For the first time since elk were reintroduced into western North Carolina 25 years ago, the state will allow a limited elk hunting season. The decision comes after wildlife officials said the elk population has recovered enough to support a controlled hunt while continuing conservation efforts.The change comes after North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 747 on July 7. The legislation allows the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) to issue two elk hunting permits during the 2027 hunting season.Officials say the move is not intended to immediately reduce the population but is part of a long-term wildlife management plan. The money raised through the permits will also be used for elk conservation and management.
Hunt
Elk were once found throughout much of North Carolina, but disappeared from the state several years ago due to overhunting and habitat loss. Wildlife agencies subsequently began efforts to reintroduce them to western North Carolina, and the animals have gradually established a stable population over the past 25 years.According to Justin McVey, NCWRC district wildlife biologist, the state has now reached an important milestone.“Our goal for elk management in the state is to create a sustainable huntable population and at this point we have reached that goal,” McVey said, as quoted by ABC 13 News.A sustainable population means that there are enough animals to maintain healthy numbers, while also allowing a limited amount of hunting without affecting the long-term survival of the species.
Elk in western North Carolina. (Photos: WLOS)
permit
The state is taking a cautious approach by issuing only two permits during the first hunting season. Both permits will be distributed in different ways.One permit will be auctioned through a wildlife conservation nonprofit that participated in the elk reintroduction program in North Carolina.Under the law, the selected nonprofit may keep up to 25% of the auction proceeds. The remaining money will be spent in wildlife conservation.The second permit will be awarded through a public raffle. People can purchase raffle tickets for $20 each, up to 30 tickets for a maximum of $500. Anyone purchasing a ticket must have a valid North Carolina hunting license or qualify for a license exemption under state regulations.The Wildlife Resources Commission may receive up to $25,000 from raffle proceeds. The remaining funds raised from both the auction and raffle will be deposited into the state’s Wildlife Resources Fund, where it will be used for elk conservation and management programs.
Rule
McVey said the permit is expected to be available in July 2027. The elk hunting season is scheduled to begin later that year in October.Hunters who obtain a permit will be allowed to hunt in areas where elk are present within the state’s designated elk area.“They will be able to hunt basically any area in the elk zone that has elk; it will be private land as well as game land,” McVay said.However, anyone planning to hunt on private property must first obtain permission from the landowner.Wildlife officials also said hunters must follow all state hunting regulations. Those violating the rules may face fines or other penalties.Additionally, each elk harvested during the season must be reported to the NCWRC and submitted to the agency as required under the new law.