North Carolina Sporting Dog Association

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Today, the NC House Committee on Wildlife cancelled its scheduled meeting for Wednesday, 4/19/17.  Yes, the exact same day dog hunters from across North Carolina have scheduled a trip to the Legislature.  This cancellation does not feel friendly.  Meeting or no meeting, with the momentum created by the filing of House Bill #648, I expect many hunters will arrive in Raleigh ready to “rally”.

I have confidence that many members of the House Committee on Wildlife will welcome visits from hunters.  These hospitable Representatives include the following:

Rep. William Brisson

Rep. Mike Clampitt

Rep. George Cleveland

Rep. Kevin Corbin

Rep. George Graham

Rep. Cody Henson

Rep. Brendon Jones

Rep. Marvin Lucas

Rep. Larry Pittman

Rep. Michelle Presnell

Rep. Michael Wray

Click on the name of the Representative for more information about the Legislator, including his or her office room number.  Remember, four-digit room numbers are in the Legislative Building, 16 W. Jones Street.  three-digit room numbers are in the Legislative Office Building (six-story building), 300 N. Salisbury Street, which can be reached by walking over a pedestrian walkway from the Legislative Building by the Halifax Mall to the Leg.Office Building.  Click here for a map of the area and parking lots.

This is the “Big One”

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House Bill #648 “Responsible Deer Hunting” was filed late Thursday afternoon, April 6, 2017 by Representatives Chris Malone and Jay Adams. This is the “big one” we knew was coming.  It will be “read in” on Monday evening, April 10th, and assigned to one or more House committees for consideration.  This is the beginning of the process for any new piece of legislation being considered by the NC General Assembly.  Read the filed version of this bad dog bill here.  Any bill must be considered by one chamber (in our case, the House) by being discussed and studied through the committee system.  At some point, one or more committees must vote on the bill.  Any bill can be rejected, amended, or stalled temporarily or permanently.  If the committee votes result in a majority of Representatives voting “yes” in support, the bill can eventually proceed to the full House for a vote by the full chamber.  If HB#648 were to get to a vote in the full House and were to pass the required two votes, then the bill passes to the other chamber (in this case, the Senate).  The committee review process is repeated in the Senate.  Joe McClees has long observed, “There is only one way to pass a bill, but a thousand ways to kill one.” In the coming days, we will have many opportunities to kill HB#648, and we need your help.

First, join the NC Sporting Dog Association for 2017.  Clubs are the backbone of our coalition.  We need your individual memberships.  Encourage others to join.  We must work together to preserve our hunting traditions.  We must persuade NC Legislators that thousands of North Carolina dog hunters rely on the Legislature to protect our traditions and our right to hunt with dogs.  Your membership with the NC Sporting Dog Association can help us persuade Representatives and Senators.

Second, read this bill several times until the contents sink in.  HB#648 is a terrible bill.  If passed, it would RUIN deer dog hunting in North Carolina.  Familiarize yourself with every section of HB#648.  Call Joe & Henri if you have questions.  We are happy to discuss HB#648 in detail.

Third, in the coming days when we know the direction of HB#648, we will let you know how you can help by communicating with Representatives.

HB#648 is the worst bill we have encountered in a long time.  HB#648 cannot be taken lightly.  Keep in touch with us.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Best regards, Joe and Henri McClees

Legislative News

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April 6, 2017  Rep. Chris Malone filed House Bill #648 “Responsible Deer Hunting”.  Bill referred to House Committee on Wildlife Resources.  Bill has not been heard as of May 24, 2017.

January 11, 2017 NC General Assembly convenes for 2017-2018 biennial session.

June 1, 2015 NC Senate sent Jimmy Dixon’s Sunday Hunting Bill back to the House for concurrence.

May 28, 2015 Senate passed Jimmy Dixon’s Sunday Hunting Bill, with some amendments.  Sunday hunting can begin after 12:00 noon in the Senate version.

March 9, 2015  Rep. Jimmy Dixon (Dt.#4, R) “Stakeholders Meeting” re changes to hunter trespass law and Sunday hunting.

