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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-04-03

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill authorizes the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to issue elk hunting permits through a raffle (one permit for the 2026 season) and an auction (conducted by a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization involved in elk reintroduction). Revenue from both methods goes to the Wildlife Resources Fund for elk conservation, after covering administrative costs. The bill allows the Commission to continue these methods in future seasons based on elk management goals.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill generates dedicated funding for elk conservation and management without using general tax dollars, while allowing more North Carolinians access to elk hunting through an affordable raffle option ($20 per ticket).
• •The auction component can potentially raise significant funds through competitive bidding, and all revenue is reinvested into elk programs rather than going to the general budget.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that auctioning public wildlife permits could create inequitable access where only wealthy hunters can afford high auction prices, while the raffle provides a lottery-based alternative.
• •Some may be concerned about using a nonprofit organization to conduct auctions, or question whether these methods are the most transparent way to allocate limited hunting opportunities compared to traditional drawing systems.