Special Hunting and Fishing Licensing Privileges for Military Personnel
OutdoorHub 11.21.13
Military personnel hunting and fishing in North Carolina can enjoy special licensing privileges as long as they meet criteria set by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Military personnel who are residents of North Carolina serving full-time active military duty outside of the state in the Armed Forces or a reserve component of the armed services, and who are home on leave for 30 days or less, do not have to purchase a license to hunt or fish.
When hunting or fishing, they must have with them a military identification card and a copy of the official document issued by their service unit confirming that they are on authorized leave from their duty station outside of North Carolina.
For non-resident, active duty military personnel stationed in North Carolina, a discounted hunting and fishing privilege was created by the N.C. legislature this year. Under a new law that went into effect in July 2013, military personnel who are not residents of North Carolina and would like to hunt or fish in the state can purchase a short-term or annual license at resident prices. They must be active duty at the time they purchase their resident licenses.
All military personnel must comply with all reporting, regulatory and hunter safety requirements, including registering big game harvests, as mandated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and purchasing any federal migratory waterfowl stamps as required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Big Game Harvest Report Cards for license-exempt hunters can be obtained from wildlife service agents or by calling 1-888-248-6834, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri., except state holidays.
To purchase a license:
- Go to www.ncwildlife.org using a computer or mobile device;
- Visit a local Wildlife Service Agent. Most agents are located in bait-and-tackle shops, hunting and sporting goods stores and larger chain stores across the state;
- Call the Commission at 888-248-6834. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
For more information on fishing and hunting in North Carolina, or to find the nearest wildlife service agent, visit www.ncwildlife.org.
