Chapter 113 - Article 21

Article 21.

Licenses and Permits Issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission.

§ 113-270.1. License agents.

(a) The Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule provide for the appointment of persons as license agents to sell licenses and permits that the Commission is authorized to issue by this Subchapter or by any other provisions of law. To facilitate the convenience of the public, the efficiency of administration, the need to keep statistics and records affecting the conservation of wildlife resources, boating, water safety, and other matters within the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Resources Commission, and the need to issue licenses and permits containing special restrictions, the Wildlife Resources Commission may issue licenses and permits in any particular category through:

(1) License agents.

(1a) A contracted licensing system vendor.

(2) The Wildlife Resources Commission's headquarters.

(3) Employees of the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(4) Two or more such sources simultaneously.

(a1) When there are substantial reasons for differing treatment, the Wildlife Resources Commission may issue a type of license or permit by one method in one locality and by another method in another locality.

(b) License agents may charge a fee of up to four dollars ($4.00) per transaction for licenses, applications, or permits processed by the agent. The Commission may charge a fee of up to four dollars ($4.00) per transaction for licenses, permits, and applications sold online or by other electronic means or directly to the public. This fee is in addition to any transaction fee charged by a contracted licensing system vendor.

(b1) When licenses or permits are to be issued by license agents as provided by subsection (a) of this section, the Wildlife Resources Commission may adopt rules to provide for any of the following:

(1) Qualifications of the license agents.

(2) Duties of the license agents.

(3) Methods and procedures to ensure accountability and security for proceeds and unissued licenses and permits.

(4) Types and amounts of evidence that a license agent must submit to relieve the agent of responsibility for losses due to occurrences beyond the control of the agent.

(5) Any other reasonable requirement or condition that the Wildlife Resources Commission deems necessary to expedite and control the issuance of licenses and permits by license agents.

(b2) The Wildlife Resources Commission may adopt rules to authorize the Executive Director to take any of the following actions related to license agents:

(1) Select and appoint license agents in areas most convenient for the sale of licenses and permits.

(2) Limit the number of license agents in an area if necessary for efficiency of operation.

(3) Require prompt and accurate reporting and remittance of public funds or documents by license agents.

(4) Conduct periodic and special audits of accounts.

(5) Suspend or terminate the authorization of any license agent found to be noncompliant with rules adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission or when State funds or property are reasonably believed to be in jeopardy.

(6) Require the immediate surrender of all equipment, forms, licenses, permits, records, and State funds and property, issued by or belonging to the Wildlife Resources Commission, in the event of the termination of a license agent.

(b3) The Wildlife Resources Commission is exempt from the contested case provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes with respect to determinations of whether to authorize or terminate the authority of a person to sell licenses and permits as a license agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(b4) If any check or bank account draft of any license agent for the issuance of licenses or permits is returned by the banking facility upon which the same is drawn for lack of funds, the license agent is liable to the Commission or contracted licensing system vendor for a penalty of five percent (5%) of the amount of the check or bank account draft, but in no event shall the penalty be less than five dollars ($5.00) or more than two hundred dollars ($200.00). License agents shall be assessed a penalty of twenty-five percent (25%) of their issuing fee on all remittances to the Commission or contracted licensing system vendor after the fifteenth day of the month immediately following the month of sale.

(b5) A contracted licensing system vendor may charge a fee of:

(1) Up to three dollars ($3.00) per transaction for licenses, permits, applications, or merchandise sold online or by other electronic means.

(2) Up to one dollar ($1.00) per transaction for licenses, permits, applications, or merchandise sold by a license agent or directly through the Commission.

(3) Up to five dollars ($5.00) per transaction for licenses, permits, applications, or merchandise sold through the contracted licensing system vendor call center.

(b6) Neither the Commission nor a contracted licensing system vendor shall charge a fee for federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification, big game harvest report cards for lifetime license holders, exempt landowners, persons of less than 16 years of age, or for any other license transactions for which there is no charge authorized by applicable law.

(d) It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a license agent to do any of the following:

(1) Withhold or misappropriate funds from the sale of licenses or permits.

(2) Falsify records of licenses or permits sold.

(3) Willfully and knowingly assist or allow a person to obtain a license or permit for which the person is ineligible.

(4) Willfully issue a backdated license or permit.

(5) Willfully include false information or omit material information on records, licenses, or permits regarding either:

a. A person's entitlement to a particular license or permit.

b. The applicability or term of a particular license or permit.

(6) Charge or accept any additional fee, remuneration, or other item of value in association with any activity set out in subdivisions (1) through (5) of this subsection.

(e) through (j) Repealed by Session Laws 2005-455, s. 3.2. See notes for contingent effective date. (1961, c. 352, ss. 4, 9; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1985, c. 791, s. 34; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 1993, c. 539, ss. 852, 853; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2005-455, s. 3.2; 2013-283, s. 15; 2022-74, s. 15.3(d).)

§ 113-270.1A. Hunter safety course required.

(a) Except as provided in subsections (a1) and (d) of this section, on or after July 1, 2013, a person, regardless of age, may not procure a hunting license in this State without producing a hunter education certificate of competency or one of the following issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission:

(1) A North Carolina hunting heritage apprentice permit.

(2) A hunting license issued prior to July 1, 2013.

(a1) A person who qualifies for a disabled license under G.S. 113-270.1C(b)(5) or (6), G.S. 113-270.1D(b)(7) or (8), or G.S. 113-351(c)(3)f. or g. need not comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section in order to receive that license, so long as the person does not make use of the license unless:

(1) The disabled hunter is accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age who is licensed to hunt; and

(2) The licensed adult maintains a proximity to the disabled hunter which enables the adult to monitor the activities of the disabled hunter by remaining within sight and hearing distance at all times without the use of electronic devices.

(b) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall institute and coordinate a statewide course of instruction in hunter ethics, wildlife laws and regulations, and competency and safety in the handling of firearms, and in so doing, may cooperate with any political subdivision, or with any reputable organization. The course of instruction shall be conducted as follows:

(1) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall designate those persons or agencies authorized to give the course of instruction, and this designation shall be valid until revoked by the Commission. Those designated persons shall submit to the Wildlife Resources Commission validated listings naming all persons who have successfully completed the course of instruction.

(2) The Wildlife Resources Commission may conduct the course in hunter education, using Commission personnel or Commission-approved persons.

(3) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall issue a certificate of competency and safety to each person who successfully completes the course of instruction, and the certificate shall be valid until revoked by the Commission.

(4) Any similar certificate issued outside the State by a governmental agency, shall be accepted as complying with the requirements of subsection (a) above, if the privileges are reciprocal for North Carolina residents.

(5) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall adopt rules and regulations to provide for the course of instruction and the issuance of the certificates consistent with the purpose of this section.

(c) On or after July 1, 2013, any person who obtains a hunting license by presenting a fictitious certificate of competency or who attempts to obtain a certificate of competency or hunting license through fraud shall have his hunting privileges revoked by the Wildlife Resources Commission for a period not to exceed one year.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the lifetime licenses provided for in G.S. 113-270.1D(b)(1), (2), (3), (4), and (5), and 113-270.2(c)(2), and 113-351(c)(3) may be purchased by or in the name of persons who have not obtained a hunter education certificate of competency, subject to the requirements of this subsection. Pending satisfactory completion of the hunter education course, persons who possess one of the lifetime licenses specified in this subsection may exercise the privileges of the lifetime license only when accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age who is licensed to hunt in this State. For the purpose of this section, "accompanied" means that the licensed adult maintains a proximity that enables the adult to monitor the activities of the hunter by remaining within sight and hearing distance at all times without use of electronic devices. (1989, c. 324, s. 1; 1991, c. 70, s. 1; 1997-365, s. 1; 1999-456, s. 27; 2005-438, s. 1; 2013-63, s. 1.)

§ 113-270.1B. License required to hunt, fish, or trap; fees set by Commission.

(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, no person may hunt, fish, trap, or participate in any other activity regulated by the Wildlife Resources Commission for which a license is provided by law without having first procured a current and valid license authorizing the activity.

(b) Except as indicated otherwise, all licenses, permits, stamps, and certifications are valid from the date of issue for a period of 12 months.

(1) The date of purchase of a new license.

(2) The first day after the expiration of a currently valid license of the same type held by the licensee.

(d) Repealed by Session Laws 2022-74, s. 15.3(e), effective July 1, 2023.

(e) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall adopt rules to establish fees for all licenses, permits, stamps, and certifications issued and administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission, except those specified in G.S. 113-173. No rule may increase a fee in excess of the total increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, rounded up to the next whole dollar, over the period of time since the last fee change.

The statutory fees for the hunting, fishing, trapping, and activity licenses issued and administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission shall expire when the rules adopted pursuant to this subsection become effective. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 1; 2012-81, s. 1; 2013-283, ss. 16, 20(b), (c); 2017-57, s. 13A.3; 2019-204, s. 6(a); 2022-74, s. 15.3(e).)

§ 113-270.1C. Combination hunting and inland fishing licenses.

(a) The combination hunting and inland fishing licenses set forth in subsection (b) of this section entitle the licensee to take all wild birds and wild animals, other than big game and waterfowl, by all lawful methods, except trapping, and in all open seasons, and to fish with hook and line in all inland and joint fishing waters, and public mountain trout waters, but does not entitle the licensee to engage in fishing in coastal fishing waters. A combination hunting and inland fishing license issued under this section entitles the licensee to access and use Wildlife Resources Commission Property.

(b) Combination hunting and inland fishing licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission are:

(1) Resident Annual Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing License - $35.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State.

(2), (3) Repealed by Session Laws 1997-326, s. 2.

(4) Repealed by Session Laws 2005-455, s. 1.6, effective January 1, 2007.

(5) Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing License - $10.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is a resident of the State and who is a fifty percent (50%) or more disabled veteran as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This license remains valid for the lifetime of the licensee.

(6) Resident Totally Disabled Lifetime Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing License - $10.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is a resident of the State and who is totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration. This license remains valid for the lifetime of the licensee. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 1; 1997-326, ss. 2, 3; 2001-91, s. 1; 2005-455, s. 1.6; 2013-283, s. 1; 2019-204, s. 6(b).)

§ 113-270.1D. Sportsman licenses.

(a) Annual Sportsman License - $50.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State and entitles the licensee to take all wild animals and wild birds, including waterfowl, by all lawful methods, except trapping, in all open seasons, and to fish with hook and line for all fish in all inland and joint fishing waters, including public mountain trout waters, but does not entitle the licensee to engage in fishing in coastal waters. An annual sportsman license issued under this subsection entitles the licensee to access and use Wildlife Resources Commission Property.

