123-150 . Non-Game and Endangered Species.
123-150.1. Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae (Sea Turtles).
123-150.2. Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Amphibians and Mammals.
123-150.3. Scientific Collecting Permit Required.
123-151. Regulations for Species or Subspecies of Non-game Wildlife.
123-151.1. Regulations for Spotted Turtle.
123-151.2. Regulations for Southern Hognose Snake.
123-151.3. Exchange and Transfer for Certain Native Reptiles and Amphibians.
123-151.4. Possession Limits for Certain Native Reptiles and Amphibians.
123-152. Regulations for Nonnative Wildlife.
123-153. Repealed.
123-160. Vultures, Kites, Hawks, Eagles, Ospreys, Falcons, and Owls.
123-170 . South Carolina State Falconry Permit Regulations.
123-150. Non-Game and Endangered Species.
1. The following list of species or subspecies of non-game wildlife are faced with extinction in the foreseeable future and are added to the official State List of Endangered Wildlife Species of South Carolina.
I. Birds
1. Bachman's Warbler (Vermivora bachmanii)
2. Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)
3. Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis)
4. Kirtland's Warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii)
5. Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)
6. Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)
7. Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
8. Wood Stork (Mycteria americana)
II. Fish
1. Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum)
2. Pinewoods Darter (Etheostoma mariae)
III. Mammals
1. Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)
2. Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
3. Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
4. Eastern Cougar (Felis concolor cougar)
5. Finback Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
6. Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
7. Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaengliae)
8. Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)
9. Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis)
10. Sperm Whale (Physeter catodon)
11. Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat (Plecotus rafinesquii)
IV. Reptiles
1. Atlantic Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys c. coriacea)
2. Atlantic Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
3. Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
4. Atlantic Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
V. Amphibians
1. Flatwoods Salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum)
2. Webster's Salamander (Plethodon websteri)
3. Carolina Gopher Frog (Rana c. capito)
VI. Molluscs
1. Atlantic Pigtoe Mussel (Fusconaia masoni)
2. Brother Spike Mussel (Elliptio fraterna)
2. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell, or offer for sale or ship, and for any common carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment any species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on the list of “Endangered Wildlife Species of South Carolina”, except by permit for scientific and conservation purposes issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Permits for conservation purposes shall be issued only for relocation, if warranted, and the incidental take of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers as part of the statewide Habitat Conservation Plan for Safe Harbor and for other mitigation purposes approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
3. The penalty for the violation of this Rule and Regulation shall be that prescribed by 50-15-80, 1976 S.C. Code of laws.
Credits
HISTORY: Amended by State Register Volume 18, Issue No. 5, eff May 27, 1994; State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 4, eff April 24, 1998; State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 6, Part 2, eff June 28, 2002; State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2007; State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 8, eff August 28, 2009.
123-150.1. Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae (Sea Turtles).
1. The remaining species of the families Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae (sea turtles) not listed in South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department Regulation 123-150 are considered threatened and in need of management.
2. That is shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, barter, trade, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale or ship, and for any contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment any such species or products or parts or eggs thereof except by permit for scientific or educational purposes issued by the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, except that incidental catch of sea turtles while engaged in otherwise legal fishing, trawling or research activities at sea would be exempt under the taking clause of this regulation.
3. Sea turtles captured incidentally to legal fishing and/or research activities which appear vigorous when removed from the net, will be immediately returned to the water, exercising due care to prevent injury. Release should be from a location on the vessel which will minimize the possibility of the turtle being damaged by the vessel's propeller. The release will be made only when all sets of trawl doors or otter boards are hanging from the boom or outriggers.
4. Sea turtles which show no sign of life or those that are obviously weak, will be turned on their back and held on deck until they regain their strength or it appears that the turtle is definitely dead. In no cases, will weakened or apparently dead turtles be released until they have been held on deck for 30 minutes and attempts at revival have been made, i.e., pressing or pumping plastron (belly shell) to expel water and stimulate breathing.
5. That the penalty for the violation of this Rule and Regulation shall be prescribed by Section 50-15-80, 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended.
6. That except as modified or changed hereby, all prevailing laws, rules and regulations concerning wildlife in South Carolina shall remain in full force and effect.
123-150.2. Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Amphibians and Mammals.
The following list of species or subspecies of non-game wildlife are considered to be threatened and are added to the official state list of Non-game Species in Need of Management.
I. Birds
1. American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrines anatum)
2. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
3. Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)
4. Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina)
5. Least Tern (Sterna albifrons)
6. Wilson's Plover (Charadrius wilsonia)
II. Fish
1. Carolina Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma boehlkei)
2. Broadtail Madtom (Noturus sp.)
III. Reptiles
1. American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
2. Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
3. Atlantic Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
4. Coal Skink (Eumeces anthracinus)
5. Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii)
6. Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)
7. Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus)
IV. Amphibians
1. Dwarf Siren (Pseudobranchus striatus)
2. Pine Barrens Treefrog (Hyla andersonii)
V. Mammals
1. Small-footed Bat (Myotis leibii)
Credits
HISTORY: Amended by State Register Volume 18, Issue No. 5, eff May 27, 1994; State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 6, Part 2, eff June 28, 2002; State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2007; State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 8, eff August 28, 2009.
23-150.3. Scientific Collecting Permit Required.
That a scientific collecting permit under the terms of § 50-11-2190, 1976 Code of Laws, shall be required for the collecting of all nongame species or subspecies of the Classes Pices (Fish), Amphibia (Amphibians), Reptilia (Reptiles), Aves (Birds) and Mammalia (Mammals).
123-151. Regulations for Species or Subspecies of Non-game Wildlife.
A. Alligator Harvest
1. The size and number of all alligators to be taken will be specified by the Department on permits provided with harvest tags. A permit holder may only take and/or possess alligators identified by the Department and only in the manner specified by the Department.
2. All who take or attempt to take an alligator must have a copy of the harvest permit along with an unused harvest tag with them while afield.
3. Once an alligator is killed and before it is transported, a harvest tag must be attached and locked within six inches of the tip of the tail. In the event that an alligator harvest tag is defective and is not usable for the purpose intended, or becomes detached from the alligator hide, the Department must be notified immediately. The Department will be responsible for the replacement of defective, but not lost, tags. The alteration of harvest tags is strictly prohibited.
4. Alligator meat may be used by the harvester but cannot be bought, sold or bartered except as provided in this regulation. All packages of meat not to be sold must have a tag or label with the name of the harvester and the harvest tag number attached.
5. Before shipping or transporting outside of the USA, carcasses or hides must have CITES tags attached. Anyone desiring to ship or transport such items from the country must contact select Department offices for CITES validation and tagging.
6. Any alligator carcass, hide or part that is not tagged, labeled or marked as required in this regulation is declared contraband and must be confiscated.
B. Depredation Program
1. Depredation permits for alligator removal will be issued to property owners or control agents. There is no fee for participation in this program.
2. Qualifications and liability of Control Agents:
a. Control agents must possess the experience and ability to handle alligators.
b. Control agents must supply all equipment necessary to take alligators.
c. Control agents assume personal liability for their health, safety and welfare and that of their assistants.
d. Control agents are not employees of the Department, they are independent contractors.
e. Applications for selection as control agents will be reviewed by the Department. The number of appointed control agents will be based upon the need as determined by the Department.
3. Operation of Department designated alligator control agents:
a. Alligators may be skinned only at designated sites and in accordance with specific instructions provided by the Department.
b. The meat of alligators may be used by the control agents or his/her immediate family and may also be given to others, but must not be bought, sold or transferred except as provided in this regulation. All packages of meat not to be sold, transferred or bartered must have a label attached that includes the name of the person who harvested the alligator and the harvest tag number.
c. Each control agent may be assisted by not more than two assistant control agents approved by the Department, provided that no such assistant shall operate or conduct any alligator trapping or transportation activity except under supervision of the control agent.
d. Alligator harvest tags issued to control agents are the property of the Department and shall remain the property of the Department.
e. Designation as an alligator control agent is discretionary with the Department and such designation may be revoked at any time.
C. Private Lands Alligator Program
1. Alligators may be taken from lands that are in the Private Lands Alligator Program. The season for taking alligators under this program is from September 1 until May 31. The Department will establish a quota and issue tags for each specific application. Alligators taken under this program must be at least 4 feet in length. Alligators less than 4 feet taken incidentally must be tagged with a harvest tag, but cannot be disposed of commercially.
2. Applications for participation in the Private Lands Program are due August 1 of each year for the subsequent September 1 to May 31 season. Applications received by the Department after August 1st of that year may be denied participation based on the number of harvest tags available or at the discretion of the Department. All participants must report all harvested alligators and harvest information to the Department not later than the following July 1st. No renewal application for a property previously enrolled in the Private Lands Alligator Program will be processed until such time as an accurate and complete harvest report is submitted to the Department.
3. If the application is approved by the Department for participation in the Private Lands Alligator Program and a permit is issued, alligators may be taken only from that area and only by a licensed hunter. In order to participate in the Private Lands Alligator Program, an alligator control agent as defined in Section B must also be a licensed hunter. Participants in the Private Lands Alligator Program must maintain accurate records for inspection by Department personnel and the records must be made available for immediate inspection at any and all reasonable hours at the request of the Department.
4. All areas identified in the Private Lands Alligator Program and facilities used for processing alligators must be open to Department personnel for inspection to determine compliance with the program and laws and regulations protecting alligators and to allow collection of biological information.