January 14, 2015  NC General  Assembly convenes for 2015 session.

November 4, 2014 General Election in which NC legislators were elected.

August 20, 2014  NC General Assembly adjourned for 2014.

October 1, 2011:  The new “Landowner Protection Act” becomes law on October 1, 2011.  This law applies only to posted land.

August 19, 2011:  We are receiving many good questions about the new hunter trespass law, which will take effect on October 1, 2011.  The NC Sporting Dog Association wrote to Gordon Myers, Executive Director of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and asked specific questions.  On August 19, 2011 Mr. Myers provided the following answers to these specific questions.

2011 NEW HUNTER TRESPASS LAW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Question #1.  If a Club has a written lease in which it is the Lessee (the tenant under the lease), can the Club, as Lessee, prepare and sign the written permission slips for its members?
Answer to Question #1: Yes, per the modifications made to NC General Statute 14-159.6(a) in Session Law 2011-231.  The land owner, lessee, or agent can issue written permission.  If the lease is in the name of a Club, an authorized representative (secretary, president, etc.) of the Club can sign as the agent.

Question #2.  Is a Club having a written lease with a land owner considered to be the Lessee for the purpose of NC General Statute Section 14-159.6(a), such that the Club can issue the permission slips? (similar to Question #1).
Answer to Question#2.  Yes, in the case that you have described, the Club is the Lessee.

Question #3.  Suppose a Club is the Lessee (the tenant under the lease) for 20 leases for 20 separate parcels of land from 20 land owners.  Is an individual member of the Club required to have on his person 20 copies of the 20 separate permission slips?  If so, can the Club copy the 20 signed permission slips and reduce the size of each slip, by photocopier, so that numerous slips can be copied on to only one or two pieces of paper?
Answer to Question #3.  If the Lessee is the same in each instance as described in your question, it is acceptable to consolidate the permission to a single form.  I would strongly recommend that the Club keep a map of the leased parcels available for inspection at a central location.

Question #4.  Suppose a Club is the Lessee (the tenant under the lease) for 20 leases for 20 parcels of land from 20 land owners.  Can the Club prepare a Master Permission slip (one page) and have all 20 land owners sign the one page Master Permission slip?
Answer to Question #4.  Absolutely.

Question #5.  If the land is NOT posted, then what part, if any, of House Bill #762/Session Law 2011-374 applies to hunters on the unposted land?
Answer to Question #5.  The new legislation applies to posted land only.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website has been updated with additional information about the new 2011 hunter trespass law.  Visit their website for further information, including wallet sized permission forms.

2011 Legislative Sessions:  The 2011 NC General Assembly convened in January 2011 and adjourned on June 18, 2011.  Though there was a Redistricting Session this summer and a Constitutional Amendment Session scheduled for September, we do not expect any more hunting bills to be heard until 2012.

CLICK HERE for Landowner Permission Form.  We recommend the use of this form to avoid confusion.  You may complete and reduce in size, and may copy several permission slips onto one piece of paper.  Written permission to hunt on posted land is now required by newly passed Landowner Protection Act, House Bill #762, Session Law 2011-374.  This new law goes into effect 10/1/2011.

Here are highlights of legislation passed into law in the 2011 legislative session.  Click on the links to read each new law.

STATEWIDE BILLS
 Retrieval of Big Game, House Bill 29, Session Law 2011-22, allows single dog on leash and light source to retrieve big game day or night, with conditions.
Landowner Protection Act, House Bill 762, Session Law 2011-374, hunter trespass compromise bill, which requires written permission to hunt on posted land, but not on unposted land.  All mention of roadside hunting was deleted.
Study Fox Laws, House Bill 755, Session Law 2011-380, includes study of outside fox hunting, sale of foxes, and fox pens, as well as study of coyotes.
Amend Various Gun Laws, House Bill 650, Session Law 2011-268, includes the “Castle Doctrine” for North Carolina and amendments to the concealed carry laws.  Castle Doctrine so named for the idea that a man’s home is his castle.
2011 Appointments Bill, Senate Bill 686, Session Law 2011-176, which includes the Senate & House appointments to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

LOCAL BILLS
 Surry  Fox & Coyote Trapping Season, Senate Bill 46, Session Law 2011-32.
Robeson Hunting & Fishing, Senate Bill 68, Session Law 2011-16.
Pasquotank Hunting, House Bill 362, Session Law 2011-152.
Rockingham/Taking Foxes, House Bill 463, Session Law 2011-163.

