32.52—North Carolina.

The following refuge units have been opened to hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Birds. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Hunters must possess and carry a valid refuge hunting permit.

2. We prohibit construction or use of a permanent blind.

3. We close the Farming Area to waterfowl hunting.

4. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. An adult may directly supervise (up to two) youth hunters (age 15 and under), who must have successfully completed a State-approved hunter safety course and possess and carry proof of certification.

5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot in the field (see § 32.2(k)).

6. We allow retrieving dogs in designated areas. We prohibit the use of dogs in the Gum Swamp Unit.

7. We open the refuge to daylight use only, except that we allow hunters to enter and remain in open hunting areas from 1 hour before legal shooting time until one hour after legal shooting time.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, and A7 apply.

2. We only allow dog training during the corresponding hunt season.

3. We require a Special Use Permit to hunt raccoon or opossum from 1/2 hour after legal sunset until 1/2 hour before legal sunrise.

4. We allow the use of dogs in designated areas as shown in the refuge Hunting Regulations and Permit Map brochure.

5. We allow retrieving, pointing, and flushing dogs in designated areas. We prohibit the use of dogs in the Gum Swamp Unit.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1, A4 (an adult may only supervise one youth hunter), A7 and B2 apply.

2. We close the Hyde county portion of the refuge to all hunting during State bear seasons.

3. We only allow pursuit/trailing dogs in designated areas as shown in the Refuge Hunting Regulations and Permit Map brochure.

4. Unarmed hunters may walk to retrieve stray dogs from closed areas and “no dog hunting” areas.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and frogging in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

2. We only allow pole and line, rod and reel, or cast net.

3. We require a Special Use Permit for fishing or frogging between legal sunset and legal sunrise.

4. You must only take frog by use of frog gigs.

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of tundra swan, Canada and snow goose, brant, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow hunting on 400 acres (160 ha) of marsh located along the southern border of West Bay and the eastern border of West Thorofare Bay between the John Day Ditch and the Thorofare Ditch. The hunt area extends 300 feet (90 m) from the shoreline into the marsh.

2. We allow portable blinds, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) each day.

3. Hunters/hunt parties must not hunt closer than 150 yards (135 m) apart.

4. You may use decoys but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily upon completion of your hunting.

5. We only allow hunting during the State waterfowl seasons occurring in November, December, and January.

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Currituck National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Birds. We allow hunting of swan, goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We require a North Carolina Waterfowl Hunt Permit or a Refuge Hunt Permit. You must carry a permit while hunting on the refuge.

2. You must hunt from assigned blind location.

3. We allow hunting from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1 p.m.

4. We allow access 11/2 hours before legal shooting time, and all parties must be off the refuge by 2 p.m.

5. All hunters holding a North Carolina Waterfowl Hunt Permit must check-in at the Knotts Island Market by 5:15 a.m. on the morning of the hunt. We require no check-in for hunters holding Snow Goose Hunt Permits.

6. All guides must obtain and carry a refuge Special Use Permit to conduct guided hunts on the refuge.

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Refer to § 32.66 Virginia for regulations.

Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We require a Refuge Deer Hunting Permit that hunters must sign and carry while hunting on the refuge.

2. We allow the use of shotguns, muzzleloading rifles/shotguns, and bows. We prohibit the use of all other rifles and pistols.

3. We allow access to hunting areas from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m.

4. We prohibit carrying a loaded firearm on or within 50 feet (15 m) of gravel roads.

5. We prohibit the marking of trees or vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter) with blazes, flagging, or other marking devices.

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

1. Fishing is permitted only from sunrise to sunset from March 15 through October 15 with the exception that bank fishing is permitted in Corey's Ditch and the canal adjacent to the Knotts Island Causeway year-round.

2. All fishing lines must be attended.

3. Airboats are not permitted.

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow the hunting of tundra swan, snow goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We require refuge-issued permits that you must validate at the refuge headquarters, sign, possess, and carry while hunting.

2. Each hunt participant must pay a $12.50 daily user fee.

3. We restrict hunting to designated blinds assigned by refuge personnel.

4. Hunters may only shoot crippled waterfowl from outside the assigned blind.

5. There is a 30-shell limit per blind hunter per day.

6. You may use decoys, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily upon completion of your hunt.

7. All waterfowl hunters must check out at the assigned station prior to leaving the refuge.

8. Shooting hours are from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). Hunting hours on the first day of the youth hunt are from 1 p.m. until legal sunset.

