North Carolina: North Carolina has spent 25 years rebuilding elk populations that disappeared from the state; by 2027, it will allow limited hunting for the first time with just two licenses
For the first time since elk were reintroduced to western North Carolina 25 years ago, the state is allowing a limited elk hunting season. The decision comes after wildlife officials said the elk population has recovered enough to support controlled hunting while conservation efforts continue.The change comes after North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 747 on July 7. The law allows the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) to issue two elk hunting licenses for the 2027 hunting season.Officials say the move is not an attempt to quickly reduce the population but is part of a long-term wildlife management plan. Funds raised through the permit will also be used for elk conservation and management.
hunting
Elk were once found throughout much of North Carolina, but disappeared from the state many years ago due to overhunting and habitat loss. Wildlife agencies later began efforts to bring them back to western North Carolina, and over the past 25 years, the animals have slowly established a stable population.Justin McVey, NCWRC regional wildlife biologist, said the state has now reached a major milestone.“Our goal for managing elk in the state is to have a sustainable huntable population, and we have achieved that goal,” McVeigh said, according to ABC 13 News.A sustainable population means there are enough animals to maintain a healthy population, while also allowing a limited number of animals to be hunted without affecting the long-term survival of the species.
Elk in western North Carolina. (Photo: WLOS)
license
The state took a cautious approach and issued just two licenses during the first hunting season. The two licenses will be allocated in different ways.One permit will be auctioned through a wildlife conservation nonprofit participating in the North Carolina elk reintroduction program.By law, selected nonprofits can retain up to 25% of the auction proceeds. The remaining money will be used for wildlife conservation.The second license will be awarded through a public lottery. People can purchase raffle tickets for $20 each, up to 30 for $500. Anyone purchasing a ticket must have a valid North Carolina hunting license or be eligible for a license exemption under state regulations.The Wildlife Resources Commission may receive up to $25,000 from raffle proceeds. Remaining funds from the auction and raffle will be deposited into the state’s Wildlife Resources Fund for use in elk conservation and management projects.
rule
McVeigh said the licenses are expected to be issued in July 2027. Elk hunting season was scheduled to begin later that year in October.Hunters who obtain a license will be allowed to hunt in elk-infested areas within the state’s designated elk refuges.“They can basically hunt any area in the elk country where there are elk; that would be private land and hunting grounds,” McVeigh said.However, anyone planning to hunt on private property must first obtain permission from the landowner.Wildlife officials also say hunters must comply with all state hunting regulations. Those who violate the regulations may face fines or other penalties.Additionally, under the new law, every elk harvested during the season must be reported to the NCWRC and submitted to the agency.
