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Current through the end of the 2007 Regular Session
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Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft
CHAPTER 11.
PROTECTION OF GAME
ARTICLE 1.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 50-11-10. Adoption of Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act; prohibitions concerning hunting of waterfowl; penalties.
(A) The Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and its implementing regulations are the law of this State. However, the board annually may set seasons, bag limits, and methods for hunting and taking migratory birds consistent with federal law. A violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or its implementing regulations or a violation of regulations set by the board is a misdemeanor.
(B) In addition, it is unlawful to:
(1) trespass while hunting waterfowl;
(2) take or attempt to take waterfowl over bait;
(3) take or attempt to take waterfowl more than fifteen minutes before or after regularly designated hunting hours;
(4) possess more than one waterfowl over the legal limit;
(5) hunt waterfowl out of season.
(C) A person who violates a provision of subsection (A), with the exception of those provisions specified in subsection (B), 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 offense. A person who violates a provision of subsection (B) 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 not more than thirty days for each offense.
SECTION 50-11-15. Baiting prohibited in area over which migratory birds are hunted; penalties;.
(A) It is unlawful to bait, assist in baiting, or cause to be baited an area over which migratory birds are being hunted if the persons engaged in the hunting have a lawful right to hunt that area. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
(B) A property owner shall not be prosecuted for a violation of subsection (A) where the person who is engaged in hunting is trespassing or hunting the baited area without the permission of the owner.
SECTION 50-11-20. Definitions; migratory waterfowl committee; responsibilities of committee; use of funds.
(A) As used in this article:
(1) "Board" means the governing body of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
(2) "Committee" means the Migratory Waterfowl Committee.
(3) "Department" means the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
(4) "Migratory waterfowl" means members of the family "Anatidae", including brants, ducks, geese, and swans.
(B) There is created the Migratory Waterfowl Committee composed of nine members. A designee, who is not a paid employee, of Ducks Unlimited of South Carolina, a designee, who is not a paid employee, of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, and the Chairman of the Board of the Department of Natural Resources, or his designee, shall serve ex officio. Two members are appointed by the Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives, two are appointed by the Chairman of the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee of the Senate, and two are appointed by the Governor, all of whom must be cognizant of waterfowl. The members of the committee shall serve for terms of three years and until successors are appointed and qualify. Vacancies are filled for the unexpired term in the manner of the original appointment. The members of the committee shall elect a chairman annually. Members of the committee are eligible to receive the per diem, subsistence, and mileage as is provided by law for members of boards, commissions, and committees.
(C) The committee is responsible for the creation of the annual migratory waterfowl stamp provided in Section 50-9-530, shall provide the design to the department, and shall recommend regulations to the department for the creation of migratory waterfowl stamp prints, their administration, sale, and distribution, and other matters relating to the stamps and their prints. If the committee sells any of the stamps, it shall purchase them from the department for five dollars and fifty cents a stamp, all of which is retained by the department. Funds derived from the sale of prints and related artwork must be expended as follows:
(1) The portion of the funds necessary to make up fifty percent of the total funds derived from the sale of the migratory waterfowl stamps and the migratory waterfowl stamp prints must be transferred by the committee to the department to be used for its specified projects.
(2) Except for the amount necessary for the committee to administer and promote the sale of any prints, stamps, or related articles, the remainder of the funds derived from the sale of the prints and related articles must be disbursed to an appropriate nonprofit organization as determined by the board for the development of waterfowl propagation projects within Canada. The projects must specifically provide waterfowl for the Atlantic Flyway and must demonstrate evidence that the projects are acceptable to the appropriate governmental agencies having jurisdiction over the project areas.
SECTION 50-11-24. Hunting migratory fowl in Gills Creek watershed in Lancaster County without permission; penalties.
It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl in the Gills Creek watershed in Lancaster County within two hundred yards of a dwelling without written permission of the owner or 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.
SECTION 50-11-25. Prohibition on taking migratory waterfowl from certain blinds or positions; construction and use of blinds; penalties.
(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.
SECTION 50-11-26. Hunting migratory waterfowl on Bear Creek in Lancaster County without permission; penalties.
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.
SECTION 50-11-27. Hunting and baiting on Lake Murray; violations and penalties.
(A) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Lake Murray" means and includes the area from Lake Murray Dam to one-half mile upstream of Harmon's Bridge on Secondary Road 41-44 and upstream to Kempson's Ferry Bridge on Highway 395, excluding tributaries;
(2) "bait" means shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn; wheat or grain; salt; or other feed that would constitute a lure, attraction, enticement, or bait to waterfowl;
(3) "to bait" or "baiting" means placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering bait.
(B) It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on that portion of Lake Murray lying within Newberry and Saluda Counties within two hundred yards of a dwelling or marina without written permission of the owner and occupant.
(C) It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on that portion of Lake Murray lying within Lexington and Richland Counties within three hundred fifty yards of a dwelling or marina without written permission of the owner and occupant.
(D) From November 1 to February 1 of the following year, it is unlawful to bait, assist in, or cause to be baited any of the waters of Lake Murray below the lakefront property line. Provided, nothing in this section makes it unlawful to casually feed foodstuffs to waterfowl or to fill and use bird and other wildlife feeders.
(E) A person who violates subsections (B) and (C) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
(F) A person who violates subsection (D) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars.
SECTION 50-11-28. Unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Lake Greenwood; penalties.
It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Lake Greenwood within two hundred yards of a dwelling without written permission of the owner and occupant. As used in this section, Lake Greenwood includes the area from the Buzzard's Roost Dam upstream to the Smith Road Bridge pilings on the Saluda River, upstream to the Old Burnt Bridge on the Reedy River, and upstream to the SC Highway 72 bridge on Cane Creek. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-29. Unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Lake Wateree; penalties.
It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Lake Wateree within two hundred yards of a dwelling without written permission of the owner and occupant. As used in this section, Lake Wateree includes the area from Wateree Dam upstream to the Cedar Creek and Rock Creek Power Plant Dam. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. Provided, however, nothing in this section is intended to limit the restrictions of Section 50-19-1830.
SECTION 50-11-30. Extension of hunting season when season opens or closes on Sunday.
In all instances when the open season for the hunting of game expires on Sunday, the period is extended to include the following Monday. When the open season for hunting of game begins on a Sunday, hunting is allowed on the Saturday preceding and the season for hunting game opens on that day.
SECTION 50-11-31. Hunting near dwelling or marina on Potato and Wyboo Creeks prohibited; baiting prohibited; penalties.
(A) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Potato Creek" is the area lying east of Highway S-14-260 westward to the mouth of Potato Creek and the property controlled by Camp Bob Cooper 4-H Camp.
(2) "Wyboo Creek" is the area lying northward from a line connecting Green Island and Eagle Point on Lake Marion to Highway 260. This area will include the areas known as White Oak Slough, Air Port Slough, and Birch Branch.
(3) "Bait" means shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn; wheat or grain; salt; or other feed that would constitute a lure, attraction, enticement, or bait to waterfowl.
(4) "To bait" or "baiting" means placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering bait.
(5) "A dwelling" is a house or other structure in which a person or persons live; a residence; abode; occupied by a family as a place of residence, or a structure used as place of habitation.
(B) It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Potato Creek or Wyboo Creek, as defined for purposes of this section, within two hundred yards of a dwelling or marina without written permission of the owner or occupant.
