Complying With Hunting Laws: Local and State

Hunting laws were passed to conserve and ensure that future generations can enjoy wildlife resources. Ignorance of hunting laws is not an excuse for violating them. It is the hunter’s responsibility to know federal, state, and local laws before hunting. It is strongly encouraged that members of the public and local landowners who interact with hunters also know the law and their rights.

Laws that apply to hunting with dogs are different depending on the geographic region of the state. Hunting with dogs is regulated by North Carolina General Statutes and the local laws of the individual counties. Local laws vary by county and can be found in the annual North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest and on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

When hunters hunt with dogs, the most common issues they experience involve state and local hunting laws and regulations regarding trespass. Hunters are encouraged to review these laws prior to hunting.

If a hunter wants to retrieve game that has entered private property or wants to retrieve their hunting dogs, landowners have the right to refuse access onto their property. North Carolina does not have a “right to retrieve” law. If the property is not posted, hunters are encouraged to contact the landowner to discuss entering the private property to retrieve wildlife or hunting dogs. Hunters should review local laws that may require permission to enter upon the lands of another for the purpose of hunting even if the property is not posted.

The Wildlife Commission encourages hunters to build relationships with landowners prior to hunting season to aid in getting permission to retrieve wildlife or hunting dogs that may cross property lines.

In addition to laws that protect the landowner, there are also laws that protect the hunter and their dogs. Hunters use GPS collars to identify and track the dog’s location. If the collar is removed, hunters have no way of locating and effectively retrieving their dogs. Removing an electronic collar from a hunting dog is illegal. NCGS 14-401.17 states that is unlawful to intentionally remove or destroy an electronic collar or other electronic device placed on the dog by its owner to maintain control of the dog. Hunters should contact their local wildlife law enforcement officer if they suspect a collar has been removed.

In some cases, landowners have denied hunters entry to their property to retrieve dogs and refused to return the hunting dogs to their owner. To minimize conflict, it is advised that hunters contact local law enforcement before interacting with landowners.

In extreme cases, hunting dogs have been shot, poisoned, or stolen. If this were to occur, contact local law enforcement first. The intentional killing of a domestic dog falls under local jurisdiction. If it is suspected it was a hunting incident, wildlife officers and local law enforcement will work closely together in the investigation.

Knowing and complying with hunting laws and regulations are essential for both hunters and landowners and for the continuation of this hunting pastime and heritage.