(b) Lifetime Sportsman Licenses. - Lifetime sportsman licenses are valid for the lifetime of the licensees. Lifetime sportsman licenses entitle the licensees to take all wild animals and wild birds by all lawful methods, except trapping, in all open seasons, and to fish with hook and line for all fish in all inland and joint fishing waters, including public mountain trout waters, but do not entitle the licensee to engage in fishing in coastal fishing waters, except if the license was purchased before January 1, 2006, pursuant to G.S. 113-174.2(d)(2). A lifetime sportsman license issued under this subsection entitles the licensee to access and use Wildlife Resources Commission Property. Lifetime sportsman licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission are:

(1) Infant Lifetime Sportsman License - $200.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual under one year of age.

(2) Youth Lifetime Sportsman License - $350.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual under 12 years of age.

(3) Adult Resident Lifetime Sportsman License - $500.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State who is 12 years of age or older but younger than 70 years of age. Except for individuals qualifying for a discounted license pursuant to G.S. 113-276(o), a resident who is 50 years of age or older but younger than 70 years of age shall be eligible to purchase this license at fifty percent (50%) of the applicable fee.

(4) Nonresident Lifetime Sportsman License - $1,200. This license shall be issued only to an individual nonresident of the State.

(5) Age 70 Resident Lifetime Sportsman License - $15.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State who is at least 70 years of age.

(6) Repealed by Session Laws 2005-455, s. 1.7. effective January 1, 2007.

(7) Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Sportsman License - $100.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is a resident of the State and who is a fifty percent (50%) or more disabled veteran as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or as established by rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(8) Resident Totally Disabled Lifetime Sportsman License - $100.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is a resident of the State and who is totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or as established by rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(9) Fallen Wildlife Officers Memorial Lifetime Sportsman License. - This license shall also be known as the John Oliver Edwards Memorial Lifetime Sportsman License and shall be issued free of charge only to a surviving spouse, child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a wildlife enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 1; 1997-326, s. 1; 1999-339, s. 4; 2005-455, s. 1.7; 2013-283, s. 2; 2014-100, s. 14.25(e); 2018-82, s. 1; 2019-204, s. 6(c); 2021-160, s. 8(a).)

§ 113-270.2. Hunting licenses.

(a) The hunting licenses set forth in subdivisions (1), (2), (5), (6), and (7) of subsection (c) of this section entitle the holder to take wild birds and wild animals, other than big game and waterfowl, by all lawful methods, except trapping, and in all open seasons. Unless otherwise specified, a hunting license issued under this subsection entitles the licensee to access and use Wildlife Resources Commission Property. The comprehensive hunting licenses of subdivisions (2) and (5) of subsection (c) of this section further entitle the holder to take big game and waterfowl.

(b) Repealed by Session Laws 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 2.

(1) Resident State Hunting License - $25.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State.

(2) Lifetime Resident Comprehensive Hunting License - $250.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State and is valid for the lifetime of the holder.

(3) Repealed by Session Laws 2013-283, s. 3, effective August 1, 2014.

(4) Controlled Hunting Preserve Hunting License - $20.00. This license shall be issued to an individual resident or nonresident to take only foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and domestically raised chukars, Hungarian partridges, and game birds, other than wild turkey, only within a controlled hunting preserve licensed and operated in accordance with G.S. 113-273(g) and implementing rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission. This license does not authorize access to or use of Wildlife Resources Commission Property.

(5) Resident Annual Comprehensive Hunting License - $36.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State.

(6) Nonresident State Hunting License. This license shall be issued only to a nonresident. The nonresident State hunting licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission are:

a. Season License - $100.00.

b. Ten-Day License - $80.00. This license is valid for the 10 consecutive dates indicated on the license.

(7) Falconry Hunting License - $25.00. This license shall be issued to an individual resident or nonresident and authorizes taking wildlife by means of falconry. In addition to a falconry hunting license, the license holder shall also possess a valid falconry license as described in G.S. 113-270.3(b)(4). This license expires June 30.

(d) One dollar ($1.00) of the proceeds received from the sale of each nonresident hunting license sold pursuant to subdivision (6) of subsection (c) of this section shall be set aside by the Wildlife Resources Commission and contributed to a proper agency or agencies in the United States for expenditure in Canada for the restoration and management of migratory waterfowl. (1935, c. 486, s. 12; 1937, c. 45, s. 1; 1945, c. 617; 1949, c. 1203, s. 1; 1957, c. 849, s. 1; 1959, c. 304; 1961, c. 384, s. 1; 1967, c. 790; 1969, c. 1030; c. 1042, ss. 1-5, 13; 1971, c. 242; c. 282, s. 1; c. 705, ss. 1, 2; 1973, c. 1262, s. 18; 1975, c. 197, ss. 1-4, 6, 8; c. 673, s. 2; 1977, c. 658; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1178, s. 1; 1981, c. 482, s. 4; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1201, s. 1; 1983, c. 140, s. 1; 1987, c. 156, ss. 1, 2; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 1989, c. 324, s. 2; c. 616, s. 2; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 909, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 2; 1999-339, s. 5; 2001-91, s. 2; 2013-283, s. 3; 2019-204, s. 6(d).)

§ 113-270.2A. Voluntary contribution to hunter education program.

(a) A person applying for a hunting license may make a voluntary contribution to the Wildlife Resources Commission for the purpose of funding a hunter education program.

(b) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall devise administrative procedure for the collection of all contributions donated pursuant to the provisions of this act and shall collect and use the contributions to fund and provide for a hunter education program. (1979, c. 764, ss. 1, 2; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 2013-63, s. 2.)

§ 113-270.2B. Voluntary migratory waterfowl conservation print.

(a) The Wildlife Resources Commission has exclusive production rights for the voluntary migratory waterfowl conservation print, and is authorized to adopt policy for the annual selection of an appropriate design for the print and to have the print produced for sale. This policy may include ownership rights of the original art selected; arrangements for the reproduction, distribution and marketing of prints; and provisions for sharing the resulting revenues.

(b) The proceeds accruing to the Commission from its share of the voluntary migratory waterfowl conservation prints shall be used by the Commission for the benefit of migratory waterfowl management in North Carolina. (1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1269; 1987, c. 452, s. 1; c. 827, s. 98.)

§ 113-270.3. Special activity licenses; big game kill reports.

(a) In addition to any hunting, trapping, or fishing license that may be required pursuant to G.S. 113-270.1B(a), individuals engaging in specially regulated activities must have the appropriate special activity license and stamp prescribed in this section before engaging in the regulated activity.

(b) The special activity licenses and stamp issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission are as follows:

(1) Resident Big Game Hunting License - $13.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State and entitles the holder to take big game by all lawful methods and during all open seasons.

(1a) Nonresident Bear Hunting License - $225.00. This license is valid for use only by an individual within the State and must be procured before taking any bear within the State. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a nonresident individual may not take any bear within the State without procuring this license; provided, that neither those persons who have a nonresident lifetime sportsman combination license purchased prior to May 24, 1994, nor those persons who have obtained a lifetime license established by G.S. 113-270.1D(b)(9) shall have to purchase this license. This license expires June 30.

(1b) Bear Management Stamp - $10.00. This electronically generated stamp must be procured before taking any bear within the State. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a resident or nonresident individual may not take any bear within the State without procuring this stamp; provided, that those persons who have purchased a lifetime license established by G.S. 113-270.1D(b), 113-270.2(c)(2), or 113-351(c)(3) prior to July 1, 2014, those persons who have obtained a lifetime license established by G.S. 113-270.1D(b)(9), and those persons exempt from the license requirements as set forth in G.S. 113-276(c), G.S. 113-276(d), and G.S. 113-276(n) shall obtain this stamp free of charge. All of the revenue generated by this stamp shall be dedicated to black bear research and management. This stamp expires June 30.

(2) Nonresident Big Game Hunting License. This license shall be issued only to an individual nonresident of the State and entitles the holder to take big game by all lawful methods and during all open seasons. The nonresident big game hunting licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission are:

a. Season License - $100.00.

b. Ten-Day License - $80.00. This license is only valid for the 10 consecutive dates indicated on the license.

(2a) Bonus Antlerless Deer License - $10.00. This license shall be issued to an individual resident or nonresident of the State who holds a valid North Carolina big game hunting license or an individual resident who is exempt from the hunting license requirement in accordance with G.S. 113-276(c) and G.S. 113-276(d) and entitles the holder to take two antlerless deer during seasons and by methods authorized by the Wildlife Resources Commission. This license expires June 30.

(2b) Bonus CWD Deer License. - This license may be issued to an individual resident or nonresident of the State who holds a valid North Carolina hunting license that entitles the licensee to take big game, or an individual resident who is exempt from the hunting license requirement in accordance with G.S. 113-276(c) and G.S. 113-276(d) and entitles the holder to take two deer of either sex in an area identified by the Wildlife Resources Commission for special management action due to the presence of or potential for Chronic Wasting Disease during seasons and by methods authorized by the Wildlife Resources Commission. This license expires June 30.

(3) Game Land License - $15.00. The Wildlife Resources Commission may, pursuant to G.S. 113-264(a), designate in its rules activities on game lands that require purchase of this license and may charge additional fees for use of specially developed facilities.

(4) Falconry License - $10.00. This license shall be issued to an individual resident or nonresident of the State and must be procured before:

a. Taking, importing, transporting, or possessing a raptor; or

b. Taking wildlife by means of falconry.

In addition to a falconry license, license holders 16 years of age and older must also possess a hunting license as set forth in G.S. 113-270.1C, 113-270.1D, and 113-270.2 when taking wildlife by means of falconry. The Wildlife Resources Commission may issue classes of falconry licenses necessary to participate in the federal/State permit system, require necessary examinations before issuing licenses or permits to engage in various authorized activities related to possession and maintenance of raptors and the sport of falconry, and regulate licenses as required by governing federal law and rules. To defray the costs of administering required examinations, the Wildlife Resources Commission may charge reasonable fees upon giving them. To meet minimum federal standards plus other State standards in the interests of conservation of wildlife resources, the Wildlife Resources Commission may impose all necessary controls, including those set out in the sections pertaining to collection licenses and captivity licenses, and may issue permits and require reports, but no collection license or captivity license is needed in addition to the falconry license.

(5) Migratory Waterfowl Hunting License - $13.00. This license shall be issued to an individual resident or nonresident of the State and entitles the holder to take migratory waterfowl in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Wildlife Resources Commission may implement this license requirement through the sale of an official waterfowl stamp which may be a facsimile, in an appropriate size, of the waterfowl conservation print authorized by G.S. 113-270.2B. An amount not less than one-half of the annual proceeds from the sale of this license shall be used by the Commission for cooperative waterfowl habitat improvement projects through contracts with local waterfowl interests, with the remainder of the proceeds to be used by the Commission in its statewide programs for the conservation of waterfowl.