(C) From November first to February first of the following year, it is unlawful to bait, assist in, or cause to be baited any of the waters of Potato Creek and Wyboo Creek below the lakefront property line defined as the 76.8 marker. However, nothing in this section makes it unlawful to casually feed foodstuffs to waterfowl or to fill and use bird and other wildlife feeders above the 76.8 marker.
(D) A person who violates subsection (B) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
(E) A person who violates subsection (C) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars.
SECTION 50-11-32. Hunting waterfowl on Lake Marion; penalty.
It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl in Calhoun County on Lake Marion within two hundred yards of a residence without written permission of the owner and occupant. As used in this section, Lake Marion includes the public waters in Calhoun County from the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers downstream to Poplar Creek. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-33. Hunting migratory waterfowl on portions of Lake Marion; penalties.
It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on Dean Swamp in Clarendon County or waters adjacent to Santee Cooper Resort in Orangeburg County on Lake Marion within two hundred yards of a dwelling without written permission of the owner and occupant. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than three hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-34. Hunting migratory waterfowl on portions of Lake Marion; penalty; markers.
It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl in the cove on Lake Marion immediately to the southeast of the Indian Bluff Recreation Site and in the coves on Lake Marion immediately to the east of the St. Julien Subdivision Extension and Cypress Shores Marina, respectively. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding thirty days. The department shall delineate the boundaries of these coves to which the prohibition applies and shall place appropriate markers within these boundaries identifying the area as closed to migratory waterfowl hunting.
SECTION 50-11-35. Hunting migratory fowl in Murrell's Inlet Creek.
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.
SECTION 50-11-40. Use of recorded sounds or amplified imitations of calls or sounds prohibited; penalties.
(A) It is unlawful for any person to hunt, catch, take, kill, or attempt to hunt, catch, take, or kill any 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.
(B) Any 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.
SECTION 50-11-45. Certain rifle defined as primitive weapon.
In addition to weapons defined as primitive weapons by statute or regulation, a rifle, .36 caliber or larger, which uses black powder only as its propellant charge and which has a one-eighth inch nonmagnified peep site on the rear of the barrel, is a primitive weapon.
(A) Persons engaged in the business of training bird dogs in return for money, goods, or services may obtain a Bird Dog Trainer's License entitling them to the privileges provided in this section.
(B) The applicant for the license shall provide proof of ownership in or a recorded leasehold instrument for a tract of land to be designated as a bird dog training area. The applicant also shall provide a county or highway map designating the location of the property together with a tax map, aerial photograph, or plat designating the property boundaries. The bird dog training area may not exceed fifty acres for each licensee.
(C) The boundaries of the area must be posted every one hundred fifty feet or less with signs designating the area as follows: "Private Bird Dog Training".
(D) The application and the license must list the trainer and not more than two assistants, all of whom must have hunting licenses. Upon receiving a training license, the trainer and his two assistants may take pen-raised quail during the closed season for training dogs. No person, trainer, or assistant, may be listed on more than one license.
(E) The licensee shall maintain records showing the number of birds purchased or raised, released for bird dog training, and harvested as part of the training program, together with other records the department may require as a condition of the license. A copy of these records must be open for inspection by agents of the department at reasonable times and must be furnished to the department in an annual report before issuance of the next year's license. The fee for the license is fifty dollars, and the license expires annually June thirtieth.
(F) The trainer and his assistants shall make reasonable efforts to minimize the disturbance of wild quail during training. Birds released pursuant to this section must be banded, and recovery or recall pens may be used if the trainer is issued a permit for the pens. Unbanded quail taken in recall pens must be released immediately.
(G) A person possessing a hunting license may train bird dogs on private land at any time during the year. However, outside the established quail season, only weapons capable of firing blank ammunition may be used unless feral pigeons have been released and are being used in the training.
(H) A person violating subsection (C), (D), (E), (F), or (G) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. A trainer or assistant trainer who violates one or more of these subsections must have his privileges provided under this section suspended for two years from the date of conviction.
(1) "Computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or any other device, equipment, or software, to remotely control the aiming and discharge of a firearm at an animal.
(2) "Computer-assisted remote hunting facilities" means real property and improvements on the property associated with hunting, including hunting blinds, offices, and rooms equipped to facilitate computer-assisted remote hunting.
(B) No person may engage in computer-assisted remote hunting in this State. This subsection shall apply to any person who is engaged in computer- assisted remote hunting if either the animal hunted, or any device, equipment, or software to remotely control the firearm are located in this State.
(C) No person shall establish or operate computer-assisted remote hunting facilities in this State.
(D) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction for a first offense must be fined not less than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, and for a subsequent offense must be fined not less than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. Upon conviction for a first offense, a person who violates this section must forfeit any South Carolina hunting or fishing license for ten years. If the person does not possess a South Carolina hunting or fishing license, the person is ineligible to obtain a South Carolina hunting or fishing license for ten years. Upon conviction for a second offense, a person who violates this section must permanently forfeit any South Carolina hunting or fishing license and is permanently ineligible to obtain a South Carolina hunting or fishing license.
(E) This section does not apply to a person who only provides:
(1) general-purpose equipment, including a computer, camera, fencing, and building materials;
(2) general-purpose computer software including an operating system and communications programs; or
(3) general telecommunications hardware or networking services for computers, including adapters, modems, servers, routers, and other facilities associated with Internet access.
(F) The provisions of this section do not apply to a disabled hunter using medical equipment or devices designed to assist with his disability while engaged in the act of hunting.
SECTION 50-11-100. Enclosure impeding free range of deer being hunted; construction unlawful; registration of existing enclosures; expansion of registered enclosures; penalties.
(A) It is unlawful to construct a new enclosure which prevents or materially impedes the free range of the deer being hunted. For purposes of the definitions herein, "prevents or materially impedes" means erecting a fence in excess of six feet in height from ground level for the express purpose of corralling wild game for hunting purposes.
(B) A person who violates a provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not less than one year nor more than three years, or both. The hunting and fishing privileges of a person convicted under the provisions of this section must also be suspended for two years. In addition, the court in which a person violating this section is convicted may order that restitution be paid to the department of not less than one thousand five hundred dollars for each animal taken in violation of this section and shall be ordered to remove the enclosure.
(C)(1) All owners or leasees of property which have enclosures which prevent or materially impede the free range of the deer being hunted must register with the department within thirty days after the effective date of this section, provided the enclosure is an existing, completed enclosure in that the construction of the enclosure is wholly complete in every respect and requires no further labor or material to erect or complete the construction of the enclosure thirty days after the effective date of this section.
(2) Except as provided in item (3), after an enclosure is registered with the department, the owner may expand but may not decrease the enclosed area. The owner may make repairs necessary for the care and maintenance of the enclosure.
(3) Expansion of a registered enclosure of less than seven hundred acres is limited to an aggregate of up to fifteen percent of the area of the enclosure as of the time the enclosure was registered. Expansion of a registered enclosure of seven hundred acres or more may not exceed an aggregate of four hundred acres.
(D) It is unlawful to hunt deer with dogs in an enclosure registered with the department pursuant to Section 50-11-100(C)(1).
(E) It is unlawful to construct any mound, platform, or other device designed to allow animals into an enclosed area.
(F) If any term or provision of this section is declared unconstitutional, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this section is severable and remains in full force and effect.
SECTION 50-11-105. Wildlife disease control; regulation of wildlife shipments; euthanasia.
