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, archery equipment, or a handgun otherwise legal for that hunting season. Pursuit and retrieval under this subsection may occur between the hours of one-half hour after sunset and 11:00 p.m. if necessary, but such pursuit and retrieval may not be accomplished using a motorized vehicle.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.