TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, TO PROVIDE THAT OPEN SEASON IN GAME ZONE 1, WITH ARCHERY EQUIPMENT AND FIREARMS, IS OCTOBER 11 THROUGH JANUARY 1, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ON WMA LANDS, THE DEPARTMENT MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT TO ESTABLISH SEASONS FOR THE HUNTING AND TAKING OF DEER.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 50-11-310(A)(1) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)    The open season for the hunting and taking of antlered deer is:

(1) In Game Zone 1: October 1 through October 10, with primitive weapons only; October 11 through October 16 January 1, with archery equipment and firearms; October 17 through October 30, with archery equipment only; and October 31 through January 1, with archery equipment and firearms."

SECTION    2.    Section 50-11-310(C) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(C)    On WMA lands, the department may promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act to establish the seasons for the hunting and taking of deer, methods for the hunting and taking of deer, and for other restrictions for the hunting and taking of deer."

SECTION    3.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.