(A) The department, after consulting with the State Livestock-Poultry Health Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture Veterinarian in Charge for South Carolina and after a reasonable attempt at landowner notification, may carry out operations including quarantines, destruction of wildlife, or other measures to locate, detect, control, eradicate, or retard the spread of diseases of wildlife independently or in cooperation with counties, special purpose districts, municipalities, property owner's associations or similar organizations, individuals, federal agencies, or agencies of other states, by regulation, compliance agreement, judicial action, or other appropriate means. The State shall not be required to indemnify the property owner for any wildlife taken as a result of this action. For the purposes of this section, landowner notification can occur by means of a telephone call, in person, or in writing.
(B) The department, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act and in order to ensure the continued health and safety of wildlife, may promulgate and enforce reasonable regulations to control or prohibit the shipment within, export from, or import into this State any wildlife, carcasses, or associated products of any nature or character from a state, territory, or foreign country when, in the opinion of the department, the regulation or prohibition is necessary to prevent the introduction or distribution of a disease or diseased, infirmed, or unhealthy wildlife.
(C) Department personnel and their designees are authorized to euthanize sick or injured wildlife.
The following species constitute small game animals: raccoon, opossum, rabbit, squirrel, fox, quail, bobcat, beaver, mink, muskrat, skunk, otter, grouse, and weasel.
(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: October 15 through March 1, with weapons and dogs; March 2 through October 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 Zone 2:
(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: October 15 through March 1, with weapons and dogs; March 2 through October 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.
(3) Game Zone 3:
(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.
(4) Game Zone 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 Day, with dogs only, and no quail may be taken;
(f) beaver: year round.
(5) Game Zone 5:
(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.
(6) Game Zone 6:
(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 day time 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.
SECTION 50-11-140. Taking raccoons, opossums, squirrels, or fox during period they can be hunted without weapons.
During a period in which raccoons, opossums, squirrels, or fox are allowed to be hunted without weapons, it is unlawful to take, or attempt to take, the animals.
(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 Zone 2:
(a) rabbit: five per day;
(b) squirrel: ten per day;
(c) raccoon: three per party per day;
(d) quail: twelve per day.
(3) Game Zone 3:
(a) rabbit: five per day;
(b) squirrel: ten per day;
(c) raccoon: no limit;
(d) quail: twelve per day.
(4) Game Zone 4:
(a) rabbit: five per day;
(b) squirrel: ten per day;
(c) raccoon: three per party per day;
(d) quail: twelve per day.
(5) Game Zone 5:
(a) rabbit: five per day;
(b) squirrel: ten per day;
(c) raccoon: three per party per day;
(d) quail: twelve per day.
(6) Game Zone 6:
(a) rabbit: five per day;
(b) squirrel: ten per day;
(c) raccoon: no limit;
(d) quail: twelve per day.
(B) Except as provided in this section, there is no limit on small game animals.
SECTION 50-11-160. Unlawful to trap rabbits; exceptions.
It is unlawful for any person to trap rabbits, except that a landlord or tenant may use not more than five rabbit boxes on lands on which he has exclusive control during the open season for rabbits as provided by law.
SECTION 50-11-170. Penalties for buying, selling, or displaying for sale carcasses or parts of wild rabbits in Game Zones 2 and 4.
Any person who buys, sells, or displays for sale in Game Zones 2 and 4 the carcasses of wild rabbits or parts of wild rabbits is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-180. Trapping or snaring of quail prohibited; exceptions; requests for quail trapping permits; requirements.
The trapping or snaring of quail is prohibited except as permitted by the department for scientific or propagation purposes. Requests for quail trapping permits must be accompanied by proof of property ownership or lease-hold interest for the property upon which the quail traps are to be operated, a county or highway map designating the location of the property, and an aerial photo, a tax map, or a plan designating property boundaries. The department may deny or revoke a permit in its discretion.
(1) In Game Zone 1: October 1 through October 10, with primitive weapons only; October 11 through October 16, and October 31 through January 1, with archery equipment and firearms.
(2) In Game Zone 2: September 15 through September 30, with archery equipment only, October 1 through October 10, with primitive weapons only; October 11 through January 1, with archery equipment and firearms.
(3) In Game Zone 3: August 15 through January 1, with archery equipment and firearms.
(4) In Game Zone 4: September 1 through September 14, with archery equipment and September 15 through January 1, with archery equipment and firearms.
(5) In Game Zone 5: August 15 through August 31, with archery equipment and September 1 through January 1, with archery equipment and firearms.
(6) In Game Zone 6: August 15 through January 1, with archery equipment and firearms.
(B) In Game Zones 1 and 2, and on WMA lands, the department may promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act to establish the methods for hunting and taking of deer and for other restrictions for hunting and taking deer.
(C) It is unlawful to pursue deer with dogs except during the prescribed season for hunting deer.
(2) Game Zones 4 and 5: not more than five for all seasons combined;
(3) Game Zones 3 and 6: no daily or season limit.
Each animal over the limit is a separate offense.
SECTION 50-11-340. Penalty for hunting deer during closed season.
Any person convicted of hunting deer during the closed season must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. None of the fine may be suspended.
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.
It is unlawful to hunt deer within three hundred yards of a residence without permission of the owner and occupant. Anyone violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. The provisions of this section do not apply to a landowner hunting on his own land or a person taking deer pursuant to a department permit.
SECTION 50-11-356. Discharging weapon near poultry layer or broiler house prohibited; penalties.
It is unlawful to discharge a gun or weapon within three hundred yards of a poultry layer or broiler house containing live poultry without permission of the owner. Anyone knowingly violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days. The provisions of this section do not apply to a landowner discharging a gun or weapon on his own land.
SECTION 50-11-360. Taking or attempting to take elk; penalty.
It is unlawful to take or attempt to take elk (Cervus elaphus). A person convicted of violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than twenty-five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
SECTION 50-11-380. Unlawful in Game Zone 1 to possess certain firearms or ammunition except during deer and bear season; penalties.
In Game Zone 1 it is unlawful, except during the season when the hunting of deer and bear is lawful, for any person engaged in the hunting of any game whatsoever to have in his possession any ammunition loaded with buckshot or larger shot or, while so engaged, to have in his possession a rifle, the caliber of which is greater than a caliber twenty-two, rimfire, or any rifle ammunition of a greater caliber than twenty-two.
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section must be imprisoned for not more than thirty days or fined not more than two hundred dollars.
SECTION 50-11-390. Departmental authority over game zones.
(A) The Department of Natural Resources may permit the taking of antlerless deer between September 15 and January 1, inclusive. The department may set bag limits and methods for hunting and taking of antlerless deer and other restrictions for the proper control of hunting and taking of antlerless deer.
(B) In all game zones, the department may issue individual tags for antlerless deer at a cost of five dollars each which must be used as prescribed by the department. These tags are valid statewide, except on properties receiving antlerless deer quota permits pursuant to subsection (C) of this section, and must be possessed and used only by the individuals to whom they are issued. Revenue generated from the sale of individual tags must be used to administer the tag program and for deer management and research. The department shall utilize twenty percent of this revenue for law enforcement.
(C) In all game zones, the department may issue antlerless deer quota permits to landowners or lessees at a cost of fifty dollars each. Revenue generated from the quota permits must be used to administer the tag program and for deer management and research.