5. During the designated private lands season, alligators may only be taken by firearms, hand-held snares, set snares, hand-held harpoons, archery equipment, crossbows, snatch hooks and as otherwise permitted by the Department. If devices other than firearms are used, a line must be securely attached to the hook, arrow or head of the device in such a manner to prevent separation from the hook, arrow or head until the carcass is retrieved. The other end of the line must be held by the hunter or be attached to a stationary or floating object capable of maintaining line above water when an alligator is attached. Rimfire firearms and shotguns are prohibited for taking alligators except that these firearms can be used to dispatch an alligator secured by a line. No alligator may be taken by use of baited hooks or by pole hunting. Pole hunting is defined as the act of taking an alligator from a den with a hook or snagging device of any type secured to the end of a pole and includes any device used to induce an alligator to move from a den prior to taking. All alligators taken under this program must be killed prior to transport off of the property named on the permit.
6. No person may use alligator harvest tags issued for privately-owned habitat on publicly-owned property.
7. A Department-supplied alligator harvest report form must be updated by the applicant or the person taking alligators on the property within 24 hours of the taking of each alligator. Alligator hunters, while on property designated under the Private Lands Alligator Program, must possess tags for that property. Completed harvest forms must be returned to the Department by July 1st of each year. A participant who does not report is not eligible to participate in the program the following season.
8. Unless otherwise specifically allowed by Department permit, alligator hides, parts or products may be retained and sold only in accordance with this regulation.
D. Alligator Hunting Season
1. The Department may issue a prescribed number of Alligator Hunting Season permits for the harvest of alligators. Those applicants randomly selected shall be issued instructions along with harvest tag(s). Alligators may be taken pursuant to permits from public and private areas where the person has legal access for the taking of alligators. Alligators taken under this program must be at least 4 feet in length. The season for hunting alligators under this program is from 12:00 noon on the 2nd Saturday in September until 12:00 noon on the 2nd Saturday in October and is open in Game Zones 3 and 4. These harvest permits cannot be used on property approved under the Private Lands Alligator Program. The Department may close, extend, delay or reopen the season if biological needs warrant.
2. During the designated season, alligators may only be taken by hand-held snares, hand-held harpoons, archery equipment, crossbows, snatch hooks and as otherwise permitted by the Department. Any device may only be used when a line is securely attached to the hook or head of the device in such a manner as to prevent separation from the hook, arrow or head until the carcass is retrieved. The other end of the line must be held by the hunter or attached to a stationary or floating object capable of maintaining line above water when an alligator is attached. Only a handgun, a bangstick or sharp instrument used to sever the spine may be used for dispatch and only if a restraining line is attached to the alligator. A hand-held snare must be used to hold the alligator boatside or on land before it can be dispatched. Firearms may not be used to take free-swimming or basking alligators. The possession of a rifle or shotgun while taking or attempting to take alligators under this program is prohibited. All alligators taken under this program must be killed prior to transport by boat or vehicle. No alligator may be taken by use of baited hooks or by pole hunting. Pole hunting is defined as the act of taking an alligator from a den with a hook or snagging device of any type secured to the end of a pole and includes any devices used to induce an alligator to move from a den prior to taking.
3. A Department-supplied alligator harvest report form must be updated by the person taking alligators within twenty-four (24) hours of taking each alligator and prior to transporting the alligator carcass to a processing facility. Completed harvest forms must be returned to the Department by November 1st of each season.
4. A person who does not report is not eligible to participate in the program or hunt alligators the following season.
5. Alligator meat may be retained by the harvester but cannot be bartered or sold. Alligator hides may be retained and sold only in accordance with this regulation.
E. Sale of Alligator Meat
1. The sale or barter of alligator meat taken under the alligator hunting season program is prohibited.
2. Meat taken from alligators harvested under the authority of depredation tags and the private lands program tags may be sold only under the following conditions:
a. Each package must be labeled to indicate the state, the number of pounds of meat enclosed, the date of packaging, the name of harvester, the processor, the State Food Inspection Department's inspection number, and the tag number corresponding to the alligator hide from which the meat was taken.
b. All cartons of alligator meat imported from other states shall bear an official marking from that state's wildlife agency or other agency charged with food inspection.
c. Persons handling alligator meat for human consumption must comply with the sanitation requirements of all applicable federal, state and local authorities.
d. Those who harvest alligators must maintain accurate records of all alligator meat sales on standard forms supplied by the Department and such records shall be open to inspection by Department personnel.
3. No person may bring any alligator meat into this State, or possess alligator meat unless authorized by this regulation.
4. Alligator meat transported into the State must bear evidence of having been legally taken.
5. Restaurants, canneries, nonfood meat processors and alligator meat wholesalers shall retain all alligator meat purchased in the original packages until the meat is prepared for consumption or processing. Such businesses and/or individual shall detach the original label with the accompanying data from each package when all meat from that carton has been prepared or processed and retain that label for the period of at least six months from the date of sale indicated on the label.
F. Sale, Barter or Transfer of Alligator Hides and Other Parts
1. Alligator skulls not discarded must be permanently marked with the alligator harvest tag number under which it was taken. Skulls not yet processed into a finished product may be marked with a temporary label denoting tag number under which it was taken. Possession of any skull without the tag number is prohibited. Skulls that are found may be retained, sold, bartered or transferred but the finder must contact the Department to obtain a tag number to permanently tag or mark the part. Parts other than skulls or hides may be sold, bartered or transferred, but records must be kept indicating to whom the parts were sold, bartered or transferred
2. Hides or alligators taken with Department issued permits may be sold but must be properly tagged and reported as provided in this regulation. Alligator hides and parts transported into this state for sale or processing must bear evidence of having been legally taken. Parts of hides taken from a legally tagged alligator hide, must be tagged or packaged with a label, receipt, or other document indicating harvester's name, date, and the harvest tag number and this documentation retained until such time as the partial hide is tanned or otherwise processed into other finished goods or discarded.
3. No person shall accept or possess an untagged alligator hide or unmarked or untagged alligator skull for any purpose.
G. Sale of Finished Alligator Products
1. Products made from legally acquired crocodilians may be offered for sale in the State in accordance with the following:
a. Products made from the American alligator must be visibly labeled American alligator.
b. Products made from Caiman must be visibly labeled Caiman.
c. Products made from other crocodilians must be visibly labeled Crocodile.
2. Final end users of these finished products are not required to maintain this labeling requirement.
H. Alligator Propagation
1. Alligator Propagators Permit Applications.
a. Only persons who are at least 18 years old at the time of application are eligible for an Alligator Propagators Permit.
b. All applicants must submit a copy of a deed or leaseholder agreement along with a detailed map of the property on where the alligator propagation facility will be located. Map must show the boundaries of the facility, and the locations of every structure, pond, or other property feature used to hold, house, and or process alligators.
c. The permit application must state the source and approximate number of alligators to be held at the facility. Applicant must notify the Department of any changes to the source stock and numbers.
Alligator propagation facilities must meet the standards herein in order to procure or maintain an Alligator Propagator's Permit. The Department has 15 business days from receipt of a new alligator propagator permit application to inspect the facility for initial compliance.
d. The Department will notify the applicant in writing of any inspection deficiencies and the work needed to remedy the listed deficiencies.
e. Any applicant who does not meet initial facility standards must notify the Department after remedying the listed deficiencies on the inspection report.
f. The Department has 15 business days from receiving notification of these remedies to re-inspect the facility for compliance.
2. Alligator Propagation Facilities
a. The minimum setback separation distance required between an outdoor alligator holding tank, pen, or pond, and real property owned by another person is 1,000 feet. The minimum setback separation distance required between an indoor alligator holding tank or pen is 500 feet. Setbacks from property lines may be waived with written consent of the adjacent affected property owners.
b. The minimum separation distance between an alligator facility and a public or private drinking water well is 500 feet.
c. The minimum separation distance required between an alligator holding tank, pen, or pond and waters of the State is 1,320 feet or 1/4 mile. If the waters of the State are designated Outstanding Resource Waters, Critical Habitat Waters of Federally Endangered Species, or Shellfish Harvesting Waters, the minimum separation distance required between an alligator holding tank, pen, or pond, and waters of the State is 2,640 feet or 1/2 mile.
d. The premises must be secure and have adequate barriers to prevent escape of enclosed alligators, entry onto the premises from alligators outside of the facility, and to deter theft of enclosed alligators.
e. There must be an adequate supply of fresh water at each permitted facility, including each enclosure, or each holding area on the property.
f. Except for outside pens or ponds, all holding tanks and pens shall have smooth walls.
g. All areas where alligators are housed must contain enough water for every animal to completely submerge and enough area for each animal to completely exit the water.
h. Outdoor pens, tanks, or ponds must be constructed with a fence a minimum of five feet in height utilizing 11 1/2 gauge chain-link fence with a minimum of 11 1/2 gauge ties secured to posts, rails, or other structural parts to prevent escape.
i. All enclosures must be constructed to prevent alligators from going under or over the enclosure.
j. Provisions must be made to protect alligators held outside from freezing cold temperatures with adequate denning space.
k. Outside holding facilities must provide adequate covering or natural vegetation for shade as well as direct sunlight areas for basking to allow temperature regulation
l. Indoor pens and tanks.
i. Alligator eggs located outside of a nest must be kept in an incubator with air and water temperature ranges between 85 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit.
ii. Alligators less than 48″ in total length must be kept inside in a controlled environment with a minimum temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
iii. Alligators less than 48″ in total length must be kept in rearing tanks constructed in such a manner to allow complete submersion or exit from the water.
iv. All indoor facilities must have temperature monitors and a backup power system in order to maintain correct water and air temperatures.
v. All rearing tanks must be constructed of fiberglass, plastic, metal, or other material approved by the Department to ensure secure and humane confinement. Tanks and pens must allow water to be readily drained to allow water changes or cleaning.
m. Alligators must be kept segregated from other alligators by the following size classes:
i. Less than 2 feet.
ii. 2 to 4 feet.
iii. 4-6 feet.
iv. Greater than 6 feet.
n. Minimum pen, tank, pond, or other holding area space requirements.
i. One half (0.5) square feet of space for every alligator less than 24 inches in total length.
ii. One and a half (1.5) square feet of space for every alligator 24 to 48 inches in total length.
iii. Three (3) square feet of space for every alligator greater than 48 inches in total length.
iv. For all alligator sizes, the pen, tank, or pond must allow at least the largest animal to orient in any direction without touching the sides of the pen, tank, or pond.
