Just like other states of the united states, South Carolina has also a population of raccoons. They can create problems for property owners, so no one wants them on their premises. The only option is to keep them away. But is it legal to trap and kill raccoons in South Carolina?
Yes, it is legal to trap and kill raccoons in South Carolina. Raccoons are regarded as furbearers under South Carolina law and are subject to open-season trapping and hunting.
In this article, we will read about a few South Carolina laws regarding the trapping of raccoons. Moreover, we will also look at all the rules that allow one to kill a raccoon in South Carolina. It is only permissible under certain conditions.
Is It Legal to Trap and Relocate Raccoons in South Carolina?
Yes, it is legal to relocate and trap raccoons in South Carolina Raccoon trapping and hunting are common sports. These animals can be trapped from December 1 through March 1. There is a designated hunting season for running dogs, and the hunting season varies by game zone.
Raccoons in traps have been found to move and turn them over. South Carolina does not permit relocation. In South Carolina, translocation is not permitted. You have to report to authorities first before taking any action regarding relocation.
Any diseased wildlife or another animal that could reasonably be considered to represent a risk to public health or safety, as assessed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, is illegal to possess, transfer, release, or otherwise introduce into the State.
Is It Legal to Hunt Raccoons in South Carolina?
Yes, it is legal to hunt Raccoons in South Carolina. In South Carolina, licenses and permits are necessary for hunting. On Licenses & Fees, you may find comprehensive details on the various licenses and permits available.
Before a hunting license can be issued, both citizens and nonresidents who were born after June 30, 1979, must satisfactorily complete a hunter education course that has been certified by the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
Licensed nuisance wild animal trappers or other people may kill raccoons that are causing damage but cannot be live trapped due to certain circumstances only after such trappers or other people request for and get written authorization.
Laws Governing About Raccoon Trapping in South Carolina
With a current Commercial Fur Harvester’s License, it is legal to trap fur-bearing animals from December 1 through March 1 of every year.
A person involved in capturing must be the owner of the ground on which the traps or gadgets are set or have written consent to utilize the land for trapping from the landlord or his agent in possession.
With the exception that a trapper must check gripping body traps when employed in water sets and other traps when used in submersion sets at least once every forty-eight hours, a trapper must check his traps at least once per day from two hours before dawn to 2 hours after sunset and eliminate any animal captured.
Laws Governing About Raccoon Shootings in South Carolina
Raccoons may be hunted at night on land where a person has a legal right to hunt; however, the animals may not be pursued using artificial lights, unless they are cornered or tethered by dogs, or with buckshot or any shot greater than a number four, or with rifle ammunition larger than a twenty-two caliber rimfire.
It is prohibited by South Carolina law, 16-11-510, to intentionally shoot, cut, maim, or injure an animal. If found guilty of the crime, you might spend up to 10 years behind bars.
Any raccoon that is a nuisance must be put to death or released on the property, whichever occurs first. However, you cannot shoot a raccoon that is not a nuisance, diseased, or a threat to property or personnel. Hunting season for raccoons allows shooting raccoons.
How Can You Trap Raccoons in South Carolina State?
Ways of trapping raccoons in South Carolina state are:
- Raccoon box traps and cages need to be at least 10 x 12 x 32 inches in size and made of durable materials.
- To decrease captures of unintended prey, bait traps with tasty foods.
- A catch pole, gloves, hand net, cat grasper, and a raccoon-sized box trap or cage are needed.
- The traps must be kept under observation for activity while they are set.
- Box or cage traps are typically the most practical eradication tools in urban and suburban regions.
- In some places, foot traps might be employed, particularly if they can be placed in water.
How Can You Shoot and Hunt Raccoons in South Carolina?
The following points are to be kept in mind when shooting and hunting raccoons in South Carolina:
- Raccoon hunting at night is forbidden.
- You can use pistols, shotguns, or rimfire rifles with or.22 calibers
- Having a firearm other than the one registered is considered illegal. Therefore, you can only possess the licensed ones.
- Headshots are encouraged. If an animal is seen in a brutally killed manner, you must pay a fine.
- It is acceptable to hunt raccoons with dogs.
You must keep the following methods in mind to shoot and hunt Raccoons in South Carolina.
Wrapping it up
You can kill, trap, and relocate them according to the guidelines set by State law. A licensed person is allowed to kill raccoons if they mean to cause you harm. You can always report the authorities and have them come over to look at your raccoon problem.
Before you trap or go hunting, check your local laws. Nuisance raccoons are to be put to death if causing harm to property, personnel, or area. During raccoon hunting season, there is no possession or bag limit.
There are some terms and conditions which you need to abide by. Without them, you can be charged with illegal conduct. You need to have a registered gun for hunting down raccoons.
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