The Wildlife Commission is implementing delayed-harvest regulations on 33 trout waters on Oct. 1. Before Oct. 1, hatchery-supported regulations apply to these waters. Under delayed-harvest regulations, no trout can be harvested or possessed from these waters between Oct. 1 and one half-hour after sunset on June 5, 2015. No natural bait is allowed, and anglers can fish only with single-hook, artificial lures. An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell. More
The Wildlife Commission is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 27 at eight family-friendly events throughout the state. The events are free with the exception of two Greenwing fishing events. Activities vary from event to event but include air rifle shooting, archery, fishing, outdoor cooking, identifying insects, lure making, beekeeping, dog retriever demonstrations and much more! Visit our National Hunting and Fishing webpage for more details and to find an event near you.
Order the Native Brook Trout License Plate and help the Wildlife Commission fund habitat protection for brook trout as well as public access to brook trout waters in North Carolina. All of the proceeds from the sale of this plate will be used for brook trout habitat and fishing access. The final design will be very similar to the prototype pictured here. The Wildlife Commission needs a minimum of 500 paid applications by July 1, 2015 for this plate to be produced.
Learn more about the plate or place an order by visiting the Commission’s native brook trout license plate page, or print the application (PDF).
As part of its mission to provide shooting opportunities to the public, the Wildlife Commission is constructing shooting ranges across the state. The new Proposed Shooting Range web page provides up-to-date information on the shooting ranges currently proposed or under construction.
The Wildlife Commission’s exhibit at the State Fair in Raleigh, Oct. 16-26, will highlight the many outdoor opportunities the agency offers — from hunting and fishing to boating and wildlife watching. The always-popular air rifle range will provide visitors with an opportunity to test their shooting skills. New this year are displays celebrating North Carolina wildlife. A tundra swan exhibit showcases the seasonal abundance of swans in the coastal region, and an elk display, complete with a full-body mount of a bull elk, highlights the growing elk herd in WNC. Visitors can pick up a free button, as well as a copy of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine. Free ball caps are available with subscription purchase. Visitors also can purchase this year’s wildlife T-shirt, which features a tundra swan. More
Bob Curry, chief of the Wildlife Commission’s Inland Fisheries Division, was honored as Wildlife Conservationist of the Year and Wildlife Officer Robert Newsome, of Marion, was honored as Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year during the 51st annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet on Sept. 6.
The awards are presented annually by the N.C. Wildlife Federation and recognize individuals who have an unwavering commitment to conservation and an uncommon determination to safeguard the state’s natural resources. Awards winners are nominated by the public and selected by a committee of scientists, environmental educators and conservation activists. The awards were presented first in 1958. More
Want to help hunter recruitment and retention in North Carolina? Attend a Wildlife Commission’s hunter mentor seminar in Pisgah Forest tonight. Attendees at this free seminar will learn why hunter recruitment and retention are important, hear personal accounts, tips and suggestions from experienced mentors, and learn about social networking for connecting with other hunters. More
The 2015 North Carolina Wildlife Calendar is now available. The calendar features outstanding wildlife art with profiles of each artist, fishing days and moon phase information, a detailed almanac and a variety of other information. Each calendar costs $9. Quantity discount pricing available. Purchase one at the N.C. WildStore.
Wildlife Commission Issues Archery Hunting Safety Reminders
Hearings Set for Captive Cervid Licenses and Permits Proposal
Wildlife Commission Receives Federal Grant to Conserve Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers
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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.
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.
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.
N.C. Wildlife Update
Upland Gazette
WRC Rulemaking