ON THE WATER

Comment Sought on Reorganization of Fisheries

State officials are looking for ideas from the public on how three different agencies can cooperatively provide more efficient, productive and enjoyable uses of the state's fisheries resources.

Legislation passed and signed into law this summer directs the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to study the current organization of the state’s fisheries management agencies and whether these agencies should be reorganized.

Currently, the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries manages coastal fish species, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission manages inland fish species, and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services manages aquaculture.

See our website for public meeting dates and other ways to comment.

 

IN THE FIELD

Night Hunting of Coyotes, Feral Swine Now Allowed on Private Lands

Beginning Aug. 1, landholders have another option to protect their personal property from coyotes and feral swine. Temporary rules are in effect that allow hunting coyotes and feral swine at night with a light on private lands, where allowed by the landowner.

More information on our website.

Coyotes and red wolves can share the same habitats, particularly in the area of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in eastern North Carolina. The red wolf is a protected species while the coyote is an invasive, nuisance species. If hunters believe they have possibly killed a red wolf, they should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service immediately because prosecution will not be pursued when such events  are unavoidable, unintentional, non-negligent and are reported immediately to authorized personnel.

The two species have similarities in appearance, but there are general guidelines to distinguish a red wolf from a coyote. Red wolves are mostly brown and buff colored, often with a reddish, cinnamon color on ears, head and legs.  Coyotes tend to be light gray with some black on the tips of outer hair.

Red wolf characteristics:

• Generally larger than coyotes, weighing between 50 and 80 pounds when mature.
• Have a broad head and longer muzzle, and stand taller.
• Appear more robust, with muscular chest and solid bodies.

Coyote characteristics:

• Smaller than red wolves, weighing between 25 and 35 pounds when mature.
• Appear more delicate and slender with nervous movements.
• Have longer, narrower muzzles and a bushy tail.
• Hunters should never shoot any canine that appears to be wearing a collar.

Safe Coyote and Feral Swine Hunting at Night

Day or night, stick to basic firearm and archery safety:

• Always point a firearm or bow 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.

Take time during an advanced scouting trip to “walk the field” and identify safe shooting zones:

• Know your field of fire.
• Do not use a night vision scope to scan a field.
• Never shoot at movement, noise, color or shapes.
• If hunting in a group, know where others are at all times and communicate.
• Make verbal directions specific so that nothing is left to question.
• Let someone know when and where you are hunting.
• Have additional light sources and batteries, and consider protective eyewear.

Black Bear Management To Be Discussed

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Big Game Committee will discuss black bear management  at its August 29 meeting. Watch here for specific meeting information as the date approaches.

The full Commission will meet at 9 a.m. August 30 in the Wildlife Resources Commission Headquarters Conference Room, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh.

It Takes a Hunter to Make a Hunter

Now you have the opportunity to shape the next generation of North Carolina’s hunters. Go here to sign up to mentor a new hunter in 2012. They’ll thank you for getting them into the woods — and we’ll thank you by sending you a cap and bumper sticker. A limited number of caps and stickers are available, so sign up now. 

 

NEWS & EVENTS

New Black Bass Regulation Takes Effect for Lakes Cammack and Holt

Commission Schedules Public Hearings For New Proposed Regulations

New Black Bass Length Limit for Western North Carolina Waters in Effect Aug. 1

North Carolina’s Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Commission Schedules Public Hearings For New Proposed Regulations

Wildlife Commission Launches Online Interactive Fishing Map