PURPOSE OF THE PETITION

We, the undersigned law-abiding citizens, licensed hunters, conservationists, and supporters of

North Carolina’s waterfowl hunting heritage, respectfully petition the North Carolina Wildlife

Resources Commission to review and amend the regulations governing permanent waterfowl

hunting structures in Carteret and Pamlico Counties.

The purpose of this petition is to promote fair and equal access to North Carolina’s public trust

waters while preserving the traditions, conservation principles, and responsible hunting

practices that have defined our coastal communities for generations.

Eastern North Carolina offers some of the finest waterfowl hunting opportunities in the nation.

However, these opportunities are becoming increasingly restricted by regulations that establish

500-yard hunting exclusion zones around permanent waterfowl hunting structures, regardless of

whether those structures are actively occupied or being used for hunting.

These restrictions can effectively extend the influence of private waterfront property owners

hundreds of yards into public waters, limiting access to natural resources that belong to the

people of North Carolina.

In some instances, permanent hunting structures remain unoccupied for extended periods while

continuing to restrict otherwise lawful hunting activities in surrounding public waters. We believe

this practice undermines the principles of fair public access, responsible wildlife management,

and the preservation of North Carolina’s waterfowl hunting heritage.

REQUEST FOR REGULATORY CHANGE

We respectfully request that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission review and

amend the regulations prohibiting waterfowl hunting within 500 yards of permanent hunting

structures in Carteret and Pamlico Counties.

Under the current restrictions, substantial areas of navigable public waters may be effectively

closed to lawful waterfowl hunting, even when nearby permanent structures are unoccupied.

These restrictions raise several concerns:

1. Reduced Public Access: Large areas of public trust waters become unavailable

to licensed hunters despite the absence of active hunting activity at nearby permanent

structures.2. Increased Hunting Pressure: Concentrating hunters into fewer accessible

locations may contribute to overcrowding, increased competition, and potentially unsafe hunting

conditions.

3. Unequal Opportunity: The current regulations may disproportionately benefit

individuals who own or control permanent hunting structures while limiting opportunities for

hunters who rely on public access.

4. Loss of Hunting Heritage: Generations of North Carolinians have relied upon

coastal public waters for waterfowl hunting, recreation, and family traditions. Continued

restrictions threaten the accessibility of these experiences for future generations.

5. Underutilization of Public Resources: Permanent structures that remain

unoccupied may continue to restrict lawful hunting activities without providing an active hunting

or conservation benefit.

We recognize and respect the rights of private property owners and the importance of

maintaining safe distances between hunters. However, we believe that public hunting

restrictions should be based on legitimate safety and wildlife management considerations rather

than the mere existence of an unoccupied permanent structure.

PROPOSED REGULATORY AMENDMENT

We propose that the existing 500-yard restriction be amended to apply only when a permanent

waterfowl hunting structure is actively occupied for lawful waterfowl hunting purposes.

Proposed Regulatory Language:

“No person shall take or attempt to take migratory waterfowl within 500 yards of a legally established permanent hunting structure while that structure is actively occupied by another person engaged in lawful hunting activities. When such a structure is unoccupied, the 500-yard restriction shall not apply, provided that all other applicable federal, state, and local hunting regulations are observed.”

This proposed amendment would preserve the existing safety buffer for hunters actively utilizing

permanent structures while restoring reasonable public access to surrounding waters when

those structures are not in use.

Our intention is not to eliminate permanent hunting structures or infringe upon lawful private

property rights. Rather, we seek a fair and reasonable balance between the interests of

structure owners, public-water hunters, wildlife conservation, and the responsible use of North

Carolina’s natural resources.FORMAL REQUEST FOR RULEMAKING

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 150B-20, we respectfully petition the North

Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to consider initiating rulemaking proceedings to

address the concerns outlined herein.

We further request that the Commission:

1. Review the existing regulations governing permanent waterfowl hunting

structures and their associated 500-yard restrictions in Carteret, Pamlico, and Hyde Counties.

2. Evaluate the effects of these restrictions on public access, hunting pressure,

hunter safety, and the responsible management of public trust waters.

3. Consider the proposed amendment establishing an occupancy-based 500-yard

restriction.

4. Provide opportunities for public input from licensed hunters, conservation

organizations, waterfront property owners, and affected coastal communities.

5. Issue a written determination regarding this petition in accordance with applicable

North Carolina law.

CLOSING STATEMENT

North Carolina’s coastal waters represent more than a place to hunt. They are part of our state’s

history, culture, economy, and outdoor heritage.

For generations, families have passed down the traditions of waterfowl hunting, respect for

wildlife, responsible stewardship, and appreciation for the natural resources entrusted to the

people of this state.

We believe that preserving these traditions requires regulations that promote fairness,

responsible conservation, hunter safety, and reasonable public access.

Public waters should remain accessible to the public, and hunting opportunities should not be

unnecessarily restricted by permanent structures that are not actively being used.

We respectfully ask the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to give this petition

serious consideration and take appropriate action to ensure that North Carolina’s waterfowl

hunting opportunities remain fair, accessible, and sustainable for generations to come.

Respectfully submitted,

The Undersigned Citizens, Licensed Hunters, Conservationists, and Supporters of North

Carolina’s Waterfowl Hunting Heritage