NC Sunday hunting with guns begins Oct. 1 after McCrory OK

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Gov. Pat McCrory has signed legislation that ends North Carolina’s long-standing ban on Sunday hunting with guns.

The governor signed the measure into law Wednesday. The law would still prohibit shooting game between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sundays, when most church services are held. Bow hunting on Sundays already is allowed.

The change to be enacted Oct. 1 reflects society’s slow move away from deference to the Christian Sabbath.

Sunday firearm hunting would still be limited to private property and hunters kept at least 500 yards away from a church or a house not on the property. Firearm hunting would remain barred in Wake and Mecklenburg counties. Other counties could opt out of Sunday hunting in 2017 with a local ordinance.

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