The agency is considering implementation of a Conservation Access Pass for individuals who do not have a valid NCWRC hunting, fishing, or trapping license. Currently, all hunting, fishing and trapping licenses issued by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) grant the license holder access to and use of NCWRC property.

This Pass would be required for individuals who do not possess a valid hunting, fishing and/or trapping license to access and use:

• 542,205 acres of game lands *Excludes partner properties pending further discussion of proposed pass
• Five NCWRC owned and managed shooting ranges
• More than 250 Boating Access Areas on more than 100 bodies of water for non-motorized vessels that currently do not require vessel registration

Comments close on March 28^th

Public Forums

The Commission held four public forums to gather information on public attitudes, opinions, and concerns about a Conservation Access Pass. The information collected from the public and other stakeholders through this effort will be used to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.

The presentation is posted on the agency's YouTube channel and embedded below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you considering a Conservation Access Pass?

• Unlicensed use of game lands has increased in recent years.
• Use of BAAs by unregistered vessels has increased in recent years.
• This increase in unlicensed use is having an impact on game land infrastructure, habitats, and management activities.
• Additional funding to address these impacts to lands and wildlife resources is needed.

What types of activities would require this Pass?

• Hiking, bird watching, biking, camping, dog walking, geocaching, foraging, etc. on game lands.
• Paddling non-motorized vessels from BAAs.
• Target shooting at NCWRC-managed shooting ranges.

Will non-profits or educational groups be exempt?

This has not yet been determined, so we are particularly interested in feedback on this issue.

What will it cost?

A fee has not yet determined, but the least expensive annual hunting and fishing licenses currently cost $30.

If I have a Commercial Use Permit, will the individuals participating in the activity need to hold a Conservation Access Pass?

No, individuals participating under a Commercial or Event Use Permit will not need a Conservation Access Pass while participating in the permitted activity.

Will individuals with registered vessels be required to have this Pass, either while using their registered vessel on a boat ramp or participating in another activity like hiking or biking?

No pass required to use a BAA. Unless otherwise licensed, individuals with a registered vessel will be required to have a pass when using other WRC property.

Where can individuals interested in buying the Pass learn about hunting seasons and other regulations specific to the Game Land or access area they are interested in visiting?

Visit our Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Regulations page, Boating Access Areas Regulations page, and Game Lands Program page for more information.

Will NCWRC offer new amenities or infrastructure as a result of the access pass?

NCWRC offers minimally developed wild spaces for the enjoyment of wildlife and natural habitat.

Would the access pass be good for a year?

Just like other NCWRC activity licenses, the access pass would be good for a year from the date of purchase.

If I have a hunting, fishing or trapping license, do I need this pass?

No, your valid hunting/fishing/trapping license includes access to and use of NCWRC property.

If I buy a Game Land License to go horseback riding on game lands would I need a Conservation Access Pass?

You would either need a Game Land License or Conservation Access Pass, not both.

Would kids need a Conservation Access Pass?

Individuals aged 16 and under would not be required to have their own access pass, but must be with an adult who has an access pass or valid license.

If I have a hunting, fishing or trapping license, do I need to purchase a Pass? 

No, because your license grants you access to and use of property owned or managed by NCWRC including game lands, boating access areas, and shooting ranges.

Would the Pass be required for all game lands, shooting ranges, and boating access areas? 

No. Some game lands, shooting ranges and boating access areas are managed by, but not owned by the Commission. Some properties and infrastructure are built by, but not managed by the Commission. We will work with our partners to determine which properties would require a Pass. A Pass would not be required on the National Forests that are managed by the US Forest Service.

How does the NCWRC pay for maintenance on its properties? 

The majority of funding for maintenance and management comes from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR), a federal conservation program funded through the purchases of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing tackle and motorboat fuels. These federal funds require state match, which is paid for with hunting, fishing, and trapping license and vessel registration revenue.

Why would I need a Pass, don’t my tax dollars pay for NCWRC property?
While the agency does partially fund some land purchases with money from the NC Land and Water Fund, most land purchases include funding from other sources including the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program, other federal grants, partner contributions, and private donations. Game lands maintenance and boating access area and shooting range construction and maintenance are not funded with tax dollars.

Only 13% of the NCWRC’s annual revenue comes from the state, and that money, derived from taxes, pays for just over half of Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer salaries.

How would the funding generated by the Pass be used? 

Revenue would be used to fund agency operations; as a match to federal funds; for infrastructure projects; and could also be used to help purchase new game lands. All wildlife species and conservation programs could benefit from these funds.

How would this be different from a Game Land License? 

The Game Land License is only required for horseback riders on certain game lands and for unlicensed campers on game lands where camping is allowed. The Pass could potentially replace the Game Land License for these purposes.

Would this Pass affect the way the NCWRC manages game lands? 

No, the NCWRC would continue to use science and public input to manage and conserve wildlife resources and their habitats as responsibly and equitably as possible so the public and future generations can enjoy hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife-associated recreation.

Will activities that are currently restricted on game lands be allowed if a Pass is required (e.g., restricted bicycle access)? 

No, restrictions are placed on certain activities because those activities are incompatible with management objectives or other uses in those areas.

Do other states that have these passes?

We are aware of at least the following states having some form of an access pass: California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Louisianna, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Washington.

How would I purchase an access pass?

All licenses and permits would be purchased online through gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com, on our Go Outdoors NC app, at a Wildlife Service Agent location, or in person at our HQ office in Raleigh, NC.