunt in this State suspended for a period of two years. No hunting license may be issued to an individual while his privilege is suspended, and any license mistakenly issued is invalid. (F) In order to assess the night hunting program, the person registering the property must report to the department the number of feral hogs, coyotes, and armadillos taken under the provisions of this section within thirty days following the end of the twelve-month registration period, or prior to registering the property again. Properties for which reports have not been submitted will not be registered again until such time that reports are submitted.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-400 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 3 / Section 50-15-400
SECTION 50-15-400. Construction of permits if endangered species status changes.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of this article to the contrary, in the event federal or state law regulations or designations allowed by law places the alligator in the endangered species status, all permits issued pursuant to this article are null and void.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-19-510 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 19 / Article 11 / Section 50-19-510
SECTION 50-19-510. Fishing in spillway or race permitted.
Status: in_force

Fishing shall be permitted along, in and on the spillway or race south of the floodgates of the Greenwood hydroelectric plant on or near waters of the Saluda River as provided in this article.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-420 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-420
SECTION 50-11-420. Penalty for possession of recently killed venison or fresh deerskin during closed season.
Status: in_force

Any person in whose possession recently killed venison or fresh deerskin is found during the closed season for hunting deer in that game zone by law 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 more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-345 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 50-5-345
SECTION 50-5-345. Commercial license a condition of permit; exceptions; revocation.
Status: in_force

(A) In order to obtain any permit authorized under this chapter for taking marine resources except scientific, educational, and commercial display permits, a person must be a licensed commercial saltwater fisherman and hold all other required licenses. (B) Any permit granted may be revoked by the department for a violation of a condition of the permit or of a related conservation law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-26 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 1 / Section 50-11-26
SECTION 50-11-26. Hunting migratory waterfowl on Bear Creek in Lancaster County without permission; penalties.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Bear Creek in Lancaster County within two hundred yards of a dwelling without written permission of the owner or occupant. As used in this section, Bear Creek includes the area within the Bear Creek impoundment boundaries from the bridge on Beacon Road crossing the uppermost waters to the watershed dam as a lower boundary. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-997 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-997
SECTION 50-5-997. Shellfish mariculture permittees; out-of-season harvest permits.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may issue an out-of-season harvest permit to a Shellfish Mariculture permittee for the privilege of harvesting or selling maricultured shellfish out of season. The department may consider a permittee's past compliance with the provisions of this chapter in making its determination to issue an out-of-season harvest permit. (B) In order to obtain an out-of-season harvest permit, a mariculture permittee must provide the following to the department: (1) a shellfish operations plan that meets requirements established by regulations promulgated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control pursuant to Section 44-1-140; and (2) a list of authorized harvesters and wholesale dealers that will possess the permittee's out-of-season shellfish. (C) Out-of-season harvest permits issued pursuant to this section may include conditions related to: (1) harvest times and harvest areas; (2) species; (3) testing; (4) reporting, record keeping, and inspection requirements; (5) genetic strains including ploidy; (6) tagging; (7) authorized harvesters; and (8) protection of the natural resources of this State. (D) An authorized harvester acting under the provisions of a permittee's out-of-season harvest permit must first complete any shellfish training required by regulations promulgated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control pursuant to Section 44-1-140. A Mariculture permittee must ensure that an authorized harvester acting under the permittee's out-of-season harvest permit abides by the conditions of the permit, receives proper training, and holds all required permits and licenses. (E) The department may suspend or revoke a mariculture permittee's out-of-season harvest permit for a violation of a permit condition by the permittee or by an authorized harvester of the permittee. The filing of a judicial appeal does not act as an automatic stay of enforcement of the out-of-season permit suspension or revocation.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-960 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 9 / Section 50-5-960
SECTION 50-5-960. Rules governing recreational shellfish bottom harvests.
Status: in_force

(A) The following provisions apply to the taking and possessing of shellfish from bottoms designated by the department for recreational shellfish harvest by persons not permitted to harvest shellfish for commercial purposes: (1) there is a personal limit of not more than two bushels of oysters or one-half bushel of clams, or both, in any one day; (2) no person may harvest shellfish recreationally on more than two calendar days per any seven-day period; and (3) regardless of the number of persons, there is a maximum possession limit of three personal limits per boat or vehicle or boat and vehicle combination. (B) No person other than a person holding the required commercial license and permit may have in possession more than the daily limit provided in this article while on the waters of this State or the adjoining lands, provided that this prohibition does not apply to persons possessing or transporting properly tagged shellfish received from a licensed and certified wholesale seafood dealer. (C) 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 two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-410 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 4 / Section 50-9-410
SECTION 50-9-410. Freshwater commercial fishing license.
Status: in_force

