A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to authorize the retrieval of killed or wounded BIG GAME using a single dog on a leash.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 113‑291.1 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(k)	If a hunter kills or wounds a big game animal during the hunting hours authorized by subsection (a) of this section, the hunter may use a portable light source and a single dog on a leash to assist the hunter in retrieving the dead or wounded big game animal, and may dispatch a wounded big game animal using only a .22‑caliber rimfire pistol or a handgun otherwise legal for that hunting season. Pursuit and retrieval under this subsection may occur after the hunting hours provided for in subsection (a) of this section if necessary, but such pursuit and retrieval may not be accomplished using a motor vehicle or a portable light source between the hours of 11:00 P.M. and one‑half hour before the sunrise.For purposes of this section, the term 'dispatch' means the quick and humane killing of a wounded animal to prevent further suffering through infection, starvation, or other distress in the wild."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2011.