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Game Land: Johns River Acreage: 3,857

Tracts: Lower Creek and Loop Road

General Location: 2 miles northwest of Morganton on N.C. 18.

Closest Municipalities: Morganton (Lodging available in municipalities)

County: Burke

GPS Coordinates (NAD 83):

35º 47’ 43” N 81º 39’ 30” W (Lower Creek Unit) 35º 48’ 20” N 81º 41’ 04” W (Loop Road Unit)

Camping Allowed: No

Closest Boat Access Area: Johns River

Game Land Map: Refer to www.ncwildlife.org

General Terrain Characteristics: The game land contains mixed upland hardwood and pine ridges with hardwood creek bottoms. Some pine plantations of varying age are present. The topography is gentle to moderate.

Special Equipment Needs: In addition to normal hunting gear, the following items may be helpful: • GPS, hip boots, binoculars, topographical map, portable stand/blind, waders, game hauler or backpack, canoe, boat and outboard motor, compass.

Waterfowl FAQ:

• Can I build or hunt from a permanent blind? No.

• Can non-permitted hunters hunt from a boat or canoe on Johns River or Lower Creek? Yes, these are considered navigable public waters.

Disabled FAQ:

• What areas will I be able to access? Your permit will have the phone number of local wildlife staff that will advise you how to access the game land.

Private Land: Mountain Research Station-Waynesville Acreage: 384

Tracts: N/A

General Location: 285 Test Farm Rd., Waynesville, N.C.

Closest Municipalities: Waynesville (Lodging available in municipalities)

County: Haywood

GPS Coordinates: 35.487122–82.968482

Camping Allowed: No

Closest Boat Access Area: N/A

Game Land Map: N/A

General Terrain Characteristics: Rolling Hills

Game Land: Pisgah Acreage: 23,990

Tracts: Mount Mitchell Bear Sanctuary

General Location: Approximately 10 miles south of Burnsville and 10 miles west of Marion, located along Curtis Creek and South Toe River. Primary access roads include N.C. 128 and Forest Service Routes (FSR) 482, 482A, 472, and 2074. Contact the U.S.D.A. Forest Service at 828-682-9179 or 828-652-2144 for current FSR road closures and conditions.

Closest Municipalities: Burnsville, Spruce Pine, Marion (Lodging available in municipalities)

County: McDowell and Yancey

GPS Coordinates (NAD 83):

35º 42’ 12” N 82º 11’ 54” W (McDowell County Portion) 35º 44’ 52” N 82º 14’ 26” W (Yancey County Portion)

Camping Allowed: Yes, contact U.S.D.A. Forest Service at 828-682-9179 or 828-652-2144 for details.

Closest Boat Access Area: N/A

Game Land Map: Refer to www.ncwildlife.org

General Terrain Characteristics: The topography is very steep and rugged across the entire area. Dense spruce/fir forests are located at the highest elevations. Mixed upland hardwoods are predominant on the remainder of the area. Mountain laurel thickets are common on ridges, and a dense understory of rhododendron is typically found along the streams.

Special Equipment Needs: In addition to normal hunting gear, the following items may be helpful: • GPS, waterproof leather boots with lug soles, binoculars, topographical map, portable stand/blind, compass, game hauler or backpack.

Bear FAQ:

• Can I hunt bear with dogs? Yes.

80 Refer to the N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Regulations Digest for regulations and local laws.