(A) For the privilege of taking nongame freshwater fish for a commercial purpose, a resident must purchase an annual freshwater commercial fishing license for fifty dollars, one dollar of which the issuing sales vendor may retain. (B) For the privilege of taking nongame freshwater fish for a commercial purpose, a nonresident must purchase an annual freshwater commercial fishing license for one thousand dollars, twenty dollars of which the issuing sales vendor may retain. (C) A commercial freshwater license is required to: (1) fish six or more crayfish traps; (2) fish three or more eel pots; (3) fish an Elver fyke net; (4) fish four or more gill nets or a total of more than one hundred yards of net; (5) fish two or more hoop nets; (6) fish three or more traps; (7) fish two or more trotlines; (8) acquire more than one trotline tag or fish a trotline with more than fifty hooks; (9) take freshwater fish for commercial purposes. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment substituted "two" for "four" in subsection (C)(7) and rewrote subsection (C)(8).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-2015 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 13 / Section 50-13-2015
SECTION 50-13-2015. Fish sanctuary in St. Stephen Rediversion Canal.
Status: in_force

(A) A fish sanctuary is established in the St. Stephen Rediversion Canal between the Corps of Engineers' powerhouse and the Atlantic Coastline Railroad Bridge. It is unlawful for a person to fish in the sanctuary except as provided in this section. (B) From March first to May first each year, fishing for nongame fish is allowed from the Atlantic Coastline Bridge upstream to a point marked by signs or buoys, or both. This location must be marked by the department after consultation with and with the permission of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Fishing is allowed from six p.m. to twelve midnight. The area otherwise is closed to all fishing and boating activities. (C) The catch limit is five hundred pounds of fish or one hundred dozen fish a boat a day. Game fish taken must be returned immediately to the water. All fish, except those used for live bait, must be packed in boxes with a one hundred pound capacity before crossing back under the railroad bridge. (D) Fishing devices must not be used except cast nets, dip nets, or drop nets. The diameter of the dip or drop nets used may not exceed six feet. Nets must not be operated by the use of mechanical devices such as winches, cranes, or pulleys. (E) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not less than fifteen nor more than thirty days. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment, in subsection (D), substituted "must" for "may" throughout the subsection and made other, nonsubstantive, changes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-20 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 1 / Section 50-13-20
SECTION 50-13-20. Scope of chapter.
Status: repealed

This chapter governs the freshwaters of this State. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 15-13-20, was entitled "Lawful methods of catching fish in certain lakes and Boyd's Mill Pond in Game Zone No. 2" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-572; 1952 Code SECTION 28-572; 1942 Code SECTION 1790-5; 1941 (42) 113; 1949 (46) 573; 1950 (46) 2037, 2345; 1952 (47) 2179; 1955 (49) 186; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; repealed by 2008 Act No. 286, SECTION 11.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-30 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-30
SECTION 50-5-30. Promulgation of regulations; civil offenses; penalties; suspension of permit.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may promulgate regulations for the government of the force under its control and for the control of fisheries, not contrary to or inconsistent with the laws and policy of the State, having the force and effect of law. (B) In promulgating regulations, the department shall consider scientific and other available information regarding: (1) current condition and trends of the species or stocks involved; (2) environmental factors, including water quality and climatological data; (3) biological data, including abundance, size, and distribution of species involved; (4) economic conditions including market value; (5) potential impacts upon fishermen and other resource users; (6) safety of the public and persons utilizing the resource; (7) effects of added development, population growth, fishing pressure, and demand for the resource; and (8) other factors pertinent to the management and wise use of fishery resources. (C) Nothing in this section reduces the authority of the department to act under other provisions of law. (D) Violation of a regulation is a civil offense. The department may impose a civil penalty of up to two hundred dollars or suspend the license of a person adjudicated in violation, or both. (E) For violation of a permit condition, in addition to any statutory criminal penalty, the department may impose a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars and suspend or revoke the permit, or both. (F) The department may suspend or revoke a permit for violation of any conservation law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1915 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 19 / Section 50-5-1915
SECTION 50-5-1915. Charter fishing vessel and public pier logs; penalties.
Status: repealed