3. Harvest and processing of alligators at a propagation facility.
a. Any alligator killed under the authority of an alligator propagation permit or that dies at a permitted alligator propagation facility must be tagged with a Department supplied harvest tag within 24 hours or properly disposed of in accordance with local waste disposal requirements.
b. An alligator propagation facility may process alligators reared on the facility or purchased from any other legal source provided:
i. The building or structure where alligators are processed for human consumption meets and maintains all applicable state and federal food handling and storage requirements and are licensed or certified to process alligator meat.
ii. All meat processed for consumption must be packaged in suitable containers which clearly identifies the package as alligator meat, and marked with the facility permit number, and as required by any other federal or state food labeling laws or regulations.
iii. Records are maintained on forms provided by SCDNR in regards to the origin of the alligators and the associated harvest tag numbers.
iv. A tag or label affixed to any package or container of alligators or alligator parts must specify the contents, quantity contained, and applicable license and permit numbers.
c. Tagged, unskinned alligator carcasses may be sold or otherwise disposed of.
d. All tags issued to an alligator propagation facility remain the property of the Department and may be revoked for violations of these regulations.
e. Requests for CITES tags must be made to the Department at least 10 business days in advance.
f. Alligators taken under the authority of the public hunting program cannot be sold or given to an alligator propagation facility.
g. Alligator carcasses taken under the authority of the Private Lands Alligator Program may be sold or given to a propagation facility for the purpose of processing provided that the animals are tagged as required by the Private Lands Program.
h. No live alligators taken under any of the State's other alligator harvest programs can be sold or given to an alligator propagation facility except with a separate permit issued by the Department.
4. Reporting Requirements.
a. All alligator propagation facilities must submit an annual report on Department issued forms with the following information:
i. The number of eggs purchased and their origin.
ii. The number of alligators hatched.
iii. The number of live alligators purchased by size class and origin.
iv. The number of live alligators currently in possession.
v. The number of alligators that died.
vi. The number of alligators killed.
vii. The disposition of alligator parts and meat sold during the year.
viii. Names of persons or companies to whom alligators, alligator meat, or alligator parts were sold or otherwise transacted.
ix. A completed record for each tag used.
x. A record of the number of alligator carcasses purchased from others and the complete tag numbers from those alligator carcasses.
b. Any tags issued and not used and accounted for on harvest reports must be returned with the annual report.
c. No live alligators may be transported off of the alligator propagator facilities without a permit issued by the Department.
d. Alligator propagators must follow all permit conditions printed on or accompanying the alligator propagator's permit. This permit must be prominently displayed on site at the alligator propagation facility.
Credits
HISTORY: Amended by State Register Volume 20, Issue No. 5, eff May 24, 1996; State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 6, Part 3, eff June 26, 1998; State Register Volume 34, Issue No. 4, eff April 23, 2010; State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 7, Doc. No. 4560, eff July 24, 2015.
123-151.1. Regulations for Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata).
A. Spotted Turtle Protection
1. A person shall not take, possess, transport, import, export, process, sell, purchase, offer for sale, trade, gift, barter, ship, or receive for shipment any spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) without a permit from the Department.
B. Spotted Turtle Permits
1. No new permit for the possession of spotted turtles shall be issued by the Department unless for scientific and/or conservation purposes pursuant to Regulation 123-150, et seq. at the discretion of the Department.
2. Any person in possession of a Spotted Turtle Permit granted by the Department as of the adoption of this regulation has 90 days from the adoption of this regulation to register with the Department the current number of Spotted Turtles, both wild-caught and captive born, in their possession. Spotted turtles will be assigned a unique number and must be shell notched with the identification number provided by Department personnel.
a. Permit applicants will shell notch spotted turtles in their possession as prescribed by the Department with the Department issued identification numbers. Permit applicants must provide evidence of applied shell notches and signed affidavit confirming all individual turtles in their possession were shell notched as directed by the Department and that they understand the regulations as they pertain to spotted turtles. Upon completion, the Department will issue a permit for the registered spotted turtles.
3. Current permit holders as of the date of adoption of this regulation may not add additional spotted turtles to their collection or allow reproduction
4. Current permit holders' as of the date of adoption of this regulation permits are valid for five (5) years from the date of issue; however, upon completion and certification of marking, the Department will issue a new permit valid for 1 year. Subsequent permits will be valid for 1 year and may be renewed at the discretion of the Department.
5. The Department may set permit conditions consistent with the protection of spotted turtles. Permit conditions include but are not limited to:
a. Sale, purchase, trade, exchange, gift, or barter of any spotted turtles is prohibited.
b. No wild-caught spotted turtles may be collected.
c. All spotted turtles must be individually marked via shell notching with a unique identification number issued by the Department.
d. No unmarked spotted turtles may be possessed, unless covered by a scientific collection permit.
e. Reproduction of captive spotted turtles is prohibited unless authorized by the Department for scientific or conservation purposes. Offspring from unauthorized reproduction must be surrendered to the Department.
C. Permit Reporting Requirements
1. At the time of permit renewal, spotted turtle permit holders will report to the Department the number of wild-caught and captive-bred spotted turtles in their possession and provide evidence documenting the identification number indicated by shell notch.
2. Any death or disposition of a spotted turtle must be reported to the Department immediately.
D. The penalties for violation of this regulation are prescribed in Section 50-15-80. Each spotted turtle taken or possessed in violation of these regulations shall constitute a separate offense.
Credits
HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 26, Issue No. 6, Part 2, eff June 28, 2002. Amended by State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2007; SCSR 45-5 Doc. No. 5007, eff May 28, 2021.
123-151.2. Regulations for Southern Hognose Snake.
1. It is unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, import, export, process, sell, offer for sale, ship, or receive for shipment any southern hognose snake without a permit from the department. Permits will be issued only for research and educational purposes.
Credits
HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 6, eff June 22, 2007.
123-151.3. Exchange and Transfer for Certain Native Reptiles and Amphibians.
A. No native reptile or amphibian, including parts, products, eggs, and derivatives may be sold, purchased, traded, exchanged, bartered, exported or shipped, transferred and/or re-homed, except:
1. Transferring possession of a native reptile or amphibian to the Department or the Department's designated recipient. The circumstances of acceptance shall be at the Department's discretion.
2. Transferring possession of native reptiles or amphibians when lawfully possessed and transfer is specifically authorized pursuant to other applicable federal or state laws, including those in Title 50. With respect to S.C. Code Section 50-16-60 this exception shall not apply and the provisions of S.C. Code Section 50-15-15 and the associated regulations in 123-151.3 and 123-151.4 shall have priority concerning possession and transfer of reptiles and amphibians.
3. Zoos and Aquaria maintaining accreditation or certification by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, accredited research institutions under Institutional Care and Use Committees, and schools and educational displays open to the public may transfer and receive transferred reptiles and amphibians and must provide written notification to the Department specifying the number and species prior to transfer. Any such transfer may not be a sale, purchase, barter, or other commercial transaction. This exception also applies to the donor of a native reptile or amphibian to the above entities.
4. Venom or venom derivatives obtained or produced by a laboratory.
5. Any non-native phenotype (i.e. -- “morph” or genetic mutation) of native snake species.
6. Any native wild phenotype of the following species reproduced in captivity and under 10 inches in total length, eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), mole king snake (Lampropeltis calligaster), and eastern milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum).
7. Any native wild phenotype of the following species reproduced in captivity and under 20 inches in total length, corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus), rat snake (Pantherophis sp.), and eastern king snake (Lampropeltis getula)
8. Any native wild phenotype of the following species reproduced in captivity and, or under 24 inches in total length, pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus).
9. The yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta) species and the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) species if these turtles were taken from a) a permitted aquaculture facility or b) a private pond pursuant to a permit issued by the Department at the request of the owner or owner's agent. Any person transporting more than five yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta) species or common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) species must be in possession of a permit pursuant to which the turtles were taken or acquired. A person selling, offering to sell, or purchasing these species must have documentation from the aquaculture facility or permitted private pond as to the origin of the turtles.
10. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), alligator eggs, alligator parts, and alligator products, while subject to regulation under other provisions of Title 50.
