The Commission took a step toward implementing a rule Thursday that allows for the taking of coyotes and feral swine by hunting on private lands at night with a light.
The rule would also allow the hunting of feral swine and coyotes on public lands from ½ hour after sunset to ½ before sunrise with a light by permit only. Night hunting is one means of controlling localized populations of coyotes and feral swine, both of which are non-native to North Carolina and destructive to the landscape.
See the full press release.
The N.C. General Assembly has established the North Carolina Sportsmen’s Caucus, with a mission to serve the state’s one million hunters and anglers who spend $1.7 billion annually and support 29,000 jobs. More information in a letter to N.C. sportsmen here.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Onslow County and Jacksonville Thursday morning that will dramatically increase water access on the New River by building a new boat ramp.
More details here.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is joining with the National Safe Boating Council to promote National Safe Boating Week and the importance of wearing a life vest. Gov. Beverly Perdue has proclaimed May 19-25 as “Safe Boating Week in North Carolina.”
Both state and federal regulations require that a Type I, II or III personal flotation device in good condition and of appropriate size be accessible for each person onboard a recreational vessel, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats and other non-motorized craft. Sailboards and, when in competition, racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes and racing kayaks are exempt from this requirement. Read more.
Nearly 3,100 people were in attendance, with 600 students from 54 schools participating in this year’s Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament at Millstone 4-H Center near Ellerbe. Pre-collegiate state champions were determined for rifle, shotgun and archery marksmanship. Senior division champions are Gray Stone Day School, of Stanly County. Junior division champions are Park Ridge Christian School, of Stanly County. The Fred Rorrer Trophy, recognizing sportsmanship among competitors, was presented to Piedmont High School, of Union County. Read more.
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