9. We allow the use of retrieving dogs, but dogs must be under voice command at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

10. You must unload guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) during transport through the refuge.

11. We only allow the taking of Canada goose during the State September Canada goose season subject to the following conditions:

i. We allow hunting Monday through Saturday during the State season, and we require refuge-issued permits that you must obtain at the refuge office, sign, possess, and carry while hunting.

ii. We close the following areas to hunting of Canada goose: Impoundments MI-4, MI-5, and MI-6; in Rose Bay Canal, Outfall Canal, Lake Landing Canal and Waupoppin Canal; 150 feet (45 m) from the mouth of the canals where they enter Lake Mattamuskeet; and 150 yards (135 m) from State Route 94.

iii. We allow portable blinds, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.

12. Each youth hunter (age 16 and under) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must have completed a State-certified hunter safety course and possess and carry the form or certificate.

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. The hunter must possess and carry a signed, refuge-issued permit while hunting.

2. We close to hunting areas along the Entrance Road, MI-4 impoundment, signed areas along State Route 94, areas around the refuge headquarters, and refuge residence area.

3. Hunters may take one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per day, or two antlerless deer per day.

4. Hunters may take deer with shotgun, bow and arrow, or muzzleloading rifle/shotgun.

5. We allow hunters on the refuge from 1 hour before legal shooting time until 1 hour after legal shooting time.

6. Hunters can use boats to access hunt areas, but we prohibit hunting from a boat.

7. You must check all deer taken at the check station near refuge headquarters.

8. We prohibit erecting portable blinds and tree stands prior to the hunt, and you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.

9. Hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm 2) of hunter-orange material above the waist that is visible from all directions.

10. An adult may only supervise one youth hunter. The youth hunter must be within sight and normal voice contact of the adult.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing for game and nongame fish and the catching of blue crabs on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We are open to sport fishing, bow fishing, and crabbing from March 1 through November 1 from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset, except we allow bank fishing and crabbing year-round from:

i. State Route 94;

ii. The north bridge and south of the north bridge at Lake Landing;

iii. The Outfall Canal water control structure;

iv. The Central Canal bridge on Wildlife Drive; and

v. Along the west main and east main canal between Entrance Road metal bridge and Number One East Canal as posted.

2. We allow bank fishing and crabbing from the North Carolina Highway 94 causeway 24 hours per day, year-round.

3. We allow fishing boats and motors March 1 through November 1. We prohibit airboats, sailboats, Jet Skis, and windboards.

4. We prohibit bank fishing along the Entrance Road from State Route 94 to the Entrance Road metal bridge.

5. We prohibit herring dipping.

6. We allow crabbing subject to the following conditions:

i. We only allow five handlines and hand-activated traps per person. Owners must be in attendance.

ii. We prohibit crab pots.

iii. You may only possess 12 crabs per person per day.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We require a nighttime fishing permit for surf fishing between 1/2 hour after legal sunset and 1/2 hour before legal sunrise.

2. We prohibit fishing and crabbing North Pond, South Pond, and New Field Pond Impoundments.

Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove on designated dates and areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We require all hunters to possess and carry a signed Refuge General Hunt Permit and government-issued picture ID while in the field.

2. Validly licensed adults, age 21 or older, holding applicable permits must accompany and supervise, remaining in sight and voice contact at all times, any youth hunters (under age 16). Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters. Youth hunters must possess and carry evidence of successful completion of a State-approved hunter education course.

3. We prohibit possession of a loaded firearm within 100 feet (30 m) of any vehicle or road open to vehicle traffic. We define a loaded firearm as a firearm with ammunition in the magazine or chamber, or a percussion cap in place on a muzzleloader.

4. We prohibit entering or crossing a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area”. We prohibit the discharge of a weapon (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within, into, or across a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area”. We require consent from refuge personnel to enter a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area” for the purpose of tracking and/or retrieving legally taken game animals.

5. We prohibit hunting on, from, or across any road open to public vehicle traffic. This includes the right-of-way which extends 30 feet (9 m) in either direction from the center of the road and all public parking areas

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, and opossum on designated dates and areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1 through A5 apply.

2. We require dogs on raccoon/opossum hunts. All dogs must wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and phone number.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated dates and areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1 through A5 apply (with the following exception to condition A2: Each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter).

2. We require each person participating in a quota deer hunt to possess a refuge Quota Deer Hunt Permit. The Quota Deer Hunt Permit is nontransferable.

3. During deer hunts we prohibit hunters from entering the refuge earlier than 4 a.m., and they must leave the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.

4. Youth hunts are for hunters under age 16. We prohibit adults from possessing or discharging a firearm during the youth deer hunts.

5. During refuge firearms deer hunts, all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material above the waist as an outer garment while hunting and while en route to and from hunting areas.

6. During State firearms deer seasons, all archery hunters must wear at a minimum a fluorescent-orange hat while hunting and while en route to and from hunting areas.