11. Bull Frogs Lithobates (Rana) catesbeianus.
12. Native reptiles and amphibians may be transferred to department-permitted wildlife rehabilitators for the purpose of rehabilitation and release. Any transfer may not be a sale, purchase, barter, or other commercial transaction. Wildlife rehabilitators may be permitted by the Department by demonstrating the following:
a. All captive reptiles and amphibians must receive proper care to ensure:
i. appropriate bedding, cover, temperature regulation, and secure shelter;
ii. potable water is accessible at all times or sufficient to meet daily requirements;
iii. food of a quantity and nutritive value to meet normal requirements; and
iv. an effective program for the control of diseases, parasites, and pests is established and maintained.
b. Any permitted wildlife rehabilitator must show proof of veterinary care either:
i. by being a licensed veterinarian; or
ii. with a letter from the treating or consulting veterinarian, or veterinary practice, listing the permit holder and those species for which the veterinary practice will provide treatment or consultation.
c. Providing an annual report documenting all reptiles and amphibians transferred to the permitted individual or facility and from the permitted individual or facility and will describe the final disposition of each individual.
13. Native American Indian tribes recognized Federally or by the State of South Carolina's Commission for Minority Affairs, pursuant to S.C. Code Section 1-31-60, and their members may transfer possession of parts of dead native reptiles when such parts are or will be incorporated in Native American cultural items and religious items, including but not limited to regalia, decorative attire, religious items, and musical instruments. This exception does not apply to live animals.
B. An otherwise lawful collection of native reptiles or amphibians may be exported from the State of South Carolina if an export permit is first obtained from the Department. Export permits are only available when an individual or legal entity is permanently relocating to another state.
C. Temporary export permits for native reptiles and amphibians may be granted at the discretion of the Department for the purposes of education, rehabilitation, and conservation where the animals will return to their state of origin.
D. Any state endangered or threatened and in need of management species are subject to the protections provided by S.C. Code Sections 50-15-10, et seq. and shall not be possessed or transferred except by permit issued by the Department.
E. The penalties for violation of this regulation are prescribed in S.C. Code Section 50-15-80.
Credits
HISTORY: Added by SCSR 45-5 Doc. No. 5007, eff May 28, 2021.
123-151.4. Possession Limits for Certain Native Reptiles and Amphibians.
A. A person shall not possess any species listed as endangered or threatened and in need of management pursuant to S.C. Code Sections 50-15-10, et seq. except by permit issued by the Department.
B. A person shall not possess more than 10 native turtles in aggregate.
C. Any person in possession of more than 10 native turtles and in excess of the established possession limits as of September 28, 2020 has 90 days from September 28, 2020 to register with the Department the current number by species of native turtles, both wild-caught and captive born, in their possession. No additional turtles may be acquired until such time as the number of turtles in possession is below the limit set in regulation.
D. A person shall not possess more than 2 eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina). Any person in possession of eastern box turtles in excess of the established possession limits as of September 28, 2020 has 90 days from September 28, 2020 to register with the Department the current number of eastern box turtles, both wild-caught and captive born, in their possession. No new turtles may be acquired until such time as the number of turtles in possession is below the limit set in regulation. Registered turtles will be assigned a unique identification number and must be shell notched with the identification number provided.
1. Permit applicants will shell notch turtles in their possession as prescribed by the Department with the Department issued identification numbers. Permit applicants must provide evidence of applied shell notches and signed affidavit confirming all individual turtles in their possession were shell notched as directed by the Department and that they understand the regulations as they pertain to eastern box turtles. Upon completion, the Department will issue a permit for the registered box turtles.
2. Box turtle permit holders will be required to submit an annual report on the status and number of registered box turtles on a Department provided form.
E. A person shall not possess more than 2 diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin). This provision does not prohibit the incidental catch of diamondback terrapins by persons engaged in a lawful fishery when the terrapins are returned immediately to the water.
F. A person shall not possess more than 5 turtles total from any of the following species/subspecies: Florida cooter (Pseudemys floridana), river cooter (Pseudemys concinna), chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia), eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera), Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox), eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum), striped mud turtle (Kinosternon bauri), common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta) and common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina). The above limit does not apply to the lawful possession of yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta) species and the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) species pursuant to Regulation 123-151.3.
G. The Department may issue scientific collection permits as described in Regulation 123-150.3 in excess of the above limits for scientific and conservation purposes.
H. Zoos and Aquaria maintaining accreditation or certification by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, accredited research institutions under Institutional Care and Use Committees, schools and educational displays open to the public, and Department permitted wildlife rehabilitators may request a permit to exceed the above listed possession limits at the discretion of the Department.
I. Pursuant to S.C. Code Section 50-15-15(B), no native reptiles or amphibians may be possessed or transferred pursuant to S.C. Code Section 50-16-60 except as provided in Regulations 123-151.3 and 123-151.4.
J. The penalties for violation of this regulation are prescribed in S.C. Code Section 50-15-80.
Credits
HISTORY: Added by SCSR 45-5 Doc. No. 5007, eff May 28, 2021.
123-152. Regulations for Nonnative Wildlife.
A. The Department has determined that the species designated as Restricted Nonnative Wildlife have the potential to become established in this State in sufficient numbers so as to become a nuisance and pose a demonstrable deleterious and widespread threat to wildlife, agriculture, or human health and safety. As used in this regulation, Restricted Nonnative Wildlife and the associated Listing Date are:
1. Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae and, as used in this regulation, their hybrids) (listing date: May 28, 2021)
B. Unless otherwise authorized by the Department, no person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or any other entity shall possess, sell, offer for sale, transfer possession of, import, bring, release, reproduce, allow to escape, or cause to be brought or imported into the State of South Carolina any Restricted Nonnative Wildlife. Pursuant to the Department's authority to regulate nonnative wildlife under S.C. Code Section 50-15-55, the provisions of S.C. Code Section 50-16-60 do not apply to Restricted Nonnative Wildlife.
C. The Department may issue a permit for the possession, import, release, reproduction, and transfer of Restricted Nonnative Wildlife for scientific and other special purposes at its discretion, provided that any such permit shall be conditioned to minimize risks of the hazardous exposure, release and proliferation of the Restricted Nonnative Wildlife.
D. Additional provisions for specific Restricted Nonnative Wildlife
1. Black and White Tegu
i. A person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or any other entity possessing a Black and White Tegu has 120 days from the listing date, the Registration Period, to register the total number of Black and White Tegu in their possession with the Department and obtain a permit, as conditioned herein, in order to retain the registered animals. During the Registration Period, Black and White Tegus may be possessed, bought, sold, or transferred but may not be imported, brought, released, reproduced, or allowed to escape in South Carolina.
ii. All Black and White Tegus must be microchipped with a unique identification number, at the owner's expense. The unique identification number must be supplied to the Department at the time of registration and to receive a permit.
iii. Permits for registered animals are valid for three years and must be renewed within 30 days of expiration. After the Registration Period, no Black and White Tegu may be possessed without a permit issued by the Department. Permits may not be transferred. If Black and White Tegus are removed from South Carolina, the permit becomes void and must be surrendered to the Department within five days.
iv. Reproduction of permitted Black and White Tegus is not allowed.
v. Black and White Tegus must be kept indoors in escape proof enclosures, or outdoors in locked enclosures with primary and secondary containment barriers, each sufficient to prevent escape.
vi. Escaped or missing Black and White Tegus must be reported to the Department within 24 hours.
vii. Upon death of the Black and White Tegu, possession permits become void and must be surrendered to the Department within five days.
E. Failure to comply with permit terms and conditions is a violation of these regulations. Violations of these regulations are subject to the penalties and enforcement provisions of S.C. Code Section 50-15-80.
Credits
HISTORY: Added by SCSR 45-5 Doc. No. 5027, eff May 28, 2021.
123-153. Sea Turtle Protection - Repealed.
Credits
HISTORY: Former Regulation, titled Sea Turtle Protection, repealed by SCSR 45-5 Doc. No. 5019, eff May 28, 2021.
Former text:
(1) This regulation applies to all shrimp trawlers which are defined as fishing vessels equipped with shrimp trawl nets and fish for shrimp.
(2) During the period of May 1 through August 31 of each year, any shrimp trawler of 25 feet or more in length must carry and use in each net a qualified turtle excluder device (TED) when trawling for shrimp in the waters of this State. Any shrimp trawler of less than 25 feet in length trawling for shrimp in the waters of this State is exempt from using TEDS provided each tow or trawl drag made is limited to 90 minutes or less.
(3) Only TEDS which are qualified or certified by NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service may be used by shrimp trawlers operating in State waters.
(4) A single test or try net having a headrope length of 20 feet or less is exempt from the TED requirement of this regulation provided such net is pulled immediately in front of another net and is not connected to another net in any way.
(5) The Department may issue a special permit exempting a vessel engaged in research or testing.
123-160. Vultures, Kites, Hawks, Eagles, Ospreys, Falcons, and Owls.
1. The following list of species or subspecies of nongame wildlife are in need of management, to wit: All species of the Order Falconiformes (vultures, kites, hawks, eagles, ospreys, falcons) and all species of the Order Strigifornes (owls).
2. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale or ship, and for any contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment any such species or products or parts thereof except by permit for scientific, educational or falconry purposes issued by the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department.
