Identical to H 559, filed 4/4/17.

Amends GS 103-2 (Method of take when hunting on Sunday). Authorizes landowners, landowners' family members, and persons with written permission from the landowner, subject to rules established by the Wildlife Resources Commission, to hunt wild animals and upland game birds with firearms on Sunday on the landowner's property, subject to the following limitations: the use of a firearm to take deer that are run or chased by dogs on Sunday is prohibited, and hunting on Sunday within 500 yards of a place of worship or a residence not owned by the landowner is prohibited between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Provides that hunting on Sunday is allowed on licensed controlled hunting reserves at any time. Any current restrictions not listed above are deleted. Authorizes persons, subject to rules established by the Wildlife Resources Commission, to hunt wild animals and upland game birds with firearms on Sunday on public lands of the State managed for hunting, subject to the same provisions listed above. Authorizes the hunting of migratory birds on Sunday on private and public lands, and public waters, subject to rules adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Further subjects persons who hunt in a manner prohibited by Wildlife Resources Commission rules to the Class 3 misdemeanor for hunting in violation of this statute. Exempts military reservations, Wildlife Resources Commission field trials, and self-defense. Authorizes wildlife protectors to enforce this statute. Effective when the rules below become effective.

Directs the Wildlife Resources Commission to adopt permanent rules to regulate the time and location of Sunday hunting of migratory birds, using the procedure and time lines for temporary rules, subject to review by the Rules Review Commission, effective as provided by GS 150B-21.3(b).