SECTION .1500 – WILDLIFE AND ALLIGATOR CONTROL AGENTS

15A NCAC 10H .1501      Wildlife Control Agent License Eligibility and Requirements

(a)  The following definitions shall apply in this Section:

(1)           "Wildlife control agent" or "WCA" means an individual that holds a current and valid wildlife control agent license issued by the Commission.

(2)           "Wildlife control agent license" or "WCA license" means a license issued by the Commission that authorizes an individual to engage in wildlife damage control or wildlife removal activities by means of a depredation permit.

(b)  It shall be unlawful to engage in wildlife damage control or wildlife removal activities for compensation, including eviction or exclusion activities, without first obtaining a wildlife control agent (WCA) license from the Commission, except that licensed trappers taking wild animals during the applicable open trapping season for that species shall not be required to obtain a WCA license.

(c)  Individuals meeting the following requirements shall qualify for a WCA license:

(1)           completion of a Commission-approved, WCA training course, that reviews the following:

(A)          wildlife laws and rules, including methods of take, trapping, and depredation; and

(B)          safe, humane wildlife handling techniques.

(2)           a passing score of at least 80 percent on the WCA examination as specified in Paragraph (e) of this Rule.

(3)           no wildlife misdemeanor convictions, as specified in G.S. 113-294 or G.S. 14, Article 47, that resulted in a license suspension or revocation within the five years preceding completion of the WCA training course.

(d)  Individuals may register for a Commission-approved training course at www.ncwildlife.org/wca. Required information shall include the following:

(1)           the applicant's name, mailing address, email address, residence address, telephone number, driver's license number, and date of birth; and

(2)           organizational affiliation, if applicable.

(e)  Individuals scoring at least an 80 percent on the WCA examination provided by the Commission shall be deemed to have received a passing score and to have successfully demonstrated knowledge of wildlife laws and safe, humane wildlife handling techniques. Individuals failing to obtain a passing score on the WCA examination shall receive one opportunity to re-take the examination and receive a passing score without being required to retake the WCA training course.

(f)  A WCA license shall not be transferable between individuals.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-273; 113-274;

Eff. May 1, 2021.