3. The penalty for the violation of this section shall be that prescribed by § 50-15-80 of the 1976 Code.
123-170. South Carolina State Falconry Permit Regulations.
A. Definitions
(1) “Raptor”--means a live migratory bird of the Order Falconiformes or the Order Strigiformes, other than a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).
(2) “Take”--means to trap or capture, or attempt to trap or capture a raptor for the purpose of falconry.
(3) “Falconry”--means the hunting of wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of a trained bird of prey or raptor (Order Falconiformes or Order Strigiformes) other than a bald eagle.
(4) “Service”--means the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Dept. of Interior.
(5) “Department”--means the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
(6) “Permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator”--means a person or organization that has been permitted by the state or federal government to possess and rehabilitate raptors.
B. Any person who possesses or uses any raptor or hybrid raptor species for falconry must comply with these regulations.
C. A state hunting license, applicable stamps and permits are required before any person may take, or attempt to take, quarry by means of trained raptor.
D. Practicing falconry
(1) A permit is required before any person may take, transport, or possess wild-taken or captive-bred raptors for falconry purposes.
(2) Birds held under permits must be used primarily for falconry.
(3) A person's raptor facilities must pass inspection by the Department before a permit may be granted.
(4) If a person resides for more than 120 consecutive days in South Carolina his or her falconry facilities must meet the standards of these regulations and the facilities must be listed on the falconry permit.
(5) There are three classes of permits to practice falconry: Apprentice, General, and Master Falconer levels.
(6) Anyone who applies for a falconry permit must include the following information:
(a) The completed application.
(b) Proof that the applicant has passed the falconry test administered by the Department, or proof that a falconry permit has previously been held at the level sought.
(c) An original, signed certification that reads as follows: I certify that I have read and am familiar with the regulations in title 50, part 13, of the Code of Federal Regulations and the other applicable parts of title 50, and that the information I have submitted is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.
(7) Apprentice Falconer
(a) Requirements and possession options for an Apprentice Falconer.
(i) An applicant must be at least 12 years of age.
(ii) If an applicant for an Apprentice Permit is less than 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application.
(iii) An applicant must have a letter from a Master Falconer or a General Falconer with a valid State falconry permit who is at least 18 years old and has at least 2 years experience at the General Falconer level, stating that he or she will assist the Apprentice applicant in:
a. Learning about the husbandry and training of raptors held for falconry;
b. Learning about relevant wildlife laws and regulations, and
c. Deciding what species of raptor is appropriate to possess while an Apprentice.
(iv) An applicant must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions on an examination administered by the Department. The examination must cover care and handling of falconry raptors, Federal and State laws and regulations relevant to falconry, and other appropriate subject matter.
(b) An Apprentice may take raptors less than 1 year old, except nestlings, from the wild during any period or periods specified herein. A person may take any raptor species from the wild except a federally listed threatened or endangered species or the following species: Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Steller's sea-eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), American swallow-tailed kite(Elanoides forficatus), Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), flammulated owl(Otus flammeolus), elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi), and short-eared owl (Asio flammeus).
(i) Regardless of the number of State falconry permits an Apprentice has, he or she may possess no more than one raptor for use in falconry.
(ii) An Apprentice may possess a raptor of any Falconiform or Strigiform species, including wild, captive-bred, or hybrid individuals, except a federally listed threatened or endangered species, a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla ), a Steller's sea-eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), or a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).
(iii) Capture of a wild raptor is not required; it can be transferred by another falconry permittee.
(iv) An Apprentice may not possess a raptor that was taken from the wild as a nestling.
(v) An Apprentice may not possess a bird that is imprinted on humans.
(8) General Falconer
(a) A General Falconer permit applicant must provide the following:
(i) Information documenting his or her experience maintaining falconry raptors, including a summary of what species he or she held as an Apprentice Falconer and how long each bird was possessed, and
(ii) A letter from a General Falconer or Master Falconer (preferably the sponsor) attesting that the applicant has practiced falconry with raptor(s) at the Apprentice Falconer level for at least 2 years, including maintaining, training, flying, and hunting the raptor(s) for at least 4 months in each year.
(b) Requirements and possession options for a General Falconer.
(i) A General Falconer must be at least 16 years of age.
(ii) If 16 or 17 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application.
(iii) An applicant must submit a document from a General Falconer or Master Falconer (preferably the sponsor) to the Department stating that the applicant has practiced falconry with raptor(s) at the Apprentice Falconer level or equivalent for at least 2 years, including maintaining, training, flying, and hunting the raptor(s) for least 4 months in each year. That practice may include capture and release of falconry raptors.
(iv) An applicant may not substitute any falconry school program or education to shorten the period of 2 years at the Apprentice level.
(v) A General Falconer may take and possess any species of Falconiform or Strigiform except a golden eagle, a bald eagle, a white-tailed eagle, or a Steller's sea-eagle. A General Falconer may use captive-bred individuals and hybrids of the species he or she is allowed to possess.
(vi) Regardless of the number of State falconry permits he or she has a General Falconer may possess no more than 3 raptors.
(9) Master Falconer
(a) A Master Falconer permit applicant must attest that he or she has practiced falconry at the General Falconer level for at least 5 years.
(b) Requirements and possession options for a Master Falconer.
(i) A Master Falconer must have practiced falconry with raptors he or she possessed at the General Falconer level for at least 5 years.
(ii) A Master Falconer may take and possess any species of Falconiform or Strigiform except a bald eagle. However, a Master Falconer may take and possess a golden eagle, a white-tailed eagle, or a Steller's sea eagle only if he or she meets the qualifications set forth under these regulations.
(iii) Regardless of the number of State falconry permits a person has, a Master Falconer may possess no more than 5 wild raptors, including golden eagles.
(iv) A Master Falconer may possess any number of captive-bred raptors. However, the falconer must train them in the pursuit of wild game and use them in hunting.
(c) If a Master Falconer meets the requirements of this section for falconry he or she may possess up to 3 eagles of the following species: golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, or Steller's sea eagle. The Department must document the following before approving any requests to possess an eagle for use in falconry:
(i) Experience in handling large raptors, including information about the species previously handled and the type and duration of the activity.
(ii) At least two letters of reference from people with experience handling and/or flying large raptors such as eagles, ferruginous hawks, goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), or great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) must be provided. Each must contain a concise history of the author's experience with large raptors, which can include, but is not limited to, handling of raptors held by zoos, rehabilitating large raptors, or scientific studies involving large raptors. Each letter must also assess the person's ability to care for eagles and fly them in falconry.
(iii) A golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, or Steller's sea-eagle counts as one of the possessed raptors allowed for use in falconry.
(e) Reinstatement of a lapsed falconry permit.
(i) If a permit has lapsed for fewer than 5 years, it may be reinstated at the level held previously if proof of certification at that level is provided.
(ii) If a permit has lapsed for 5 years or longer, a person one must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions on an examination administered by the Department. If the person passes the exam, the permit may be reinstated at the level previously held. The facilities must pass State inspection before a falconry bird may be possessed.
(10) Experience and Testing
(a) A person may qualify for the falconry permit appropriate for his/her experience. To demonstrate knowledge of U.S. falconry laws and regulations, a person must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions on the supervised examination for falconers administered by the Department. If a person passes the test, the Department will decide for which level of falconry permit he or she is qualified, consistent with the class requirements in of these regulations. To do so, the Department shall base its decision on documentation of experience. The falconry facilities must meet the standards in these regulations before a person may keep a raptor to use in falconry.
(11) Banding or tagging raptors used in falconry.
(a) If a person takes a goshawk, Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), or gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) from the wild or acquires one from another falconer or a rehabilitator, and if the raptor is not already banded, the person must band it with a permanent, nonreusable, numbered U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service leg band that the Department will provide. If a person wishes, he or she may purchase and implant an ISO (International Organization for Standardization)-compliant (134.2 kHz) microchip in addition to the band. A person must report the band number when he or she reports acquisition of the bird. Contact the Department for information on obtaining and disposing of bands. Within 10 days from the day on which a person takes the raptor from the wild, he or she must report take of the bird by entering the required information (including the band number) in the electronic database at http://permits.fws.gov/186A or, if required by the permitting agency, by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the Department. A person may request an appropriate band from the Department in advance of any effort to capture a raptor.
(b) A raptor bred in captivity must be banded with a seamless metal band (see §21.30). If a person must remove a seamless band or if it is lost, within 10 days from the day the band is removed or lost, the person must report it and request a replacement U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nonreusable band from the Department. A person must submit the required information electronically immediately upon rebanding the raptor at http://permits.fws.gov/186A or, if required by the permitting agency, by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the Department. A person must replace a seamless band that is removed or lost. A person may implant an ISO-compliant (134.2 kHz) microchip in a falconry raptor in addition to the seamless band.
(c) If the band must be removed or is lost from a raptor, the person who possesses the bird must report the loss of the band within 5 days, and must then do at least one of the following:
(i) Request a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nonreusable band from the Department. A person must submit the required information within 10 days of rebanding the raptor at http://permits.fws.gov/186A or by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the Department.
(ii) Purchase and implant an ISO-compliant (134.2 kHz) microchip in the bird and report the microchip information at http://permits.fws.gov/186A or by submitting a paper form 3-186A form to the Department.
(d) A person may not alter, deface, or counterfeit a band. A person may remove the rear tab on a band on a raptor taken from the wild, and may also smooth any imperfect surface if the integrity of the band or the numbering on it is not affected.
