Was looking at the new regs just out for 2012-2013…Seems to be some new wording, “License holders, while shrimping from a boat, may be assisted by a resident who is not required to have a shrimp baiting license.” Does this mean that a non-resident cannot assist???
I have a friend who lives in NC and he typically comes down and goes with me. In the past the law read he can only drive the boat and not assist in any other way…now does this mean he can’t drive???
Also another wording question…the new regs says "“48 qts whole or 29 qts headed per day per set of poles”…does this mean that if two people, both licensed, in the same boat with two sets of poles can harvest 96 qts whole in the boat at the same time??? Not that I’d want to do that but just asking???
If you continue reading, it says only 1 set of poles per boat. I was wondering the same thing because my friend that will be going with me has his license as well. As far as the resident thing, that is how the law reads specifically. I would think if your buddy just drives the boat and has nothing to do with handling the shrimp, you would be ok, but I would check with a dnr official.
A friend of mine was checked while fishing and asked the question about out of staters and boat handling while shrimp baiting. One officer said OK, the other corrected the first officer and said in no way can a non-resident operate the boat…anyone know and eMail address I can send to DNR for an answer in writing??? It’s been my experience that on rather grey issues you get verbal differences if you call them on the phone.
Email your question to the Deputy director or division director @ SCDNR. He has always responded promptly to any questions I have had. Not going to post his email address here but its pretty easy to find on their website. That way you will have something in writing vs. word of mouth.
Everyone, I have a response from the DNR on non-resident shrimping assistance…
"In South Carolina, we allow non-residents to assist the licensed resident with
very thing EXCEPT throwing the net.
Hope this answered your question.
I have a reg question as well. What kind of measuring device is acceptable for headed shrimp? I have been anwered both ways by DNR as to whether it is leagal to used freezer bags as measuring device. One officer told me as long as the bags would close they were valid. Another officer told me that if you dump them and they measure more - then you get a ticket. 7 Gallon bags zipped(not busting at seams) will overflow a 28 qt cooler everytime.
I have a reg question as well. What kind of measuring device is acceptable for headed shrimp? I have been anwered both ways by DNR as to whether it is leagal to used freezer bags as measuring device. One officer told me as long as the bags would close they were valid. Another officer told me that if you dump them and they measure more - then you get a ticket. 7 Gallon bags zipped(not busting at seams) will overflow a 28 qt cooler everytime.
I think that if DNR can measure more than 28 qts using any reasonable method, you’re probably screwed. I haven’t been checked, but I think that if they are concerned that you might be borderline they will use their own measuring devices? Not worth pushing it, IMHO.
The only time I’ve heard of someone being checked for quantity, the DNR official had a 1 quart cup in his hand. He counted as he scooped from the cooler. If there were any shrimp left in the cooler when he reached 29/48, you are in violation.
I was checked two years ago at Buck Hall, the officer used a marked 3 qt bucket like the ones you can buy at lowes to mix paint in. He checked me because I was using a 50 qt cooler, of course I knew EXACTLY where the 48 qt mark is.
I’ve got another technicality to add to the mix. The season starts at noon on the 14th. Does that mean you can’t throw a net until noon or you can’t even have your poles in the water until noon. I’m just looking at the tide tables and thinking…
I have heard of people being ticketed for having poles and bait in a boat on the water before 12 noon. Dont know any personally but have heard of it happening
It would seem to me if the poles are in your boat then you are not shrimping but it seems that some rules are subjective. Not sure what the law allows as far as DNR ticketing someone.
