Make Safety a Top Priority this Holiday Season

As part of its ongoing “Home From The Hunt™ campaign, the Wildlife Commission reminds anyone planning a hunting trip during the holiday season to make safety a big part of the planning. Review hunter education training and equipment instructions. Read all applicable regulations before venturing into the field. Inspect, repair or replace all equipment, particularly tree stands, before using. More

Nominations Sought for Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award

The Wildlife Commission is accepting nominations through Jan. 29 for the 2016 Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award. The agency presents this award annually to people who provide leadership in the conservation of wildlife diversity in North Carolina. Nominators must submit a completed nomination form and a detailed essay of the nominee’s contributions to nongame wildlife conservation in the state. More

Come Visit the Wildlife Commission at Swan Days Event in Hyde County

The Wildlife Commission will have its air rifle range, a snow goose display and free information and literature to hand out during the 2015 Swan Days event, on Dec. 4-6. The event will be held at the Mattmuskeet National Wildlife Refuge in Hyde County. Hosted by the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge and the Hyde County Chamber of Commerce, the annual event celebrates the return of tundra swans and other wildlife to the area and brings attention to the refuge, the Lodge and Hyde County’s rich environmental and cultural heritage. More

Wildlife Commission Offers Weather and Forecasting Course for Boaters

Boaters interested in learning tips on how to operate their vessels safely in all weather conditions can sign up for “Basic Weather and Forecasting,” a two-night course being offered by the Wildlife Commission and Fayetteville Power and Sail Squadron on Dec. 8 and 9, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville. Participants will receive a waterproof McGraw Hill Captain’s Quick Guide – Onboard Weather Forecasting, which is designed for onboard and field use. More

Wildlife Commission Offers Wildlife and Outdoor Workshops for All Ages

In addition to the Basic Weather and Forecasting course, the Wildlife Commission offers a variety of other wildlife and outdoor workshops, courses, classes and events for all ages and skill levels throughout the year and across the state. Staff recently conducted an Amphibian Identification Workshop at Cool Springs Environmental Education Center in New Bern where participants learned about amphibian conservation, basic biology and habitat during the morning session, and in the afternoon, used their newly acquired knowledge and skills by assisting with hands-on field work at the center. Find out more about these educational opportunities, the majority of which are free, by visiting the agency’s Learning page.


Public Input Sought for Game Land Management Plans

The Wildlife Commission continues to seek user input on developing game land management plans that will guide game land programs for the next 10 years. The plans incorporate input from public users of each game land — anglers, hunters, birders, hikers and all others who use game lands. Watch N.C. Wildlife Update  for announcements of additional game land public meetings in 2016. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. Coming up this week are three: Cape Fear Wetlands Game Land in Pender and New Hanover counties on Nov. 30; Bertie County Game Land on Dec. 1; and Neuse River Game Land in Craven County on Dec. 3. Download current game land plans and learn more about the Game Land Program in North Carolina.

Wildlife Diversity Program Quaterly Update Now Available Online

Biologists in the Commission’s Wildlife Diversity Program conserve and protect nongame wildlife and their habitats through a variety of survey and monitoring programs, species management and habitat conservation or restoration projects. Check out the Wildlife Diversity Program's latest quarterly report, featuring salamander updates, green sea turtle nest monitoring, Carolina northern flying squirrel updates and much more!

 

From T-shirts to calendars to our award-winning magazine, the Wildlife Commission has something wildlife related for everyone on your holiday gift-giving list. Visit the agency's N.C. Wild Store for more gift-giving ideas! To guarantee USPS delivery by Dec. 24, order by Dec. 8.

Bobcat T-shirts Under the Tree

A bobcat T-shirt under the Christmas tree is like a gift of wildlife to a loved one, not to mention a gift of financial support to North Carolina wildlife. This official N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission T-shirt features a bobcat and the agency’s distinctive diamond logo on the front and an enlarged image of the bobcat on the back. The beige, 100% cotton T-shirt comes in youth sizes ($12) and adult ($15). All proceeds benefit the Commission’s Wildlife Diversity Program through a generous donation from Neuse Sport Shop. Available only through the Commission’s Wild Store and Neuse Sport Shop (NSS adult shirts; NSS youth shirts).

2016 Wildlife Calendar Makes a Great Holiday Gift

The always-popular 2016 North Carolina Wildlife Calendar features outstanding wildlife art with profiles of each artist, fishing days and moon phase information and a detailed almanac. Buy one for $9 each or buy more to take advantage of quantity discounts! Get yours today at the N.C. Wild Store.

Gift Subscriptions to Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine Available

The Wildlife Commission’s award-winning magazine, Wildlife in North Carolina, provides exceptional color photography and outstanding articles on hunting, fishing, wildlife research, natural areas and the state’s environment. One-year subscriptions (8 issues) run $12; 3-year subscriptions (24 issues), $30. More

Purchase a Gift Certificate for Your Outdoors Woman

A Becoming an Outdoors-Woman® (BOW) gift certificate is an ideal present for any woman wanting to explore nature and expand her outdoor knowledge and skills. BOW workshops offer safe, expert instruction in fishing, target shooting, archery, canoeing, outdoor cooking, tracking and much more. Recipient attends the 2016 BOW weekend workshop, May 20 – 22, 2016, at Eastern 4H Environmental Education Conference Center in Columbia NC (Tyrrell County). Cost is $225 per person and includes a choice of four outdoor skill sessions, all program materials and use of equipment, plus meals and lodging. More
 

Other News

Home from the Hunt™ Campaign Turns Attention to Waterfowl Hunting

Home From The Hunt™ Urges Hunters to Think Before Pulling the Trigger

Contact Us
Licenses
For general license and lifetime license inquiries contact licenses@ncwildlife.org

Boat Registration
For vessel registration/renewal inquiries contact vessels@ncwildlife.org

Other
For enforcement, hunting/boating safety, boating access areas, fisheries or wildlife management questions, website and/or other questions or comments email wrccomments@ncwildlife.org

 

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 of which 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.

Stay Up to Date with Online Calendar

The Wildlife Commission’s online outdoor calendar is a one-stop place for information on agency meetings, boat ramp and game land openings and closings, trout stocking dates, outdoor events hosted by the Commission, as well as events hosted by other organizations where the Commission has a presence. Find information and register online for classes and workshops at the Commission’s four education centers and Hunter Education courses across the state.

Purchase a Wildlife Plate to Support Conservation