(A) Charter fishing vessels shall maintain a log of the number of persons carried each day, number of hours engaged in fishing, number of fish by species caught each day and other information considered necessary by the department. The logs must be submitted to the department monthly by the tenth day of the following month. A person licensed to operate a charter fishing vessel who fails to maintain or submit a log as required is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, and a subsequent charter fishing vessel license must not be issued until the requirements of this subsection are met. (B) Public fishing piers shall maintain a log of the number of persons fishing from that structure each day. The logs must be submitted to the department monthly by the tenth day of the following month as prescribed or approved by the department. An owner or operator who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days and a subsequent license must not be issued until the requirements of this subsection are met. Effect of Amendment The 2009 amendment, in subsection (A), in the second sentence of the first paragraph substituted "to the department monthly by the tenth day of the following month" for "as prescribed or approved by the department"; and, in subsection (B), in the first sentence added "to the department monthly by the tenth day of the following month" and in the second sentence substituted "An owner or operator" for "A person" and "five hundred dollars" for "two hundred dollars". SECTIONS 50-5-1920, 50-5-1925. Repealed by 2009 Act No. 15, SECTION 10, eff July 1, 2009. Editor's Note Former SECTION 50-5-1920 was entitled "Saltwater recreational fisheries licenses; saltwater public fishing pier licenses; charter vessel licenses; fees" and was derived from 2000 Act No. 245, SECTION 10; 2000 Act No. 370, SECTION 6; 2002 Act No. 178, SECTION 3. Former SECTION 50-5-1925 was entitled "Individuals exempt from purchase of stamp" and was derived from 2000 Act No. 245, SECTION 10; 2000 Act No. 370, SECTION 7.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-150 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 2 / Section 50-11-150
SECTION 50-11-150. Small game bag limits.
Status: in_force

(A) For purposes of this section a "day" means the twenty-four hours between one hour before sunrise one day and one hour before sunrise the following day. It is a measure of time for the purposes of setting a bag limit only. It is unlawful to exceed the small game bag limits as follows: (1) Game Zone 1: (a) rabbit: five per day; (b) squirrel: ten per day; (c) raccoon: three per party per day; (d) quail: twelve per day; (e) grouse: three per day. (2) Game Zones 2 through 4: (a) rabbit: five per day; (b) squirrel: ten per day; (c) raccoon: three per party per day; (d) quail: twelve per day. (B) Except as provided in this section, there is no limit on small game animals. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 227, SECTION 3, rewrote subsection (A).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-160 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-160
SECTION 50-1-160. Release of seized property to innocent owner or lienholder.
Status: repealed

(A) Notwithstanding another provision of law, the department may release a vehicle, boat, motor, or fishing device seized from a person charged with a violation of this title to an innocent owner or lienholder of the property. (B) Notwithstanding another provision of law, if an innocent owner or lienholder fails to recover property within thirty days from the date of the notice of release then the department may maintain or dispose of the property. (C) Before seized property is released to an innocent owner or lienholder, he shall provide the department with proof of ownership or a lienholder interest in the property. Editor's Note Prior Laws: Former SECTION 50-1-160 was entitled "Disposition of portion of nonresident hunters' license fees" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-14; 1961 (52) 439; 1972 (57) 2431; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1257; repealed by 2010 Act No. 233, SECTION 13. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment in subsection (A) substituted "title" for "chapter".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-85 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-85
SECTION 50-21-85. Conditions for operation of vessel displaying blue light; operating procedure in presence of such vessel; violations.
Status: in_force

A person shall not operate a vessel displaying or using a rotating, strobing, flashing, or intermittently reflecting blue light unless a duly commissioned law enforcement officer is on board. The operator of a vessel being approached by a vessel flashing a blue light shall stop or maneuver in a way as to permit boarding, so far as possible without endangering his vessel, and not begin normal movement again until directed by the law enforcement officer or until the vessel flashing a blue light has cleared the immediate area. The operator of a vessel approaching an area where a vessel flashing a blue light is located or patrolling shall slow his vessel to a no wake speed and shall maintain the speed until clear of the area. A person violating the provisions of 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 not more than thirty days for each violation. Effect of Amendment The 2011 amendment, in the first paragraph, substituted "A person shall not operate a vessel displaying, or using a rotating, strobing, flashing, or intermittently reflecting" for "No person shall operate any vessel displaying, reflecting or flashing a"; in the second paragraph, substituted "a vessel" for "any vessel" following "The operator of", deleted "such" preceding "a way as to permit", and deleted "own" following "without endangering his"; in the third paragraph, substituted "a vessel" for "any vessel" following "The operator of", and substituted "the speed" for "such speed"; and in the fourth paragraph, substituted "A person" for "Any person" and "must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned not more than thirty days for each violation" for "shall be punished as provided in Section 50-21-150".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-111 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-111
SECTION 50-21-111. Reckless operation of water device; offense; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) A person who operates any water device in such a manner as to indicate either a wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless operation. (B) Reckless operation includes, but is not limited to, weaving through congested vessel traffic at more than idle speed; or jumping the wake of another vessel within two hundred feet of that vessel; or crossing the path or wake of another vessel when the visibility around the other vessel is obstructed; or maintaining a collision course with another vessel or object and swerving away in close proximity to the other vessel or object. (C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. (D) A person convicted of reckless operation, in addition to any other penalties, shall be required by the department to attend and complete a boating safety education program approved by the department. The person required to attend the program shall reimburse the department for the expense of the program. A person's privilege to operate a water device within this State shall be suspended until successful completion of the required program. A person's privilege to operate a water device within this State shall be suspended by the department for a period of ninety days upon conviction of a second offense of reckless operation of a water device within a five-year period. Following the ninety-day suspension, the person's privilege shall remain suspended until successful completion of a boating safety education program approved by the department. The person required to attend the program shall reimburse the department for the expense of the program.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1530 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 15 / Section 50-5-1530
SECTION 50-5-1530. Receiving Atlantic sturgeon; record keeping requirements; penalties.
Status: in_force

