Bill > H4771

This bill modifies South Carolina's laws regarding night hunting, increasing penalties and clarifying regulations. It revises the fines and jail time for night hunting violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Importantly, it now specifically addresses the use of electronic vision enhancing devices, such as thermal imaging or night vision scopes, by making their use in conjunction with certain firearms or ammunition prima facie evidence of illegal night hunting for deer, bear, or turkey, unless on property specifically registered for night hunting of other animals like feral hogs or coyotes. The bill also grants magistrates court jurisdiction to impose penalties for these offenses, up to a certain limit. Furthermore, it expands the types of property subject to confiscation and forfeiture when used in illegal night hunting of deer, bear, or turkey, including vehicles, boats, and various hunting equipment, and revises the procedures for forfeiture and the penalties associated with these seizures, including provisions for redeeming confiscated items.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4771&session=126&summary=B