Wildlife Commission Schedules Meetings to Discuss Black Bear Management

The Wildlife Commission will hold seven public meetings across the state in August to discuss current black bear information and management. The public also can provide opinions and comments on future directions for bear hunting and management during the meetings. See dates and locations.

Wildlife Commission Urges Boaters to Wear Their Life Jackets

The Wildlife Commission reminds boaters that not only does it make good sense for all boaters to wear their life jackets, but in some cases wearing a life jacket is the law. In North Carolina, anyone younger than 13 must wear an appropriate personal floatation device, i.e., life jacket when on a recreational vessel that is underway. Additionally, anyone riding a personal watercraft or being towed by one must wear an appropriate life vest. Both state and federal regulations require that a Type I, II or III personal floatation device in good condition and of appropriate size be accessible for each person onboard a recreational vessel, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats and other non-motorized craft. More

Applications Now Available for Permit Hunting Opportunities

The Wildlife Commission now has available applications for permitted hunting opportunities, including waterfowl hunts. Sportsmen can obtain applications by visiting the Commission’s website, a Wildlife Service Agent or calling 1-888-248-6834, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  Application deadlines vary starting in August. More

In the heat of the summer, anglers catching – and releasing – largemouth bass can follow a few simple tips to help ensure the fish they catch today will survive to bite another lure tomorrow. The Wildlife Commission advises catch-and-release anglers to:

·  Keep the fish in the water at all times, even when removing a hook, if possible

·  Handle the fish as little as possible to help reduce the loss of slime coat

·  Wet their hands before touching a fish

·   Return the fish quickly to the water

·   Use a knotless nylon or rubber-coated net instead of a knotted nylon net

More

152 Young Anglers Land Fishing Prizes in Statewide Drawing for National Fishing and Boating Week

Brooks Grady, 7, of Grifton and Aden Parnell, 8, of Mt. Gilead were the big winners in a random, state-wide drawing after registering at free kids' fishing events in late May and early June to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week 2016. Brooks won a lifetime fishing and hunting license, courtesy of Neuse Sport Shop and Aden won a lifetime freshwater fishing license, courtesy of Trout Unlimited. 150 other young anglers across the state won fishing-related prizes as well, courtesy of Neuse Sport Shop, Shimano and the Wildlife Commission.

Educational Fishing Trail at Oak Hollow Reservoir in High Point Now Open

The Wildlife Commission, along with N.C. B.A.S.S. and the City of High Point, recently opened an educational fishing trail on Oak Hollow Reservoir to teach anglers how to catch largemouth bass and other sport fish during different times of the year. The trail, which is accessible by boat only, has 11 fishing sites that are enhanced with fish attractors. Because bass and other sport fish use different habitats throughout the year, anglers who understand the seasonal movements of bass can increase their fishing success. More.

2016 Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print Available for Sale

The 2016 North Carolina Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print featuring an Atlantic brant are now available through the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s N.C. Wild Store. Florida artist Garrett Jacobs painted the single Atlantic brant, which is standing in cordgrass with the Cape Hatteras lighthouse shrouded in fog in the background. Signed and numbered regular edition prints with mint stamps sell for $148. The collector’s mint stamp sells for $13.

Brandon B. Wilkins Named 2016 N.C. Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Wildlife Commission Officer Brandon B. Wilkins (right) was named the 2016 North Carolina Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the  Year by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Southern States Boating Law Administrators Association. A three-year employee with the Commission, Wilkins is stationed in Gates County and was nominated for his immediate and resourceful response to a fatal boating accident in 2015 that involved two vessels on the Chowan River. 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 adult sizes for $15. Available at Neuse Sport Shop. 

Other News

Free Programs Offered at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in August

Pechmann Center Offers Free Rod Building and Lure Making Workshops in August

Wildlife Commission Opens Wrights Creek Boating Access Area in Washington

Wildlife Commission Approves Temporary Rule to Clarify Taylors Creek No-Wake-Zone Boundary