RALEIGH, N.C. (July 21) – Under a new law that went into effect July 1, North Carolina residents serving full-time active military duty outside of the state in the Armed Forces or a reserve component of the Armed Forces and home on leave for 30 days or less may hunt or fish without obtaining a license.

When hunting or fishing, they must have with them a military identification card and a copy of the official document issued by their service unit confirming that they are on authorized leave from their duty station outside of the state.

Military personnel also must comply with all reporting and hunter safety requirements as mandated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, purchase any federal migratory waterfowl stamps as required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and comply with all other state license requirements.

All annual and short-term licenses, including the Coastal Recreational Fishing License, are included in the exemption.

For a list of all available licenses, visit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Web site, www.ncwildlife.org and click on the yellow “Purchase License” icon at the top left side of page.