Wildlife Commission to Allow Hunting Feral Swine at Night with Aid of Light

  • 29 December 2011
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RALEIGH, N.C. (Dec. 29, 2011) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will allow hunting of feral swine at night with the aid of light, by special permit, beginning Dec. 29, 2011.

Under this policy, archery and firearm hunters with a Commission-issued permit in addition to a hunting license may hunt feral swine after normal shooting hours (½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour past sunset) where local law allows; except by firearms on Sundays. The permits are valid through March 31.
Free permits to hunt feral swine at night with aid of light are available through the Commission’s online services at www.ncwildlife.org.  

The permit does not grant access to any property. Landholders must grant permission to enter private or public property lawfully. The permit does not grant access to take feral swine on state game land. 

As of Oct. 1, 2011, all hogs in the wild became classified and managed as feral swine, with no closed season and no bag limits. The intent is to make it easier to remove feral swine from the landscape, as these exotic non-native animals compete with native wildlife and pose significant threats to the environment and agricultural operations. 

When hunting feral swine at any time, hunters must have a valid hunting license unless otherwise exempt and wear hunter orange as required for appropriate seasons. Hunters should reference the N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for all rules associated with hunting feral swine during normal hunting hours.;
Media Contact:
Carolyn Rickard
919-707-0124
carolyn.rickard@ncwildlife.org
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