(D) Antlerless deer taken pursuant to individual tags or quota permits must be tagged with a valid antlerless deer tag and reported to the department as prescribed. Each tag must be attached to the deer as prescribed by the department before the animal is moved from the point of kill. Antlerless deer taken pursuant to quota permits must be tagged, even if taken on designated either-sex days.
(E) The department may suspend the taking of antlerless deer or revoke any quota permit or individual tags when environmental conditions or other factors warrant.
(F) It is unlawful to hunt or take, possess, or transport antlerless deer, except as permitted by this section. A person violating the provisions of this section or the provisions for taking antlerless deer established by the department is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not to exceed thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-400. Unlawful to possess deer with head detached when in transit from woods, swamps, fields, or roads; penalties.
It is unlawful for anyone in this State to have in his possession any deer with the head detached when the person is in transit from any woods, swamps, fields, or roads. Any person convicted of transporting a deer with the head detached must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-410. Antlerless deer defined; unlawful to hunt, kill, take, or possess antlerless deer; exceptions; penalties.
For purposes of this chapter, antlerless deer means a female (doe) deer, a male (buck) deer not exhibiting two inch antlers visible above the natural hairline, or a male (buck) deer that has shed, broken, or otherwise lost its antlers. In South Carolina, it is unlawful to hunt, kill, take, or possess any antlerless deer on any property unless an open season has been declared on that property or an antlerless deer quota permit has been issued for the legal harvest of antlerless deer on that specific property. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-420. Penalty for possession of recently killed venison or fresh deerskin during closed season.
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.
(A) The open season for taking bear in Game Zone One is:
(1) for still gun hunts: the third Monday in October through the following Saturday inclusive; for party dog hunts: the fourth Monday in October through the following Saturday inclusive. In all other zones there is no open season for taking bear;
(2) any bear taken must be reported to the department's Clemson office within the next business day of the time of taking.
(B) It is unlawful to:
(1) hunt, take, or attempt to take a bear except during the open season;
(2) hunt, take, or attempt to take bear except as allowed by this title;
(3) to take more than one bear per person during still gun hunt season or more than three per party during party dog hunt season;
(4) take or attempt to take a bear of under one hundred pounds;
(5) take or attempt to take a sow bear with cubs;
(6) possess or transport a freshly killed bear or bear part except during the open season for hunting and taking bear;
(7) possess a captive bear except pursuant to a permit issued by the department;
(8) pursue bear with dogs; except during the open season for hunting and taking bear with dogs;
(9) hunt or take bear near bait or by the use or aid of bait.
(C) Each of the above acts is a violation of this section and is a separate offense.
(D) A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. Hunting and fishing privileges of a person convicted under the provisions of this section must be suspended for three years. In addition, each person convicted of a violation of this section shall pay restitution to the department of not less than one thousand five hundred dollars for each bear or bear part which is the subject of a violation of this section.
(E) Party dog hunts may not exceed twenty-five participants and must register with the department.
SECTION 50-11-440. Black bears; feeding or enticing with food; penalty.
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to feed or entice with food any black bear (Ursus americanus) except as follows:
(1) those persons feeding bears maintained in protective captivity under a permit issued by the department for education, scientific, commercial, or recreational purposes;
(2) department personnel;
(3) persons licensed or otherwise authorized by the department; or
(4) county or municipal animal personnel when relocating bears by baiting or enticement.
(B) Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-500. Provisions applicable to wild turkey.
(1) It is unlawful for a person to rob any wild turkey nest or own, possess, control, sell, or otherwise dispose of wild turkey eggs unless the possession of the eggs is authorized by permit issued by the department under the provisions of Section 50-11-1180.
(2) It is unlawful for a person to trap or snare any wild turkey.
(3) It is unlawful for a person to hunt, kill, or possess female wild turkeys at any time unless the department sets special open seasons for their taking.
(4) It is unlawful for a person to buy, sell, offer for sale, barter, or have in possession for sale any wild turkeys.
(5) It is unlawful for a person to release in the wild any pen-raised wild turkey unless that person is granted a permit to do so by the department. These permits are made after the department has caused a thorough study of the area on which pen-raised turkeys are to be released. The release of these turkeys is to take place under the supervision of department personnel. No pen-raised turkey may be released for any purpose unless it has been examined for parasites or disease and the release approved by the department not less than thirty days before the date of its release.
(6) It is unlawful for a person to shoot any wild turkey between thirty minutes after official sunset and thirty minutes before official sunrise.
(7) It is unlawful for a person to take or attempt to take a wild turkey with a rifle, pistol, buckshot, or shotgun slug.
(8) It is unlawful for a person to take or attempt to take a wild turkey from a vehicle on a public road.
(9) It is unlawful for a person to take or attempt to take a wild turkey from a watercraft on the waters of this State.
SECTION 50-11-510. Prohibition against baiting wild turkeys; definitions.
It is unlawful for a person to hunt or take or attempt to hunt or take a wild turkey by means of, or aid or use of, bait or baiting or on or over any baited area.
As used in this section, "bait" or "baiting' means the placing, "depositing, exposing, distributing, or scattering of salt, shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain, or other foodstuffs to constitute for wild turkeys a lure, attraction, or enticement to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them, and "baited area" means an area where salt, shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain, or other foodstuffs capable of luring, attracting, or enticing wild turkeys is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, and the area remains a baited area for ten days following complete removal of all bait.
SECTION 50-11-520. Wild turkey season; declaration of open or closed seasons.
The season for hunting and taking male wild turkeys (gobblers) in Game Zone 6 is March 15 through May 1 inclusive; in all other game zones the season for hunting and taking male wild turkeys (gobblers) is April 1 through May 1 inclusive. The department may make special studies in all game zones of this State and, after such studies the department may declare open or closed seasons of such duration as it considers advisable for the taking of turkeys. The department may declare an open season in any of the game zones and on WMA lands by promulgating regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act to establish the dates, places, and bag limits and may set the season and other conditions for hunting and taking wild turkeys on WMA lands.
SECTION 50-11-530. Authority of department to regulate wild turkey hunting.
The department may, at its discretion, prescribe methods by which turkeys may be taken in each game zone and may fix the specific areas of the zones in which turkeys have become numerous enough to be harvested. The department may designate the sex of the turkeys that may be taken and may prescribe any other regulations considered necessary and expedient for the proper control of the harvesting of turkeys in the zones.
SECTION 50-11-540. Penalties for violating rules applicable to wild turkey hunting; forfeiture of hunting and fishing privileges.
Any person taking, attempting to take, or having in his possession turkey illegally or taking, attempting to take, or killing turkey in any way not prescribed by the department is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. In addition, a person taking a wild turkey unlawfully must make restitution to the department in the amount of five hundred dollars for each bird taken. In addition, a person convicted of taking a wild turkey illegally forfeits hunting and fishing privileges for one year for each bird taken.
A person who hunts wild turkeys is required to possess a set of wild turkey transportation tags issued by the department at no cost. All turkeys taken must be tagged before being moved from the point of kill. No person may obtain or possess more than one set of turkey tags.
SECTION 50-11-550. Unlawful to discharge any weapon other than shotgun during certain times of year in certain areas of Catawba River and India Hook Dam.
It is unlawful between the dates of February sixteenth and Thanksgiving Day for any person to discharge any weapon, other than a shotgun, within one-fourth of a mile of the backwaters of the Catawba River and its tributaries up to the point and including all waters impounded by the India Hook Dam.
