| Mission Statement |
Wildlife enforcement officers are sworn, full-time law enforcement officers with full arrest authority for state and federal violations. In particular, Wildlife officers enforce the game, fish and boating laws to protect the resources of the state and the safety of its citizens. The Enforcement Division operates a 24-hour radio communication center that dispatches officers across the state. A toll free hot line is also
available for citizens to report wildlife violations: Click on these links for more on our Division's roles: |
| Mailing Address | NC
Wildlife Resources Commission Division of Enforcement 1717 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1717 |
| Office Location | 1751
Varsity Drive |
| Phone | 919-707-0030 |
The
Wildlife Resources Commission's Division of Enforcement is the sole agency charged
with enforcing the boating laws and regulations on the waters of the state.
In many areas of the state, enforcing boat regulations makes up a large portion
of an officer's duties. While the summer months bring the most activity on the
water, the officer's work continues through the winter months, as fishermen
and waterfowl hunters are still active.
The aim of enforcement is always safety. Officers conduct routine inspections to ensure boaters have required safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, personal flotation devices, and running lights. Laws prohibiting operation of a vessel by an impaired operator and careless and reckless operation are also strictly enforced.
The Enforcement Division is also responsible for investigating the roughly 200 boat accidents that occur on the waters of the state each year. Wildlife enforcement officers offer free boat safety classes at sites across the state in an effort to prevent as many accidents as possible.
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Hunting
laws of North Carolina apply on all lands, whether publicly or privately owned.
Most hunting enforcement issues arise during hunting season, from September
through February, but violations occur throughout the year.
Only a small percentage of hunters intentionally break the law; most are sportsmen who simply enjoy being out in the field. However, each citizen who engages in hunting activities has the responsibility to be informed on the applicable law and regulations, and each wildlife officer has the responsibility to enforce them.
Wildlife officers are also responsible for investigating hunting accidents. Each year in North Carolina there are approximately fifty mishaps stemming from hunting activities. These accidents range from hunters falling out of tree stands to hunters being mistaken for game. The Division of Enforcement takes an active role in the prevention of such accidents by offering the hunter education program at various locations throughout the state. Individuals who seek a hunting license must complete a hunter education course before being permitted to obtain a hunting license.
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Wildlife
enforcement officers patrol all the waters of the state to ensure compliance
with the fishing rules and regulations. Officers routinely check fishermen for
the required licenses and check their fish to make sure they are within the
size and creel limits. Fishermen on the coast and inland lakes are often checked
by boat while the trout streams in the mountains may require an officer to patrol
for hours on foot to check fishermen in remote locations.
Wildlife Enforcement officers offer instruction in various programs to scouts, summer camps, bass clubs, and other groups to promote the sport of fishing.
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The
Enforcement Division is charged with enforcing the rules and regulations
established by the Wildlife Commission and the General Assembly of the
State.