Several North Carolina laws went into effect on December 1, 2014. Some of these laws affect hunters and certain types of gun owners. Since the legislation passed fairly recently, gun owners around the state should be aware of the changes:
Hunters. North Carolina has joined Alabama and Illinois with legislation addressing the use of drones in hunter air space. Drones may not be legally used for the intent of hunting (or fishing), monitoring hunting activities, or used to harass hunters. Hunters found using a drone without a firearm attached to the unit will be issued misdemeanors. Hunters who attach a gun to a drone will face felony charges.
BB Guns. Air rifles, air pistols, and BB guns used by children under the age of 12 require adult supervision in select counties across North Carolina. Most counties permit the unsupervised use, and 8 more counties have also made it legal for children to possess and operate these firearms without adult supervision. The new counties where children under 12 may legally use and possess BB guns without an adult present include: Harnett, Cumberland, Anson, Caswell, Stanly, Surrey, Chowan, and Cleveland. Counties where supervision is required: Durham, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Caldwell, Forsyth, Haywood, Stokes, Union, and Vance.
Concealed carry permit consequences. An individual will now face felony charges if they are found more than one time without a concealed carry permit while in possession of a firearm. (A misdemeanor remains the initial offense.)
Our gun trust attorneys in Chapel Hill post news about firearm legislation changes on Facebook and Twitter. If you have questions about how the new laws apply to your firearms, contact our gun trust attorneys.