GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
1989 SESSION

CHAPTER 294
HOUSE BILL 819

AN ACT TO REGULATE THE SHINING OF LIGHTS IN DEER AREAS IN WILSON COUNTY.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

Section 1.  It is unlawful to shine a light intentionally upon a deer or to sweep a light in search of deer between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and one-half hour before sunrise.
Sec. 2.  Section 1 of this act shall not be construed to prevent:
(1)	The lawful hunting of raccoon or opossum during open season with artificial lights designed or commonly used in taking raccoon and opossum at night;
(2)	The necessary shining of lights by landholders on their own lands;
(3)	The shining of lights necessary to normal travel by motor vehicles on roads or highways; or
(4)	The use of lights by campers and others who are legitimately in those areas for other reasons and who are not attempting to attract or to immobilize deer by the use of lights.
Sec. 3.  Violation of this act is a misdemeanor punishable for a first conviction by a fine of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, and punishable for a second or subsequent conviction within three years by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200.00), by imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or by both.
Sec. 4.  This act is enforceable by law enforcement officers of the Wildlife Resources Commission, by sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, highway patrolmen, and other peace officers with general subject matter jurisdiction.
Sec. 5.  This act applies only to Wilson County.
Sec. 6.  This act shall become effective October 1, 1989.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 12th day of June, 1989.