What’s New - General

Act 15 (S.101)

Disability Licenses for Legally Blind Persons

A person who is certified legally blind as defined in Section 43-25-20 can be issued a lifetime disability combination license or a lifetime disability fishing license at no cost. Disability recertification or renewal of this license is not required.

Effective May 12, 2023

Act 42 (H.3868)

Women in Hunting and Fishing Awareness Day

The General Assembly has designated the third Saturday in November of each year as “Women in Hunting and Fishing Awareness Day” in South Carolina. This will be celebrated on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Regulation 123-203

E-Bikes on WMA Lands

On WMA lands, Class 1 electric bicycles are no longer considered motorized vehicles and may be used on open roads and established roadways where traditional bicycles are allowed. This regulation does not apply to lands of the Francis Marion or Sumter National Forests in the WMA Program. For more information regarding e-bikes on National Forest lands, go to https://fs.usda.gov/scnfs.

What’s New - Hunting

Regulation 123-40

Sunday Hunting on WMAs

Hunting will be allowed on Sundays between October 15 and January 31 for those species in season on Edisto River WMA, Webb WMA, Palachucola WMA, Hamilton Ridge WMA, Liberty Hill WMA, Belfast WMA, Woodbury WMA, Sumter National Forest, and Francis Marion National Forest. See regulations for specific WMAs for additional restrictions. Deer hunts on Webb WMA, Palachucola WMA, and Hamilton Ridge WMA are conducted through the Public Lottery Hunts Program (https://www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/deerlotterysites.html)

What’s New - Boating

Act 74 (S.96)

Mandatory Boater Education

Boaters born after July 1, 2007 are required to pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, personal watercraft (jet ski), or a specialty propcraft powered by 10 h.p. motor or more. There are exemptions for age and boating certifications. See 50-21-95 for a complete list of exemptions.

Effective August 18, 2023

Act 39 (H.3689)

Airboat Use on Broad River (Richland County) and Stevens Creek (Edgefield County)

Amends Section 50-21-860 making it unlawful to operate an airboat on the waters of the Broad River in Richland County and on Stevens Creek in Edgefield County from one hour before legal sunset to one hour after legal sunrise.

Effective May 16, 2023