(6) Resident American Alligator License - $250.00. This license shall be issued to an individual resident of the State and entitles the holder to take American alligator during the open alligator season by methods authorized by the Wildlife Resources Commission. This license expires June 30.

(7) Nonresident American Alligator License - $500.00. This license shall be issued to an individual nonresident of the State and entitles the holder to take American alligator during the open alligator season by methods authorized by the Wildlife Resources Commission. This license expires June 30.

(8) Resident Elk License - $500.00. This license shall be issued to an individual resident of the State and entitles the holder to take elk during the open elk season by methods authorized by the Wildlife Resources Commission. This license expires June 30.

(9) Nonresident Elk License - $1,000. This license shall be issued to an individual nonresident of the State and entitles the holder to take elk during the open elk season by methods authorized by the Wildlife Resources Commission. This license expires June 30.

(c) Any individual who kills any species of big game must report the kill to the Wildlife Resources Commission. The Commission may by rule prescribe the method of making the report, prescribe its contents, and require positive identification of the carcass of the kill, by tagging or otherwise. The Wildlife Resources Commission may administratively provide for the annual issuance of big game tags or other identification for big game authorized by this section to holders of lifetime sportsman licenses and lifetime comprehensive hunting licenses.

(d) Any individual who possesses any of the lifetime sportsman licenses established by G.S. 113-270.1D(b) may engage in specially regulated activities without the licenses required by subdivisions (1), (2), (3), and (5) of subsection (b) of this section. Any individual possessing an annual sportsman license established by G.S. 113-270.1D(a) or a lifetime or annual comprehensive hunting license established by G.S.113-270.2(c)(2) or (5) may engage in specially regulated activities without the licenses required by subdivisions (1), (3), and (5) of subsection (b) of this section.

(e) When the Wildlife Resources Commission establishes a primitive weapons season pursuant to G.S. 113-291.2(a), all of the combination hunting and fishing licenses established in G.S.113-270.1C, sportsman licenses established in G.S. 113-270.1D, and hunting licenses established in G.S. 113-270.2(c)(1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) entitle the holder to participate. For purposes of this section, "primitive weapons" include bow and arrow, muzzle-loading firearm, and any other primitive weapon specified in the rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission. (1969, c. 1042, s. 7; 1973, c. 1097, s. 1; 1975, c. 171; c. 197, ss. 5, 7; c. 673, s. 1; 1977, c. 746, s. 1; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1178, ss. 2, 5; 1981, c. 482, s. 7; c. 620, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1201, s. 2; 1983, c. 140, ss. 2-3; 1987, c. 156, ss. 3-5; c. 452, ss. 2, 3; c. 745, s. 2; c. 827, s. 98; 1991, c. 671, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 557, s. 2; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 3; 1999-339, s. 6; 2001-91, s. 3; 2006-226, s. 21; 2009-214, s. 1; 2011-369, s. 3; 2013-283, s. 4; 2014-100, s. 14.25(a); 2018-82, s. 2; 2018-90, s. 2; 2019-204, s. 6(e); 2023-69, s. 2.2(a).)

§ 113-270.4. Hunting and fishing guide license.

(a) No one may serve for hire as a hunting or fishing guide without having first procured a current and valid hunting and fishing guide license. This license is valid only for use by an individual meeting the criteria set by the Wildlife Resources Commission for issuance of the license subject to the limitations set forth in this section. Possession of the hunting and fishing guide license does not relieve the guide from meeting other applicable license requirements.

(b) The hunting and fishing guide licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources are:

(1) Resident Hunting and Fishing Guide License - $15.00. This license is valid for use only by an individual resident of the State.

(2) Nonresident Hunting and Fishing Guide License - $150.00. This license is valid for use by a nonresident individual in the State.

(c) The Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule provide for the qualifications and duties of hunting and fishing guides. In implementing this section, the Wildlife Resources Commission may delegate to the Executive Director and his subordinates administrative responsibilities concerning the selection and supervision of hunting and fishing guides, except that provisions relating to revocation of hunting and fishing guide licenses must be substantially set out in the rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission. (1935, c. 486, s. 12; 1937, c. 45, s. 1; 1945, c. 617; 1949, c. 1203, s. 1; 1957, c. 849, s. 1; 1959, c. 304; 1961, c. 834, s. 1; 1967, c. 790; 1969, c. 1030; c. 1042, ss. 1-5; 1971, c. 242, c. 282, s. 1; c. 705, ss. 1, 2; 1973, c. 1262, s. 18; 1975, c. 197, ss. 1-4; 1977, c. 658; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1201, s. 3; 1983, c. 140, s. 4; 1987, c. 156, s. 6; c. 827, s. 98; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 989, s. 1; 1993, c. 553, s. 32.1; 2001-91, s. 4; 2013-283, s. 5.)

§ 113-270.5. Trapping licenses.

(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, no person may take wild animals by trapping during open trapping seasons without a valid trapping license.

(b) The trapping licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission are as follows and entitle the licensee to access and use Wildlife Resource Commission Property:

(1) Resident State Trapping License - $30.00. This license is valid only for use by an individual resident of the State.

(1a) Resident Lifetime Trapping License - $300.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State and is valid for the lifetime of the licensee.

(2) Repealed by Session Laws 2013-283, s. 6, effective August 1, 2014.

(3) Nonresident State Trapping License - $125.00. This license is valid for use by an individual within the State. (1929, c. 278, s. 3; 1969, c. 1042, s. 6; 1973, c. 1262, s. 18; 1975, c. 197, ss. 9-11; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1201, s. 4; 1983, c. 140, s. 5; 1987, c. 156, s. 7; c. 827, s. 98; 2001-91, s. 5; 2013-283, s. 6; 2019-204, s. 6(f).)

§ 113-271. Hook-and-line licenses in inland and joint fishing waters.

(a) An inland hook-and-line fishing license issued under subdivisions (2), (3), (5), (6), (6a), (6b), and (6c) of subsection (d) of this section entitles the licensee to fish with hook and line in inland fishing waters, joint fishing waters, and public mountain trout waters. An inland hook-and-line fishing license issued under this section entitles the licensee to access and use Wildlife Resources Commission Property, but does not entitle the licensee to engage in fishing in coastal fishing waters.

(b) Repealed by Session Laws 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 4.

(d) The hook-and-line fishing licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission are as follows:

(1) Repealed by Session Laws 2019-204, s. 6(g), effective September 1, 2019.

(2) Resident State Inland Fishing License - $25.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State.

(3) Lifetime Resident Comprehensive Inland Fishing License - $250.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State and is valid for the lifetime of the licensee.

(4) Repealed by Session Laws 2013-283, s. 7, effective August 1, 2014.

(5) Nonresident State Inland Fishing License - $45.00. This license shall be issued to an individual nonresident of the State.

(6) Short-Term Inland Fishing Licenses. Short-term inland fishing licenses are valid only for the date or consecutive dates indicated on the licenses. Short-term inland fishing licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission are:

a. Resident 10-day Inland Fishing License - $9.00. This license shall be issued only to a resident of the State.

b. Nonresident 10-day Inland Fishing License - $23.00. This license shall be issued only to a nonresident of the State.

c. Repealed by Session Laws 2005-455, s. 1.8, effective January 1, 2007.

(6a) Age 70 Resident Lifetime Inland Fishing License - $15.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual resident of the State who is at least 70 years of age.

(6b) Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Inland Fishing License - $10.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is a resident of the State and who is a fifty percent (50%) or more disabled veteran as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or as established by rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission. This license remains valid for the lifetime of the licensee.

(6c) Resident Totally Disabled Lifetime Inland Fishing License - $10.00. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is a resident of the State and who is totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or as established by rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission. This license remains valid for the lifetime of the licensee.

(7), (8) Repealed by Session Laws 2005-455, s. 1.8, effective January 1, 2007.

(9) Special Landholder and Guest Fishing License - $100.00. This license shall be issued only to the landholder of private property bordering inland or joint fishing waters. This license shall entitle the landholder and guests of the landholder to fish from the shore or any pier or dock originating from the property without any additional fishing license. This license is applicable only to private property and private docks and piers and is not valid for any public property, pier, or dock nor for any private property, pier, or dock operated for any commercial purpose whatsoever. This license shall not be in force unless displayed on the premises of the property and only entitles fishing without additional license to persons fishing from the licensed property and then only when fishing within the private property lines. This license is not transferable as to person or location. For purposes of this subdivision, a guest is any individual invited by the landholder to fish from the property at no charge. A charge includes any fee, assessment, dues, rent, or other consideration which must be paid, whether directly or indirectly, in order to be allowed to fish from the property, regardless of the stated reason for such charge.

(10) Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Three-Day Fishing License - $8.00. This license shall be issued to an individual resident or nonresident of the State and shall entitle the holder to fish in waters designated by the Wildlife Resources Commission as mountain heritage trout waters for the three consecutive days indicated on the license. An individual who holds a mountain heritage trout waters three-day fishing license does not need to hold any other hook-and-line fishing license issued pursuant to this subsection in order to fish in mountain heritage trout waters. (1929, c. 335, ss. 1-4; 1931, c. 351; 1933, c. 236; 1935, c. 478; 1945, c. 529, ss. 1, 2; c. 567, ss. 1-4; 1949, c. 1203, s. 2; 1953, c. 1147; 1955, c. 198, s. 1; 1957, c. 849, s. 2; 1959, c. 164; 1961, c. 312; c. 834, ss. 3-6; 1965, c. 957, s. 2; 1969, c. 761; c. 1042, s. 9; 1973, c. 476, s. 143; c. 504; 1975, c. 197, s. 15; 1979, c. 737, ss. 1, 2; c. 748, s. 6; c. 830, s. 1; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1178, ss. 3, 5; 1981, c. 482, s. 5; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1201, s. 5; 1983, c. 140, s. 6; 1987, c. 156, ss. 8, 9; c. 827, s. 98; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 909, s. 2; c. 926; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 4; 1995, c. 535, s. 6.1; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a); 1999-456, s. 28; 2005-455, s. 1.8; 2006-255, s. 8; 2013-283, s. 7; 2019-204, s. 6(g).)

§ 113-272. Repealed by Session Laws 2019-204, s. 6(h), effective September 1, 2019.

§ 113-272.1. Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 830, s. 1.

§ 113-272.2. Special device licenses.

(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, no one may fish in inland fishing waters with any special device without having first procured a current and valid special device license. Special devices are all devices used in fishing other than hook and line.

