South Carolina § 50-11-95 - Computer-assisted remote hunting and remote hunting facilities; penalties; exceptions.

§ 50-11-95. Computer-assisted remote hunting and remote hunting facilities; penalties; exceptions.

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or any other device, equipment, or software, to remotely control the aiming and discharge of a firearm at an animal.

(2) "Computer-assisted remote hunting facilities" means real property and improvements on the property associated with hunting, including hunting blinds, offices, and rooms equipped to facilitate computer-assisted remote hunting.

(B) No person may engage in computer-assisted remote hunting in this State. This subsection shall apply to any person who is engaged in computer- assisted remote hunting if either the animal hunted, or any device, equipment, or software to remotely control the firearm are located in this State.

(C) No person shall establish or operate computer-assisted remote hunting facilities in this State.

(D) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction for a first offense must be fined not less than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, and for a subsequent offense must be fined not less than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both. Upon conviction for a first offense, a person who violates this section must forfeit any South Carolina hunting or fishing license for ten years. If the person does not possess a South Carolina hunting or fishing license, the person is ineligible to obtain a South Carolina hunting or fishing license for ten years. Upon conviction for a second offense, a person who violates this section must permanently forfeit any South Carolina hunting or fishing license and is permanently ineligible to obtain a South Carolina hunting or fishing license.

(E) This section does not apply to a person who only provides:

(1) general-purpose equipment, including a computer, camera, fencing, and building materials;

(2) general-purpose computer software including an operating system and communications programs; or

(3) general telecommunications hardware or networking services for computers, including adapters, modems, servers, routers, and other facilities associated with Internet access.

(F) The provisions of this section do not apply to a disabled hunter using medical equipment or devices designed to assist with his disability while engaged in the act of hunting.

HISTORY: 2006 Act No. 258, SECTION 1.