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.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 24th day of March, 2011.

	s/	 Walter H. Dalton
	 President of the Senate

	s/	 Thom Tillis
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives

	s/	 Beverly E. Perdue
	 Governor

Approved 5:03 p.m. this 31st day of March, 2011