7. We prohibit man driving for deer. We define a “man drive” as an organized hunting technique involving two or more individuals where hunters attempt to drive game animals from cover or habitat for the purpose of shooting, killing, or moving such animals toward other hunters.

8. We prohibit placing a tree stand on the refuge more than 3 days prior to the opening day of the deer hunt in which you will be participating. You must remove the tree stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by the last day of that hunt.

9. You must wear a safety belt or harness at all times when using any tree stand or climbing equipment.

10. You must check all deer taken on the refuge at the refuge check station on the date of take prior to removing the animal from the refuge. If we do not have the check station staffed by refuge personnel, you must use the self-check-in procedures.

11. We prohibit the use of dogs for deer hunting.

12. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging.

13. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or off-highway vehicles (OHVs) (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).

14. During refuge firearms deer hunts, we prohibit all other public use on the refuge.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated dates and areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit boats utilizing gasoline-powered motors.

2. You must unload and load boats by hand on all waters except those having designated launch ramps.

3. We prohibit possession or use of trotlines, set hooks, gigs, jug lines, limblines, snagging devices, nets, seines, fish traps, or other special devices.

4. We prohibit swimming.

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, swan, dove, woodcock, rail, and snipe in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit hunting on the Davenport and Deaver tracts (which include the area surrounding the Headquarters/Visitor Center and the Scuppernong River Interpretive Boardwalk), the Pungo Shop area, New Lake, refuge lands between Lake Phelps and Shore Drive, that portion of the Pinner Tract east of SR 1105, the portion of Allen Road between Shore Drive and the gate on the north end of Allen Road (including the area on both sides of this section of Allen Road for a distance of 100 yards (90 m)), the portion of Western Road between the intersection with Seagoing Road and the gate to the south, and the unnamed road at the southern boundary of the refuge land located west of Pettigrew State Park's Cypress Point Access Area. During November, December, January, and February, we prohibit all public entry on Pungo and New Lakes, Duck Pen Road, and the Pungo Lake, Riders Creek, and Dunbar Road banding sites.

2. We allow you to retrieve game from closed areas listed above with consent from a refuge employee, but we prohibit possession of any type of weapon (see § 27.42 of this chapter) in a closed area.

3. We require all hunters to possess and carry a signed, self-service refuge general hunting permit while hunting on the refuge.

4. We open the refuge for daylight use only, except that we allow hunters to enter and remain in open hunting areas from 11/2 hours before legal shooting time until 11/2 hours after legal shooting time.

5. We only allow the use of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on designated ATV trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) and only to transport hunters and their equipment to hunt and scout. We only allow ATV use on the ATV trails at the following times:

i. When we open the ATV trail and surrounding area to hunting;

ii. One week prior to the ATV trail and surrounding area opening to hunting; and

iii. On Sundays, when we open the ATV trail and surrounding area for hunting the following Monday.

6. You must unload and case or dismantle all weapons (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported via a motorized vehicle or boat under power.

7. We only allow the use of biodegradable-type flagging. We prohibit affixing plastic flagging, dots, glow tacks, reflectors, or other materials to refuge vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter).

8. We prohibit migratory game bird hunting on the Pungo Unit.

9. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while migratory game bird hunting on and west of Evans Road.

10. We only allow the use of portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials, but we prohibit the cutting any live vegetation on the refuge (see § 27.51 of this chapter). You must remove portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.

11. We allow the use of dogs to point and retrieve migratory game birds, but they must be under your immediate control at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).

12. While hunting, we require youth hunters age 16 or younger to possess and carry proof that they successfully passed a State-approved hunter education course. Youth hunters may only hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter over age 21. One licensed hunter over age 21 may supervise up to two migratory game bird youth hunters at a time.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of quail, squirrel, raccoon, opossum, rabbit, beaver, nutria, and fox in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1 through A7 apply.

2. We prohibit upland game hunting on the Pungo Unit.

3. We only allow the taking of beaver and nutria with firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) and only during those times when we open the area hunted to hunting of other game animals with firearms.

4. We prohibit the hunting of raccoon and opossum during, 5 days before, and 5 days after the State bear seasons. Outside of these periods, we allow the hunting of raccoon and opossum at night but only while possessing a special Refuge Nighttime Raccoon and Opossum Hunting Permit.

5. We only allow the use of shotguns and .22 caliber rim-fire rifles for hunting. We also allow disabled hunters to use crossbows while possessing the required State permit.

6. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting upland game west of Evans Road.

7. We allow the use of dogs for pointing and retrieving upland game and for chasing rabbit (but not fox). The dogs must be under your immediate control at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter), and we prohibit possession of buckshot or slugs while hunting with dogs.

8. You must wear 500 square inches (3,250 cm 2) of fluorescent-orange material above the waist that is visible from all sides when hunting upland game.

