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S 1215

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ANTLERLESS DEER TAGS, ANTLERLESS DEER LIMITS FOR PRIVATE LANDS IN GAME ZONES 1-4, AND YOUTH DEER HUNTING DAY, DESIGNATED AS

2025-2026 Regular Session

Approves DNR Regulation Document 5260 on antlerless deer tags, private land limits in Game Zones 1–4, and the Youth Deer Hunting Day, effective after the Governor's signature.

Recommitted to Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry
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Bill Summary · S 1215

Purpose and Intent

  • This is a joint resolution in South Carolina to approve specific regulations proposed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
  • The regulations address:
    • Individual antlerless deer tags
    • Antlerless deer limits for private lands in Game Zones 1–4
    • Youth deer hunting day
  • The regulations are designated as Regulation Document Number 5260 and are submitted under the state code governing legislative review of agency regulations.
  • The resolutions’ effect is to approve the existing or amended regulations upon the Governor’s approval.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Authority: Approves the DNR regulations identified as Regulation Document 5260.
  • Topics Covered:
    • Individual antlerless deer tags: Rules governing how many antlerless tags may be issued to individuals, who may receive them, and related allocation framework.
    • Antlerless deer limits for private lands in Game Zones 1–4: Sets or updates the limits on the number of antlerless deer that may be taken on private lands within Game Zones 1 through 4, including any zone-specific caps or adjustments.
    • Youth deer hunting day: Establishes or modifies the designation, rules, or eligibility criteria for a designated youth deer hunting day (e.g., age ranges, supervision requirements, hunting hours, or permit distribution).
  • Scope: Specifically targets private lands within Game Zones 1–4 for antlerless limits and delineates regulations impacting individuals who tag antlerless deer, as well as provisions for youth hunting activities.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary Affected Entities:
    • Private landowners and lessees in Game Zones 1–4
    • Deer hunters seeking antlerless tags or hunting within these zones
    • Youth hunters and their guardians/mentors
    • DNR as the administering agency
  • Potential Impacts:
    • Changes to how many antlerless deer an individual can harvest on private lands, potentially influencing population management and hunting opportunities.
    • Adjustments to the allocation or issuance process for antlerless tags.
    • Clarified or expanded rules for a designated Youth Deer Hunting Day, which may affect youth participation, safety requirements, and enforcement.
  • Enforcement and Compliance: Regulations would be enforced under DNR rules, subject to gubernatorial approval and subsequent administrative implementation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Path: The bill is a joint resolution approving regulations, not a standalone policy statute. It reflects the General Assembly’s consent to the DNR’s Regulation Document 5260.
  • Action History:
    • Introduced and read first time; placed on calendar without reference (March 27, 2024)
    • Recommitted to Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry (April 17, 2024)
    • Scrivener’s error corrected (March 28, 2024)
  • Effective Date: Takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
  • Notice: Drafting notice for the proposed amendments to antlerless deer limits was published in the State Register (Volume 47, Issue 10) on October 27, 2023, indicating the regulatory development timeline preceding this legislative action.

Summary

This bill is a formal legislative mechanism to approve the Department of Natural Resources’ Regulation Document 5260, which governs: (1) individual antlerless deer tags, (2) antlerless deer limits on private lands in Game Zones 1–4, and (3) the Youth Deer Hunting Day. It codifies the regulatory changes approved by the DNR and directs that they take effect once the Governor signs the joint resolution. The notice and references indicate ongoing regulatory adjustments, with the proposed changes previously outlined in the State Register in late 2023 and under review through 2024.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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