Another Win for Hunters: North Carolina Governor Signs NRA-backed Sunday Hunting Bill

Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association and North Carolina hunters scored a victory today when North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill to allow expanded Sunday hunting. House Bill 640, The Outdoor Heritage Act, brings North Carolina closer to the majority of the states, in which hunting with firearms on private property is allowed seven days a week during hunting season.

“This is further proof that North Carolinians value their hunting heritage,” said Chris Cox, executive director of the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action.“The Outdoor Heritage Act removes a 145 year-old ban that made it unreasonably difficult for many hunters to enjoy the great outdoors and pass on America’s outdoor heritage to future generations. On behalf of the NRA’s five-million members, I want to thank Governor McCrory for signing this bill into law.”

While the law leaves in place restrictions regarding hunting with firearms on Sundays between the hours of 9:30am and 12:30pm, it does represent a step forward towards removing the ban on Sunday hunting.  The NRA plans to address the remaining unnecessary restrictions in future legislative sessions.

In addition to the Sunday hunting provision, The Outdoor Heritage Act also establishes the North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Trust Fund for Youth Outdoor Heritage Promotion—funded through a voluntary check-off on hunting, fishing, and outdoor access licenses—as well as the Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council to administer the Fund.  The law also adds protections to private property rights and improves regulations related to bear and fox hunting.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.