(b) Repealed by Session Laws 2001-91, s. 7, effective July 1, 2001.

(1) Repealed by Session Laws 2013-283, s. 9, effective August 1, 2014.

(1a) Resident Special Device License - $75.00. Except as rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission provide for use of equipment by more than one person, this license is valid only for use by an individual resident of the State. It authorizes the taking of nongame fish from inland fishing waters with special devices authorized by the rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission for use in specified waters. The Wildlife Resources Commission may restrict the user of the license to specified registered equipment, require tagging of items of equipment, charge up to one dollar ($1.00) per tag issued, and require periodic catch data reports. Nongame fish lawfully taken under this license may be sold.

(2) Repealed by Session Laws 2013-283, s. 9, effective August 1, 2014.

(2a) Nonresident Special Device License - $500.00. Except as rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission provide for use of equipment by more than one person, this license is valid only for use by an individual within the State. It is otherwise subject to the terms and conditions set out in subdivision (1a) of this subsection.

(3), (4) Repealed by Session Laws 1987, c. 156, s. 11.

(d) Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 36, s. 2. (1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1981, c. 620, s. 2; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1201, s. 7; 1983, c. 140, s. 8; 1987, c. 156, ss. 11, 12; c. 827, s. 98; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 778, s. 1; 1995, c. 36, s. 2; 2001-91, s. 7; 2013-283, s. 9.)

§ 113-272.3. Special provisions respecting fishing licenses; grabbling; taking bait fish; use of landing nets; lifetime licenses issued from Wildlife Resources Commission headquarters; personalized lifetime sportsman combination licenses.

(a) The Wildlife Resources Commission by rule may define the meaning of "hook and line" and "special device" as applied to fishing techniques. Any technique of fishing that may be lawfully authorized which employs neither the use of any special device nor hook and line must be pursued under the appropriate hook-and-line fishing license.

(b) In accordance with established fishing customs and the orderly conservation of wildlife resources, the Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule provide for use of nets or other special devices which it may authorize as an incident to hook-and-line fishing or for procuring bait fish without requiring a special device license. In this instance, however, the individual fishing must meet applicable hook-and-line license requirements.

(c) Lifetime licenses are issued from the Wildlife Resources Commission headquarters to facilitate compliance with 50 C.F.R. § 80.31. Each application for any Infant Lifetime Sportsman, Youth Lifetime Sportsman, or Age 70 Resident Lifetime License must be accompanied by a copy of the birth certificate, adoption order containing the date of birth, or other proof of age satisfactory to the Commission, of the individual to be named as the licensee. Each application for a Fallen Wildlife Officers Memorial Lifetime Sportsman License shall be accompanied by proof of relationship to the fallen wildlife officer, satisfactory to the Wildlife Resources Commission, of the individual to be named as the licensee.

(d) In issuing lifetime licenses, the Wildlife Resources Commission is authorized to adopt rules to establish a personalized series for certain license types and to charge a five dollar ($5.00) administrative fee, to be deposited in the Wildlife Fund, to defray the cost of issuance of the personalized license. The fee shall not be assessed for a personalized Fallen Wildlife Officers Memorial Lifetime Sportsman License as enacted under G.S. 113-270.1D(b)(9).

(e) Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Program. - The Wildlife Resources Commission shall establish and implement a Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Program to promote trout fishing as a heritage tourism activity. The Commission shall develop criteria for participation in the Program by cities and prepare a management plan for mountain heritage trout waters. A city that meets the criteria for participation in the Program shall be designated by the Commission as a Mountain Heritage Trout City. (1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1981, c. 482, s. 8; c. 620, s. 3; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 6.1; 2005-455, s. 1.9; 2006-255, s. 9; 2018-82, s. 3; 2019-204, s. 6(i).)

§ 113-272.4. Collection licenses.

(a) In the interest of the orderly and efficient conservation of wildlife resources, the Wildlife Resources Commission may provide for the licensing of individuals to take any of the wildlife resources of the State under a collection license that may serve in lieu of any other license required in this Article. This license authorizes incidental transportation and possession of the wildlife resources necessary to implement the authorized purposes of the taking, but the Wildlife Resources Commission in its discretion may additionally impose permit requirements under subsection (d) below and G.S. 113-274.

(b) The Wildlife Resources Commission may delegate to the Executive Director the authority to impose time limits during which the license is valid and restrictions as to what may be taken and method of taking and possession, in the interests of conservation objectives. Methods of taking under a collection license need not be restricted to those applicable to ordinary hunting, trapping, or fishing, but the licensee shall observe the restrictions as to taking, transportation, and possession imposed by the Executive Director upon the granting of the license.

(c) When a more limited duration period is not set by the Executive Director, collection licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 in any year. This license is issued upon payment of ten dollars ($10.00). The Wildlife Resources Commission may adopt rules to utilize replacement costs of wildlife resources to offset the impact of collection or possession activities.

(d) As necessary, the Executive Director may administratively impose on licensees under this section restrictions upon individuals taking, transporting, or possessing under the license which will permit ready identification and control of those involved in the interest of efficient administration of laws pertaining to wildlife resources. Restrictions may include requirements as to record keeping, tagging, marking packages, cages, or containers and exhibition of additional limited-purpose and limited-time permits that may be issued without charge to cover particular activities and other actions that may be administratively required in the reasonable implementation of the objectives of this Subchapter.

(e) If the Executive Director deems it administratively appropriate and convenient to do so, in the interests of simplifying the administration of licensing requirements, the Executive Director may grant particular licensees under this section the privilege of utilizing assistants in taking, transporting, or possessing wildlife resources who themselves are not licensed. Any assistants so taking, transporting, or possessing wildlife resources shall have readily available for inspection a written authorization from the licensee to engage in the activity in question. The written authorization shall contain information administratively required by the Executive Director, and a copy of the authorization must be submitted to the Wildlife Resources Commission before any assistant acts under the authorization. The Executive Director may refuse to issue, refuse to renew, or revoke the privilege conferred in this subsection. If this is done, each individual engaged in taking, transporting, or possessing wildlife resources under this section shall meet all applicable licensing and permit requirements. (1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 2019-204, s. 6(j).)

§ 113-272.5. Captivity license.

(a) The Wildlife Resources Commission may license individuals to hold at a specified location wild animals and wild birds that are lawfully taken, crippled, tame, or unfit for immediate release into their natural habitat, or one or more of any particular species of wild animal or wild bird alive in captivity for scientific, educational, exhibition, or other purposes. Before issuing this license, the Executive Director must determine that issuance of the license is appropriate under the objectives of this Subchapter, and that the wild animal or wild bird was not acquired unlawfully or merely as a pet. Upon refusing to issue the captivity license, the Executive Director may either take possession of the wild animal or wild bird for appropriate disposition or issue a captivity permit under G.S. 113-274(c)(1b) for a limited period until the holder makes proper disposition of the wild animal or wild bird.

(b) Unless a shorter time is set for a license upon its issuance under the provisions of subsection (c), captivity licenses are annual licenses issued beginning January 1 each year and running until the following December 31. The captivity license for holding shall be issued upon payment of fifty dollars ($50.00) and the captivity license for rehabilitation shall be issued upon payment of ten dollars ($10.00) to the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(c) The Wildlife Resources Commission may require standards of caging and care and reports to and supervision by employees of the Wildlife Resources Commission in furtherance of the objectives of this Subchapter. The Executive Director in implementing the provisions of this section may administratively impose restrictions upon the mode of captivity deemed necessary, including prescribing methods of treatment and handling. To this end, the Executive Director may issue the captivity license with an expiration date earlier than December 31 and may also act to terminate any captivity license earlier than the expiration date for good cause.

(d) Any substantial deviation from reasonable requirements imposed by rule or administratively under the authority of this section renders possession of the wild animal or wild bird unlawful.

(e) No captivity license may be issued for any cougar (Felis concolor), except to:

(1) A bona fide publicly supported zoo.

(2) An educational or scientific research institution.

(3) An individual who lawfully possessed the cougar on June 29, 1977. The license may not be granted, however, for possession of a cougar within a municipality which prohibits such possession by ordinance.

(4) An individual who holds a cougar without caging under conditions simulating a natural habitat, the development of which is in accord with plans and specifications developed by the holder and approved by the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(f) The licensing provisions of this section apply to black bears held in captivity, but, to the extent that it differs from this section, Article 2 of Chapter 19A of the General Statutes governs the keeping of black bears in captivity. (1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1285, s. 3; 1981, c. 575, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 2013-3, s. 1; 2019-204, s. 6(k).)

§ 113-272.6. Possession, Transportation, Importation, and Exportation of non-farmed cervids.

(a) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall regulate the possession and transportation, including importation and exportation, of non-farmed cervids, including game carcasses and parts of game carcasses extracted by hunters and carcasses and parts of carcasses imported from hunt facilities as defined by USDA Standards. For purposes of this section, the term "non-farmed cervid" has the same meaning as in G.S. 106-549.97. The Commission shall follow the USDA Standards as defined in G.S. 106-549.97 and the provisions set forth in 9 C.F.R. Part 55 and 9 C.F.R. Part 81 in the implementation of this section and shall not adopt any rule or standard that is in conflict with, in lieu of, or more restrictive than the USDA Standards. The Commission shall adopt rules to implement this section, including requirements for transportation, importation, and exportation permits. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission may charge a fee of up to fifty dollars ($50.00) for the processing of applications for transportation, importation, and exportation permits, and the renewal or modification of those permits. The fees collected shall be applied to the costs of administering this section.

(b) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall notify every applicant for a permit that any permit issued is subject to the applicant's compliance with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' requirements for transportation pursuant to Article 34 of Chapter 106 of the General Statutes.

(c) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall regulate the production, sale, and transportation, including importation and exportation, of farmed cervids for commercial purposes and the licensing of farmed cervid facilities pursuant to G.S. 106-549.97. No action taken by the Wildlife Resources Commission shall in any way limit the authority of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to regulate farmed cervids.

(d), (e) Repealed by Session Laws 2015-263, s. 14(b), effective September 30, 2015. (2003-344, s. 5; 2014-100, s. 14.26(e); 2015-263, s. 14(b).)

§ 113-273. Other licenses.

(a) Except when otherwise indicated, licenses in this section are annual licenses issued beginning January 1 each year running until the following December 31.

