Public Input Sought on Alligator Management in N.C.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the N.C. Alligator Task Force are holding three public forums on Nov. 1, 2 and 3 to receive public input on management of American alligators in North Carolina. Task force members will consider this input as they develop an alligator management plan. Commission staff will not present any proposals for changes in regulations governing alligator hunting. The forums, which run from 7 to 9 p.m., will be held in Leland, Swansboro and Manteo. More information and dates.

Wildlife Commission Adopts Changes to Elk Management

The Wildlife Commission adopted proposed changes to elk management regulations on Oct. 18. The adopted amendments, which go into effect Dec. 1, 2016, will require a landowner who takes a depredating elk without a Commission-issued depredation permit to report that take to the Commission within 24 hours of the kill. A landowner who has a Commission-issued permit must report the kill on the form that is provided with the permit. More

Volunteers Needed for Statewide Camera Trapping Project

Volunteers interested in helping biologists learn more about the state's wildlife species are needed to participate in “North Carolina’s Candid Critters,” a statewide citizen science project that uses motion-sensitive camera traps (trail cameras) to capture images of wildlife from backyards to approved public lands. Participants will upload images to a database so scientists can learn more about deer reproduction and the distribution of all mammal species across the state. More

Hurricane Matthew Dedicated Webpage Provides Info on Game Land and Boating and Fishing Access Area Closings

When Hurricane Matthew blew through the eastern part of the state in early October, torrential rains and flooding shut down many of the Wildlife Commission’s public fishing areas, boat ramps and game lands in the area. Staff is working to re-open these public access areas and game lands. Visit the Wildlife Commission’s Hurricane Matthew webpage for status updates and news.

Home From The Hunt Safety Campaign Provides Tips and Safety Reminders to Hunters

The Wildlife Commission reminds hunters that wearing blaze orange, also known as hunter orange, is required when hunting bear, feral hogs, deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse, pheasant or quail with a firearm. Hunters are required to wear a cap, hat or an outer garment in blaze orange that is visible from all sides. Anyone hunting deer during a deer firearms season, regardless of method, must wear blaze orange. More

Consider Surroundings Before Pulling the Trigger

The Wildlife Commission’s reminds hunters of the four basic rules of firearm safety:

  • Always point a firearm in a safe direction. 
  • Treat every firearm as if it were loaded and never assume a firearm is unloaded.
  • Keep your finger out of the trigger guard and off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  • Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target.

More

Three Free Waterfowl Hunting Seminars Offered in November

The Wildlife Commission, along with Ducks Unlimited, is offering three waterfowl hunting seminars in November. The seminars are free and are designed for new and experienced hunters. Topics include waterfowl identification, hunting methods, decoys and calling, firearms and ammunition selection and more. Remaining dates, locations and registration information.

Range No. 1 at Foothills Shooting Complex Closed until February 2017 for Renovations

The Wildlife Commission and Cleveland County recently began renovations to the 250-yard rifle range on the Foothills Public Shooting Complex in Cleveland County. The 250-yard range, also known as Range No. 1, will be closed during the renovations. However, the five 50-yard pistol ranges, two skeet/trap courses and the 3D archery course will remain open. Renovations should be completed by February 2017. More

Holiday Gift Giving at the Click of a Mouse!

The holiday season will be here before you know it. Terrific wildlife-related gifts are only a click away from our N.C. Wild Store. The 2017 Wildlife Calendar and the 2016 Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print make the perfect holiday gifts. Shop today before they're gone!

More Events

Trapping Workshop Held in Marion on Oct. 29

Free Programs Offered at Pisgah Center in November

Wildlife Commission Schedules Waterfowl and Skeet Shooting Workshop at Outer Banks Center Nov. 2

Other News

Wildlife Commission Seeks Public Input for White Oak River Game Land in Onslow County

Wildlife Commission Seeks Public Input for Van Swamp Game Land in Washington and Beaufort Counties

Wildlife Commission Renovates Public Fishing Area in Lansing

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

 

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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