(e) If health or injury problems for a raptor is documented that are caused by the band, the Department may provide an exemption to the requirement for that raptor. In that case, a copy of the exemption paperwork must be kept with the falconer when transporting or flying the raptor. If the bird is a wild goshawk, Harris's hawk, peregrine falcon, or gyrfalcon, the falconer must replace the band with an ISO-compliant microchip that the Service will supply to the Department. The Department will not provide a microchip for a wild goshawk, Harris's hawk, peregrine falcon, or gyrfalcon unless the falconer has demonstrated that a band causes an injury or a health problem for the bird.
(f) A person may not band a raptor removed from the wild with a seamless numbered band.
(12) Possession of Permits.
(a) A falconer must have his or her permit(s) or legible copies of them in his/her immediate possession if he or she is not at the location of the falconry facilities and he or she is trapping, transporting, working with, or flying a falconry raptor(s).
(b) If a person has a valid falconry permit, he or she may possess and transport for falconry purposes a lawfully possessed raptor within this state.
(13) Facilities that must be possessed and maintained.
(a) A person must keep all raptors held under a falconry permit in humane and healthful conditions.
(b) Whether the raptor facilities are indoors (a “mews”) or outdoors (a “weathering area”), the raptor facilities must protect raptors from the environment, predators, and domestic animals. A falconer is responsible for the maintenance and security (protection from predators) of raptors possessed under his/her permit.
(c) A person must have raptor housing facilities approved by the Department before he or she may obtain a bird to use in falconry.
(d) The facility must have a suitable perch for each raptor, at least one opening for sunlight, and must provide a healthy environment for raptors inside.
(e) A person may house un-tethered raptors together if they are compatible with each other.
(f) Each raptor must have an area large enough to allow it to fly if it is untethered or, if tethered, to fully extend its wings or bate (attempt to fly while tethered) without damaging its feathers or contacting other raptors.
(g) Each falconry bird must have access to a pan of clean water unless weather conditions, the perch type used, or some other factor makes access to a water pan unsafe for the raptor.
(h) An indoor facility must be large enough to allow easy access for the care and feeding of raptors kept there.
(i) If raptors housed in this indoor facility are not tethered, all walls that are not solid must be protected on the inside. Suitable materials may include vertical bars spaced narrower than the width of the body of the smallest raptor housed in the enclosure. However, heavy-duty netting or other such materials may be used to cover the walls or roof of the enclosure.
(j) Acceptable indoor facilities include shelf perch enclosures where raptors are tethered side by side. Other innovative housing systems are acceptable if they provide the enclosed raptors with protection and allow them to maintain healthy feathers.
(k) An eyas raptor may be kept in any suitable container or enclosure until it is capable of flight.
(l) A person may keep a falconry raptor or raptors inside his or her place of residence if a suitable perch or perches are provided. If a raptor(s) is housed inside a home, the windows or other openings of the structure do not have to be modified. Raptors kept in a home must be tethered when they are not being moved into or out of the location in which they are kept.
(m) An outdoor facility must be totally enclosed, and may be made of heavy-gauge wire, heavy-duty plastic mesh, slats, pipe, wood, or other suitable material.
(n) The outdoor facility must be covered and have at least a covered perch to protect a raptor held in it from predators and weather.
(o) The facility must be large enough to insure that the birds cannot strike the enclosure when flying from the perch.
(p) Falconry raptors may be kept outside in the open if they are under watch, by a falconer or a family member at any location or, for example, by a designated individual in a weathering yard at a falconry meet.
(q) A falconer must inform the Department within 5 business days if he or she changes the location of the facilities.
(r) The falconry facilities may be on property owned by another person where a falconer resides, or at a different location. Regardless of location, the facilities must meet the standards indicated in these regulations.
(s) A falconer must submit to the Department a signed and dated statement showing that that the falconry facilities and raptors may be inspected without advance notice by the Department at any reasonable time of day, but the falconer must be present. If the facilities are not on property owned by the falconer, he or she must submit a signed and dated statement showing that the property owner agrees that the falconry facilities and raptors may be inspected by the Department at any reasonable time of day in the presence of the property owner; except that the authorities may not enter the facilities or disturb the raptors unless the falconer is present.
(t) The following equipment must be possessed by the falconer: jesses or the materials and equipment to make them, leash and swivel, bath container, and appropriate scales or balances for weighing raptor(s) possessed.
(u) The bird must have a suitable perch and be protected from extreme temperatures, wind, and excessive disturbance. A “giant hood” or similar container is acceptable for transporting or housing a raptor when the falconer is away from the permanent facility where it is housed.
(14) Temporary Facilities and Care of Raptors by other falconers.
(a) A falconer may house a raptor in temporary facilities for no more than 120 consecutive days if the bird has a suitable perch and is protected from predators, domestic animals, extreme temperatures, wind, and excessive disturbance.
(b) Another falconry permittee may care for a raptor or raptors at another person's facilities for up to 120 consecutive days. The other person must have a signed and dated statement from the falconer who owns the birds plus a copy of FWS form 3-186A that shows the possessor of each of the raptors. The statement must include information about the time period for which he or she will keep the raptor(s), and about what he or she is allowed to do with it or them.
(i) The raptor(s) will remain on the original falconry permit, and will not be counted against the possession limit of the person caring for the raptors.
(ii) If the person caring for the raptor(s) holds the appropriate level falconry permit, he or she may fly the raptor(s) in whatever way authorized, including hunting.
(iii) This care of the raptors may be extended indefinitely in extenuating circumstances, such as illness, military service, or for a family emergency. The Department shall consider such instances on a case-by-case basis.
(c) A person other than a falconer may care for falconry birds possessed at another falconer's facilities for up to 45 consecutive days.
(i) The raptor(s) will remain on the original falconry permit.
(ii) The raptors must remain in the original facilities.
(iii) This care may be extended indefinitely in extenuating circumstances, such as illness, military service, or for a family emergency.
(iv) The person(s) caring for the raptors may not fly them for any reason.
(d) If a falconer resides in South Carolina for more than 120 consecutive days, he or she will be required to obtain a SC Falconry Permit and the facilities must be inspected before the permit is issued.
(e) Falconry equipment and records may be inspected in the presence of the permittee during business hours on any day of the week by the Department.
(15) Taking falcons.
(a) A person may not intentionally capture a raptor species that the classification as a falconer does not allow the person to possess for falconry. If a person captures a bird he or she is not allowed to possess, he or she must release it immediately.
(b) The Department is authorized to revoke or suspend a falconry permit if the permittee:
(i) Does not provide proper care for the raptor.
(ii) Allows the raptor to become a public nuisance.
(iii) Violates established South Carolina game laws or regulations.
(iv) Does not comply with the terms of the permit.
(v) All State hunting seasons, fees and bag limits apply to falconry.
(vi) The suspension for a period not to exceed 6 months will be determined by the Department.
(c) Upon request of the person whose permit has been suspended, the Department may restore the person's falconry permit at the end of the suspension period if the conditions have been met.
(d) A General or Master Falconer, may take only raptors less than 1 year of age from the wild during the period of August 1 through January 31 of each year. However, he or she may take an American kestrel or great horned owl of any age from the wild during this period. These falconers may take no more than two raptors from the wild each year to use in falconry. Legal trapping methods are limited to the following: Bal Chatri (noose cage), Swedish Goshawk trap, Noose Harness, Phai or noose ring, Dig-in method, Dho-Gaza Net or Bow-net.
(e) If a bird is taken from the wild and is transferred to another permittee in the same year in which the bird is captured, the bird will count as one of the raptors allowed to be taken from the wild that year by the falconer who caught the bird; it will not count as a capture by the recipient, though it will always be considered a wild bird.
(f) Only a General or Master Falconer, may remove nestlings from a nest or aerie. Eyases may be taken from May 1 through June 30 only of each year and may occur only on private lands with permission of the landowner. Only one eyas may be removed from each nest and one healthy eyas must remain in the nest from which a nestling is removed. An Apprentice Falconer may not take a nestling from the wild.
(g) Falconers responsible for reporting the take of a raptor from the wild, can report by entering the required information in the electronic database at http://permits.fws.gov/186A and by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the Department. This must be done at the first opportunity to do so, but no later than 10 days after the capture of the bird.
(h) If a falconer is present at the capture site, even if another person captures the bird for the falconer, the falconer is considered the person who removes the bird from the wild. The falconer is responsible for filing a 3-186A form reporting take of the bird from the wild. This would occur, for example, if another person climbs a tree or rappels down a cliff and takes a nestling for the falconer and gives it to the falconer at the tree or cliff.
(i) If the falconer who will receive the bird is not at the immediate location where the bird is taken from the wild, the person who removes the bird from the wild must be a General or Master Falconer, and must report take of the bird. If that person then transfers the bird to another falconer, both must file 3-186A forms reporting the transaction at the first opportunity to do so, but no later than 10 days after the transfer. The bird will count as one of the two raptors the person who took it from the wild is allowed to capture in any year. The bird will not count as a bird the recipient falconer took from the wild. The person who takes the bird from the wild must report the take even if he or she promptly transfers the bird to another falconer.
(j) If a falconer has a long-term or permanent physical impairment that prevents him or her from attending the capture of a species one can use for falconry, a General or Master Falconer may capture a bird for the impaired falconer. The impaired and recipient falconer is then responsible for filing a 3-186A form reporting take of the bird from the wild, and the bird will count against the take of wild raptors that a falconer is allowed in any year.
