Public Hearing Set for Coyote Hunting in Red Wolf Reintroduction Area

The Wildlife Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed temporary rules regarding coyote hunting in the five-county red wolf reintroduction area, June 19 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Columbia High School, 902 East Main Street, Columbia, in Tyrrell County. Read the news release.

 

Red Wolf Program Review Requested

The Wildlife Commission sent a letter this week requesting an immediate programmatic evaluation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of its red wolf reintroduction in northeastern North Carolina. Utilizing existing data, the letter requests a determination as to whether the experimental red wolf reintroduction is capable of meeting the goals and objectives established for the project. The letter also informs the USFWS that the Wildlife Commission will not authorize sterilization and release of coyotes in the region due to potential for impacts to private landowners and native wildlife. See letter.

 

 

 

 

 


Help Keep Boating Areas Clean by Adopting a Boat Ramp

The Wildlife Commission, along with the N.C. Public Access Foundation, is looking for volunteers to help keep public boat ramps across North Carolina clean and free of debris through the “Adopt-a-Boat Ramp” program. The program is free and open to groups, organizations, individuals and businesses that are willing to pick up litter at a boat ramp once a month. More.

 

 

Wildlife Commission Reduces Stockings in Trout Waters

The Wildlife Commission has reduced trout-stocking rates by 50 percent into public waters through August 2014 due to excessive predation by great blue herons at the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery in Pisgah National Forest. The reductions were implemented as a short-term action on May 2, while fisheries biologists determined the extent of the losses and assessed management options. This action affects 144 water bodies in 25 counties in western North Carolina. More

W. Neal Hanks Sworn in As New Commissioner for District 9

W. Neal Hanks from Asheville is the new Commissioner for district 9, which comprises Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Swain, Macon, Jackson, Haywood, Transylvania, Madison, Buncombe, Polk and Henderson counties. Hanks will serve a term of six years. Hanks is president of Beverly-Hanks & Associates in Asheville. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting and fishing, in addition to camping, boating, and water and snow skiing. More

 

 

Remember to Purchase a Fishing License this Summer

The weather is warm and the fish are biting. If you’re planning to fish in North Carolina this summer don’t forget to purchase or renew your inland fishing and/or your Coastal Recreational Fishing License. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years and older who want to fish recreationally in the state’s public fishing waters. The Wildlife Commission has several license options available. Inland Water Fishing License information. Coastal Recreational Fishing License information.

 

 

 


Boat Safely: Boating Safety Education Course Required for Operators Born on or after Jan. 1, 1988

If you plan to operate a vessel in North Carolina’s public waters and you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, you must complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators-approved boating education course before operating a vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater. Register for a course or learn more information.

 

 

Take a Kid Fishing at Free Statewide Fishing Events

Take a kid fishing for free at one of more than 30 kids' fishing events supported by the Wildlife Commission in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week 2014. Kids registered at any of these events will be entered into a statewide drawing for fishing-related prizes, such as tackle boxes, rod-and-reel combos, a lifetime freshwater fishing license donated by N.C. Council of Trout Unlimited and a lifetime fishing/hunting sportsman’s license donated by Neuse Sport Shop of Kinston.More
 

 

 

 

N.C. Redbreast Sunfish Stamp and Print on Sale

In celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week 2014, the N.C. Wildstore is pleased to offer the N.C. Redbreast Sunfish Stamp and Print by renowned wildlife artist Duane Raver, Jr., at slashed prices.Visit the N.C. Wildstore to purchase.

 

Wildlife Commission's Four Education Centers Host Free Programs this Summer

Just because schools are out doesn’t mean that the learning has to end. Make learning fun this summer by attending one of our many outdoors skills program. All four of the Wildlife Commission’s education facilities will be offering free courses this summer on fishing, archery, bird-watching, wildlife identification and much more. Visit the Learning Page on the Commission’s website for more information or to sign up

 

 Youth Summer Camps Now Offered at John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville

 

Speaking of summer programs, the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville still has space available for its fishing camps for youths ages 9 to 17. Three one-week camps will be held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until noon. Camps are: June 16-20 and July 14-18 for youths ages 9 to 13; and Aug. 11-15 from youths ages 14 to 17. Each week of camp costs $20 and includes loaner rods and reels as well as bait and other materials. More

Limited Supply of Wildlife Diversity Kestrel T-shirt Remains

Thanks to your support, we’ve sold out of many shirt sizes of the official Wildlife Commission American kestrel T-shirt. These handsome, 100% cotton shirts feature the Wildlife Commission’s official logo and a soaring kestrel — the smallest raptor native to North Carolina. The back of the shirt showcases all of the wildlife buttons created by Wildlife in North Carolina magazine since 1981. Every penny from every shirt sold through our Wild Store benefits the Commission’s Wildlife Diversity Program, thanks to a generous donation by Neuse Sport Shop, located in Kinston. Purchase shirts in Kids Med and Lg, or Adult Med and Lg., from the Commission’s Wild Store. Purchase shirts in all sizes from Neuse Sport Shop.

 

 

 

 

 

Other News

Wildlife Commission to Hold Public Meeting on Potential Shooting Range in Burke County

Wildlife Commission Fish Attractor Study Receives National Award

Wildlife Commission Schedules Outdoor Activities in the Mountains

Volunteers Sought for Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education

Public Invited to Comment on Early Migratory Game Bird Seasons Starting June 2

Flintlock Valley Shooting Range Hosts Open House and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters Open under Hatchery-Supported Regulations June 7

Wildlife Commission Begins Construction of New Fishing Access Area on Uwharrie River

Boat Registration
For vessel registration/renewal inquiries contact vessels@ncwildlife.org
Licenses
For general license and lifetime license inquiries contact licenses@ncwildlife.org
Other
For enforcement, hunting/boating saftey, boading access areas, fisheries or wildlife management questions, Web site and/or other question or comments email wrcomments@ncwildlife.org
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Subscribe to Wildlife in North Carolina

 

Readers of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine enjoy exceptional color photography and great articles on hunting, fishing, natural areas, conservation and wildlife in every issue. Subscribers also receive special spring and fall outdoor guides, with the latest hunting, fishing and outdoors information. One-year subscriptions are $12 and three-year subscriptions are $30. Online subscriptions available here.

 

Learn About North Carolina's Wildlife

 

The Wildlife Commission operates four learning centers across the state, each ofwhich hosts seminars, workshops and activities throughout the year. Admission and most events are free. Families and groups can enjoy interactive exhibits and displays. Learn more at www.ncwildlife.org/learning.

 

Donate on N.C. State Tax Income Form to Keep N.C. Wild

 

Help keep North Carolina wild when completing a N.C. State Income tax form this taxseason by donating to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. Your donation will help the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission conduct research, conservation and monitoring work that benefits animals not hunted or fished —animals such as songbirds, sea turtles, eagles, salamanders, frogs, turtles and bats.

 

Purchase a Wildlife Plate & Support Conservation