Ronald I have not done any prospecting for gold in several years now but when I was prospecting  I too dredged / hi-bank in South Carolina. Mostly in McCormick / Abbeville areas on private lands. Only permit I have ever had to get was if I was panning on National Forest land. You had to have a permit issued by the USGS and could only use a pan and shovel and only in the designated area which was around the Parson's Mountain area. The office was located in Edgefield so I just drove down and filled out the request papers and was issued the permit on the spot. It was good for a year and had to be renewed each year. Since by me not prospecting for some time, I cannot say with assurance they even issue permits anymore. The USGS has made a lots of changes in rules and regulations and I have not kept up with them.

Happy Prospecting,

Clem 

Ronald,
I live in Laurens SC so just down the road. as far as permits, no you don't need as long as your on private property. it would be good to have a written agreement/ok from the landowner in case authorities (DNR, local law enforcement, DHEC) come by. so private property no permit required. sorry for the delay in the response.
Freddie