Controlled Hunting Preserve Operator License for Rabbits

A Controlled Hunting Preserve Operators License for Rabbits is an area of any size that is completely and permanently enclosed with a fence designed to prevent the escape or entry of wild rabbits at any time, where wild rabbits are pursued with dogs. This license authorizes the holder and his/her guests to take rabbits with dogs year-round.

License Restrictions, Rules and Conditions

A controlled rabbit hunting preserve must be completely and permanently enclosed with a fence designed to prevent the escape or entry of wild rabbits at any time, where box-trapped wild rabbits are released for the purposes of hunting with dogs.

The NCWRC defines "wild rabbits" as eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), Appalachian cottontail (Sylvilagus obscurus), marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus palustris), and species indistinguishable from these species.

A controlled rabbit hunting preserve allows for the pursuit of wild rabbits by dogs throughout the year. Participation in the pursuit of rabbits with dogs requires the participant to have a valid resident or nonresident hunting license or controlled hunting preserve hunting license in his or her possession while participating.  

One controlled hunting preserve operator license is required for each wild rabbit enclosure, except that one license is permitted for the same operator on properties not greater than 100 acres of contiguous acres of land regardless of the number of enclosures.

Applicants must be prepared, upon request, to show proof of ownership or legal lease of the land contained in the proposed controlled rabbit hunting preserve.

Operators operating within the established rabbit seasons and bag limits found in 15A NCAC 10B .0207, may box trap rabbits inside an enclosure and move rabbits between enclosures with a valid controlled rabbit hunting preserve operator license or valid hunting license.

Each individual who obtains a Controlled Hunting Preserve Operators License for Rabbits shall submit an annual report form post-marked within 15 days following the expiration of the permit as instructed in 15A NCAC 10H .1601 (i)(2)

Operator licenses are issued to a single individual at least 18 years of age or older.

Controlled Hunting Preserve Operator Licenses for Rabbits are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

Download the current Controlled Hunting Preserve Operator License for Rabbits Rules from the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings:

• 15A NCAC 10H .1601
• 15A NCAC 10B .0114
• 15A NCAC 10B .0207

How to Obtain a License

Complete an online application at Go Outdoors North Carolina. Once your online application has been submitted, the appropriate staff will review the application. If your application is approved, you will receive an approval email with a link to purchase the license. You must purchase the approved license within 30 days of approval. This license has a $30 license fee plus a $5.00 transaction fee payable by a Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card. All license fees are non-refundable.

License Forms

• Controlled Rabbit Preserve Report Form (PDF)

Contact Information