9. While hunting, we require that youth hunters under age 16 must possess and carry proof that they successfully passed a State-approved hunter education course. Youth hunters may only hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter age 21 or older. A licensed hunter age 21 or older may directly supervise up to two upland game youth hunters at a time.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

2. You may only hunt spring turkey if you possess and carry a valid refuge turkey hunting permit. The permits are valid only for the dates and areas shown on the permit. We require an application and a fee for these permits and hold a drawing, when necessary, to select the permittees.

3. We allow the use of only shotguns, muzzleloaders, and bow and arrow for deer and feral hog hunting. We allow disabled hunters to use crossbows but only while possessing the required State permit. We allow feral hogs to be taken in any area, except the Pungo Unit, when the area is open to hunting deer. We allow feral hogs to be taken using bow and arrow (during the State bow and arrow and gun deer seasons), muzzleloaders (during the State muzzleloader and gun deer seasons), and firearms (during the State gun deer season). In addition, feral hogs may be taken on the Frying Pan Unit during all open firearm seasons.

4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting turkeys on the Pungo Unit.

5. We only allow deer hunting with shotguns and muzzleloaders on the Pungo Unit while possessing a special Pungo Deer Gun-Hunt Permit issued by the refuge. These permits are valid only for the designated 2-day period shown on the permit. We set the dates of these special 2-day hunts following the publication of the State deer seasons. We require an application and a fee for these permits and hold a drawing, when necessary, to select the permittees.

6. During the special Pungo Deer Gun-Hunts, we only allow permitted hunters on the Pungo Unit. We only allow permitted hunters on the Pungo Unit from 1 hour before legal shooting time until 1 hour after legal shooting time. You must take any deer harvested during a Pungo Deer Gun-Hunt to the deer check station located at the Pungo Shop for harvest reporting and data collection.

7. Prior to December 1, we allow deer hunting with bow and arrow on the Pungo Unit during all State deer seasons, except the muzzleloading season; however, we prohibit hunting on the Pungo Unit on the designated Pungo Deer Gun-Hunts referred to above without a valid Pungo Deer Gun-Hunt Permit.

8. You must wear 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of fluorescent-orange material above the waist that is visible from all sides while hunting deer and feral hogs in any area open to hunting these species with firearms.

9. We only allow the use of portable tree stands and require that you remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day, except that hunters with a valid Pungo Deer Gun-Hunt Permit may install a stand on the Pungo Unit the day before the start of their hunt and leave it until the end of the 2nd day of their 2-day hunt. You must tag stands left overnight on the refuge with the hunter's name, address, and telephone number.

10. While hunting, we require youth hunters (under age 16) to possess and carry proof that they successfully passed a State-approved hunter education course. Youth hunters may only hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter age 21 and older. A licensed hunter age 21 and older may only supervise one big game youth hunter at a time.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions.

1. We only allow fishing in Pungo Lake and New Lake from March 1 through October 31, except that we close Pungo Lake and the entire Pungo Unit to fishing during the special 2-day Pungo Deer Gun Hunts in late September and October.

2. We only allow fishing from the bank in the Pungo Unit; we prohibit use of boats in this area. We prohibit leaving a boat anywhere on the refuge overnight.

3. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of ducks and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We require a State-issued refuge permit.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

1. We require a State-issued refuge permit.

2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We require a State-issued refuge permit.

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow the hunting of tundra swan, snow goose, brant, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow hunting on refuge marshlands that include Great Island, Marsh Island, and all of the refuge marshlands adjacent to Juniper Bay eastward to West Bluff Bay.

2. We prohibit hunting within the 27,000 acre (10,800 ha) Presidential Proclamation Area as posted.

3. We allow portable blinds. You must remove blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) each day.

4. We prohibit hunters/hunt parties from hunting closer than 150 yards (135 m) apart.

5. You may use decoys, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily upon completion of your hunt.

6. We allow hunting during the State waterfowl season occurring in November, December, and January.

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

[58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 29076, May 18, 1993; 58 FR 29085, May 18, 1993; 59 FR 6695, Feb. 11, 1994; 59 FR 55187, Nov. 3, 1994; 60 FR 62045, Dec. 4, 1995; 61 FR 46397, Sept. 3, 1996; 63 FR 46919, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30787, May 12, 2000; 65 FR 56406, Sept. 18, 2000; 66 FR 46360, Sept. 4, 2001; 67 FR 58948, Sept. 18, 2002; 69 FR 54362, 54436, Sept. 8, 2004; 70 FR 54185, Sept. 13, 2005; 70 FR 56377, Sept. 27, 2005; 73 FR 33193, June 11, 2008]

CFR

32.52—North Carolina.