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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

REFUGE PERMIT HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES

National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) are federally owned property managed by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Regulations governing these lands are often different from state game lands. The following information represents the most common questions asked about permitted hunt opportunities on refuges. This section does not serve as a regulatory guide. Hunters and trappers should always refer to the Refuge Hunting and Fishing Regulations brochure and

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for information on regulations and local laws as they pertain to permitted and non-permitted hunts.

• Are National Wildlife Refuges different from state game lands? Yes, refuges are federally owned property managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. State game lands are managed by the Commission. Regulations governing these areas are often different.

• Do state hunting regulations apply to refuge permit hunting opportunities? Yes, hunting will be in accordance with applicable state regulations. Special refuge regulations as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations are listed for each refuge participating in the program in the Refuge Area Reference Information section of this guide.

• Who administers the hunts on a refuge? Each refuge facilitates and administers the hunt(s) they have listed in the Permit Hunting Opportunities Program. The Commission administers the permit application and permit fulfillment process.

• Who should I contact if I have questions about the refuge I will be hunting? You will need to contact the refuge directly. Visit www.fws.gov/southeast/maps/nc.html to obtain a specific refuge website or to locate a telephone number.

• Who should I contact if I have a question about my refuge permit hunt application? The Commission at 888-248-6834, Monday—Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• How do I obtain information or regulations about a refuge? Information can be obtained from the Refuge Area Reference Information section of this guide or by visiting www.fws.gov/southeast/maps/nc.html to locate the appropriate refuge website. A copy of the Refuge Hunting & Fishing Regulations brochure will be mailed with your permit.

• Are refuge maps available for permit areas? Yes, some refuge maps are available online www.ncwildlife.org. Each refuge has a map available on its website. Refer to the Refuge Area Reference Information section of this guide for more information.

• Can I transfer my permit to someone else? No.

• What is the toll-free number I need to call to report a big game harvest? 800-446-8663. Hunters can also register bear, deer and wild boar big game harvests online at www.ncwildlife.org or at a wildlife cooperator agent. Turkey harvests must be registered online at www.ncwildlife.org or by calling 800-446-8663. All big game harvests must be registered. Refer to the Regulations Digest for more information on validating big game harvest report cards and registering big game harvests.

• If I observe a wildlife violation, whom should I contact? The Commission at 800-662-7137.

• Can I hunt with a centerfire rifle or pistol on any permit hunts? Hunting with centerfire rifles and pistols is prohibited on all refuges, with the exception of the Roanoke River NWR, where rifles and pistols are allowed when permitted by state law.

84 Refer to the N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Regulations Digest for regulations and local laws.