Firearms and Concealed Carry

Possession of Firearms on Game Lands

On State-owned game lands, and all other lands unless prohibited by the landowner, persons may lawfully carry any firearm openly that they are otherwise lawfully entitled to possess, and may also carry a concealed handgun if they possess a current and valid concealed handgun permit issued to them.  However, persons may not hunt with any firearm being carried unless such firearm is authorized as a lawful method of take for that open season. The exempted game lands where concealed carry is prohibited are:

  • Buckhorn
  • Harris
  • Sutton Lake
  • Mayo
  • Hyco
  • Lee
  • Chatham
  • Pee Dee, area north of U.S. 74
  • Butner-Falls
  • Jordan
  • Vance
  • Kerr Scott
  • Wayne Bailey-Caswell, area north of U.S. 158 and east of N.C. 119

 

Possession of Firearms on Boating and Fishing Access Areas

No person shall possesses a loaded firearm on any public fishing or boating access area, with the exception of those who carry a concealed handgun with a valid concealed handgun permit, unless otherwise prohibited by the landowner and posted as such. This ruling also applies to wildlife conservation areas.

 

Possession of Firearms and Big Game Retrieval

A hunter may use a .22 caliber rimfire pistol or a handgun otherwise legal for that hunting season to dispatch a wounded big game animal, including during the archery and muzzleloader seasons.

 

SESSION LAW 2011-268 HOUSE BILL 650