In January, 2011, we welcomed newly elected Senators and Representatives who were supported by hunters in many districts across North Carolina.  We especially welcomed Senator Louis Pate, who defeated former Senator Don Davis, sponsor of the “puppy mill” bill in 2009-2010.

2009-2010 Legislative Session:  We won!  On July 10, 2010, the NC General Assembly adjourned without passing the animal rights-inspired agenda of “puppy mills”, anti-tethering, and banning wildlife pens.  Thanks to a coalition of hunters with the NRA, AKC, UKC, agricultural interests, and others, we were able to defeat the strongest push ever seen in NC by radical animal rights activists.  The NC Sporting Dog Association encourages all hunters and responsible animal owners to register, vote, and fight against the animal rights legislative agenda in 2011.

Legislative Lobbying Day II on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the NC General Assembly.  We will join forces with the NRA, the AKC & other responsible animal owners to oppose SB#460.  We are fighting the HSUS-inspired Commercial Dog Breeding Bill (SB#460 or any other name).  Please call & email to urge all NC House members to oppose SB#460.

The NC Senate & House completed the budget on Saturday, June 26, 2010.  This means there will be only a couple more weeks left in this legislative session.  We must continue our work to protect hunting and dog breeding.

The NC General Assembly convened on May 12, 2010.  HSUS, PETA, and other animal rights activists are pushing SB460 the “Puppy Mill Bill”.

On August 10, 2009, we stopped the forward motion of SB460.  Senator Don Davis, the bill sponsor, intended to push it through the House Finance Committee & demand a vote by the full House in the last two legislative sessions before adjournment. He failed. Our House members faithfully attended to vote against the bill. Supporters of the bill did not appear in full numbers, and they DID NOT HAVE THE VOTES to pass SB 460 out of committee.  Therefore, Sen. Davis suddenly announced “technical problems” and pulled the bill.  The “Puppy Mill” bill would have failed if called for a vote.

The bill IS NOT DEAD.  We must kill it in 2010.
SB 460 Commercial Dog Breeders (Sen. Don Davis)


Highway Billboard Urging “No” on SB 460

Three of the most dangerous pending bills address dog breeding, tethering, and fox pens.  Most of the bad animal rights bills are dead, but these three bills survived.

In the 2009 legislative session, we saw unprecedented attacks on animal ownership rights, dog breeding, and hunting with dogs.  The Humane Society of the US hired a full time lobbyist for the first time.  SB#460 is similar to bills proposed by the HSUS in many other states.

To contact your elected legislators, call Senators & Representatives through the NC General Assembly legislative switchboard (919)733-4111 or call them at home.  During times when the legislature is not in session, many Senators & Representatives are not in Raleigh.  Find specific contact information for each legislator, including local telephone numbers, through the NC Legislature Web site.

If you are interested in legislative issues, please do not hesitate to contact Joe McClees.  E-mail: jdm at mccleesconsulting.com

Read Henri McClees’s Blog for daily updates during the legislative battles, and history, legal news, and political background during the out-of-session months.

If you are interested in current legislative issues, please do not hesitate to contact Joe McClees.
E-mail: joeatmccleesconsulting.com
(Don’t forget to replace at with @ when you e-mail us!)