(b) Except as otherwise provided, no person may engage in any activity for which a license is provided under this section without first having procured a current and valid license for that activity. In implementing the provisions of this section, the Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule govern every aspect of the licensee's dealings in wildlife resources. Specifically, these rules may require licensees to:

(1) Implement a system of tagging or otherwise identifying and controlling species regulated under the license and pay a reasonable fee, for each tag furnished by the Wildlife Resources Commission to defray costs;

(2) Keep records and statistics in record books furnished by the Wildlife Resources Commission, and pay a reasonable charge to defray the cost of furnishing the books;

(3) Be subject to inspection at reasonable hours and audit of wildlife resources and pertinent records and equipment;

(4) Make periodic reports;

(5) Post performance bonds payable to the Wildlife Resources Commission conditioned upon faithful compliance with provisions of law; and

(6) Otherwise comply with reasonable rules and administrative requirements that may be imposed under the authority of this section.

(d) Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 830, s. 1.

(e) Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c. 18, s. 3.

(f) Fur-Dealer License. - Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any individual in this State who deals in furs must obtain an appropriate fur-dealer license. For the purposes of this subsection, "dealing in furs" refers to any individual who buys and sells the raw furs, pelts, or skins of fur-bearing animals or other wild animals that may lawfully be sold, or the raw furs, pelts, or skins of wild animals which may not themselves be sold but whose fur, pelt, or skin may lawfully be sold. A hunter or trapper who has lawfully taken wild animals whose fur, pelt, or skin is permitted to be sold under this subsection is not considered a fur dealer if the hunter or trapper exclusively sells the raw furs, pelts, and skins, as appropriate, to licensed fur dealers. All fur-dealer licenses are annual licenses issued beginning July 1 each year running until the following June 30. Fur-dealer licenses issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission are as follows:

(1) Resident fur-dealer license, thirty dollars ($30.00). Authorizes an individual resident of the State to deal in furs in accordance with the rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(2) Nonresident fur-dealer license, sixty dollars ($60.00). Authorizes an individual within the State to deal in furs in accordance with the rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(3) Fur-dealer station license, one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00). Authorizes a person or individual to deal in furs at an established location where fur dealings occur under the supervision of a responsible individual manager named in the license. Individual employees of the business dealing in furs solely at the established location under the supervision of the manager need not acquire an individual license. Any employee who also deals in furs outside the established location shall obtain the appropriate individual license. Individuals dealing in furs at an established location may elect to do so under their individual licenses.

The Executive Director may administratively provide for reissuance of a station license without charge for the remainder of the year when either a business continues at an established location under a new supervising manager or the business changes to a new location. Before reissuing the license, however, the Executive Director shall determine that there is a continuation of essentially the same business previously licensed and that any new supervising manager meets the qualifications imposed by rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission. The supervising manager shall file the names of all employees of the business covered by a fur-dealer station license, whether temporary or permanent, including employees who process or skin the animals.

The Executive Director shall furnish supervising managers and individual licensees with forms or record books for recording required information as to purchase, sale, importation, exportation, and other dealings, and make a reasonable charge to cover the costs of any record books furnished. It is unlawful for anyone dealing in furs to fail to submit reports required by rules or reasonable administrative directives.

(g) Controlled Hunting Preserve Operator License. - The Wildlife Resources Commission is authorized by rule to set standards for and to license the operation of controlled hunting preserves operated by private persons. Controlled hunting preserves are of three types: one is an area marked with appropriate signs along the outside boundaries on which only domestically raised chukars, Hungarian partridges, and game birds other than wild turkeys are taken; one is an area enclosed with a dog-proof fence on which rabbits may be hunted with dogs only; and one is an area enclosed with a dog-proof fence on which foxes and coyotes may be hunted with dogs only. A controlled fox and coyote hunting preserve operated for private use may be of any size; a controlled hunting preserve operated for commercial purposes shall be an area of not less than 500 acres or of such size as set by regulation of the Wildlife Resources Commission, which shall take into account differences in terrain and topography, as well as the welfare of the wildlife.

Operators of controlled fox hunting preserves may purchase live foxes and coyotes from licensed trappers who live-trap foxes and coyotes during any open season for trapping them and may, at any time, take live foxes from their preserves for sale to other licensed operators. The controlled hunting preserve operator license for domestically raised birds, foxes, and coyotes may be purchased for a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00). The controlled hunting preserve operator license for rabbits may be purchased for a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). The controlled hunting preserve operator license is an annual license issued beginning 1 July each year running until the following 30 June.

(h) Game Bird Propagation License. - No person may propagate game birds in captivity or possess game birds for propagation without first procuring a license under this subsection. The Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule prescribe the activities to be covered by the propagation license, which species of game birds may be propagated, and the manner of keeping and raising the birds, in accordance with the overall objectives of conservation of wildlife resources. Except as limited by this subsection, propagated game birds may be raised and sold for purposes of propagation, stocking, food, or taking in connection with dog training as authorized in G.S. 113-291.1(d). Migratory game bird operations authorized under this subsection must also comply with any applicable provisions of federal law and rules. The Wildlife Resources Commission may impose requirements as to shipping, marking packages, banding, tagging, or wrapping the propagated birds and other restrictions designed to reduce the change of illicit game birds being disposed of under the cover of licensed operations. The Wildlife Resources Commission may make a reasonable charge for any bands, tags, or wrappers furnished propagators. The game bird propagation license is issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission upon payment of a fee of ten dollars ($10.00). It authorizes a person or individual to propagate and sell game birds designated in the license, in accordance with the rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission, except:

(1) Wild turkey and ruffed grouse may not be sold for food.

(2) Production and sale of pen-raised quail for food purposes is under the exclusive control of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Wildlife Resources Commission, however, may regulate the possession, propagation, and transportation of live pen-raised quail.

Wild turkey acquired or raised under a game bird propagation license shall be confined in a cage or pen approved by the Wildlife Resources Commission and no such wild turkey shall be released for any purpose or allowed to range free. It is a Class 3 misdemeanor to sell wild turkey or ruffed grouse for food purposes, to sell quail other than lawfully acquired pen-raised quail for food purposes, or to release or allow wild turkey to range free.

(i) Furbearer Propagation License. - No person may engage in propagation in captivity or possess any species of furbearers for propagation for the purpose of selling the animals or their pelts for use as fur without first procuring a license under this subsection. The furbearer propagation license is issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission upon payment of a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). It authorizes the propagation or sale of the pelts or carcasses of the species of furbearing animals named therein, including bobcats, opossums and raccoons, or red and silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes), for use as fur. The Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule prescribe the activities covered by the license, the manner of keeping and raising the animals and the manner of killing them prior to sale, in accordance with overall objectives of conservation of wildlife resources and humane treatment of wild animals raised in captivity. The Wildlife Resources Commission may require tagging of the pelts or carcasses of the animals prior to sale in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 113-276.1(5) and G.S. 113-291.4(g). It is unlawful for any person licensed under this subsection to sell any pelt or carcass of any furbearing animal or fox to any other person who is not lawfully authorized to buy and possess the same, or to sell or deliver a live specimen of any such animal to any person who is not authorized to buy or receive and to hold the animal in captivity.

(j) [Reserved.]

(k) Taxidermy License. - Any individual who engages in taxidermy, including the tanning of hides, involving wildlife for any compensation, including reimbursement for the cost of materials, must first procure a taxidermy license. This license is an annual license issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission for fifty dollars ($50.00). In addition to a taxidermy license, license holders engaging in taxidermy of any species of the family Cervidae must also obtain a taxidermy cervid certification issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission for five dollars ($5.00), the proceeds of which shall be used to fund the Cervid Health Cooperator Program and for other chronic wasting disease surveillance. The Wildlife Resources Commission is authorized by rule to set standards and reporting requirements for taxidermy licenses and certifications. No taxidermist subject to license requirements may sell any game or game fish in which he deals except that a taxidermist may acquire a valid possessory lien upon game or game fish under the terms of Chapter 44A of the General Statutes and, with a trophy sale permit from the Wildlife Resources Commission, may sell the game or game fish under the procedure authorized in Chapter 44A. Wildlife acquired by a taxidermist is deemed "personal property" for the purposes of Chapter 44A.

(l) Wildlife Control Agent License. - An individual who engages in wildlife damage control or wildlife removal activities, including bat eviction, for compensation, including reimbursement for the cost of materials, shall first procure a wildlife control agent license. This is an annual license issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission for fifty dollars ($50.00). This license shall not be required for licensed trappers taking wild animals during the established trapping season for that species. The Wildlife Resources Commission is authorized by rule to set standards for and to license wildlife control agents.

(l1) Wildlife Control Technician Certification. - An individual who is under the direct supervision of a licensed wildlife control agent and who engages in wildlife damage control or wildlife removal activities for compensation under the direct supervision of a licensed wildlife control agent shall first procure a wildlife control technician certification. This is an annual certification issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission for twenty-five dollars ($25.00). This certification shall not authorize the individual to issue depredation permits. This certification shall not be required for licensed trappers taking wild animals during the established trapping season for that species. For purposes of this subsection, the term "wildlife damage control or wildlife removal activities" shall include bat eviction and alligator damage control or removal activities, and the term "for compensation" shall include reimbursement for the cost of materials. The Wildlife Resources Commission may adopt rules to certify and set standards for wildlife control technicians.

(m) Alligator Control Agent Certification. - An individual who engages in alligator damage control or removal activities for compensation, including reimbursement for the cost of materials, shall first procure an alligator control agent certification, as well as a wildlife control agent license under subsection (l) of this section. This is an annual certification issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission for twenty-five dollars ($25.00). The Wildlife Resources Commission is authorized by rule to set standards for and to certify alligator control agents. This certification does not include privileges conveyed with an endangered species permit. The endangered species permit shall be obtained prior to conducting activities under the authorization of this certification. (1929, c. 333, ss. 1-7; c. 198, ss. 1, 2, 4; 1933, c. 337, ss. 1-4; c. 430, s. 1; 1935, c. 471, ss. 1-3; c. 486, ss. 4, 12, 21; 1937, c. 45, s. 1; 1945, c. 617; 1949, c. 1203, s. 1; 1957, cc. 386, 841; c. 849, s. 1; 1959, c. 304; 1961, c. 311; c. 834, s. 1; c. 1056; 1965, c. 957, s. 2; 1967, c. 790; 1969, c. 1030; c. 1042, ss. 1-5; 1971, c. 242; c. 282, s. 1; c. 515, s. 5; c. 705, ss. 1, 2; 1973, c. 1098; c. 1262, ss. 18, 86; 1975, c. 197, ss. 1-4, 13, 14; 1977, c. 658; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1981, c. 620, ss. 4-6; 1983, c. 140, s. 9; 1985, c. 476, s. 1; 1987, c. 133; c. 827, s. 98; 1989, c. 616, s. 3; 1993, c. 18, s. 3; c. 539, s. 854; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1997-261, s. 81; 2003-96, s. 1; 2019-204, s. 6(l); 2021-160, ss. 4(a), 9; 2022-65, s. 2(a).)

