RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 17, 2004) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold its annual public hearings at nine locations across the state beginning Jan. 11. During each hearing, Wildlife Commission biologists will explain proposed changes to the state’s hunting, fishing and trapping regulations.

The public can ask questions about the proposals or provide comments on a variety of wildlife-related topics. Remarks from these hearings will be forwarded to the Commissioners for review before they vote on the changes in March. Approved proposals will take effect during the 2005-2006 hunting, fishing and trapping seasons, which begin July 1.

“We always look forward to hearing directly from anglers, hunters and trappers,” said John Pechmann, chairman of the Wildlife Commission. “Using input and suggestions from the public, we intend to provide the best possible fish and wildlife programs today and in the future.”

Among the proposed changes to the regulations are: establishing a youth hunt day for turkey on the Saturday preceding the current spring turkey season on private lands statewide; establishing disease-testing requirements to import waterfowl into North Carolina; reclassifying several mountain trout waters; and prohibiting the stocking of fishes, mollusks and crustaceans into inland fishing waters without a permit from the Commission.

Full text of the proposed regulations can be found here (pdf - opens to new window).

Submit your comments in person at the public hearings or in writing to 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1701. You also can submit comments online via the link above.

2005 Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Public Hearings Schedule