SECTION 50-11-565. Crossbows; use by disabled persons; prohibited seasons and places for use of crossbows.
(A) As used in this section:
(1) "Archery equipment" and "bow and arrow" mean either a longbow, recurve bow, or compound bow that propels an arrow by means of limbs and a string, that is hand-held, hand-drawn, and held in a drawn position by hand or hand-held release mechanism and that has no mechanical device to enable the shooter to lock or prop the bow at full or partial draw. Other than energy stored by the drawn bow, no device to propel the arrow is permitted.
(2) "Crossbow" means a device for propelling an arrow or bolt by means of a bow or other limbs affixed transversely to a stock which utilizes a nonhand-held locking mechanism to maintain the device in a drawn, partially drawn, or ready to fire condition. A crossbow is not archery equipment or a bow and arrow.
(3) "Upper limb disability" means an impairment certified by a licensed neurologist or orthopedist which prevents a person from holding the mass weight of archery equipment or a bow and arrow at arms length perpendicular to the body, or drawing or pulling the string of archery equipment or a bow and arrow of a minimum draw weight of forty pounds.
(B) Crossbows are legal for use statewide during any open season for deer, turkey, or bear by a person who suffers from an upper limb disability, provided the person, while hunting, has in immediate possession a written statement certifying the disability. The statement, based on a physical examination by a certifying neurologist, orthopedist, or rheumatologist shall describe the disability and shall state the person is not capable of operating archery equipment or a bow and arrow. A copy of the statement must be provided to the department prior to hunting with a crossbow.
(C) Except as provided in subsection (B), the use of crossbows during any open season for wild turkeys is unlawful and the use of crossbows during any archery equipment or bow and arrow only season is also unlawful. The use of a crossbow on private property statewide during the firearms or muzzleloader season for deer and bear is not prohibited.
(D) Notwithstanding this section or another provision of law, it is not unlawful for a person sixty-two years of age or older to use a crossbow to hunt during seasons when the use of primitive weapons is authorized for hunting.
ARTICLE 4.
NIGHT HUNTING, HARASSMENT OF WILDLIFE, TRESPASS OFFENSES
SECTION 50-11-708. Use of artificial lights; penalties.
(A) In all game zones the use of artificial lights for the purpose of observing or harassing wildlife is unlawful. However, this section does not prohibit an owner of real property or a person with a legal interest in real property from the use of artificial lights for the purpose of surveying or protecting the property. This section does not prohibit a person or group observing wildlife with the use of artificial lights who is engaged in research or documentary filming when done with written permission of the department and the landowner or leaseholder of the property.
(B) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
(C) Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit the lawful hunting of raccoon and fox.
SECTION 50-11-710. Night hunting prohibited; exceptions; use of artificial lights while hunting prohibited; exceptions; penalties; hunting license not to be issued to individual who has had his privilege to hunt suspended; penalties for hunting while privilege suspended.
Night hunting in this State is unlawful except that raccoons, opossums, foxes, coyotes, mink, and skunk may be hunted at night; however, they may not be hunted with artificial lights except when treed or cornered with dogs, or with buckshot or any shot larger than a number four, or any rifle ammunition of larger than a twenty-two rimfire.
For the purposes of this section, "night" means that period of time between one hour after official sundown of a day and one hour before official sunrise of the following day.
Any person violating the provisions of this section, upon conviction, must be fined for the first offense not more than one thousand dollars, or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both; for the second offense within two years from the date of conviction for the first offense, not more than two thousand dollars nor less than four hundred dollars, or be imprisoned for not more than one year nor for less than ninety days, or both; for a third or subsequent offense within two years of the date of conviction for the last previous offense, not more than three thousand dollars nor less than five hundred dollars, or be imprisoned for not more than one year nor for less than one hundred twenty days, or both. Any person convicted under this section after more than two years have elapsed since his last conviction must be sentenced as for a first offense.
In addition to any other penalty, any person convicted for a second or subsequent offense under this section within three years of the date of conviction for a first offense shall have his privilege to hunt in this State suspended for a period of two years. No hunting license may be issued to an individual while his privilege is suspended, and any license mistakenly issued is invalid. The penalty for hunting in this State during the period of suspension, upon conviction, must be imprisonment for not more than one year nor less than ninety days.
The provisions of this section may not be construed to prevent any owner of property from protecting the property from destruction by wild game as provided by law.
It is unlawful for a person to use artificial lights at night, except vehicle headlights while traveling in a normal manner on a public road or highway, while in possession of or with immediate access to both ammunition of a type prohibited for use at night by the first paragraph of this section and a weapon capable of firing the ammunition. A violation of this paragraph is punishable as provided by Section 50-11-720.
SECTION 50-11-720. Penalties for night hunting for deer or bear.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 50-11-710, any person convicted of the crime of night hunting for deer or bear must (1) for a first offense be fined not more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned as provided in Section 50-11-710; (2) for a second offense within two years of the first conviction be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars or imprisoned as provided for a first offense; (3) for a third or subsequent offense within two years of a conviction for a second or subsequent offense be fined not less than six hundred dollars nor more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned as provided for a first offense.
SECTION 50-11-730. Unlawful to hunt, shoot, or kill deer from a water conveyance; penalties.
It is unlawful for any person to hunt, shoot, or in any way kill deer from a motorboat, raft, or other water conveyance or to molest deer while any part of the deer is in the water. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than ninety days or be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars.
"Hunting", as used in this section in reference to a vehicle, boat, or device, includes the transportation of a hunter to or from the place of hunting in violation of this section, or the transportation of the carcass of a deer, or any part of a deer, which has been unlawfully hunted or killed in violation of this section.
In addition to the penalty herein, every boat, raft, or other water conveyance, vehicle, animal, firearm, and any other device being used in the violation of this section must be confiscated and delivered to the department.
For purposes of this section, a conviction for unlawfully hunting deer from boats or other water conveyances is conclusive as against any convicted owner of the above-mentioned property.
In all other cases, the forfeiture and sale is accomplished by the procedure set forth in Section 50-11-740.
SECTION 50-11-740. Confiscation, forfeiture, and sale of property used in hunting of deer or bear at night; procedures.
Every vehicle, boat, animal, and firearm used in the hunting of deer or bear at night is forfeited to the State and must be confiscated by any peace officer who shall forthwith deliver it to the department.
"Hunting" as used in this section in reference to a vehicle or boat includes the transportation of a hunter to or from the place of hunting or the transportation of the carcass, or any part of the carcass, of a deer or bear which has been unlawfully killed at night.
For purposes of this section, a conviction for unlawfully hunting deer or bear at night is conclusive as against any convicted owner of the above-mentioned property.
In all other instances, forfeiture must be accomplished by the initiation by the State of an action in the circuit court in the county in which the property was seized giving notice to owners of record and lienholders of record or other persons having claimed an interest in the property subject to forfeiture and an opportunity to appear and show, if they can, why the property should not be forfeited and disposed of as provided for by this section. Failure of any person claiming an interest in the property to appear at the above proceeding after having been given notice of the proceeding constitutes a waiver of his claim and the property must be immediately forfeited to the State.
Notice of the above proceedings must be accomplished by:
(a) personal service of the owner of record or lienholder of record by certified copy of the petition or notice of hearing or;
(b) in the case of property for which there is no owner or lienholder of record, publication of notice in a newspaper of local circulation in the county where the property was seized for at least two successive weeks before the hearing.