§ 113-274. Permits.

(a) As used in this Article, the word "permit" refers to a written authorization issued by an employee or agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission to an individual to conduct some activity over which the Wildlife Resources Commission has jurisdiction. Unless otherwise specified, permits are issued at no cost. When a more limited duration period is not set by the Executive Director, permits are valid through December 31 in any calendar year. When sale of wildlife resources is permitted, rules or the directives of the Executive Director may require the retention of invoices or copies of invoices in lieu of a permit.

(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided, no one may engage in any activity for which a permit is required without having first procured a current and valid permit.

(1) Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 830, s. 1.

(1a) Depredation Permit. - Authorizes the taking, destruction, transfer, removal, transplanting, or driving away of undesirable, harmful, predatory, excess, or surplus wildlife or wildlife resources. Livestock or poultry owners shall be issued a depredation permit for coyotes upon request. The permit must state the manner of taking and the disposition of wildlife or wildlife resources authorized or required and the time for which the permit is valid, plus other restrictions that may be administratively imposed in accordance with rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission. No depredation permit or any license is needed for the owner or lessee of property to take wildlife while committing depredations upon the property. The Wildlife Resources Commission may regulate the manner of taking and the disposition of wildlife taken without permit or license, including wildlife killed accidentally by motor vehicle or in any other manner.

(1b) Captivity Permit. - Authorizes the possession of live wildlife that may lawfully be permitted to be retained alive, in accordance with governing rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission. This permit may not substitute for any required collection license or captivity license, but may be temporarily issued for possession of wild animals or wild birds for scientific, educational, exhibition, or other purposes pending action on a captivity license or following its denial or termination. If this permit is issued for fish to be held indefinitely, the Wildlife Resources Commission may provide for periodic renewals of the permit, at least once each three years, to insure a review of the circumstances and conditions under which fish are kept. Wild animals and wild birds kept temporarily in captivity under this permit must be humanely treated and in accordance with any stipulations in the permit, but the standards of caging and care applicable to species kept under the captivity license do not apply unless specified in the permit. Any substantial deviation from reasonable requirements imposed by rule or administratively under the authority of this section renders the possession of the wildlife unlawful.

(1c) Possession Permit - ($10.00). Authorizes the possession of dead wildlife or other wildlife resources lawfully acquired. The Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule implement the issuance and supervision of this permit, in accordance with governing laws and rules respecting the possession of wildlife. Any substantial deviation from reasonable requirements imposed by rule or administratively under the authority of this section renders the possession of the wildlife unlawful.

(2) Transportation Permit. - The Wildlife Resources Commission may require the use of transportation permits by persons required to be licensed under this Article, or by persons and individuals exempt from license requirements, while transporting wildlife resources within the State - as necessary to discourage unlawful taking or dealing in wildlife resources and to control and promote the orderly and systematic transportation of wildlife resources within, into, through, and out of the State. Transportation permits may be issued for wildlife transported either dead or alive, in accordance with restrictions that may be reasonably imposed. When convenient, rules or administrative directives may require the retention and use of an invoice or memorandum of sale, or the license or permit authorizing the taking or acquisition of the wildlife resources, as a transportation permit. When circumstances warrant, however, a separate additional transportation permit may be required. Any substantial deviation from reasonable requirements imposed by rule or administratively under the authority of this section renders the transportation of the wildlife resources unlawful.

(3) Exportation or Importation Permit - ($10.00). Authorizes the exportation or importation of wildlife resources from or into the State or from county to county. The Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule implement the issuance and supervision of this permit, in accordance with governing laws and rules respecting the exportation and importation of wildlife resources. Any substantial deviation from reasonable requirements imposed by rule or administratively under the authority of this section renders the importation or exportation of the wildlife resources unlawful.

(3a) Trophy Wildlife Sale Permit - ($10.00). Authorizes the owner of lawfully taken and possessed dead wildlife specimens or their parts that are mounted, stuffed, or otherwise permanently preserved to sell identified individual specimens that may lawfully be sold under applicable laws and rules.

(3b) Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c. 18, s. 4.

(3c) Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permit. - Authorizes a person who does not meet the hunter education course requirements under G.S. 113-270.1A(a) to purchase a hunting license and hunt if accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age who is licensed to hunt in this State or if accompanied by an adult landholder or spouse exempted from the hunting license requirement as defined by G.S. 113-276(c), provided the licensee is hunting on the landholder's land. For purposes of this section, "accompanied" means that the licensed adult maintains a proximity that enables the adult to monitor the activities of the apprentice by remaining within sight and hearing distance at all times without use of electronic devices. This permit is valid only for the term of the hunting license purchased under the authority of the permit. Any person who hunts with a permit issued under this subdivision without complying with all the requirements of this subdivision is guilty of hunting without having first procured a current and valid license, in violation of G.S. 113-270.1B.

(3d) Endangered Species Permit - ($10.00). Authorizes the collection, possession, or survey of endangered species. The Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule set standards and requirements for this permit. The Wildlife Resources Commission may enact rules utilizing replacement costs of wildlife resources to offset the impact of collection, possession, or survey activities.

(3e) Field Trial Permit - ($10.00). Authorizes an individual to hold a Commission-sanctioned field trial for dogs in accordance with governing laws and rules adopted and implemented by the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(4) Other Permits. - In implementing the provisions of this Subchapter, the Wildlife Resources Commission may issue permits for taking, purchase, or sale of wildlife resources if the activity is lawfully authorized, if there is a need for control of the activity, and no other license or permit is applicable. In addition, if a specific statute so provides, a permit under this subdivision may be required in addition to a license when there is a need for closer control than provided by the license. (1935, c. 486, ss. 4, 22; 1941, c. 231, s. 1; 1965, c. 957, s. 2; 1971, c. 423, s. 2; c. 809, s. 1; 1973, c. 1262, s. 18; 1977, c. 794, s. 1; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 1993, c. 18, s. 4; 2010-156, s. 2; 2013-3, s. 2; 2013-63, s. 3; 2019-204, s. 6(m).)

§ 113-275. General provisions respecting licenses and permits.

(a) The Wildlife Resources Commission is authorized to make agreements with other jurisdictions as to reciprocal honoring of licenses in the best interests of the conservation of wildlife resources.

(a1) Notwithstanding the fees specified for nonresident individuals by G.S. 113-270.2, 113-270.3, 113-270.4, 113-270.5, 113-271, 113-272.2, 113-273, or Wildlife Resources Commission rules, if the Wildlife Resources Commission finds that a state has a nonresident license fee related to wildlife resources that exceeds the fee for a comparable nonresident license in North Carolina, the Wildlife Resources Commission may, by resolution in official session, increase the nonresident license fee applicable to citizens of that state to an amount equal to the fee a North Carolina resident is required to pay in that state.

The action of the Wildlife Resources Commission to increase a fee pursuant to this subsection is not subject to the provisions of Article 2A of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. The action of the Wildlife Resources Commission to increase a fee pursuant to this subsection becomes effective on the date specified by the Wildlife Resources Commission.

(b) Every license issued under the provisions of this Article is effective beginning upon its date of issuance unless the license expressly provides to the contrary, in accordance with rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission and such administrative authority to set future effective dates in particular types of cases as may be delegated by the Wildlife Resources Commission to responsible employees or agents.

(b1) No hunting or fishing license issued to a resident under the provisions of G.S. 113-270.1C, 113-270.1D, 113-270.2, 113-270.3, 113-271, or 113-272 becomes invalid for use during the term for which it is issued by reason of a removal of the residence of the licensee to another state.

(c) Every license issued under the provisions of this Article must be sold for the full prescribed amount notwithstanding that a portion of the prescribed license period may have elapsed prior to the license application.

(c1) Upon receipt of a proper application together with a fee of up to five dollars ($5.00), the Wildlife Resources Commission may issue a new license or permit to replace one that has been lost or destroyed before its expiration. The application must be on a form of the Wildlife Resources Commission setting forth information in sufficient detail to allow ready identification of the lost or destroyed license or permit and ascertainment of the applicant's continued entitlement to it.

(d) In implementing the sale and distribution of licenses issued under this Article, the Wildlife Resources Commission may require license applicants to disclose such information as necessary for determining the applicant's eligibility for a particular license. Such information as deemed desirable to assist in enforcement of license requirements may be required to be recorded on the face of any license. Fixing the form of the license may be by reasonable administrative directive, and requirements as to such form need not be embodied in rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission in order to be validly required.

(e) Where employees of the Wildlife Resources Commission sell licenses of a type also sold through license agents, such employees must sell the licenses for the full amount and remit such full amount to the Wildlife Resources Commission without any deduction of the stipulated license agent's fee.

(f) Except as otherwise specifically provided by statute or except as the Wildlife Resources Commission may by rule prescribe to the contrary:

(1) All licenses and permits under this Article must be kept ready at hand by or about the person of individual licensees and permittees while engaged in the regulated operations;

(2) All licenses and permits under this Article are nontransferable; and

(3) All individuals engaged in operations subject to license or permit requirements must have an individual license or permit - except where such individuals are in the employ of and under the supervision of someone who has the license or permit or acceptable evidence of the same at hand and the activity is one for which a person not an individual may acquire a license.

(g) It is unlawful to buy, sell, lend, borrow, or in any other way transfer or receive or attempt to do any such things with respect to any nontransferable license or permit for the purpose of circumventing the requirements of this Article.

(h) It is unlawful for any person engaged in regulated operations under this Article to refuse to exhibit or display any required license, permit, or identification upon the request of any employee or agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission or of any officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Article.

(i) It is unlawful to refuse to comply with any provisions of this Article or of rules and administrative requirements reasonably promulgated under the authority of this Article.

(j) It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person:

(1) Knowingly to engage in any activity regulated under this Article with an improper, false, or altered license or permit;

(2) Knowingly to make any application for a license or permit to which he is not entitled;

(3) Knowingly to make any false, fraudulent, or misleading statement in applying for a license or permit under this Article; or

(4) To counterfeit, alter, or falsify any application, license, or permit under this Article.