A person who receives Atlantic sturgeon or any part or product thereof other than at retail or for consumption must maintain records for a period of no less than one year. Records must include: (1) the number and weight of sturgeon received; (2) the type and amount of part or product received; (3) the names and addresses of persons from whom received; and (4) the names and addresses of persons to whom sold at wholesale. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days and the person's or entity's privilege to hold the wholesale seafood dealer license must be suspended for six months.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-21-116 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 21 / Article 1 / Section 50-21-116
SECTION 50-21-116. Chemical tests to determine presence of alcohol and/or drugs; requesting additional tests; release of results.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person must submit to either one or a combination of chemical tests of his breath, blood, or urine for the purpose of determining the presence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs, if there is probable cause to believe that the person violated or is under arrest for a violation of Section 50-21-113. The tests must be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that the person violated or is under arrest for violation of Section 50-21-113. The administration of one test does not preclude the administration of other tests. The resistance, obstruction, or opposition to testing pursuant to this section is evidence admissible at the trial of the offense which precipitated the requirement for testing. A person who is tested or gives samples for testing may have a qualified person of his choice conduct additional tests at his expense and must be notified of that right. A person's request or failure to request additional blood or urine tests is not admissible against the person in the criminal trial. The provisions of Section 50-21-114, relating to the administration of tests to determine a person's alcohol concentration, additional tests at the person's expense, the availability of other evidence on the question of whether or not the person was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of them, availability of test information to the person or his attorney, and the liability of medical institutions and person administering the tests are applicable to this section and also extend to the officer requesting the test, the State or its political subdivisions, or governmental agency, or entity which employs the officer making the request, and the agency, institution, or employer, either governmental or private, of persons administering the tests. Notwithstanding any other provision of law pertaining to confidentiality of hospital records or other medical records, information regarding tests performed pursuant to this section must be released, upon subpoena, to a court, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, or law enforcement officer in connection with an alleged violation of Section 50-21-113.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-1240 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 7 / Section 50-13-1240
SECTION 50-13-1240. Designation of fish sluices; obstruction of sluices constitutes public nuisance.
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the governing body of the county to designate the fish sluices on the several rivers so as to leave one or more passages for fish up such rivers. Such sluices shall be sixty feet wide or, where there are two or more such sluices, they shall be, together, sixty feet wide. When they shall be so designated, it shall be lawful for any person to open such sluices. If any person shall obstruct any such sluice, when once opened, so as to prevent the free passage of fish up such sluice, and every part thereof, he shall be guilty of a public nuisance and, on conviction thereof in the court of general sessions, shall be fined one hundred dollars and shall stand committed until such fine be paid for a time not exceeding ten days, at the discretion of the court before which such conviction may take place. Whenever a fish sluice in any of such rivers shall have been designated as provided in this section, any stoppage of such sluice shall be regarded as a public nuisance and may be abated as such.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-705 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 4 / Section 50-11-705
SECTION 50-11-705. Night hunting prohibited; exceptions; hunting of deer, bear, or turkey; penalties; use of artificial lights at night.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as otherwise provided in this article, night hunting in this State is unlawful. (B) A person who violates this section by night hunting for any animal, except for deer, bear, turkey, or an animal listed in Section 50-11-710 or 50-11-715, upon conviction, must: (1) for a first offense, be fined not more than five hundred dollars, be imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both; (2) for a second offense within two years from the date of conviction for the first offense, be fined not more than one thousand dollars, be imprisoned as provided for a first offense, or both; and (3) for a third or subsequent offense within two years of the date of conviction for the last previous offense, be fined not more than one thousand five hundred dollars, be imprisoned as provided for a first offense, or both. (C) A person who violates this section by night hunting for deer, bear, or turkey on property not registered with the department for night hunting feral hogs, coyotes, or armadillos, upon conviction, must: (1) for a first offense, be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars, be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both; (2) for a second offense within two years from the date of conviction for the first offense, be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars, be imprisoned as provided for a first offense, or both; and (3) for a third or subsequent offense within two years of the date of conviction for the last previous offense, be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than three thousand dollars, be imprisoned as provided for a first offense, or both. (D) A person who violates this section by night hunting for deer, bear, or turkey on property registered with the department for night hunting feral hogs, coyotes, or armadillos, upon conviction, must: (1) for a first offense, be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars, be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both; (2) for a second offense within two years from the date of conviction for the first offense, be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than three thousand five hundred dollars, be imprisoned as provided for a first offense, or both; and (3) for a third or subsequent offense within two years of the date of conviction for the last previous offense, be fined not less than two thousand five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars, be imprisoned as provided for a first offense, or both. (E) The display or use of artificial light at night on property not registered with the department for night hunting feral hogs, coyotes, or armadillos, in a manner capable of disclosing the presence of deer, bear, or turkey, together with the possession of or with immediate access to a centerfire rifle and ammunition larger than a twenty-two caliber rimfire, or a shotgun and ammunition larger than shot size number four, shall constitute prima facie evidence of night hunting for deer, bear, or turkey. (F) Nothing in this article prohibits a person from acting in accordance with the conditions contained in a depredation permit issued by the department pursuant to Section 50-11-2570.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-32 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 50-5-32
SECTION 50-5-32. Closing salt water fishing seasons, areas, or activities in emergency; notice; penalty.
Status: in_force

