Rep. Gillespie files bill in North Carolina House to regulate elk hunting permits

A new bill filed by State Rep. Karl E. Gillespie seeks to authorize the Wildlife Resources Commission to issue elk hunting permits and support elk conservation efforts, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 382 on March 12 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Elk Permit Auction/Raffle.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill authorizes the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to issue one resident elk hunting permit through a raffle and one through an auction for the 2026 hunting season, with conditions set by the Commission. Raffle tickets are priced at $20 each or up to 30 for $500, requiring purchasers to hold or be exempt from a valid North Carolina hunting license. The Commission retains up to $25,000 from raffle proceeds for administrative costs, with remaining funds directed to the Wildlife Resources Fund for elk conservation. A nonprofit organization involved in elk reintroduction will conduct the auction, retaining up to 25% of proceeds, with the rest also supporting elk conservation. The Commission may continue these programs beyond 2026, ensuring at least 50% of raffle permits go to residents and issuing a report by March 1, 2027, on program effectiveness and legislative recommendations. The bill also updates related statutes to include elk hunting regulations and is effective upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Cody Huneycutt proposed the most bills (18) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Gillespie, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 120th House district, replacing previous state representative Kevin Corbin.