(k) A person may use a bow and arrow to take nongame fish in inland and joint fishing waters subject to any applicable rule of the Wildlife Resources Commission regarding seasons, creel limits, type of weapon or subsidiary gear, or any other restriction necessary for the conservation of wildlife under the authority of the following licenses:

(1) All of the combination hunting and fishing licenses issued pursuant to G.S. 113-270.1C;

(2) All of the sportsman licenses issued pursuant to G.S. 113-270.1D;

(3) The hunting licenses issued pursuant to G.S. 113-270.2(c)(1), (2), (3), (5), and (6);

(4) The hook-and-line fishing licenses issued pursuant to G.S. 113-271(d)(2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (8), and (9); and

(5) All of the special device fishing licenses issued pursuant to G.S. 113-272.2. (1929, c. 335, ss. 6, 10, 11; 1945, c. 567, ss. 5, 6; 1961, c. 329; 1965, c. 957, s. 2; 1973, c. 1262, s. 18; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1981, c. 620, ss. 7, 8; 1987, c. 745, s. 1; c. 827, s. 98; 1993, c. 539, s. 855; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, s. 7; 1995, c. 36, s. 1; 2000-189, s. 10; 2005-455, s. 1.10; 2019-204, s. 6(n); 2023-46, s. 21(a).)

§ 113-276. Exemptions and exceptions to license and permit requirements.

(a), (b) Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 830, s. 1.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Subchapter, every landholder, landholder's spouse, and dependent under 18 years of age residing with the landholder may take wildlife upon the land held by the landholder without any license required by G.S. 113-270.1B or G.S. 113-270.3(a), except that these persons are not exempt from the American alligator licenses established in G.S. 113-270.3(b)(6) and G.S. 113-270.3(b)(7), elk licenses established in G.S. 113-270.3(b)(8) and G.S. 113-270.3(b)(9), bear management stamp established in G.S. 113-270.3(b)(1b), and the falconry license described in G.S. 113-270.3(b)(4).

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this Subchapter, individuals under 16 years of age are exempt from the hunting and trapping license requirements of G.S. 113-270.1B(a) and G.S. 113-270.3, except that these individuals are not exempt from the American alligator licenses established in G.S. 113-270.3(b)(6) and G.S. 113-270.3(b)(7), elk licenses established in G.S. 113-270.3(b)(8) and G.S. 113-270.3(b)(9), and the falconry license described in G.S. 113-270.3(b)(4). Individuals under 16 years of age may hunt under this exemption, so long as the hunter is accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age who is licensed to hunt in this State. For purposes of this section, "accompanied" means that the licensed adult maintains a proximity that enables the adult to monitor the activities of the hunter by remaining within sight and hearing distance at all times without use of electronic devices. Upon successfully obtaining the hunter education certificate of competency required by G.S. 113-270.1A(a), a hunter may hunt under the license exemption until age 16 without adult accompaniment. Individuals under 16 years of age are exempt from the fishing license requirements of G.S. 113.270.1B(a) and G.S. 113-271.

(e) Repealed by Session Laws 2005-455, s. 1.11.

(f) A special device license is not required when a landing net is used in any of the following applications:

(1) To take nongame fish in inland fishing waters.

(2) To assist in taking fish in inland fishing waters when the initial and primary method of taking is by the use of hook and line - so long as applicable hook-and-line fishing-license requirements are met.

As used in this subsection, a "landing net" is a net with a handle not exceeding eight feet in length and with a hoop or frame to which the net is attached not exceeding 60 inches along its outer perimeter.

(g) Bow nets covered by a special device license may be used in waters and during the seasons authorized in the rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission by an individual other than the licensee with the permission of the licensee. The individual using another's bow net must also secure the net owner's special device license and keep it on or about the individual's person while fishing in inland fishing waters.

(h) Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 830, s. 1.

(i) A food server may prepare edible wildlife lawfully taken and possessed by a patron for serving to the patron and any guest the patron may have. The Executive Director may provide for the keeping of records by the food server necessary for administrative control and supervision with respect to wildlife brought in by patrons.

(j) Repealed by Session Laws 2022-62, s. 57, effective July 8, 2022.

(k) Box-trapped rabbits may be released for the purpose of training dogs on an area of private land that is completely enclosed with a metal fence through which rabbits may not escape or enter at any time. The Wildlife Resources Commission may establish rules to set standards for areas on which rabbits are released. A person may participate in a field trial for beagles without a hunting license if approved in advance by the Executive Director, conducted without the use or possession of firearms, and on an area of not more than 100 acres of private land that is completely and permanently enclosed with a metal fence through which rabbits may not escape or enter at any time.

(l) The fishing license provisions of this Article do not apply upon the lands held in trust by the United States for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

(l1) The licensing provisions of this Article do not apply to a member of an Indian tribe recognized under Chapter 71A of the General Statutes for purposes of hunting, trapping, or fishing on tribal land. A person taking advantage of this exemption shall possess and produce proper identification confirming the person's membership in a State-recognized tribe upon request by a wildlife enforcement officer. For purposes of this section, "tribal land" means only real property owned by an Indian tribe recognized under Chapter 71A of the General Statutes.

(l2) A resident of this State who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States serving outside the State, or who is serving on full-time active military duty outside the State in a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 10101, is exempt from the hunting and fishing license requirements of G.S. 113-270.1B, G.S. 113-270.3(b)(1), G.S. 113-270.3(b)(3), G.S. 113-270.3(b)(5), G.S. 113-271, and the Coastal Recreational Fishing License requirements of G.S. 113-174.2 while that person is on leave in this State for 30 days or less. In order to qualify for the exemption provided under this subsection, the person shall have on his or her person at all times during the hunting or fishing activity the person's military identification card and a copy of the official document issued by the person's service unit confirming that the person is on authorized leave from a duty station outside this State.

A person exempted from licensing requirements under this subsection is responsible for complying with any reporting requirements prescribed by rule of the Wildlife Resources Commission, complying with the hunter education requirements of G.S. 113-270.1A, purchasing any federal migratory waterfowl stamps as a result of waterfowl hunting activity, and complying with any other requirements that apply to the holder of a North Carolina license.

(l3) A resident or nonresident of this State who served as a member of the Armed Forces and who separated under honorable conditions is exempt from the Mountain Heritage Trout fishing license requirements of G.S. 113-271(d)(10) while fishing in waters designated by the Wildlife Resources Commission as Mountain Heritage Trout waters. In order to qualify for the exemption provided under this subsection, the person shall have valid documentation of their service on his or her person at all times during the fishing activity.

(m) The fourth day of July of each year is declared a free fishing day to promote the sport of fishing and no hook-and-line fishing license is required to fish in any of the public waters of the State on that day. All other laws and rules pertaining to hook-and-line fishing apply.

(n) The Wildlife Resources Commission may adopt rules to exempt individuals from the hunting and fishing license requirements of G.S. 113-270.1B, 113-270.3(b)(1), 113-270.3(b)(1a), 113-270.3(b)(1b), 113-270.3(b)(2), 113-270.3(b)(3), 113-270.3(b)(5), and 113-271 who participate in organized hunting and fishing events for the specified time and place of the event when the purpose of the event is consistent with the conservation objectives of the Commission. A person exempted from licensing requirements under this subsection is responsible for complying with any reporting requirements prescribed by rule of the Wildlife Resources Commission, purchasing any federal migratory waterfowl stamps as a result of waterfowl hunting activity, and complying with any other requirements that apply to the holder of a North Carolina license. Those exempted persons shall comply with the hunter safety requirements of G.S. 113-270.1A or shall be accompanied by a properly licensed adult who maintains a proximity to the exempt individual that enables the adult to monitor the activities of, and communicate with, the individual at all times.

(o) An eligible member of a volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or emergency medical services squad for five consecutive fiscal years, including the prior fiscal year, may be issued any adult resident lifetime license issued and administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission for fifty percent (50%) of the applicable license fee amount. For purposes of this subsection, the term "eligible member" means (i) for volunteer fire department members, an individual appearing on the certified roster of eligible firefighters submitted to the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association under G.S. 58-86-25 and (ii) for volunteer rescue or emergency medical services squad members, an individual appearing on the certified roster of eligible rescue or emergency medical services squad members submitted to the North Carolina Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services, Inc., under G.S. 58-86-30. (1929, c. 335, ss. 1, 10; 1935, c. 486, s. 12; 1937, c. 45, s. 1; 1945, c. 567, ss. 1, 6; c. 617; 1949, c. 1203, s. 1; 1951, c. 1112, s. 2; 1957, c. 849, s. 1; 1959, c. 304; 1961, cc. 312, 329; c. 834, s. 1; 1963, c. 170; 1965, c. 957, s. 2; 1967, cc. 127, 654, 790; 1969, c. 1030; c. 1042, ss. 1-5; 1971, c. 242; c. 282, s. 1; c. 705, ss. 1, 2; c. 1231, s. 1; 1973, c. 1262, s. 18; 1975, c. 197, ss. 1-4; 1977, c. 191, s. 1; c. 658; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 684, ss. 6, 8, 9; 1999-456, ss. 29, 30; 2005-285, s. 1; 2005-438, s. 2; 2005-455, ss. 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14; 2009-25, s. 1; 2009-248, s. 1; 2011-401, s. 3.15; 2013-63, s. 4; 2013-283, s. 14; 2018-90, s. 3; 2019-204, ss. 6(o), 12; 2021-88, s. 10; 2021-160, ss. 5(a), 8A; 2022-62, s. 57.)

§ 113-276.1. Regulatory authority of Wildlife Resources Commission as to license requirements and exemptions.

In its discretion and in accordance with the best interests of the conservation of wildlife resources, the Wildlife Resources Commission may implement the provisions of this Article with rules that:

(1) [Reserved.]

(2) Regulate license requirements and exemptions applying to the taking of wildlife on particular waters forming or lying across a county boundary where there may be confusion as to the location of the boundary, hardship imposed as to the location of the boundary, or difficulty of administering or enforcing the law with respect to the actual boundary location.

(3) Require persons subject to license requirements, and persons exempt from license requirements, to carry, display, or produce identification that may be necessary to substantiate the person's entitlement to a particular license or to a particular exemption from license requirements.

(4) Require individuals aboard vessels or carrying weapons or other gear that may be used to take wildlife resources, and in an area at a time wildlife resources may be taken, to exhibit identification that includes the individual's name and current address. More than one piece of identification, including a vehicle driver license, may be required to be exhibited, if available.

(5) Implement a system of tagging and reporting fur-bearing animals and big game. Upon the implementation of a tagging system for any species of fur-bearing animal, the Wildlife Resources Commission may charge a reasonable fee to defray its costs for each tag furnished. The price of the big game hunting license includes the cost of big game tags. (1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 2019-204, s. 6(p).)

§ 113-276.2. Licensees and permittees subject to administrative control; refusal to issue or reissue, suspension, and revocation of their licenses and permits; court orders of suspension.

(a) This section applies to the administrative control of:

(1) Persons, other than individual hunters and fishermen taking wildlife as sportsmen, holding permits under this Article;

(2) Individuals holding special device licenses under G.S. 113-272.2(c)(1), (1a), (2), and (2a);

(3) Individuals holding collection licenses under G.S. 113-272.4;

(4) Individuals holding captivity licenses under G.S. 113-272.5 and G.S. 113-272.6; and

(5) Persons holding licenses under G.S. 113-273.