(A) The department has the authority to close any commercial or recreational fishing season, area, or activity in the salt waters of this State when a natural or man-induced emergency threatens the future or present well-being of a fishery resource or its habitat in a part of or in all of the salt waters of this State. (B) The department must use all reasonable means to give notice to the public of an emergency closure issued pursuant to subsection (A) as soon as practicable. An emergency closure notice must specify the cause of the emergency and the fishing season, area, or activity closed, and, if known, the duration of the closure. (C) When taking emergency action under this section, the department must notify the appropriate standing committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives of its actions as soon as practicable. Supporting resource assessments, scientific documentation, and notice of action taken must be provided to the committees. (D) During the first three days of an emergency closure instituted under this section, the department must issue only warnings for first offense, noncommercial violations of the closure. (E) The department must monitor the situation or occurrence under which the emergency arose and must reopen the closed season, area, or activity as soon as, but only when, the threat to the resource or its habitat no longer exists. (F) It is unlawful to possess specified saltwater fish in violation of an emergency closure. A person violating an emergency closure is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment rewrote subsection (A) and, in subsection (F), substituted "possess specified" for "take or attempt to take".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-1110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 6 / Section 50-11-1110
SECTION 50-11-1110. Authority of department to close or shorten open season upon request of county legislative delegation; procedures; penalties.
Status: in_force

When in any county of the State there exist abnormal conditions that might affect the supply of game or there is an abnormal scarcity of game, the department, upon the written request of a majority of the legislative delegation, including the Senator, from such county, may shorten or close the open season for hunting in any such county. The department shall give notice of the closed or shortened season by publication in at least two daily newspapers and in a newspaper of the county in which the closed or shortened season is declared, stating the length of the closed or shortened season. Any person found hunting with gun or dog within the restricted territory during a closed season so declared, is guilty of a violation of the provisions of this section, regardless of whether he has killed any game or not. The penalty for violation of the provisions of this section is a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisonment for not less than thirty days.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-2-40 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 2 / Section 50-2-40
SECTION 50-2-40. Application of Forest Management Protection Act.
Status: in_force

This act shall apply only to forest management activities on forestry operations that are eligible for timberland use value assessment for property tax purposes.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1930 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 19 / Section 50-5-1930
SECTION 50-5-1930. Reciprocal recognition of recreational fisheries licenses issued by other coastal states.
Status: in_force

If a coastal state which has or establishes a saltwater recreational fisheries license recognizes through statute, regulation, or reciprocal agreement the validity of a South Carolina saltwater recreational fisheries license within its boundaries, South Carolina must recognize the validity of a corresponding license held on his person by residents of that state.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-330 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 50-3-330
SECTION 50-3-330. Oath; bond.
Status: in_force

Every enforcement officer appointed to protect the property of the State shall, before entering upon the duties of his office, take and subscribe before a notary public, or other officer authorized to administer an oath, an oath to perform the duties of his office. Every officer shall be covered by a surety bond with the department of not less than two thousand dollars, subscribed by a licensed, reliable surety company, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties. The bond may be individual, schedule, or blanket, and on a form approved by the Attorney General. The premiums on the bonds must be paid by the department. Effect of Amendment 2016 Act No. 216, SECTION 2, rewrote the section, providing that the officers shall be covered by a surety bond of not less than two thousand dollars and that the department of natural resources must pay the premiums on the surety bonds.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1110 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 11 / Section 50-5-1110
SECTION 50-5-1110. Mesh size and stretch measure for shrimp cast nets.
Status: in_force

Effective July 1, 2002, when taking shrimp over bait, no cast net may be used having a mesh size smaller than one-half inch square measure or one inch stretch measure. 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.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-525 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 3 / Article 5 / Section 50-3-525
SECTION 50-3-525. Ecological or silviculture emergencies or natural disasters.
Status: in_force