(k) A falconer must promptly release any bird captured unintentionally.
(l) A falconer may recapture a falconry bird lost at any time. Recapture of a wild bird is not considered to be taking a bird from the wild.
(m) A falconer may recapture a raptor if the bird is wearing falconry equipment or a captive-bred bird at any time - even if the falconer is not allowed to possess the species. The bird will not count against the possession limit of the falconer who recaptures the bird, nor will its take from the wild count against his or her limit. The recapture of the bird must be reported to the Department no more than 5 working days after the recapture. A recaptured falconry bird must be returned to the person who lost it, if that person may legally possess it. Disposition of a bird whose legal possession cannot be determined will be at the discretion of the Department.
(n) A falconer may take any raptor that he or she is authorized to possess from the wild if the bird is banded with a Federal Bird Banding Laboratory aluminum band except that a banded peregrine falcon may not be taken from the wild.
(o) If a falconer captures a raptor (including a peregrine falcon) that is marked with a seamless metal band, a transmitter, or any other item identifying it as a falconry bird, the capture must be reported to the Department no more than 5 working days after the capture. A recaptured falconry bird must be returned to the person who lost it. If that person cannot possess the bird or does not wish to possess it, the falconer who recaptured the bird may keep it. Otherwise, disposition of a bird whose legal possession cannot be determined will be at the discretion of the Department. While the falconer keeps a bird for return to the person who lost it, the bird will not count against the possession limit or the limit on take of raptors from the wild if the the bird has been reported to the Department.
(p) If a peregrine falcon is captured and has a research band (such as a colored band with alphanumeric codes) or a research marking attached to it, the bird must be released immediately, except that if the falcon has a transmitter attached to it, the falconer is authorized to possess the bird up to 30 days if he or she wishes to contact the researcher to determine if he or she wishes to replace the transmitter or its batteries. If the researcher wishes to do so, or to have the transmitter removed, the researcher or his or her designee can make the change or allow the falconer to do so before the bird is released. If the researcher does not wish to keep the transmitter on the falcon, the falconer may keep the bird if captured under circumstances in which capture of wild peregrines is allowed.
(q) If a raptor that is captured has any other band, research marking, or transmitter attached to it, the falconer must promptly report the band numbers and all other relevant information to the Federal Bird Banding Laboratory at 1-800-327-2263.
(r) A falconer may contact the researcher and determine if he or she wishes to replace a transmitter attached to a bird captured. If so, the falconer is authorized to possess the bird up to 30 days until the researcher or his or her designee does so, or until the falconer can replace it. Disposition of the bird will be at the discretion of the researcher and the Department. If the falconer possesses such a bird temporarily, it will not count against the possession limit for falconry raptors.
(s) A Master Falconer with a permit to do so, may take, transport, or possess up to three eagles, including golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, or Steller's sea-eagles, subject to the requirements in this section and 50 CFR 22.24. A golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, or Steller's sea-eagle possessed counts as a bird to be included under the falconer's possession limit.
(t) A falconer has two options for dealing with a bird injured by his or her trapping efforts. In either case, the falconer is responsible for the costs of care and rehabilitation of the bird.
(i) The bird may be recorded on his or her falconry permit. The falconer must report take of the bird by entering the required information in the electronic database at http://permits.fws.gov/186A and by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the Department at the first opportunity to do so, but no more than 10 days after capture of the bird. The falconer must then have the bird treated by a veterinarian or a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. The bird will count against the falconer's possession limit.
(ii) The bird may be given directly to a veterinarian, or a permitted wildlife rehabilitator, or an appropriate wildlife agency employee. If a falconer does so, it will not count against his or her allowed take or the number of raptors he or she may possess.
(u) If a falconer acquires a raptor; transfers, rebands, or microchips a raptor; if a falconer's raptor is stolen; if a falconer loses a raptor to the wild and it is not recovered within 30 days; or if a bird a falconer possesses for falconry dies; the falconer must report the change within 10 days by entering the required information in the electronic database at http://permits.fws.gov/186A or by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the Department.
(v) If a raptor possessed by a falconer is stolen, the falconer must report the theft to the Department and to the Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Law Enforcement office within 10 days of the theft of the bird.
(w) A falconer must keep copies of all electronic database submissions documenting take, transfer, loss, rebanding or microchipping of each falconry raptor until 5 years after he or she has transferred or lost the bird, or it has died.
(x) A falconer may acquire a raptor of any age of a species that one is permitted to possess directly from a rehabilitator. Transfer to the falconer is at the discretion of the rehabilitator.
(i) ) If a bird is acquired from a rehabilitator, within 10 days of the transaction the falconer must report it by entering the required information in the electronic database at http://permits.fws.gov/186A or by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the Department.
(ii) If a bird is acquired from a rehabilitator, it will count as one of the raptors the falconer is allowed to take from the wild that year.
(16) Flying and releasing falconry birds.
(a) When flown free, a hybrid raptor must have attached at least two functioning radio transmitters to help the falconer locate the bird.
(b) A falconer must follow all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations before releasing a falconry bird to the wild.
(c) If the raptor the falconer wishes to release is not native to the State or territory, or is a hybrid of any kind, it may not be permanently released to the wild. It may be transferred to another falconry permittee.
(d) If the species the falconer wishes to release is native to the State or territory and is captive-bred, it may not be released to the wild unless the falconer has permission from the Department. If permitted to do so, the bird must be hacked (allow it to adjust) to the wild at an appropriate time of year and an appropriate location. The falconry band (if it has one) must be released and the falconer must report release of the bird by entering the required information in the electronic database at http://permits.fws.gov/186A or by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the Department.
(e) If the species to be released is native to the State and was taken from the wild, the bird may be released only at an appropriate time of year and an appropriate location. The falconry band must be removed and the falconer must report release of the bird by entering the required information in the electronic database at http://permits.fws.gov/186Aor by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the Department.
(f) The number of wild-caught or captive-bred raptors transferred to a falconer is not restricted, but he or she may not exceed the possession limit.
(g) No matter how long such a bird is held in captivity or whether it is transferred to another permittee or permit type, it is always considered a “wild” bird. However, it is considered to be taken from the wild only by the person who originally captured it. If transferred to another permittee, the bird is not considered to be taken from the wild.
(17) Hacking
(a) Hacking (temporary release to the wild) is an approved method for falconers to condition raptors for falconry. A General Falconer or a Master Falconer may hack a falconry raptor or raptors.
(i) Any bird hacked counts against the falconer's possession limit and must be a species he or she is authorized to possess.
(ii) Any hybrid hacked must have two attached functioning radio transmitters during hacking.
(iii) A falconry bird may not be hacked near a known nesting area of a Federally threatened or endangered bird species or in any other location where the raptor is likely to harm a Federally listed threatened or endangered animal species that might be disturbed or taken by the falconry bird. The falconer can contact the State Fish and Wildlife Service office in South Carolina for information on Federally-listed species.
(iv) The falconer may use other acceptable falconry practices, such as, but not limited to, the use of creance (tethered) flying, lures, balloons, or kites in training or conditioning falconry raptors. He or she may also fly falconry birds at bird species not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or at pen-raised animals.
(18) Sale or transfer of falconry birds
(a) A falconer may sell, purchase, or barter, or offer to sell, purchase, or barter captive-bred raptors marked with seamless bands to other permittees who are authorized to possess them.
(b) A falconer may not purchase, sell, trade, or barter wild raptors. He or she may only transfer them.
(c) A falconer may transfer a raptor to another permit type if the recipient of the bird (which could be the same falconer) possesses the necessary permits for the other activity.
(d) A falconer may transfer a wild-caught falconry bird to an individual who holds a raptor propagation permit after the bird has been used in falconry for at least 2 years (1 year for a sharp-shinned hawk, a Cooper's hawk, a merlin, or an American kestrel). When he or she transfers the bird, they must provide a copy of the 3-186A form documenting acquisition of the bird by the propagator to the Federal migratory bird permit office that administers the propagation permit and provide a copy to the Department.
(e) A falconer may transfer a wild-caught bird to another permit type in less than 2 years (1 year for a sharp-shinned hawk, a Cooper's hawk, a merlin, or an American kestrel) if the bird has been injured and a veterinarian has determined that the bird can no longer be flown for falconry.
(i) Within 10 days of transferring the bird, the falconer must provide a copy of the 3-186A form documenting acquisition of the bird to the Federal migratory bird permit office that administers the other permit type and provide a copy to the Department.
(ii) When the falconer transfers the bird, he or she must provide a copy of the certification from the veterinarian or rehabilitator that the bird is not useable in falconry to the Federal migratory bird permits office that administers the other permit type.
(f) A falconer may transfer captive-bred falconry raptors if the holder of the other permit type is authorized to possess the bird(s). Within 10 days he or she must report the transfer by entering the required information in the electronic database at http://permits.fws.gov/186A and by submitting a standard paper form 3-186A to the Department.
(19) Use or falconry birds for propagation and education.
(a) A falconer may use raptors possessed for falconry in captive propagation if the falconer or the person overseeing the propagation has the necessary permit(s) (see 50 CFR 21.30). This falconer does not need to transfer a bird from his or her falconry permit if the bird is used for fewer than 8 months in a year in captive propagation, but the bird must be transferred if it is to be used permanently for propagation. The bird must then be banded as required in 50 CFR 21.30.
