No Fishing License Needed to Fish on July 4

July 4 is “free fishing day” in North Carolina. From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., anyone can fish without having to pay for a fishing license or additional trout privilege license in all public waters, including coastal waters. While everyone — residents and non-residents alike — can fish in public waters without a license on July 4, all other fishing regulations, including length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions, apply. More


On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign Continues Independence Day Weekend

The Wildlife Commission and partners continue our “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign this Independence Day weekend. Starting Friday, officers will increase safety enforcement on the waterways, conduct sobriety checkpoints and help spread public awareness to deter impaired operation of vehicles and vessels across the state. In North Carolina, a driver or boat operator with a blood-alcohol concentration that meets or exceeds .08 is subject to arrest. More

Lake Gaston Yields Third State Record Blue Catfish in Six Months

Landon Evans, a 15-year-old angler from Benson, has landed a new state record for a blue catfish. Evans caught the fish, which weighed 117 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 55 inches in length and 40½ inches in girth, from Lake Gaston on June 11 using cut shad as bait. Evans’ catch is the third state record blue catfish broken since December 2015. All three state records were caught from Lake Gaston. More

Remember to Purchase a Fishing License this Summer

Although July 4 is “free fishing day” in North Carolina, everyone 16 years and older is required to purchase a fishing license the other 364 days of the year if they want to fish recreationally in the state’s public fishing waters, from the mountains to the cost.  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. The Wildlife Commission has several license options available. Inland Water Fishing License Information. Coastal Recreation Fishing License Information.

Two Coyote Conflict Management Workshops for Landowners to be Held in August

The Wildlife Commission, along with N.C. State Cooperative Extension and USDA Wildlife Services, is holding two coyote conflict management workshops for landowners who want to learn about available tools to remove problem coyotes from their property, as well as non-lethal methods that can be used to prevent conflicts. The cost is $10 per person for each workshop.

Aug. 2 workshop in Statesville, N.C.; from 5:45 to 9 p.m.
Aug. 9 workshop in Greenville, N.C.; from 5:45 to 9 p.m.

"Share the Shore" with Beach-Nesting Birds

Waterbird nesting season is underway along the coast, and the Wildlife Commission encourages coastal visitors and residents to give nesting birds a wide berth when enjoying beach activities. Beach-nesting birds, such as skimmers, terns, oystercatchers and plovers, use North Carolina’s barrier islands to breed, nest and raise their chicks above the high tide line on bare sand with little or no vegetation. Eggs and chicks are well camouflaged to protect them from predators, and can be stepped on and crushed. Humans and pets can wander too close to a nest and cause nesting adult birds to fly off, leaving chicks and eggs vulnerable.  Tips coastal visitors, as well as residents, can follow to help protect nesting shorebirds.

Could You Handle One of the Wildest Jobs in North Carolina?

Are you interested in becoming a Wildlife Enforcement Officer? The Wildlife Commission is accepting applications for 20 openings until July 15. All wildlife officer candidates are required to pass an extensive background, psychological and physical screening prior to entering a vigorous 28-week accredited academy conducted by the Law Enforcement Division, with the majority of training held at the N.C. Justice Academy in Salemburg. Graduates are then placed with a veteran wildlife officer for six months of field training experience. Learn more, including minimum requirements for application.

Photo Competition Open Until Sept. 1, 2016

The Wildlife Commission is accepting entries to its 12th annual Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Competition until 5 p.m., Sept. 1, 2016. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers of all ages, except for employees of Wildlife Commission, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, and their immediate families (children, siblings and spouses). Entrants must be either current magazine subscribers or younger than 18. More rules and regulations.

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 adult sizes for $15. Available at Neuse Sport Shop. 

Other News

Seven Wildlife Officers Graduate from Basic Wildlife Law Enforcement Training

Pechmann Center Offers Two Fishing Workshops and Two Cub Scout Adventures in July

Free Programs Offered at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in July

Conserve and Protect Blog

Wildlife Commission Releases Totals for Operation Dry Water Weekend, June 24-26

Check Out Chipmunk Road This Summer

Celebrating North Carolina’s Two Eagle Species 

A Trout Story: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a State Fish Hatchery

Wildlife Commission Releases “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” Memorial Day Weekend Totals