WRITTEN BYHOLLY KAYS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 04, 2022

https://smokymountainnews.com/news/item/33522-bear-sanctuary-hunting-rule-now-up-to-legislators

Following an April 21 vote from the N.C. Rules Review Commission, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission might not be allowed to implement anew ruleallowing bear hunting in three Western North Carolina sanctuary areas that are currently off-limits to the practice.

The Rules Review Commission received a barrage of letters requesting legislative review of the rule, with thepacketcollating those letters totaling 439 pages.State lawrequires legislative review for rules that receive 10 or more letters requesting it.

Rules sent for legislative review have delayed implementation dates and could be struck down completely. According to state statute, the clock will start ticking when the N.C. General Assembly convenes for its short session on May 4. Legislators will have 31 days from the session’s start to file a bill specifically disapproving the rule. If such a bill is filed…