The department shall sell any confiscated device at public auction for cash to the highest bidder in front of the county courthouse in the county where it is confiscated, after having given ten days' public notice of the sale by posting advertisement thereof on the door or bulletin board of the county courthouse or by publishing the advertisement at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. Upon sale, the department shall pay over the net proceeds, after payment of the proper costs and expenses, if any, of the seizure, advertisement, and sale, including any proper expense incurred for the storage of the confiscated device, to the State Treasurer for deposit in the game protection fund. When the device is of greater value than one thousand dollars, the owner may at any time before sale redeem it by paying to the department the sum of one thousand dollars. When the device is of lesser value than one thousand dollars, the owner may at any time before sale redeem it by paying to the department the retail market value. The sums received by the department must be deposited in the game protection fund pursuant to the provisions of this section.
SECTION 50-11-745. Releasing confiscated property to innocent owner or lienholder; failure to recover property.
(A) Notwithstanding another provision of law, the Department of Natural Resources may administratively release any vehicle, boat, firearm, or hunting device confiscated from a person charged with a violation of this chapter to an innocent owner or lienholder of the property.
(B) Notwithstanding another provision of law, if an innocent owner or lienholder of property contained in subsection (A) fails to recover property contained in that subsection, then the Department of Natural Resources may maintain or dispose of the property.
(C) Before confiscated property is released to an innocent owner or lienholder, he shall provide the department with:
(1) proof of ownership or a lienholder interest in the confiscated property;
(2) certification that he will not release the property to a person who has been charged with a violation of this chapter which resulted in the confiscation of the property to be released.
SECTION 50-11-750. Unlawful to feed or entice with food any alligator; exceptions; penalties.
It is unlawful for any person to feed or entice with food any American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), except those persons feeding alligators maintained in protective captivity under a permit issued by the department pursuant to Section 50-15-50 for education, scientific, commercial, or recreational purposes; or department personnel, persons licensed, or otherwise authorized by the department, or county or municipal animal control personnel when relocating alligators by baiting or enticement. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in an amount not to exceed two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-760. Hunting from certain public roads and railroad rights-of-way prohibited; definitions; penalties.
(A) It is unlawful for a person to hunt from a public road or railroad right-of-way if the person does not have permission to hunt the land immediately adjacent to the public road or railroad right-of-way.
(B)(1) For purposes of this section, "hunting" includes:
(a) taking deer by occupying stands for that purpose; or
(b) possessing, carrying, or having readily accessible:
(i) a loaded centerfire rifle; or
(ii) a shotgun loaded with shot size larger than number four.
(2) For purposes of this section, "loaded" means a weapon within which any ammunition is contained.
(3) For purposes of this section, the terms "possessing", "carrying", and "having readily accessible" do not include a centerfire rifle or shotgun which is contained in a:
(a) closed compartment;
(b) closed vehicle trunk; or a
(c) vehicle traveling on a public road.
(C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
(D) In addition to any other penalties, the department must suspend the hunting privileges of a person convicted of violating this section for one year from the date of the conviction.
SECTION 50-11-780. Dogs engaged in hunting not required to be constrained by leash.
No dog is required to be constrained by a leash while it is actually engaged in hunting game and under supervision. As used in this section "supervision" means that the owner of the dog or his designee is either in the vicinity of the dog or in the process of trying to retrieve the dog.
ARTICLE 5.
NONGAME BIRDS AND ANIMALS, SANCTUARIES
SECTION 50-11-810. Game birds for which no specific open season is designated are protected; department authorized to regulate taking of exotic game birds; penalties.
All species of game birds for which the legislature has not provided a specific open season are protected and may not be shot, trapped, destroyed, or attempted to be shot, trapped, or destroyed at any time. The department may prescribe an open season for the taking of exotic game birds, prescribe the method by which they may be taken, and fix the specific areas of any zone in which these exotic species may become numerous enough to be harvested. All areas not specifically open to hunting are closed to hunting. The department may designate the sex that may be taken and may prescribe any other regulations that may be considered wise and expedient for the harvest of these new game birds. Any person taking, attempting to take, or having in his possession these exotic game birds illegally or taking, attempting to take, or killing these exotic game birds in any way not prescribed by the department is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not less than fifteen days nor more than thirty days. The provisions of this section are applicable to ruffed grouse.
SECTION 50-11-820. Unlawful to kill, catch, have in possession, or offer or expose for sale resident or migratory wild bird; exception.
No person within the State may kill, catch, or have in his possession, living or dead, any resident or migratory wild bird, other than a game bird, or purchase or offer or expose for sale any wild nongame bird after it has been killed or caught, except as permitted by Section 50-11-1180.
SECTION 50-11-830. Unlawful to sell or have in possession for sale plumage, skin, or body of protected bird.
No part of the plumage, skin, or body of any bird protected by Section 50-11-820 may be sold or had in possession for sale whether the bird was captured or killed within or without the State.
SECTION 50-11-840. Unlawful to take or destroy or attempt to take or destroy nest or eggs of wild bird; exceptions.
No person may take or destroy, or attempt to take or destroy, the nest or the eggs of any wild bird or have such nest or eggs in his possession, except as permitted in Section 50-11-1180.
SECTION 50-11-850. Unlawful to transport resident or migratory wild nongame bird; exceptions.
It is unlawful for any person or any firm or corporation acting as a common carrier, its officers, agents, or servants to ship, carry, take, or transport, either within or beyond the confines of the State, any resident or migratory wild nongame bird, except as permitted by Section 50-11-1180.
SECTION 50-11-851. Shooting, killing, or maiming of "carrier pigeon" prohibited; penalties.
The shooting, killing, or maiming of an Antwerp or homing pigeon, commonly known as a "carrier pigeon", is prohibited. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be punished by a fine not exceeding ten dollars or imprisonment not exceeding ten days.
SECTION 50-11-852. Unlawful to molest or kill birds of prey; bald eagles; penalties.
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.
SECTION 50-11-853. Unlawful to catch, kill, capture, or detain homing, racing or carrier pigeon; penalties.
No person, except the owner, shall catch, kill, capture, or detain a homing, racing, or carrier pigeon which at the time of its capture or detention has the name or initials of its owner, its number, or another mark designating it as a homing, racing, or carrier pigeon. 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.
SECTION 50-11-854. Seasons and bag limits for hunting and taking crows.
(A) The department may establish seasons and bag limits for the hunting and taking of crows consistent with the federal regulation governing those activities. However:
(1) The hunting season or seasons on crows may not exceed a total of one hundred twenty-four days during a calendar year:
(2) The department shall designate a season or seasons between September first and March first:
(3) It is unlawful to hunt or take crows:
(a) from an aircraft;
(b) by any methods except firearms, bow and arrow, and falconry;
(c) except as permitted by this section.
(B) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-860. Department to designate and establish sanctuaries; agreements with landowners.
The department, without any costs whatsoever to the State, shall designate and establish sanctuaries where game, birds, and animals may breed unmolested, if any landowner enters into an agreement with the department to set aside and turn over to the State for that purpose a certain number of acres of land. There may be no hunting or trespassing upon these lands so designated as a sanctuary by anyone for five years from the date of the agreement. The department may post those lands so designated as a sanctuary in the name of the State and prosecute any persons hunting or trespassing on the lands. Any agreement entered into under authority given in this section may be terminated at any time by the landowner and the department.