If an ecological or silviculture emergency or a natural disaster occurs that necessitates the immediate harvest of timber, upon the approval of the State Forester, the department immediately may negotiate contracts for the harvest and sale of the timber. Ecological or silviculture emergencies include, but are not limited to, insect, fungal, disease infestations, or fires.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-60 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 1 / Section 50-9-60
SECTION 50-9-60. Borrowing or lending of license, permit, tag, or stamp; violations.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for a person to borrow or lend a license, permit, tag, or stamp issued pursuant to this title. A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. A person convicted pursuant to this section forfeits his hunting and fishing privileges for one year.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-2517 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 25 / Section 50-5-2517
SECTION 50-5-2517. Mammalian dolphin or porpoise; prohibited activities; penalty.
Status: in_force

Except when authorized by a federal permit, it is unlawful for any person to catch, attempt to catch, feed, feed by hand, kill, or harass any mammalian dolphin or porpoise. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-16-20 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / Section 50-16-20
SECTION 50-16-20. Importation of wildlife for certain purposes prohibited; investigation; permit.
Status: in_force

(A) It is unlawful for a person to import, possess, or transport for the purpose of release or to introduce or bring into this State any live wildlife of the following types without a permit from the department: (1) a furbearer, a member of the family Cervidae, a nondomestic member of the families Suidae (pigs), Tayassuidae (peccaries), Bovidae (bison, mountain goat, mountain sheep), coyote, bear, or turkey (genus Meleagris). Furbearer includes, but is not limited to, red and gray fox, raccoon, opossum, muskrat, mink, skunk, otter, bobcat, weasel, and beaver; (2) a species of marine or estuarine fish, crustacean, mollusk, or other marine invertebrate not already found in the wild, or not native to this State. (3) a species of freshwater fish, crustacean, mollusk, or other freshwater invertebrate not already found in the wild or not native to this State. (B) A permit may be granted only after the investigations and inspections of the wildlife have been made as the department considers necessary and the department approves the possession, transportation, or importation into the State. The department may not issue a permit unless it finds: (1) the wildlife was taken lawfully in the jurisdiction in which it originated; (2) the importation, release, or possession of the wildlife is not reasonably expected to adversely impact the natural resources of the State or its wildlife populations.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-315 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 3 / Section 50-13-315
SECTION 50-13-315. Traps; inspection.
Status: in_force

(A) A trap must not be: (1) placed within six hundred feet of a public boat launching area; (2) set so as to leave any part of the trap exposed at low water; (3) unattended for more than three days. (B) The department may inspect traps for compliance with this section at anytime. If the department finds any trap in violation of this chapter or contains only dead catch or excessive dead catch, the trap is contraband and must be seized and disposed of according to law.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-13-665 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Article 6 / Section 50-13-665
SECTION 50-13-665. Bait which may be used with trotlines, set hooks, and jugs; penalties.
Status: in_force

(A) Except as provided in subsections (B) and (C), and the bait listed below, no other bait may be used with trotlines, set hooks, and jugs: (1) soap; (2) dough balls; (3) nongame fish or bream cut into two or more equal parts; (4) shrimp; (5) meat scraps which may not include insects, worms, or other invertebrates; (6) grapes. (B) Notwithstanding another provision of law, on the Black, Edisto, Great Pee Dee (including the navigable oxbows and sloughs), Little Pee Dee (including the navigable oxbows and sloughs), Lumber, Lynches (including Clarks, Mill, and Muddy Creeks), Sampit, and Waccamaw Rivers, live nongame fish and live bream may be used with single-barbed set hooks that have a shank-to-point gap of fifteen-sixteenths inches or greater. However, it is unlawful for a person to have in possession more than the lawful creel limit of bream while fishing with nongame devices on these rivers. (C) Live nongame fish and live bream may be used on a trotline having not more than twenty hooks that have a shank-to-point gap of fifteen-sixteenths inches or greater on the Black, Great Pee Dee (including the navigable oxbows and sloughs), Little Pee Dee (including the navigable oxbows and sloughs), Lumber, Lynches (including Clarks, Mill, and Muddy Creeks) and Waccamaw Rivers. However, it is unlawful for a person to have in possession more than the lawful creel limit of bream while fishing with nongame devices on these rivers. (D) A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment renumbered and rewrote the section. The 2013 amendment, in subsections (B) and (C), substituted "fifteen-sixteenths" for "one and three-sixteenths" before "inches or greater".
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-5-1715 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 5 / Article 17 / Section 50-5-1715
SECTION 50-5-1715. Penalties.
Status: in_force

A person who violates this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days and must pay restitution to the department. Each fish taken, possessed, sold, offered for sale, purchased, or attempted to be sold, purchased, brought to the dock, or landed in violation of this article is a separate offense.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-15-80 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 15 / Article 1 / Section 50-15-80
SECTION 50-15-80. Penalties; searches and seizures; power to arrest; disposition of confiscated property.
Status: in_force

