North Carolina wildlife officials are considering a rule change that would restrict firearms hunting and deer hunting with dogs on a small section of public game land near Falls Lake. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission scheduled a virtual public hearing for June 23 Petition to amend the rules For butter-falls News of Game Land. The affected area covers approximately 230 acres south of Purnell Road, north of Bent Road and east of New Light Creek.
The Butner-Falls of Nueces Game Lands covers approximately 37,500 acres in Durham, Granville and Wake counties. The proposed ban would apply to less than 1% of game lands, but it’s still in the middle of a familiar access battle: hunting opportunity, nearby homes, safety concerns, and game hunting on public lands.
what will change
The proposed rule would ban hunting with firearms on 230 acres of the land. It would also ban the use of dogs for deer hunting in the same area.
The remaining Buttner-Falls will remain open under current rules. The proposal does not create a blanket firearm ban across the entire playing field.
Why was the rule proposed?
The petitioners cited safety concerns about firearms being used near residential subdivisions. They also cited conflict between hunters using dogs and adjacent landowners, including alleged property damage and harassment.
Wildlife Resources Commission’s own Analysis Be careful on the gun question. The agency noted that existing regulations already prohibit discharging firearms within 150 yards of a residence adjacent to game lands. Rifle hunters on game lands must also be placed at least 8 feet above ground level.
Because of those existing rules, the agency said the proposed firearms restriction may make nearby residents feel safer, but could not conclude based on available information that the change would reduce specific safety risks.
The issue of dog hunting is more direct. The commission said that banning dogs on that portion of game lands could reduce conflicts with hunters and surrounding landowners. The agency also said its law enforcement division is aware of common conflicts involving hunting dogs and surrounding property owners in Butner-Falls, although those reports are limited and not tracked in a way that would yield accurate numbers.
what happens next
The public comment period runs through July 14. Comments can be submitted OnlineBy email, or by mail to the Commission’s Rulemaking Coordinator.
After the comment period ends, the Wildlife Resources Commission will decide whether to move forward with the proposed rule.
