15A NCAC 10B .0114      DOG TRAINING AND FIELD TRIALS

(a)  For purposes of 15A NCAC 10B and 10D, the following definitions apply:

(1)           "Commission-sanctioned field trial" means a field trial that has been authorized by the Wildlife Resources Commission and for which a Field Trial Permit has been issued.

(2)           "Active participant" means an individual participating in a field trial who handles dogs or uses a firearm.

(3)           "Field Trial Permit" means the permit issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission that authorizes an individual to hold a commission-sanctioned field trial for dogs.

(b)  Individuals desiring to conduct a commission-sanctioned field trial shall obtain a Field Trial Permit from the Wildlife Resources Commission at www.ncwildlife.org or at the Commission headquarters located at 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.

(c)  Individuals using wildlife to train or run dogs shall possess a North Carolina hunting license.

(d)  An individual who is serving as a judge of a commission-sanctioned field trial shall be exempt from any license requirements. An individual who is serving as a judge of a non-sanctioned field trial using wildlife shall possess a North Carolina hunting license.

(e)  Except as provided in Paragraph (f) of this Rule, the following license requirements shall apply to active participants in field trials:

(1)           North Carolina residents participating in any field trial that uses wildlife shall have a N.C. hunting license;

(2)           non-residents participating in a commission-sanctioned field trial that uses wildlife shall possess a N.C. hunting license or a hunting license from his or her state of residence; and

(3)           non-residents participating in other types of field trials that use wildlife shall possess a N.C. hunting license

(f)  Notwithstanding Paragraph (e) of this Rule, an individual without a license may participate in commission-sanctioned field trials for beagles conducted without firearms on private field trial areas that meet the fencing requirements specified in G.S. 113-276(k).

(g)  It shall be unlawful to carry axes, saws, or climbing irons while training or running dogs during any closed season for game animals.

(h)  The following conditions shall apply to commission-sanctioned field trials for retrievers or bird dogs:

(1)           shotguns containing live ammunition or firearms using only blank ammunition shall be prohibited unless specifically authorized by a Field Trial Permit;

(2)           no wild waterfowl, wild quail, or wild pheasant shall be used in field trials when shotguns with live ammunition are permitted;

(3)           only waterfowl, quail, or pheasants lawfully obtained from a licensed game bird propagator shall be authorized for use in field trials where shotguns with live ammunition are permitted.

(4)           waterfowl obtained from licensed game bird propagators for use in field trials when shotguns with live ammunition are authorized shall be marked by one of the methods specified in 50 CFR 21.45, including subsequent amendments and editions, found free of charge at www.ecfr.gov; and

(5)           pheasants or quail obtained from licensed game bird propagators for use in field trials where shotguns with live ammunition are authorized shall be banded by the propagator prior to delivery with a leg band that is imprinted with the number of his or her propagation license. The purchaser of the birds shall obtain a copy of the receipt from the propagator showing the date, number of birds purchased, propagator license number, and species of birds purchased. A copy of the receipt shall be available for inspection by representatives of the Wildlife Resources Commission during the time and at the place where the trial is being held.

(i)  The following conditions shall apply during the closed season for waterfowl and game birds when training dogs with domestically raised waterfowl and domestically raised game birds:

(1)           only shotguns with number four size shot or smaller shall be used;

(2)           nontoxic shot shall be used when training dogs using domestically raised waterfowl;

(3)           all domestically raised waterfowl shall be individually tagged on one leg with a seamless band stamped with the propagation license number of the facility from which the domestically raised waterfowl originated; and

(4)           all other domestically raised game birds shall be individually tagged on one leg with a band indicating the propagation license number of the facility from which the birds originated.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-273; 113-276; 113-291.1; 113-291.5; 50 CFR 21.45;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2015; January 1, 2013; January 1, 2012; May 1, 2006; July 1, 1995; July 1, 1994; July 1, 1991; May 1, 1990;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2020;

Amended Eff. February 1, 2023.