(A) A person who violates Section 50-15-15, 50-15-20, or 50-15-70, or who fails to procure or violates the terms of a permit issued under a regulation promulgated pursuant to these sections, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both. (B) A person who violates Section 50-15-30(C), Section 50-15-55, or a regulation promulgated pursuant to these sections, or who fails to procure or violates the terms of a permit issued pursuant to Section 50-15-40(D) or (E), is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. (C)(1) The magistrates court has concurrent jurisdiction over violations of Sections 50-15-15, 50-15-20, 50-15-30, 50-15-40(D) and (E), 50-15-55, 50-15-70, and regulations promulgated pursuant to these sections. (2) Each individual animal not covered by a legal exemption or authorization by the department is considered a separate violation. The court may order restitution for a violation of Section 50-15-15, 50-15-20, 50-15-30, 50-15-40(D) and (E), 50-15-55, or 50-15-70. (3) Upon the conviction of a violator, the department must revoke any permits issued pursuant to this chapter, and the violator is prohibited from applying to obtain another permit from the department directly or indirectly for a period of two years following the conviction. (D) An enforcement officer employed and authorized by the department or a police officer of the State or a municipality or county within the State may conduct searches as provided by law and execute a warrant to search for and seize equipment, business records, merchandise, or wildlife taken, used, or possessed in connection with a violation of this article. The officer or agency, without a warrant, may arrest a person who the officer or agent has probable cause to believe is violating, in his presence or view, the article or a regulation or permit provided for by it. An officer or agent who has made an arrest of a person in connection with a violation may search the person or business records at the time of arrest and seize wildlife, records, or property taken or used in connection with the violation. (E) Equipment, merchandise, wildlife, or records seized under subsection (D) must be held by an officer or agent of the department pending disposition of court proceedings and forfeited to the State for destruction or disposition as the department considers appropriate. Before forfeiture, the department may direct the transfer of wildlife seized to a qualified zoological, educational, or scientific institution for safekeeping. The costs of holding the confiscated wildlife and items are assessable to the defendant upon conviction. The department may promulgate regulations to implement this subsection. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment, in subsection (A), substituted "A person who violates Section 50-15-30" for "A person who violates Section 50-15-50(F), Section 50-15-30, or regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 50-15-30". 2014 Act No. 159, SECTION 1, in subsection (A), substituted "50-15-20" for "50-15-30"; in subsection (B), substituted "50-15-30(C)" for "50-15-40(c)", and substituted "pursuant to Section 50-15-40(D)" for "under Section 50-15-50(D)"; and in subsection (C), twice substituted "article" for "chapter". 2020 Act No. 177, SECTION 7, rewrote the section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-9-520 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 9 / Article 5 / Section 50-9-520
SECTION 50-9-520. Lifetime statewide combination licenses; fees.
Status: in_force

(A) A resident may obtain a lifetime statewide combination license from the department at its designated licensing locations, which grants the same privileges as an annual combination license. The license fee is based on the age of the applicant. If at the time of application the individual is: (1) under two years of age, the fee is three hundred dollars; (2) at least two years of age, but less than sixteen years of age, the fee is four hundred dollars; (3) at least sixteen years of age but less than sixty-four years of age, the fee is five hundred dollars. (B) A resident who holds a lifetime combination license may obtain the privilege of statewide saltwater recreational fishing from the department at its designated licensing locations. The license fee is based on the age of the applicant. If at the time of application the individual is: (1) under two years of age, the fee is one hundred twenty dollars; (2) at least two years of age but less than sixteen years of age, the fee is one hundred sixty dollars; (3) at least sixteen years of age but less than sixty-four years of age, the fee is two hundred dollars. (C) A resident who holds a lifetime combination license may obtain the privilege of hunting migratory waterfowl from the department at its designated licensing locations. The permit fee is based on the age of the applicant. If at the time of application the individual is: (1) under two years of age, the fee is sixty-six dollars; (2) at least two years of age but less than sixteen years of age, the fee is eighty-eight dollars; (3) at least sixteen years of age but less than sixty-four years of age, the fee is one hundred ten dollars. (D) Privileges in subsections (B) and (C) also may be obtained simultaneously when application is made for licenses in subsection (A). Editor's Note Prior laws: 1937 (40) 303, 586; 1938 (40) 1659, 1688; 1942 Code SECTION 1767; 1952 (47) 2179; 1952 Code SECTION 28-557; 1962 Code SECTION 28-557; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1261; 1996 Act No. 372, SECTION 2; 2008 Act No. 268, SECTION 3. 2012 Act No. 257, SECTION 13, provides as follows: "(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a nonresident may obtain a lifetime combination license which grants the same privileges as a statewide combination license from the Department of Natural Resources at its Columbia office if: "(1) the applicant was born in this State and provides a notarized birth certificate from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control; "(2) the applicant has held title in fee simple, either in whole or in part, to real property located within this State for at least five years immediately preceding the date of application, and the applicant provides a notarized record of ownership from the appropriate county official in the county where the real property is located; "(3) the applicant, if born after June 30, 1979, and having attained the age of sixteen or older, complies with all hunter education requirements of this State and provides a certificate of completion for the course; and "(4) the applicant has not been charged for natural resource violations which could result in the suspension of hunting or fishing privileges. "(B) This license is available for purchase from July 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012. The fee is seven hundred dollars."
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-2570 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 12 / Section 50-11-2570
SECTION 50-11-2570. Issuance of special permit to capture destructive wildlife.
Status: in_force