Important Public Hearings in January 2009
The Commission is holding 10 public hearings on proposed rule changes.  There are many important issues, including Sunday hunting, deer hunting changes, & bear hunting changes. We need to make sure that there will be no changes to your ability to hunt with dogs.  Attend the Public Meeting closest to you.  The remaining meetings will be in Grahm, Norwood, Morganton, Sylva, Boonville, Edenton, New Bern, Rocky Mount, and Raleigh.  If you cannot attend, review the rules and email your comments.Click here to view and print out a PDF schedule of 2009 public hearings.Click here to view the PDF file on the NC Wildlife Resources Commission Web site.Click here to view talking points facts you may use to oppose Sunday hunting in North Carolina.

Proposed Regulations Governing Dog Hunting in North Carolina.

The Public Hearings in January 2009 will be followed by proposed rule changes and bills introduced in the legislature.  Be sure to “vote” by speaking at a Public Hearing or emailing your comments.

For example, the issue of Sunday hunting will be discussed.  The majority of hunters two years ago were surveyed across the state. They are opposed to any form of Sunday hunting. Sunday hunting is an emotional hot button subject in North Carolina.

Joe McClees, chief lobbyist for the NC Sporting Dog Assn., said “Once you allow even limited Sunday hunting, in a few years there will be all Sunday hunting. And there are plenty of things that can be done otherwise to encourage hunting.”

The North Carolina Sporting Dog Association is vehemently opposed to changing any regulations concerning dog hunting in North Carolina and we believe the legislature is the only place such things need to be discussed.  We do not want the Wildlife Resources Commission to be able to change dog hunting laws without the legislature’s direct involvement.

2008 Political Elections.
 We have newly elected state legislators.  Get to know your Representative and your Senator.  Find out:  1. Their position on hunting; 2. Their position on preserving the time-honored sport of hunting with dogs in North Carolina.

With regard to local representatives and senators, seek them out, tell them who you are and, when advisable, invite them to see your dogs, to understand your sport and, when the opportunity arises, give them an invitation to participate.

The NC General Assembly convenes on January 28, 2009.  We will be there!

News & Archives.
August, 2008 – Thanks to President Keith Loudermilt and other responsible animal owners, Iredell County resisted animal rights activists. The Iredell County Animal Ordinance was amended, but excluded odious kennel requirements and other rad-
ical demands of the animal rights activists.

On March 13, 2008, a Joint Select Committee to study inherently dangerous animals will meet at 1:00 pm in the Legislative Office Building Room 643.  Our lobbyist will speak on the dangers of polluting NC’s laws with animal rights philosophy.  We fought this bill and defeated it in 2008.

On March 5, 2008, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission will discuss the topics from the January 2008 public meetings.  Our lobbyist will speak on the issues concerning sporting dog hunters.

On November 27, 2007 Ralph Henry of the Humane Society sent a letter to The US Department of Agriculture titled, “Wildlife Penning and Fighting; Request for Enforcement and Petition for Rulemaking.” A phrase in the first paragraph of the letter requests USDA to “…undertake enforcement action to halt the inhumane practice of penning wildlife, and setting dogs upon such wildlife…”

HSUS also asked USDA to tighten their rules to now include “certain activities, including “‘field trials (and) coursing events” in the USDA regulations’ definition of “exhibitor.”

Your North Carolina Sporting Dog Association is mailing information about this letter and how it may interest our members. View a PDF copy of the HSUS letter.

Senate Bill #684 Spay/Neuter Funding (SL2007-487) passed with a hunting exemption.  We opposed this bill because animal rights activists seek to collect and control large sums of state monies to implement the animal rights agenda in all 100 counties.  We must continue to fight creating an income stream from our wallets to pay for the animal rights agenda.

HB#1614  and SB #1477 Inherently Dangerous Animals (companion bills) were supported by animal rights activitists, and would have been a step toward stronger regulation of all animals.  This language was included in Section 2.1(3)(c) of The 2007 Studies Bill.

SB#92 Dangerous dogs/liability insurance passed the Senate after extensive changes and improvements.  We lobbyied the Senate Judiciary Cttee. to make substantial changes to the original version.  The bill died in the House in 2008.

For all legislative issues, you may call offices of legislators through the legislative switchboard (919)733-4111. Learn more through the NC Legislature Web site.

