New Wildlife Regulations Set for 2016-17 Seasons
Wildlife Commissioners on Feb. 11 approved 34 proposed rule changes to the state’s game land, wildlife management and inland fishing regulations, including one that would establish the framework to open an elk hunting season. They also disapproved a proposed alligator hunting season regulation. They adopted two resolutions, one that complemented the elk regulation and the other that directed the Commission to examine options to work with North Carolina sportsmen to provide assistance in removing alligators under nuisance or depredation circumstances. More
Hatchery Supported Trout Waters Close March 1-April 2
Red Drum Fishery in Hyco Lake?
The Wildlife Commission is holding a public input meeting on March 12 at 3 p.m. to discuss the potential for establishing a red drum fishery at Hyco Lake. The meeting will be held at the Hyco Lake Community Center in Leasburg. Included on the agenda are: an overview of the lake’s current fisheries, suitability of the lake for stocking red drum and an open discussion between biologists and attendees. More
Free Turkey Hunting Seminars Offered Statewide Starting Feb. 29
Interested in learning more about turkey hunting? The Wildlife Commission and the National Wild Turkey Federation are offering 24 free turkey hunting seminars in anticipation of the spring turkey season. Introductory and advanced level seminars will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at 12 locations across the state. Seminars are open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Online registration is required and attendees will need to register with their personal computers and not mobile devices. Learn more and register for a seminar.
2016 Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament Schedule Announced
The Wildlife Commission has set the 2016 Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments schedule. The agency will conduct nine district-level competitions in March for middle school and high school students . Teams will compete in rifle, shotgun, and archery marksmanship, as well as orienteering challenge and a wildlife exam. Winning teams will advance to the state championship tournament, which will be held at the Commission’s John F. Lentz shooting range in Ellerbe on April 30. More
Free Workshops Offered in March at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard
Learn how to fly fish, shoot a bow and arrow, identify backyard birds by ear and more at the Wildlife Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Transylvania County. The center is offering 14 free workshops in March for all ages. Register now! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. More
Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Fishing Trip of a Lifetime
The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation is searching for the top 100 family-friendly places for fishing or boating in the United States — among them are five sites nominated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission: Hanging Rock State Park, Harris Lake County Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Wheeler Park, McDowell Nature Center & Preserve. Vote early and vote often to catch an experience of a lifetime at a favorite fishing hole. Return daily to vote and you could instantly win one of hundreds of prizes.
It’s controlled burn season and the Wildlife Commission has been conducting prescribed burns on game lands across the state. Prescribed burning, also called controlled burning, is a proven, cost-effective tool to create and maintain suitable and ample wildlife habitat. Learn more about the different kinds of burns Commission staff conducts and the benefits these burns have on wildlife and habitats.
Bobcat T-shirts Available
The official N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission T-shirt this year 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). Available at Neuse Sport Shop (NSS adult shirts; NSS youth shirts).
Other News
Wildlife Commission Proposes No-Wake Zone on Slocum Creek in Havelock
Bob Daw, February Guest Blogger: Yellow Perch Fishing In January
N.C. Wildlife Update
Upland Gazette
WRC Rulemaking