Eleven members of the Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council were sworn in on April 14 during a meeting held at the Wildlife Commission’s headquarters in Raleigh. The council, which was created as part of the Outdoor Heritage Act, advises state agencies and General Assembly on promoting outdoor recreational activities, including, but not limited to, fishing, horseback riding, camping, hiking, bird watching, swimming and hunting. Among the guest speakers at the council’s inaugural meeting were Gov. Pat McCrory, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, and Rep. Jimmy Dixon who sponsored the act, which was signed into law by McCrory July 8, 2015, and went into effect Oct. 1, 2015. More
2016-17 Webless Migratory Bird Seasons Set
The Wildlife Commission has set season dates, bag limits and applicable regulations for the 2016-17 waterfowl, webless migratory game bird (including doves) and extended falconry seasons. Several significant changes to waterfowl hunting seasons and guidelines have occurred, specifically those relating to sea duck hunting, brant season and youth waterfowl participation. This is also the first year of a new regulatory schedule implemented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which considers all migratory bird season at once, and doesn’t divide them into early and late seasons. More
The Wildlife Commission approved two temporary black bear hunting rules at its board meeting on April 14. The first temporary rule will move the black bear hunting seasons in Brunswick and Columbus counties to the second Monday in November through Jan. 1. The second temporary rule, which was amended, will extend the time that bears can be taken with the aid of unprocessed food as bait to the entire open season with the exception of the western part of the state. The Wildlife Commission will allow baiting for the first segment of the western bear season (Oct. 17 – Nov. 19), but not at all during the second segment (Dec. 12 – Jan. 2). More
Striped Bass Harvest Season on the Roanoke River Closes April 30
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reminds anglers that the entire Roanoke River Management Area will close to striped bass harvest on April 30, as scheduled by regulation. The Roanoke River Management Area includes the Roanoke River and tributaries from Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers.
Commission biologists project the harvest quota of 68,750 pounds for the Roanoke River Management Area will be met by April 30. Staff monitor harvest throughout the season by interviewing anglers at boating access areas throughout the Roanoke River Management Area. More
The Wildlife Commission and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) are tagging striped bass, and DMF is tagging spotted seatrout, red drum and southern flounder to improve management of these species. Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to cut off the tag and report it online or call 1-800-682-2632. When reporting the fish, please provide the date, location, tag number, length of fish, and gear used for capture. Recapture rewards and information about your tagged fish will be offered with any tag return. More
The new Foothills Public Shooting Complex, located at 283 Fielding Road in Cherryville, is now open. Operating hours are: March-October, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday-Saturday, and from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday; November-February, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The range is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The range has a 250-yard rifle range, five 50-yard pistol ranges, two skeet/trap courses and a 3D archery course. The facility is open to the public, shooting sports teams and law enforcement for practice, training and recreational use. A daily pass for the range is $10. More
As sightings of alligators become more numerous in North Carolina, the Wildlife Commission offers tips on how to co-exist peacefully with these large reptiles. Leaving it alone is the easiest and most effective way to avoid conflicts with alligators. Never feed an alligator – it is illegal and it can cause the animal to lose its natural instinct to avoid humans. More tips and regulations
Haywood County Resident David Palmer Receives Small Game Award
David Palmer, of Haywood County, received the annual Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Award, on April 14 at the Wildlife Commission’s board meeting in Raleigh. The award recognizes individuals whose contributions aid wildlife that depend on early successional habitat. Palmer received the award for creating early successional habitat on family-owned property, participating in the Community Protection Program with the N.C. Forest Service and for providing land management training opportunities to community college students. More
Wildlife Commission Hosting 13 Outdoors Programs in Brevard in May
Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather by attending one of 13 outdoors programs in May at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Transylvania County. Program range from fly fishing on the Davidson to photographing wildlife to practicing archery skills. All workshops are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pre-registration is required. More
Landowners Can Help Create Habitat for Declining Wildlife
Wildlife Commission biologists provide free technical advice and assistance to landowners interested in creating habitat for declining species, such as golden-winged warblers. Learn more
Bobcat T-shirts Still Available —Get Yours Today!
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.
Other News
Lewiston Woodville Boating/Fishing Access Area on the Roanoke River Opens April 27
Wildlife Commission Offers Free Outdoor Cooking Workshop in June in Fayetteville
Wildlife Commission Offers Free Fly-Tying Course in Fayetteville in May
Wildlife Commission Reopens Cold Mountain Shooting Range
Officials Approve Plan to Curb Aquatic Nuisance Species in NC Waters
New Boating Access Area Open in Pamlico County
N.C. Wildlife Update
Upland Gazette
WRC Rulemaking