Passed bills include Prohibit Baiting of Bears SB#1246 (SL2007-6); Reciprocity of Disabled Hunting Licenses SB#50 (SL 2007-2); Ashe/Trapping of Foxes SB#363 (SL 2007-52); Ashe/Trapping of Foxes SB#364 (SL 2007-51); Moore County Fox & Coyote Trapping HB#571 (SL 2007-11); Johnston County Fox Hunting Trapping HB#1185 (SL 2007-47); and, Extend Johnston Rabbit Season HB#203 (SL 2007-64).

Visit the NC General Assembly Web site and check on the status of legislative activities & pending bills:  www.ncleg.net.

Archived Legislative News 2008

The NC General Assembly next convenes on January 28, 2009. If you are inter-
ested in legislative issues, please do not hesitate to contact Joe McClees.
 E-mail: j…@mccleesconsulting.com

August, 2008 – Thanks to President Keith Loudermilt and other responsible animal owners, Iredell County resisted animal rights activists. The Iredell County Animal Ordinance was amended, but excluded odious kennel requirements and other rad-
ical demands of the animal rights activists.

On Wednesday, March 13, 2008, a Joint Select Committee to study inherently dangerous animals will meet at 1:00 pm in the Legislative Office Building Room 643.  Our lobbyist will speak on the dangers of polluting NC’s laws with animal rights philosophy.  Contact your legislator and ask him or her to oppose Senate Bill #1477.

On Wednesday, March 5, 2008, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission will discuss the topics from the January 2008 public meetings.  Our lobbyist will speak on the issues concerning sporting dog hunters.

On November 27, 2007 Ralph Henry of the Humane Society sent a letter to The US Department of Agriculture titled, “Wildlife Penning and Fighting; Request for Enforcement and Petition for Rulemaking.” A phrase in the first paragraph of the letter requests USDA to “…undertake enforcement action to halt the inhumane practice of penning wildlife, and setting dogs upon such wildlife…”

HSUS also asked USDA to tighten their rules to now include “certain activities, including “‘field trials (and) coursing events” in the USDA regulations’ definition of “exhibitor.”

Your North Carolina Sporting Dog Association is mailing information about this letter and how it may interest our members. View a PDF copy of the HSUS letter.

The NC General Assembly adjourned on August 2, 2007.  It will reconvene on May 13, 2008.  Pending legislation from 2007 will be heard in 2008.

Senate Bill #684 Spay/Neuter Funding (SL2007-487) passed with a hunting exemption.  We opposed this bill because animal rights activists seek to collect and control large sums of state monies to implement the animal rights agenda in all 100 counties.  We must continue to fight creating an income stream from our wallets to pay for the animal rights agenda.

HB#1614  and SB #1477 Inherently Dangerous Animals (companion bills) are supported by animal rights activitists, and are considered by many to be a step toward stronger regulation of all animals.  This language is included in Section 2.1(3)(c) of The 2007 Studies Bill.

SB#92 Dangerous dogs/liability insurance passed the Senate after extensive changes and improvements.  We lobbyied the Senate Judiciary Cttee. to make substantial changes to the original version.  The bill now sits in House Judiciary III Committee, awaiting action by the Committee in 2008.

For all legislative issues, you may call offices of legislators through the legislative switchboard (919)733-4111. Learn more about the NC Legislature Web site.

A number of hunting bills have been passed into law, including Prohibit Baiting of Bears SB#1246 (SL2007-96); Reciprocity of Disabled Hunting Licenses SB#50 (SL 2007-2); Ashe/Trapping of Foxes SB#363 (SL 2007-52); Ashe/Trapping of Foxes SB#364 (SL 2007-51); Moore County Fox & Coyote Trapping HB#571 (SL 2007-11); Johnston County Fox Hunting Trapping HB#1185 (SL 2007-47); and, Extend Johnston Rabbit Season HB#203 (SL 2007-64).

You may also visit the NC General Assembly Web site and check on the status of these and other bills:  www.ncleg.net.