Is It Legal to Trap and Kill Raccoons in North Carolina [Yes]

Raccoons are rodents that lurk in our vicinity. They do not cause us any harm directly, but their presence can be a nuisance for us in many little ways. There are laws regarding capturing raccoons in every state but is it legal to trap and kill raccoons in North Carolina?

In this article, we will read about a few North Carolina laws regarding the trapping of raccoons. Moreover, we will also look at all the rules that allow one to kill a raccoon in North Carolina. It is only permissible under certain conditions. 

Is It Legal to Trap and Relocate Raccoons in North Carolina?

No, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission advises anyone dealing with raccoons on a technical level. Raccoons cannot ever be captured and relocated because they are rabies vectors. All collected raccoons must be put to death or released back onto the same piece of land where they were found.

Individual nuisance animals are typically unsuccessfully trapped and relocated. In addition, state and federal laws prohibit the translocation of most species because of animal-borne illnesses, a lack of habitat, etc.

Trapping and hazing large mammals, such as problem bears, with aversive conditioning while in the trap and then releasing them in the same area may be advisable in some situations. This technique frequently coerces these animals to leave the area but does not physically harm them.   

Is It Legal to Hunt Raccoons in North Carolina?

Carolina has a custom known as coon hunting. In the Carolinas, coon hunting with hounds is a custom. During the permitted hunting season, raccoons are permissible prey. To find out the dates and locations of the hunting season, visit ncwildlife.org/hunting and see if any local laws forbid the discharge of guns.

If the hunting season is open, you can hunt raccoons by following the rules and regulations of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 

These shooting seasons are now open and will remain so through February 28. Raccoon shooters are restricted to three raccoons each day. It is not permitted to carry axes or cutting tools while hunting either of these animals, which is a peculiar law.

Laws Governing About Raccoon Trapping in North Carolina

Raccoon trapping is permitted in North Carolina during the allotted trapping season. If trapping season is open, capture and put down the animal yourself in accordance with N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Wildlife Commission laws.

With a valid trapping license, raccoons may be captured throughout the permitted trapping season. Under the terms of a Depredation Permit, animals may be trapped outside the permitted trapping season. This permit is free and can be obtained from the wildlife department of North Carolina.

All trapped raccoons must be put to death or released back onto the same piece of land where they were found, as they are vectors of rabies.

Laws Governing About Raccoon Shootings in North Carolina

Raccoons can only be shot at nighttime during the open season if a dog is with the hunter. A pistol can be used to kill raccoons. Both barrel length and caliber are unrestricted. A pistol may be used to kill an animal by a shooter or trapper legally taking wildlife via another method.

According to North Carolina law, landowners are free to use firearms at any time to capture wildlife actively damaging their property. Without the owner’s consent, or in the absence of the owner, it is illegal to launch any firearm, or a muzzleloader to pass because of that discharge within 100 yards of a building. 

Any nuisance raccoon must be put to death or released on the property, whichever occurs first. However, you cannot shoot a raccoon that is not a nuisance, diseased, or a threat to property or personnel. Hunting season for raccoons allows shooting raccoons. 

How Can You Trap Raccoons in North Carolina State?

The following guidelines must be followed when setting traps: 

• Live traps are necessary. To guarantee that only the intended animal is captured, caution must be used. 
• Traps must be positioned to minimize public visibility of them. Even though traps should be placed at night, day-active animals sometimes need to be caught during the day. 
• All traps must be checked in sunlight, with no longer than a 12-hour gap between inspections. If this occurs, the region may be closed off to the public. Trapped animals must be relocated to safe, shaded locations away from humans and must have enough food and water. 
• Traps must be safely kept and secured in a closed position when not in use.
• Without the owner’s consent, remove any animal that is a furbearer from a trap or disturb any legally established web.

How Can You Shoot and Hunt Raccoons in North Carolina?

During the open season, raccoons may only be hunted at night. The following points are to be kept in mind:

• A dog accompanies the hunter.
• Uses a handgun or rifle with no more power than the one that utilizes.
• Ammo for a 22-caliber long rifle.
• Only load the rifle or handgun when shooting a raccoon that has been detected by flashlight and is tethered to a tree or being kept at bay by a dog or dogs.
• Shotguns can only be ten gauges or smaller. 
• Rifles with full autoloaders are forbidden.
• Such species may be legally hunted using longbows, recurved bows, compound bows, and crossbows during the open hunting season. No wildlife may be taken with arrowheads that are explosive, toxic, or both.

Wrapping it up

If you have a valid hunting license and use a humane technique to kill the raccoon, it is legal. Without a permit, it is illegal to use poisons and it is not advised to employ leg hold or body grasping traps for raccoons.

Before implementing any deadly control measures, check the local ordinances. Never use a firearm inside the boundaries of a city or in a neighborhood. Raccoons are vectors of rabies, so it is better to get professional help to get rid of them on your property.

References

• North Carolina Department of Public Safety