A Major Step Forward for Hunters, Anglers, and Private Land Conservation: NCWF Applauds NC Senate for Passing Senate Bill 220

On April 8, 2025, the North Carolina Senate advanced a critical piece of legislation aimed at reinforcing private property rights and supporting equitable access for North Carolina’s sportsmen and women. Senate Bill 220, first introduced on February 27, 2025, with strong backing from members of the North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, marks a vital progression in the responsible management of public trust waters and private lands essential to fish and wildlife conservation.

North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) stands in full support of Senate Bill 220 and commends the North Carolina Senate for backing legislation that balances access with responsibility. With over 80% of land in North Carolina privately owned, this bill strengthens the legal framework needed to protect both landowners and the hunting and angling communities who rely on these lands to pursue their time-honored traditions.

The amended version of the bill wisely removed provisions that would have prohibited the launching of boats—motorized or non-motorized—from public rights-of-way, recognizing the vital role these areas play in providing safe and legal access to public trust waters. This adjustment ensures that anglers, who play a key role in conservation funding through license sales and excise taxes under the Dingell-Johnson Act, can continue to responsibly access and steward these waters.

Senate Bill 220 passed the Senate on a 40–2 vote and now awaits further consideration by the House. Its continued progress underscores a collaborative effort to protect the rights of private landowners, enhance ethical access for sportsmen and women, and support North Carolina’s broader conservation goals.

NCWF views this legislation as a necessary and thoughtful approach to balancing access and conservation. By requiring permission to hunt, fish, or trap on private property—regardless of whether the land is posted—and ensuring fair access to public waters, Senate Bill 220 supports a culture of respect, stewardship, and shared responsibility.

“We applaud the NC Senate for passing common-sense measures that respect private property rights while promoting the traditions of hunting and angling that are vital to our state’s heritage and conservation future,” said NCWF CEO Tim Gestwicki. “Senate Bill 220 is a win for landowners, sportsmen and women, and North Carolina’s natural legacy.”

As the bill moves forward, NCWF remains committed to working with legislators, partners like the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and the wider conservation community to ensure a future where North Carolina’s fish, wildlife, and outdoor traditions are protected for generations to come.

(For questions or media inquiries, email bates@ncwf.org or call (803)608-0019) )

Written by:

Bates Whitaker, NCWF Creative Content Manager

Thomas Bell, NCWF VP of Government Affairs

Cameron Ingram, NCWF Wildlife Conservationist