(b) Before issuing any license or permit to persons subject to administrative control under this section, the Executive Director must satisfy himself that the person meets the qualifications set by statute, rule, or his administrative guidelines. If the person fails to meet the qualifications or if the Executive Director learns of some other cause for believing that issuing the license or permit would be contrary to the best interests of the conservation of wildlife resources, he must refuse to issue the license or permit.

(c) Before reissuing any license or permit to any person subject to administrative control, the Executive Director must review all available information and apply the same standards that governed initial issuance of the license or permit before he may reissue it.

(d) Upon refusing to issue or reissue a license or permit under this section, the Executive Director must notify the person in writing of the reasons for his action and inform him that if he is dissatisfied with the Executive Director's decision he may commence a contested case on the refusal by filing a petition under G.S. 150B-23 within 10 days of receiving the notice. The notice must be personally served by a law enforcement officer or an agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission or sent by mail with return receipt requested.

(e) The Executive Director shall revoke a license or permit issued to a person subject to administrative control if he finds that the person does not meet the qualifications for the license or permit, has committed a substantial criminal violation of this Subchapter or a rule adopted under the Subchapter, or has seriously or persistently failed to comply with the terms and conditions upon which the license or permit was issued. Before revoking a license or permit, the Executive Director shall notify the licensee or permittee of his findings and his intention to revoke the license or permit. The notice must be personally served by a law enforcement officer or an agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission or sent by mail with return receipt requested. A licensee or permittee who disagrees with the Executive Director's findings may commence a contested case on revocation by filing a petition under G.S. 150B-23 within 10 days of receiving the notice. Revocation or suspension of a license or permit by a court under G.S. 113-277 runs concurrently with a revocation under this section.

(f) Repealed by Session Laws 1987, c. 827, s. 8.

(g) Upon revocation of a license or permit, the Executive Director or his agent must request return of the license or permit and all associated forms, tags, record books, inventories, invoice blanks, and other property furnished by the Wildlife Resources Commission or required to be kept by the Commission solely in connection with the license or permit. If the person needs to retain a copy of the property returned to the Wildlife Resources Commission for tax purposes or other lawful reason, the person may copy items returned if the copies are clearly marked in a manner that they could not be mistaken for the originals. In securing property to be returned or in otherwise closing out the affairs conducted under the license or permit, agents of the Wildlife Resources Commission may enter at reasonable hours the premises of the person in which wildlife resources or items of property pertaining to the license or permit are kept, or reasonably believed to be kept, to inspect, audit, inventory, remove, or take other appropriate action. Any wildlife resources in the possession of the person which he may no longer possess must be disposed of in accordance with the most nearly appropriate provision of G.S. 113-137. If a person fails to return to an agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission all wildlife resources and other property covered by this subsection; refuses to allow entry by the agent to inspect, audit, remove property, or perform other duties; or otherwise obstructs an agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission in performing his duties under this subsection, he is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Each day's violation is a separate offense.

(h) No person refused issuance or reissuance of a license or permit under this section, or whose license or permit was revoked, is eligible to apply again for that or any similar license or permit for two years. Upon application, the Executive Director may not grant the license or permit unless the person produces clear evidence, convincing to the Executive Director, that he meets all standards and qualifications and will comply with all requirements of statutes, rules, and reasonable administrative directives pertaining to the license or permit.

(i) The Executive Director is required to make necessary investigations and cause necessary disclosure of information by all persons subject to administrative control, and all applicants for a license or permit that would place them in this category, to determine that the real party in interest is seeking or has been issued the license or permit. Any attempt to circumvent the provisions of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(j) If the Executive Director determines that the effective conservation of wildlife resources would be seriously impaired by continued unfettered operations or by continued possession of property by the person subject to administrative control, the Executive Director may apply to the appropriate court for an order:

(1) Placing special reporting and inspection requirements on the person; or

(2) Impounding some or all of the records or other property associated with the license or permit; or

(3) Limiting the scope of operations under the license or permit; or

(4) If there is clear evidence of a serious threat to the conservation of wildlife resources, suspending the operations of the person under the license or permit; or

(5) Placing other appropriate restrictions, prohibitions, or requirements upon the person. (1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, ss. 8, 98; 1993, c. 539, ss. 856, 857; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1999-456, s. 31; 2003-344, s. 6; 2019-204, s. 6(q).)

§ 113-276.3. Mandatory suspension of entitlement to license or permit for fixed period upon conviction of specified offenses.

(a) Upon conviction of a suspension offense under this section, the defendant's entitlement to any license or permit applicable to the type of activity the defendant was engaging in that resulted in the conviction is suspended for the period stated in subsection (d) or (f) of this section. The period of suspension begins:

(1) Upon the surrender to an authorized agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission of all applicable licenses and permits; or

(2) If no licenses or permits are possessed, the defendant fails or refuses to surrender all licenses or permits, or any license or permit is lost or destroyed, upon the Executive Director's placing in the mail the notification required by subsection (c).

(b) If the defendant does not wish to appeal, the presiding judge may order surrender of all applicable licenses and permits to an agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission. If the presiding judge does not order the surrender, or if there is for any other reason a failure by the defendant to surrender all applicable licenses and permits, an authorized agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission must demand surrender. Each day's failure or refusal to surrender a license or permit upon demand, in the absence of satisfactorily accounting for the failure to do so, is a separate offense. A charge under this subsection does not affect the power of the court to institute contempt proceedings if a failure or refusal to surrender a license or permit also violates a court order. Any agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission accepting surrender of licenses and permits, in the courtroom or at a subsequent time and place, must transmit them to the Executive Director with a written notation of the date of surrender and a report of other pertinent circumstances required by the Executive Director.

(c) The Executive Director must institute a procedure for the systematic reporting to him by protectors or other authorized agents of the Wildlife Resources Commission of all convictions of suspension offenses under this section. Upon obtaining information concerning conviction of a suspension offense and receiving any surrendered licenses and permits, the Executive Director must determine if all appropriate licenses and permits possessed by the defendant have been surrendered; if not, the Executive Director must notify the appropriate agent of the Wildlife Resources Commission to demand surrender or renew a demand for surrender under the terms of subsection (b) if it is feasible to do so. Upon satisfying himself that he has received all licenses and permits for which surrender may feasibly be obtained, if any, the Executive Director must mail the defendant a notice of the suspension of his entitlement to possess or procure any license or permit of the type applicable to the activity engaged in that resulted in conviction of the suspension offense. The notice must specify the commencement and termination dates of the period of suspension that apply under the terms of this section.

(d) Any violation of this Subchapter or of any rule adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission under the authority of this Subchapter which is subject to a penalty greater than the one provided in G.S. 113-135(a)(1) is a suspension offense. Conviction of any of the following suspension offenses results in a suspension for a period of two years:

(1) A violation of G.S. 113-294(b).

(2) A violation of G.S. 113-294(c).

(2a) A violation of G.S. 113-294(c1).

(3) A violation of G.S. 113-294(e).

(4) Repealed by Session Laws 1999-120, s. 2, effective October 1, 1999.

(5) A violation of G.S. 113-291.1A.

(6) A third or subsequent violation of G.S. 14-159.6(a).

A conviction of any other suspension offense results in a suspension for a period of one year.

(e) Unless otherwise provided in the judgment, any action by a court under G.S. 113-277 to suspend entitlement to a license or permit or to suspend or revoke a license or permit supersedes any suspension of entitlement to a license or permit mandated by this section. If the judgment of the court after a conviction for suspension offense does not include any suspension or revocation action, the provisions of this section apply.

(f) Conviction of a second violation of G.S. 113-294(s) results in a suspension for a period of one year. Conviction of a third violation of G.S. 113-294(s) results in a permanent revocation. (1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1981, c. 424, s. 1; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 1999-120, s. 2; 2005-62, s. 3; 2015-144, s. 4(a); 2024-32, s. 3(f).)

§ 113-277. Suspension and revocation of licenses and permits in the discretion of the court; suspension of entitlement; court's power concurrent; definition of "conviction"; penalties.

(a) Upon conviction of any licensee or permittee under this Article of a violation of any law or rule administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission under the authority of this Subchapter, the court in its discretion may order surrender of that license or permit plus any other license or permit issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission. The court may order suspension of any license or permit for some stipulated period or may order revocation of any license or permit for the remainder of the period for which it is valid. A period of suspension may extend past the expiration date of a license or permit, but no period of suspension longer than two years may be imposed. During any period of suspension or revocation, the licensee or permittee is not entitled to purchase or apply for any replacement, renewal, or additional license or permit regulating the same activity covered by the suspended or revoked license or permit. The Wildlife Resources Commission may by administrative action and by rule devise procedures designed to implement license or permit suspensions and revocations that may be ordered by the courts.

(a1) Upon conviction of any person who is not a licensee or permittee under this Article of a violation of any law or rule administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission under the authority of this Subchapter, the court in its discretion may suspend the entitlement of the defendant to possess or procure any specified licenses and permits issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission for a period not to exceed two years.

(a2) A suspension or revocation by a court under this section may be ordered to run concurrently or consecutively with any suspension under G.S. 113-276.3 or any action under G.S. 113-276.2. If no provision is made, G.S. 113-276.3(e) applies, but action by the Executive Director or the Wildlife Resources Commission under G.S. 113-276.2 may not be preempted.

(a3) As used in this Article, the term "conviction" has the same meaning assigned to it in G.S. 113-171.

(a4) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall order the surrender of any license or permit issued under this Article to a person whose licensing privileges have been forfeited under G.S. 15A-1331.1 for the period specified by the court.

(b) It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person during a period of suspension or revocation under the terms of this Article:

(1) To engage in any activity licensed in this Article without the appropriate license or permit;

(2) Knowingly to make any application for a license or permit to which he is not entitled;

(3) Knowingly to make any false, fraudulent, or misleading statement in applying for a license or permit under this Article;

(4) To counterfeit, alter, or falsify any application, license, or permit under this Article;

(5) Knowingly to retain and use any license or permit which has been ordered revoked or suspended under the terms of this Article; or

(6) Willfully to circumvent the terms of suspension or revocation in any manner whatsoever. (1965, c. 957, s. 2; 1973, c. 1262, s. 18; 1979, c. 830, s. 1; 1981, c. 424, s. 2; 1987, c. 827, s. 98; 1993, c. 539, s. 858; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 20, s. 4; c. 24, s. 14(c); 1998-225, s. 3.10; 2012-194, s. 45(d).)

§ 113-278. Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 113-279. Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 113-280. Reserved for future codification purposes.