The NC Wildlife Resources Commission limits deer hunting during the Urban Archery Season to “bow and arrow, or crossbow.” In other words-- no firearms!

Yes – a valid North Carolina hunting license is required, unless you are hunting on your own property.

You MUST have WRITTEN permission from the property owner if you are hunting on someone else’s land (must be carried at all times), and the tract must be large enough (see below) to meet the requirements of the ordinance.   This is known as an “area of consent.”

NO! A number of limitations are in effect to keep both hunters and city residents safe.

These are:

• You MUST hunt from an elevated platform, at least ten (10) feet above the ground.A proper safety harness or fall restraint system is necessary from this height also.
• Hunting areas (“Areas of Consent”) MUST be at least two (2) acres in size.
• DO NOT RELEASE AN ARROW if you are within 250 feet of a house, school, church, business, government property, or park.
• DO NOT RELEASE AN ARROW if you are 250 feet or less from the boundary of the area of consent
• DO NOT RELEASE AN ARROW from or on to an electrical or water/sewer right of way

You now have the responsibility, both to fellow residents and as a conscientious hunter, to make every effort to track down the deer and complete the harvest. That means you find the deer, report the big game tag (required by NC Wildlife Resources), and remove the deer carcass. You are NOT to field dress the deer and leave the rest of the carcass laying out to decay…doing this is inconsiderate and unhealthy.  

There are a few, all of which are common sense guidelines:

• You need to make sure your hunting license is up to date.A valid hunting season must be in effect for which the hunting license applies.
• You need to make sure you are aware of and in compliance with all state hunting laws as well as local laws.These can be found at the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website (www.ncwildlife.org).Remember that a number of state wildlife laws apply in addition to the local regulations.
• You need to always be aware of your surroundings.Hunters are to exercise reasonable regard for the safety and property of others.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website (www.ncwildlife.org) has comprehensive information on all hunting and fishing guidelines statewide. Albemarle Parks and Recreation also has brochures, pamphlets and information on hunting regulations, hunter safety courses, and other topics related to North Carolina wildlife and natural resources in general. The Albemarle Parks and Recreation offices are located at the Jesse F. Niven Community Center in Albemarle (1816 East Main Street). The phone number is 704-984-9560.

Taylor Hurley of the Albemarle Parks and Recreation staff is the city’s contact person for information on the Urban Archery Deer Season. His direct line is 704-984-9565 or he can be e-mailed at churley@albemarlenc.gov