S.C. Code Ann. § 50-3-90: Conducting game and fish cultural operations and investigations; sampling fish populations.

The authorized agents of the department may conduct game and fish cultural operations and scientific investigations in such manner, places, and at such times as are considered necessary and may use whatever methods are deemed advisable for sampling fish populations. No such operations and investigations shall be made upon private lands and waters except at the request of the owner or owners of such lands and waters.