First Posted: 4/16/2015

RALEIGH. (AP) — Efforts are underway to shoot holes in North Carolina’s longtime Sunday hunting ban when using guns.

A House committee voted Wednesday for a broad wildlife regulation measure that would allow people to hunt on their own land or on someone else’s land with permission, providing for some exceptions. Those include hunting within 300 feet of a house of worship.

North Carolina is one of 11 states that restrict Sunday hunting — there’s been a ban using firearms on state-regulated land since 1869.

Multiple media reports quote bill sponsor Rep. Jimmy Dixon of Duplin County saying he should have the right to use his property as he sees fit. Opponents argued the exemption presents noise and safety issues, and erodes respect for worshippers.

The bill’s next stop is the House floor.