SECTION 50-11-870. Bird sanctuaries declared in certain areas; unlawful to use shotguns, rifles, pellet guns, and BB guns in sanctuaries.
The following areas are declared to be bird sanctuaries:
(1) Port Royal Plantation on Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County;
(2) Highlands of Otranto Subdivision in Berkeley County;
(3) the Town of Bonneau in Berkeley County;
(4) St. James Estates, Spring Hill, Devonshire, Raintree, and Harbor Lakes Subdivisions in Berkeley County;
(5) The Subdivision of Clear View on James Island, Charleston County;
(6) James Island water district in Charleston County;
(7) the Subdivision of Lee--Jackson--McCalls Corner on James Island, Charleston County;
(8) St. Phillips Parish, St. Michaels Parish, and North Charleston Public Service District, Charleston County;
(9) Melrose, Longbranch, and Shaftesbury Subdivisions in Charleston County as bounded on the south by Highway 17, on the west by Long Branch Creek, on the north by Magwood property line, and on the east by the property line of Castlewood Subdivision;
(10) Forest Lakes Subdivision located in the City and County of Charleston;
(11) Winnsboro Mills in Fairfield County bounded on the north by the city limits of Winnsboro, on the south by the intersection of Highways 321, 34, and 215, on the west by the by-pass of Highway 321, and on the east by Golf Course Road;
(12) Avondale Forest as recorded at plat book RR page 186 and plat book BBB page 36 in the office of the Registrar of Mesne Conveyances for Greenville County;
(13) Lake Forest and Lake Forest Heights in Greenville County, bounded on the north by Edwards Road, on the east by Shannon Drive, on the south by Old Spartanburg Road, and the west by Highway 291;
(14) Botony Woods, Greenville County;
(15) Heritage Lakes in Greenville County;
(16) the City of Ocean Drive Beach, Horry County;
(17) Windy Hill Beach, Horry County;
(18) Briarcliff Acres in Horry County as bounded on the north by Highway 17, on the east by the Holmes property, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by the Patterson property;
(19) Kirkover Hills near Camden in Kershaw County;
(20) Sunnyhills Subdivision near Camden in Kershaw County;
(21) The area between the western city limits of Camden and the Seaboard Railroad tracks, Kershaw County;
(22) that area bounded by the Haile Street Extension, U.S. Highway No. 1, and Lake Shore Drive near Camden, Kershaw County;
(23) Saluda Gardens, Saluda Terrace, Westover Acres, and Saluda Hills Subdivisions in Lexington County;
(24) Town of Arcadia Lakes, Richland County;
(25) Community of Belvedere in Richland County;
(26) Deerfield Plantation, Berkeley County; River Hills Plantation, York County;
(27) City of Tega Cay, York County;
(28) the area in York County, consisting of a portion of the impounded waters of Lake Wylie lying south of State Highway 49 and east of State Highway 274, southward to the dam of Lake Wylie. That area lying on the eastern side of State Highway No. 72, embracing the Country Club Estates, the Rock Hill Country Club, the Oakdale School property, a portion of the Drennan property, and being bounded on the north by the Fewell property, on the east by the Fewell and Parrish properties, on the south by the old Mount Holly Road, and on the west and north by State Highway No. 72; and also the area in York County, consisting of a portion of the impounded waters of Lake Wylie in Mill Creek, lying to the east and west of Highway 274, being bounded on the south by Bonum Road and lands bordering the waters of Mill Creek, on the north by Lake Mist Drive, Mill Creek Road, a portion of River Oak Road, and lands bordering the waters of Mill Creek.
(29) the area known as the community of River Hills Plantation, Inc., in York County.
(30) The Town of Pawleys Island in Georgetown County.
(31) the area in Clarendon County consisting of that portion of Tawcaw Creek, adjacent to Goat Island, lying southeast of County Road 38, and extending into Lake Marion to the extent of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge boundaries lying east and west of that portion of Lake Marion;
(32) Rolling Green Retirement Community in Greenville County.
(33) the grounds of the Presbyterian Home of South Carolina located on Highway 56 in the Town of Clinton in Laurens County.
It is unlawful to use shotguns, rifles, pellet guns, and BB guns within the area described in this section.
SECTION 50-11-875. Bird sanctuary within City of Charleston.
The following area in Charleston County within the City of Charleston is declared to be a bird sanctuary:
From William Kennerty Drive along Highway 61, approximately 2,800 feet to Ashley Hall Plantation Road, then from Highway 61 along Ashley Hall Plantation Road, approximately 4,600 feet to Captiva Row, then from Ashley Hall Plantation Road along Captiva Row, approximately 1,500 feet to Ashley Hall Road, then from Captiva Row along Ashley Hall Road, approximately 400 feet to Boone Hall Drive, then from Ashley Hall Road along Boone Hall Drive, approximately 3,250 feet to William Kennerty Drive, then from Boone Hall Drive along William Kennerty Drive, approximately 1,050 feet to Highway 61 at the point of beginning.
It is unlawful for any person to trap, hunt, molest, or attempt to molest in any manner any bird or wild fowl or to molest any birds' nests or wild fowls' nests 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.
SECTION 50-11-880. Wildlife sanctuaries declared in certain areas; unlawful to discharge firearm or attempt to take or kill wildlife in sanctuaries; exceptions.
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.
SECTION 50-11-883. Designation of portion of Lake Secession, and of Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens as wildlife sanctuary.
(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.
SECTION 50-11-890. Bird and squirrel sanctuaries declared in certain areas.
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.
SECTION 50-11-900. Nongame bird sanctuaries declared in certain areas.
The following areas are declared to be nongame bird sanctuaries:
(1) the Hannahan Public Service District located in Berkeley County;
(2) St. Andrews Parish in Charleston County.
SECTION 50-11-910. Francis Beidler Forest declared wildlife sanctuary.
The land owned or managed by the National Audubon Society, Incorporated, in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties, known as the Francis Beidler Forest, is declared to be a sanctuary for the protection of game, birds, and other animals. There may be no hunting, fishing, or trespassing in the sanctuary. Fishing may be permitted by written authorization from the management of the Francis Beidler Forest only.
The management of the Francis Beidler Forest shall post along the outer boundaries of the land and mouths of all streams and creeks entering into the Francis Beidler Forest signs notifying the public that the area is a sanctuary and is closed to hunting and fishing except as authorized.
No flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants may be damaged or removed from the park without permission from the management.
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-915. Playcard Environmental Education Center sanctuary in Horry County.
The land owned, leased, or managed by the Playcard Environmental Education Center in Horry County is declared a sanctuary for the protection of game, birds, and other animals. There may be no hunting, fishing, or trespassing in the sanctuary. Fishing may be permitted only by written authorization from the management of the center.
The management of the center shall post along the outer boundaries of the land and mouths of all streams and creeks entering into the Playcard Environmental Education Center signs notifying the public that the area is a sanctuary and is closed to hunting and fishing except as authorized.
No flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants may be damaged or removed from the park without permission from the management.
A person convicted of violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-920. Kershaw County park declared wildlife sanctuary.
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.
SECTION 50-11-925. South Carolina Future Farmers of America Camp Wildlife Sanctuary.
