(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.

(c) The Wildlife Resources Commission may issue the following permits:

(1) Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 830, s. 1.

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(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 N.C. Gen. Stat. § 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 N.C. Gen. Stat. § 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 N.C. Gen. Stat. § 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).)