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Polk County commissioners opt to promote NC Registered Lands Program rather than enact written-permission hunting ordinance
Summary
After a public hearing with dozens of residents for and against a proposed written-permission-to-hunt resolution, Polk County commissioners voted 4-1 to promote the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Registered Lands Program and assist residents who wish to register their property.
Polk County commissioners voted 4-1 on Nov. 16 to begin encouraging the State’s Registered Lands Program as an alternative to adopting a local written-permission-to-hunt resolution, following a lengthy public hearing in which residents voiced safety concerns and competing views about landowner burden.
The Board’s motion, introduced by Commissioner Gasperson and seconded by Vice-Chairperson Watson, directs county government to promote the Wildlife Resources Commission’s Land Registration program (General Statutes Chapter 113 Article 21A) and help residents complete registration and, if necessary, acquire proper posted signs. Chairperson Cindy Walker called the final vote; Commissioner McDermott cast the sole dissenting vote.
The decision followed more than an hour of public testimony. Supporters told the Board the measure would protect landowners and improve safety as population density increases; opponents said existing trespass and registered-land tools already address the problem and raised concerns about added regulation and the burden of posting property. “I am not against hunting and I support written permission law,” said Bob Moss, one of several speakers who urged stronger landowner protections. “Man’s word should be his honor,” resident Gary Haynes said in opposition, reflecting those who opposed requiring written slips.
County and state enforcement officials presented data and experience from other counties. A. Isaac Herald, identified as Section Manager for State and Private Lands at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, told commissioners that complaints to the Wildlife Commission have fallen in counties with written permission laws and that the Registered Lands Program helps clarify enforcement responsibilities between magistrates and wildlife officers. Herald also said the Commission has not adopted an official statewide position on written-permission laws.
Commissioner Gasperson framed the Board motion as a practical, voluntary step: the Registered Lands Program can be used by landowners and hunting clubs who want a clearer way to exclude unauthorized hunters without imposing a county-wide posting requirement. Opponents, including Commissioner McDermott during debate, cautioned that the program would not by itself solve enforcement-resource shortages and urged more study before adopting a mandatory local ordinance.
The Board’s motion does not change state law; it commits Polk County to public education and assistance for the registration program and recognizes landowners who prefer not to participate have no obligation to do so. The Board said it will monitor effects and reconsider the issue if needed.
The public hearing had been advertised in the Tryon Daily Bulletin on Nov. 4. The Board briefly recessed after the vote and proceeded with other agenda items.