(A) The department may issue special permits, at no cost to the applicant, for the taking, capturing, or transportation of wildlife which is destroying or damaging private or public property, wildlife habitat, game species, timber, crops, or other agriculture so as to be a nuisance or for scientific, research, or wildlife management purposes. (B) The permit provided in subsection (A) is not required by the property owner or his designee when capturing furbearing animals or squirrels within one hundred yards of the owner's home when the animal is causing damage to the home or the owner's property. An animal captured pursuant to this subsection must be destroyed or with a department permit may be relocated. (C) A person taking a furbearing animal under authority of a depredation permit may not dispose of the animal commercially. A person taking a furbearing animal in accordance with a depredation permit must report the number and type of animal taken to the department on forms prescribed by the department within twenty-one days of the expiration of the permit. A permit issued for the removal of destructive beavers is valid for a period of not less than one year from the date of issue. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment rewrote subsection (A).
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-960 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 5 / Section 50-11-960
SECTION 50-11-960. Paris Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary designated.
Status: in_force

The following area is designated as the Paris Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary: Beginning on Poinsett Highway (U.S. 25 North) at its intersection with Little Texas Road and following Little Texas Road to Roe Road and thence along Roe Road to a point opposite the northwestern boundary of Paris Mountain State Park and continuing with the western and southern boundaries of said Park to State Park Road; thence continuing south on State Park Road and Paris Mountain Road to Timber Lane; thence west on Timber Lane to Tryon Avenue; thence southwest on Tryon Avenue to Crestwood Road; thence north and west on Crestwood Road to Manley Drive and continuing generally west on Manley Drive, Dreamland Way, and Jervey Road to North Parker Road; thence generally north along North Parker Road to Phillips Trail and then along Phillips Trail to the intersection with Pistol Club Road; thence along Pistol Club Road to Pilot Road; thence generally north on Pilot Road to Club View Drive and on Club View Drive to the intersection of Old Buncombe Road; thence north on Old Buncombe Road to Poinsett Highway and from there to the beginning point at its intersection with Little Texas Road. Any person killing or maiming any bird or animal within the sanctuary is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Any person who kills squirrels on his own property is not subject to the provisions of this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-185 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-185
SECTION 50-23-185. Inspection of watercraft related facilities.
Status: in_force

Any law enforcement officer may inspect a junkyard, scrap metal processing facility, salvage yard, marina, repair shop, boat yard, dry dock, licensed business buying, selling, displaying, trading watercraft or outboard motors, new and used or parts of watercraft and outboard motors, or both, parking lots, and public garages or any other person dealing with salvaged watercraft or outboard motors or parts of them. The physical inspection must be conducted while an employee or owner is present and must be for the purpose of locating stolen watercraft or outboard motors, investigating the titling or registration of watercraft or outboard motors wrecked or dismantled.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-11-600 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 11 / Article 3 / Section 50-11-600
SECTION 50-11-600. Falconry; unlawful acts; penalties; regulations.
Status: in_force

(A) Falconry is the hunting of wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of a trained bird of prey or raptor (Order Falconiformes or Order Strigiformes other than bald eagle). (B) It is unlawful to use birds of prey to take any wildlife except as authorized in this section. Any person convicted of violating this section or regulations promulgated pursuant to this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned up to thirty days, or both. (C) The department may promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this section.
S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-90 — SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 1 / Section 50-1-90
SECTION 50-1-90. Hunting, fishing, or trapping without consent on lands of others; penalties.
Status: in_force

If any person, at any time whatsoever, shall hunt or range on any lands or shall enter thereon, for the purpose of hunting, fishing, or trapping, without the consent of the owner or manager thereof, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall, for a first offense, be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, for a second offense, be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days and, for a third or subsequent offense, be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months or both. The magistrates court has concurrent jurisdiction to hear first and second offenses under this section. A first or second offense prosecution resulting in a conviction shall be reported by the magistrate or city recorder hearing the case to the communications and records division of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division which shall keep a record of such conviction so that any law enforcement agency may inquire into whether or not a defendant has a prior record. Only those offenses which occurred within a period of ten years, including and immediately preceding the date of the last offense, shall constitute prior offenses within the meaning of this section. Effect of Amendment 2014 Act No. 250, SECTION 1, rewrote the section.