(b) General or Master Falconers may use a bird possessed in conservation education programs presented in public venues.
(i) Apprentice Falconers may present conservation programs if he or she is under the supervision of a General or Master Falconer when they do so.
(ii) The falconer may charge a fee for presentation of a conservation education program. The fee may not exceed the amount required to recoup the falconer's costs.
(iii) In conservation education programs, the falconer must provide information about the biology, ecological roles, and conservation needs of raptors and other migratory birds, although not all of these topics must be addressed in every presentation. He or she may not give presentations that do not address falconry and conservation education.
(20) The falconer may allow photography, filming, or other such uses of falconry raptors to make movies or other sources of information on the practice of falconry or on the biology, ecological roles, and conservation needs of raptors and other migratory birds, though he or she not be paid for doing so.
(a) The falconer may not use falconry raptors to make movies, commercials, or in other commercial ventures that are not related to falconry
(b) The falconer may not use falconry raptors for commercial entertainment; for advertisements; as a representation of any business, company, corporation, or other organization; or for promotion or endorsement of any products, merchandise, goods, services, meetings, or fairs, with the following exceptions:
(i) The falconer may use a falconry raptor to promote or endorse a nonprofit falconry organization or association.
(ii) The falconer may use a falconry raptor to promote or endorse products or endeavors related to falconry, including, but not limited to items such as hoods, telemetry equipment, giant hoods, perches, materials for raptor facilities, falconry training and education materials, and scientific research and publication.
(21) General or Master Falconers may assist a permitted migratory bird rehabilitator to condition raptors in preparation for their release to the wild. He or she may keep a bird being rehabilitated in his or her facilities.
(a) The rehabilitator must provide the falconer with a letter or form that identifies the bird and explains that he or she is assisting in its rehabilitation.
(b) The falconer does not need to meet the federal rehabilitator facility standards. He or she need only meet the facility standards in this section; his or her facilities are not subject to inspection for compliance with the standards in50 CFR 21.31.
(c) The falconer does not have to add any raptor he or she possesses for this purpose to the falconry permit; it will remain under the permit of the rehabilitator.
(d) The falconer must return any such bird that cannot be permanently released to the wild to the rehabilitator for placement within the 180-day timeframe in which the rehabilitator is authorized to possess the bird, unless the issuing office authorizes the falconer to retain the bird for longer than 180 days.
(e) Upon coordination with the rehabilitator, the falconer must release all releaseable raptors to the wild or return them to the rehabilitator for release within the 180-day timeframe in which the rehabilitator is authorized to possess the birds, unless the issuing office authorizes he or she to retain and condition a bird for longer than 180 days, or unless the rehabilitator transfers the bird to the falconer to hold under his or her falconry permit.
(22) A Master Falconer may conduct abatement activities with a bird or birds possessed for falconry, if the falconer has a Special Purpose Abatement permit. General Falconers may conduct abatement activities only as a sub-permittee of the holder of the abatement permit.
(a) Falconers may receive payment for providing abatement services if he or she has a Special Purpose Abatement permit.
(23) Possession of falconry bird feathers and disposition of such.
(a) For imping (replacing a damaged feather with a molted feather), a falconer may possess tail feathers and primary and secondary wing feathers for each species of raptor possessed or previously held for as long as he or she has a valid falconry permit. A falconer may receive feathers for imping from other permitted falconers, wildlife rehabilitators, or propagators in the United States, and he or she may give feathers to them. A falconer may not buy, sell, or barter such feathers.
(i) The falconer may donate feathers from a falconry bird, except golden eagle feathers, to any person or institution with a valid permit to have them, or to anyone exempt from the permit requirement under 50 CFR 21.12.
(ii) Except for primary or secondary flight feathers or retrices from a golden eagle, a falconer is not required to gather feathers that are molted or otherwise lost by a falconry bird. He or she may leave the feathers where they fall, store them for imping, or destroy them. However, he or she must collect molted flight feathers and retrices from a golden eagle. If the falconer chooses not to keep them for imping, he or she must send them to the National Eagle Repository.
(iii) All feathers (including body feathers) that are collected from any falconry golden eagle and not needed for imping should be sent to the National Eagle Repository at the following address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Eagle Repository, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Building 128, Commerce City, Colorado 80022. The telephone number at the Repository is 303-287-2110.
(b) If the falconer's permit expires or is revoked, he or she must donate the feathers of any species of falconry raptor except a golden eagle to any person or any institution exempt from the permit requirement under § 21.12 or authorized by permit to acquire and possess the feathers. If the feathers are not donated, they must be burned, buried, or otherwise destroyed.
(24) A falconer must send the entire body of a golden eagle held for falconry, including all feathers, talons, and other parts, to the National Eagle Repository.
(a) A falconer may donate the body or feathers of any other species of falconry raptor to any person or institution exempt under 50 CFR 21.12 or authorized by permit to acquire and possess such parts or feathers.
(b) If the bird was banded or microchipped prior to its death, the falconer may keep the body of any falconry raptor except that of a golden eagle. He or she may keep the body so that the feathers are available for imping, or may have the body mounted by a taxidermist. He or she may use the mount in giving conservation education programs. If the bird was banded, the band must be left on the body. If the bird has an implanted microchip, the microchip must be left in place.
(c) If a falconer wishes to donate the bird body or feathers or keep it, he or she must burn, bury, or otherwise destroy it or them within 10 days of the death of the bird or after final examination by a veterinarian to determine cause of death. Carcasses of euthanized raptors could pose a risk of secondary poisoning of eagles and other scavengers. The falconer must take appropriate precautions to avoid such poisonings.
(d) If the bird body or feathers is not donated or the body is mounted by a taxidermist, the flight feathers may be possessed for as long as a valid falconry permit is held. However, the feathers may not be bought, sold or bartered. The falconer must keep the paperwork documenting his or her acquisition of the bird.
(25) Visiting falconers
(a) A visitor to the United States may qualify for a temporary falconry permit appropriate for his or her experience.
(i) The permit may be valid for any period specified by the Department.
(ii) To demonstrate knowledge South Carolina falconry laws and regulations, the visitor must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions on the supervised examination for falconers administered by the Department. If the visitor passes the test, the Department will decide for what level of temporary permit the person is qualified. The decision should be based on the individual's documentation of his or her experience.
(iii) If the falconer holds a temporary falconry permit, he or she may possess raptors for falconry if he or she have approved falconry facilities.
(iv) A holder of a temporary falconry permit may fly raptors held for falconry by a permitted falconer.
(v) A holder of a temporary falconry permit may not take a bird from the wild to use in falconry.
(vi) For the duration of a permit from the Department, a visitor may use any bird for falconry that he or she possess legally in his or her country of residence for that purpose, provided that import of that species to the United States is not prohibited, and provided that he or she has met all permitting requirements of his or her country of residence.
(vii) A visitor must comply with the provisions in this section, those of the State, tribe or territory where he or she wishes to conduct falconry, and all States through which he or she will travel with the bird.
(viii) The visitor may transport registered raptors. He or she may need one or more additional permits to bring a raptor into the United States or to return home with it (see 50 CFR part 14 (importation, exportation, and transportation of wildlife), part 15 (Wild Bird Conservation Act), part 17 (endangered and threatened species), part 21 (migratory bird import and export permits), and part 23 (endangered species convention)).
(ix) Unless the visitor has the necessary permit(s) to bring a raptor into the United States and leave it here, he or she must take raptors brought into the country for falconry out of the country when he or she leaves. If a raptor brought into the United States dies or is lost while in this country, the visitor must document the loss before leaving the United States by reporting the loss to the Department.
(x) When flown free, any bird brought to this country temporarily must have two attached radio transmitters that will allow the falconer to locate it.
(xi) If the raptor dies or is lost, the falconer is not required to bring it back but must report the loss immediately upon return to the United States in the manner required by the falconry regulations of the State, and any conditions on the CITES certificate.
(26) A falconer does not need special or written permission for any of these activities on public lands if it is authorized. However, he or she must comply with all applicable Federal, State laws regarding falconry activities, including hunting. The falconry permit does not authorize him or her to capture or release raptors or practice falconry on public lands if it is prohibited on those lands, or on private property, without permission from the landowner or custodian.
(27) If a falconry bird kills prey without the falconer's intent, including an animal taken outside of a regular season, he or she may allow the falconry bird to feed on the animal, but the falconer may not take the animal into possession. The falconer must report take of any federally listed threatened or endangered species to the local USFWS Ecological Services Field Office.
(28) With a falconry bird, the falconer may take any species listed in 50 CFR parts 21.43, 44, 45, or 46 of this subchapter at any time in accordance with the conditions of the applicable depredation order, as long as he or she is are not paid for doing so.
(29) A surviving spouse, executor, administrator, or other legal representative of a deceased falconry permittee may transfer any bird held by the permittee to another authorized permittee within 90 days of the death of the falconry permittee. After 90 days, disposition of a bird held under the permit is at the discretion of the Department.
(30) If the falconer moves outside the jurisdiction of the Department and takes falconry birds with him or her, he or she must inform the Department within 30 days.
Credits
HISTORY: Amended by State Register Volume 17, Issue No. 2, eff Feb 26, 1993. Amended by State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 10, Doc. No. 4467, eff October 24, 2014.