The land owned, leased, or managed by the South Carolina Future Farmers of America Camp of the Little River Neck section of Horry County is declared a sanctuary for the protection of game, birds, and other animals. There may be no hunting, fishing, or trespassing in the sanctuary. Fishing may be permitted only by written authorization from the management of the camp.
The management of the camp shall post along the outer boundaries of the land and mouths of all streams and creeks entering into the camp signs notifying the public that the area is a sanctuary and is closed to hunting and fishing except as authorized.
No flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants may be damaged or removed from the camp without permission from the management.
A person convicted of violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-930. Unlawful to trap, hunt, or molest ducks or geese or molest their nest on certain waters or tidelands; penalties.
It is unlawful for any person to trap, hunt, or molest in any manner any species of duck or geese, or to molest any duck or goose nest, on any water or tideland owned by the State within the following boundary:
Beginning at the westernmost tip of the Isle of Palms at the base of the bridge across Breach Inlet and running a course of 343 degrees true to a unnamed marsh island; thence following the low-water mark of the unnamed island in a northeasterly direction to the Intracoastal Waterway; thence across the Intracoastal Waterway to the north bank of the intersection of Swinton Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway; thence in a northeasternly direction along the bank of the Intracoastal Waterway to Hamlin Creek; thence 300 yards up the west bank of Hamlin Creek; thence across to the east bank of Hamlin Creek and following the creek bank to the westernmost tip of Goat Island at the Intracoastal Waterway; thence running in a northeasternly direction along the high-water mark of Goat Island to a point at latitude 32 degrees 48.5'N. and longitude 79 degrees 45.5'W.; thence running a course of 151 degrees true across the Intracoastal Waterway to the high-water mark of the Isle of Palms; and, thence following the high-water mark of the Isle of Palms to the westernmost tip of the island at the base of the bridge across Breach Inlet.
Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-940. Certain property of Belle W. Baruch Foundation designated bird and game refuge.
(A)(1) The property of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation in Georgetown County, other than those areas whose surface is at or below mean high tide, is designated as a bird and game refuge. It is unlawful for a person to trap, hunt, molest, or attempt to molest in any manner any game, including wild hogs and coyotes, within the refuge, or to trespass in any manner upon the property of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation for that purpose. Education and research activities conducted by or under the supervision of the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, or another fully accredited, not-for-profit public or private college or university headquartered in this State is not unlawful.
(2) A person violating a provision of subsection (A)(1) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
(B) Notwithstanding subsection (A) it is not unlawful for an employee or agent of the foundation to capture, trap, or hunt wild hogs, coyotes, deer, or raccoon, upon the authorization of the foundation for the purpose of animal or disease control or other environmental or ecological purposes as the foundation may direct.
SECTION 50-11-941. Last will and testament to control.
Nothing contained in Section 50-11-940 of the 1976 Code shall be construed to be in conflict with the provisions or the intent of the Last Will and Testament of Belle W. Baruch, which last will and testament shall control with respect to the provisions of the code section.
SECTION 50-11-950. Certain lands owned by Brookgreen Gardens declared wildlife sanctuary.
The lands owned by Brookgreen Gardens, as an eleemosynary corporation for southeastern flora and fauna, in Georgetown County and all streams, creeks, and waters, fresh, salt or mixed, entering into the lands are established as a sanctuary for the protection of game, other birds, and animals, and any hunting, shooting, fishing, or trespassing on the lands or waters is prohibited, except such hunting and shooting as may be carried on by permission of the trustees of Brookgreen Gardens, granted at an annual meeting of the trustees. Permission for hunting and shooting is not granted by the trustees unless it is apparent to them that there is an excess of deer or other game which may cause damage to the gardens or other property owned by the trustees. The public is allowed to fish in the Atlantic Ocean from the beaches of the area and in the saltwater creeks entering into it, under such regulations as may be promulgated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism having due regard for the safety of bathers and convenience of other users of the park. The trustees of the Brookgreen Gardens Corporation or the State Commission of Forestry shall post signs along the outer boundaries of the land and at the mouths of all streams and creeks notifying the public that the area is a sanctuary and closed to hunting and fishing, except as authorized by the terms of this section.
Nothing herein abridges or curtails the rights of the department to control and permit the oyster bottoms in the area under its jurisdiction.
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or imprisonment for not exceeding thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-960. Paris Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary designated.
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.
SECTION 50-11-961. Greenville Technical College campus declared wildlife sanctuary.
The campus of Greenville Technical College in Greenville County bounded on the north by East Faris Road, on the east by South Pleasantburg Drive (Highway 291), on the south by Cleveland Street, and on the west by the Reedy River, is designated as a bird and wildlife sanctuary.
It is unlawful for a person to trap, hunt, molest, or attempt to molest in any manner a bird or wild fowl or to molest any birds' nests or wild fowls' nests within the sanctuary, and it is unlawful for a person to trap, hunt, molest, or attempt to molest in any manner any wildlife within the sanctuary.
A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-970. Certain lands owned by Lake Dogwood Corporation designated waterfowl sanctuary.
The area in Richland County consisting of the lands and waters owned by the Lake Dogwood Corporation is designated a waterfowl sanctuary. It is unlawful for any person to trap, hunt, or molest in any manner any species of duck or goose, or to molest any duck or goose nest in the refuge. Anyone violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
SECTION 50-11-980. Certain lands and waters in Charleston Harbor and adjacent estuarine system designated wildlife sanctuary.
The lands and waters in Charleston Harbor and its adjacent estuarine system in Charleston County lying within the following boundaries are designated a wildlife sanctuary:
The area in Charleston County beginning at the foot of Station 22 1/2 Street on Sullivan's Island, thence on a line north following Ben Sawyer Boulevard (Highway 703) into Mt. Pleasant to a point just south of Center Street where the marsh of the upper reaches of Jeanette Creek meets highland, thence turning 230 degrees southwest following a line to Pitt Street in Mt. Pleasant, thence turning northwest following Pitt Street to its intersection with Live Oak Avenue, thence northeast to Coleman Boulevard, thence following Coleman Boulevard across Shem Creek and continuing on a line 310 degrees northwest to the eastern range marker for the Drum Island Channel Range just south of Remley's Point, thence continuing northwest on the Drum Island Reach for approximately six thousand eighty feet, thence due west on a line across the Charleston peninsula for approximately seven thousand nine hundred sixty-six feet, thence turning 330 degrees northwest and continuing for approximately nine thousand six hundred forty-three feet along the east side of the Ashley River, thence turning 330 degrees northwest and continuing on a line for approximately five thousand eight hundred seventy feet, thence turning 240 degrees and continuing for approximately four thousand one hundred ninety-three feet, thence turning 134 degrees southeast and continuing approximately nine thousand six hundred forty-three feet to a point on the west bank of the Ashley River just south of the WTMA radio tower, thence turning 200 degrees south and continuing for approximately three thousand three hundred fifty-four feet along the west bank of the Ashley River, thence turning south 170 degrees for approximately three thousand seven hundred seventy-three feet, thence turning northwest 310 degrees and continuing for approximately four thousand one hundred ninety-three feet, thence turning south 190 degrees and continuing approximately five thousand thirty-one feet, thence returning east 105 degrees and continuing for approximately three thousand seven hundred seventy-three feet, thence turning south again 190 degrees and continuing for approximately two thousand five hundred sixteen feet to its intersection with Highway 61, thence turning southeast 120 degrees and continuing approximately nineteen thousand sixty-two feet to the north bank of Wappoo Creek, then