Section 1

Directs the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) to issue (1) one Elk Conservation Permit and one Youth Elk Conservation Permit by raffle and (2) one Elk Conservation Permit by auction. Requires the permits to be issued in 2024 and apply for the 2024 elk season pursuant to rules adopted by the WRC. Authorizes the WRC to adopt rules to establishing the cost of a raffle ticket and a limit on tickets purchased by an individual. Neither permit is transferable and may not be resold or reassigned. Only legal residents of North Carolina are eligible for the Youth Elk Conservation permit. 

Requires the WRC to authorize a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization to conduct an auction for one Elk Conservation License and allows contracting with the nonprofit wildlife conservation organization to conduct the auction. Requires the nonprofit wildlife conservation organization to be involved in the reintroduction of elk into North Carolina. Gives the nonprofit 25% of the proceeds of the auction, with remaining proceeds deposited in the Wildlife Resources Fund and used for the conservation and management of elk. Allows WRC to retain the actual costs of administering the raffle, with remaining raffle proceeds deposited in the Wildlife Fund and for the conservation and management of elk.

Requires the WRC to adopt rules on manner of take, to provide a method to report the successful harvest of an elk, and for tagging requirements. 

Requires WRC to report, by March 1, 2025, to the specified NCGA committee and division on the effectiveness of the auction and raffle programs, including how much money was raised, whether to continue the programs, and if so, legislative recommendations to improve the programs.

Section 2

Amends GS 113-129(7c) to add elk to the statute’s definition of “game animals.”

Section 3

Amends GS 113-291.8 governing requirements to display hunter orange while hunting to add a new "hunting elk during an open elk season" in addition to currently existing deer firearms season. Requires those persons to wear hunter orange in a “manner that is visible from all directions.”  Deletes statutory references to penalties in effect only until October 1, 1992, and during the 1987 big game hunting season.  Makes other technical and conforming changes. Effective December 1, 2023.